p.1 #1 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
Not sure why, but I have a perfect 60MP camera with three primes (24/50/90) that are small, reasonably fast and sharp. All I have to do is point the camera at something and I will get a sharp image - whether the subject is static or moving.
But instead of taking that perfect photo gear, I am more often than not grabbing my X-Pro3 with the 27f2.8 or the 23/35/50 Fujicrons. Instead of just aiming at a subject I need to make sure that critical focus is where it should be, the hybrid VF is so-so, the camera is not smaller than the Sony, and I am not using the vintage dials for exposure time, EV ore ISO (Exposure is on A, EV is on C and controlled by the front wheel, and ISO is on one of three Auto positions). The only other control I do use is the f-stop ring.
Why, then, am I using the X-Pro so much and with delight? It is a mystery. From a rational point of view, the Sony is the better option in terms of IQ and handling. I don't care about Film Simulations, either. What is it that makes using the X-Pro such a special thing? Is it the less than perfect overall technical performance? Since I am not using the vintage features, is it just the vintage look and feel?
It seems to me that the reason for me is the (relatively) slow process of taking an image. It is not just aim and shoot. It is aiming, calling up the color histogram to adjust exposure, checking or selecting focus, and then finally take the shot. It makes me "think" and "feel" about the image more than just shooting.
If this is the reason, then an X-Pro X with no dials on the top plate and just the dials in the front and the back would work for me, right?
In fact, it seems as if Fuji's less than reliable AF is one of the reasons I like to use the X-Pro (and the other cameras) so much. That and the distance scale with the DoF indicator are part of the experience.
The X-T3 and the X-E3 are providing a similar experience. Let's see if the X-E5 does, too.
p.1 #2 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
Because the X-Pro 3 makes you feel engaged in the photo making process. You have to turn your brain on and keep it on in order to get anything you want out of it.
p.1 #3 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
After using A7cII as my second camera for a year I ended to a conclusion that there is a tragedy built into that camera. The tech is fine in almost every way but small EVF, crappy LCD and certain shortcomings in ergonomics make shooting experience crappy. Probably much the same with A7cr.
I am long time Sony shooter and I think their cameras and lenses create the most balanced system in the market right now. Latest A7 series cameras are also very nice to use. Utterly dependable workhorses of the mirrorless digital photography era. Unfortunately the A7c series is the big exception in Sony line-up
My experience in Fuji is from the fixed lens cameras. Currently I own X100V and GFX100 RF, latter one being the camera I have used almost exclusively this since spring. Embracing the limitations is deeply in the DNA of Fujifilm, and I think it is best represented in the fixed lens cameras, not so much ILC. X-Pro series falls somewhere in between these, though.
p.1 #4 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
It’s probably a combination of the lenses, the look of the Fuji files and the entire user experience with the camera.
Sony and the best glass is optically and technically excellent with super high resolution and… relatively sterile, repetitive, boring consistency. Same with top Nikon or Canon as well.
The user experience with the Xpro is unique, sorta Leica-like with AF, and the “older” Fuji glass has some character the the best newer stuff can’t deliver — certain optical aberrations can add a pleasant look, feel or characteristic to the image. Add to that the color quality of the XTrans sensor, and you get a combination that’s tough to avoid. And even though I think the 40mp XTrans produces glorious results, there is something special about the 26mp XTrans I can’t quite put my finger on, but I see it, especially in lower-light, higher-contrast situations.
p.1 #6 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
Jack Flesher wrote:
It’s probably a combination of the lenses, the look of the Fuji files and the entire user experience with the camera.
Sony and the best glass is optically and technically excellent with super high resolution and… relatively sterile, repetitive, boring consistency. Same with top Nikon or Canon as well.
The user experience with the Xpro is unique, sorta Leica-like with AF, and the “older” Fuji glass has some character the the best newer stuff can’t deliver — certain optical aberrations can add a pleasant look, feel or characteristic to the image. Add to that the color quality of the XTrans sensor, and you get a combination that’s tough to avoid. And even though I think the 40mp XTrans produces glorious results, there is something special about the 26mp XTrans I can’t quite put my finger on, but I see it, especially in lower-light, higher-contrast situations.
Don’t blame the equipment for boring repetitive images…that lies squarely on your shoulders. Through the ages no matter what equipment was available, talented photographers made amazing photos.
p.1 #7 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
I'm a step down from you. Shooting my X100F way more than my original A7C. I really much prefer the output of my A7C but there isnt enough in it to make me want the user experience.
p.1 #8 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
ottokbre wrote:
I'm a step down from you. Shooting my X100F way more than my original A7C. I really much prefer the output of my A7C but there isnt enough in it to make me want the user experience.
