Chimping is dead! Fujifilm X-Pro3 officially announced with 'hidden LCD'

Chimping is dead: Fujifilm X-Pro3 announced with "hidden LCD"
(Image credit: Fujifilm)

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 has just been officially announced at the Fujifilm X Summit in Shibuya, Japan – and it could spell the death of chimping, thanks to its "hidden LCD" rear screen.

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 also features a titanium body (with two optional extra protective coatings), "the perfect viewfinder" (with increased color space) and an all-new film simulation: Classic Negative.

While they certainly raised more than a few eyebrows at the time, the earlier rumors were proven true as the camera has materialized with no D-pad, and does away with a conventional rear screen. 

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is made of titanium, weighs less than 900g, has a "hidden LCD" and a new film simulation

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is made of titanium, weighs less than 900g, has a "hidden LCD" and a new film simulation (Image credit: Fujifilm)

Instead, to solve a "problem" that Fujifilm identified of photographers spending too much time looking at the back screen to check their composition, the X-Pro3 features what the company is calling a "hidden LCD". 

This dual-sided display has a smaller LCD panel, effectively duplicating the top LCD panel from conventional cameras that details exposure information. In order to actually see your images, or use live view, you have to flip the display down to reveal a standard LCD screen hidden on the inside. 

It's a very convoluted way of encouraging photographers to spend more time looking through the viewfinder taking pictures, and less time looking at the back screen contemplating them. Though of course, the fact of the matter is that any camera with an articulating LCD screen can do this already, simply by turning the screen backwards and folding it away.

The smaller LCD panel displays exposure settings, or mimics the look of an old film canister for simulations

The smaller LCD panel displays exposure settings, or mimics the look of an old film canister for simulations (Image credit: Fujifilm)

That said, the rear LCD panel showing your exposure settings is definitely cool – especially since, if you use one of the film simulations, it will display an image that mimics the look of an old-fashioned film canister inside your camera.

Which is a perfect way to showcase Fujifilm's latest simulation, Classic Negative – another throwback, and welcomingly three-dimensional vintage simulation. 

Despite being made of titanium – the company's first such camera in 20 years, dating back to the Fujifilm TX-1 rangefinder – the X-Pro3 weighs less than 900g. And it comes in three colors that are more than just style options. 

The two Dura models feature extra coating that's ten times more scratch-resistant than stainless steel

The two Dura models feature extra coating that's ten times more scratch-resistant than stainless steel (Image credit: Fujifilm)

Black is the regular titanium options, but Dura Black and Dura Silver actually feature special coatings that are even more durable; allegedly ten times tougher than stainless steel against scratches, almost approaching the level of durability as sapphire. Hopefully we can expect Joanna Lumley to come on board as a Fujifilm ambassador for the ultimate Sapphire and Steel tie-in. 

No other details about specs, pricing or release were released, but the official Fujifilm X-Pro3 announcement is on 23 October, so all will be revealed then. 

Read more: 

The best Fujifilm cameras in 2019

Best film: our picks of the best 35mm film, roll film, and sheet film for your camera

Fujifilm X-Pro3 designs leaked! Unusual tilting screen, but no D-pad?

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.