Is the Fujifilm X-Pro3 Still a Great Buy in 2025?

5 Mar

In a world of ever-evolving camera technology, is the Fujifilm X-Pro3 still worth considering in 2025? After traveling with this camera for six months in 2024, I can confidently say—yes! The X-Pro3 was an incredible travel companion, and today, I’m going to break down five reasons why this camera is still a fantastic choice for photographers on the go.

1. Built Like a Tank

Before setting off on my trip, I made a tough decision: I needed to sell one of my cameras to fund my travels. The contenders? My Fujifilm X-S20 and the X-Pro3. In the end, I sold the X-S20 and held onto the X-Pro3—and I’m so glad I did.

This camera is built to last. With a titanium top and bottom, weather resistance, and a scratch-proof Dura coating (I had the Dura Black edition, which is stunning), it was a rugged camera that handled everything travel threw at it. Dust, rain, and rough handling were no match for this beast. Unlike the X-S20, which lacked weather sealing, the X-Pro3 gave me peace of mind while shooting in unpredictable conditions.

2. The Flip-Down Screen for Discreet Shooting

One of my favourite features of the X-Pro3 was its flip-down LCD screen. It prevented me from constantly checking my images (a habit known as “chimping”), which kept me focused on capturing the moment.

More importantly, it allowed for a unique shooting style—shooting from the hip. Holding the camera at waist level, flipping the screen down, and composing shots with my thumb made for a more discreet and organic street photography experience. As an introvert, I appreciated how this setup let me blend into my surroundings rather than attracting attention by raising a camera to my face.

3. Perfect Pairing with the TTArtisan 27mm

For travel, simplicity is key, and I paired the X-Pro3 with the TTArtisan 27mm lens. This little gem lived on my camera throughout my trip. It was affordable, compact, and delivered images with beautiful character.

Yes, it had vignetting, but that was easily corrected in post—or left in for a bit of added charm. If you love the Fujifilm X100 series but don’t want to deal with the high price or waitlists, this setup offered a similar experience with the added benefit of interchangeable lenses. When I wanted a different look, I could swap out the 27mm for my 56mm, something the X100 series doesn’t allow.

4. Dual Card Slots for Extra Security

For some, dual card slots might not be a dealbreaker, but for me, they were essential. When traveling and capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments, having an instant backup was crucial. The X-Pro3 offered this redundancy, unlike the X-S20, which only had a single card slot. It was a small feature that brought big peace of mind.

5. The Optical Viewfinder Experience

One of the standout features of the X-Pro3 was its hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. This rangefinder-style setup gave me a film-like shooting experience while still offering modern digital convenience.

I loved using the optical viewfinder, especially in low-light situations like music venues and night markets. Unlike an EVF, which struggles in darkness, the OVF allowed me to see my subject clearly before taking the shot. It was a unique experience that set this camera apart and keeps it relevant in 2025.

The One Downside: Battery Life

No camera is perfect, and if there was one gripe I had with the X-Pro3, it was the battery life. Compared to newer Fujifilm models, it drained quickly. When I was out shooting all day, I always carried a power bank to keep it charged. If an X-Pro4 ever comes out, I hope Fujifilm improves this aspect by using the larger NP-W235 battery found in the X-T5 and X-H2.

Final Thoughts

Despite its age, the Fujifilm X-Pro3 remains a fantastic camera, especially for travel and street photography. It’s rugged, compact, and offers a shooting experience that few cameras can match. If you’re considering picking one up in 2025, I’d say go for it—this camera still holds its own against newer models.