Thinking back, I think X100F was the first fully mature X100 camera. Despite V and VI being better, I was perfectly happy with F. A7c cameras have better performance in every measurable way but after a certain level user experience is priority.
p.1 #9 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
One of the things I've realized in my playing with Sony's and Fuji's is that resolution is only one leg of the image quality triangle. What's been neglected these days in the pursuit of resolution is contrast and saturation. Interestingly, resolution is the only thing digital does better than film. There is smoothness in the tonal transitions with film and with Fuji XTrans sensors that Bayer sensors struggle with. No the Xtrans is not the ultimate resolution getting sensor, but if you know what to look for there are attributes that you will have a hard time getting with a Bayer sensor. I think it's what people mean when they say Fuji images are "film like."
Whatever it is it is satisfying in a way harsh high resolution isn't. Tri-X in a Leica isn't very sharp... but no one would ever argue it's not capable of producing ultimately satisfying images.
p.1 #10 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
If you already enjoy using the X-Pro3 this much, wait until you start to actually try the film simulations and start creating your own recipes. I know you said you don't care about it, but I also said the same thing and now I can't live without it. There is something really engaging with Fuji cameras that I don't get in any other systems, and I've shot a lot of systems. I tried Sony for a few days and I couldn't wait to return it. Just couldn't connect with it.
Jul 24, 2025 at 08:05 PM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.1 #11 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
Why do you want a logical camera?
Photography is an art, technical performance is only one part. Other aspects too
p.1 #12 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
Joseph. wrote:
If you already enjoy using the X-Pro3 this much, wait until you start to actually try the film simulations and start creating your own recipes. I know you said you don't care about it, but I also said the same thing and now I can't live without it. There is something really engaging with Fuji cameras that I don't get in any other systems, and I've shot a lot of systems. I tried Sony for a few days and I couldn't wait to return it. Just couldn't connect with it.
When shooting Fuji I use raw and do post processing in C1. Pardon me, but I think the in camera film simulations are - although fun - a bit of a gimmick.
p.1 #13 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
tuomkok wrote:
When shooting Fuji I use raw and do post processing in C1. Pardon me, but I think the in camera film simulations are - although fun - a bit of a gimmick.
I know I get hated because of this
No hate from me :-) Those film simulations are just nothing more than color filters that are provided by editing programs in the hundreds. While they pretend to reproduce the look of film, that is very much a thing of imagination. Back then, the lab that processed the film and the prints had a lot more impact on the outcome than the film itself - unless one payed top Deutsche Mark for professional work. Today, software allows to dial in whatever "mood" I feel fits an image best. No need for prefabricated moods that resemble film looks I hardly remember.
p.1 #16 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
Nielk Mike wrote:
No hate from me :-) Those film simulations are just nothing more than color filters that are provided by editing programs in the hundreds. While they pretend to reproduce the look of film, that is very much a thing of imagination. Back then, the lab that processed the film and the prints had a lot more impact on the outcome than the film itself - unless one payed top Deutsche Mark for professional work. Today, software allows to dial in whatever "mood" I feel fits an image best. No need for prefabricated moods that resemble film looks I hardly remember....Show more →
Yeh this fascination of trying to make images look like they were shot with film baffles me. We have unlimited looks using post processing…why limit yourself to a very narrow view?
p.1 #17 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
chez wrote:
Yeh this fascination of trying to make images look like they were shot with film baffles me. We have unlimited looks using post processing…why limit yourself to a very narrow view?
Agree. And at the same time, why saddle ourselves with sterile looking images?
p.1 #18 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
tuomkok wrote:
When shooting Fuji I use raw and do post processing in C1. Pardon me, but I think the in camera film simulations are - although fun - a bit of a gimmick.
I know I get hated because of this
Nah, I'm cool with that. Some call it gimmick, but a lot of people love it so much that Fuji even created a dial for it.
I'm not gonna turn this into ANOTHER raw vs jpg arguments so let me re-phrase my answer: "OP, if you like the XP3 then enjoy it. You probably like it more because it's engaging and fun to use." THERE.
p.1 #19 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
It’s a personal thing. Sony cameras are generally well-made capable machines nowadays, but I too missed my other cameras when I used them. Nowadays, I can’t explain why I like shooting with my Nikon Z6III when I have other cameras that are rationally better.
p.1 #20 · Why am I using the X-Pro3 more than the a7cR????
It's not a gimmick to use film profiles. It's an aesthetic choice, and it's a constraint. It's not unlike shooting a particular film back in the day over another one because of the characteristics that they presented. (Did you shoot Kodachrome? Was it for the color palette compared to the E-6 films?)
Back then, we didn't have any option but to make some of those choices. Digital releases us from that mostly, but potentially some/many people are or would be perfectly happy to keep shooting that way. That's what the film profiles are for, and for those people I think Fuji does it best.
Personally, I shoot RAW because most of my images get to B&W in final form and RAW holds the most dynamic range possible, which make it best for emulating some aspects of B&W film from days gone by (in particular the non-existent shoulder in the response curve of film).
I don't understand why people feel the need to disparage others in this way for choosing a different path for their own photography.
