Get Dan Bailey’s eBook, “X SERIES UNLIMITED.” The eBook version has been updated to include the few items specific to the XT-3. However both cameras have almost identical controls and very similar menu settings. I use both, set up with identical settings, (stills only as the XT-3 video is very much improved over the XT-2.)

Open it up and click on “Help.” There’s a “software manual” you can open. Not an intuitive program but it does a good job with the basic RAW edits.

Yes, this is a very good point! In fact, I couldn't upgrade my very capable 2009 MacBook Pro beyond El Capitan (10.11.6) because Apple considers it "obsolete" even after I upgraded its internal HD to an SSD and increased its RAM to 8 GB. Very frustrating because it seems to work so well for me. And because of that I can't upgrade LR to its latest version to read my XT-3 files. So, I'm using Iridient Transformer and also started to learn Capture One on my laptop. Both work perfectly fine on El Capitan. My desktop Mac runs Sierra, so no problem with LR upgrade. No wonder some of us feel there's a conspiracy to get us to buy new, new new.

As others have said, the latest LR will open the XT-3 RAW files as will Adobe Camera Raw. You can also use Iridient Transformer to convert the RAW files into DNG which Mac Photos should recognize. The best solution might be Capture One Express for Fuji. It’s free but there’s a learning curve. Otherwise shoot jpgs using the wonderful Fuji film simulations. Your Mac Photos program will recognize them. I’d highly recommend getting Dan Baily’s Book, “X Series Unlimited.” He’ll send you a PDF of the very latest features of the XT-3. Enjoy learning about your XT-3. It’s an amazing camera.

Very, very similar to my experience.

You're going to love the XT-3, but like any new system, there will be a learning curve. I'd highly recommend Dan Bailey's book, "X SERIES UNLIMITED" available on Amazon. It is an easy-to-understand book on the X Series system, and when you buy either the printed version or e-book, Dan will send you a PDF of his latest edits which incorporate the newest features specific to the XT-3. The Fuji manual will serve more as a reference book which you can turn to for specific questions, but it's not easy reading. You'll also want to make sure your edit software will recognize the new XT-3 RAW files. Lightroom's newest update does a decent job, but for certain files you might want to try Iridient Transformer which will convert the Fuji files into dng files which can then be imported into LR. Capture One seems to do the best job, but there's a real learning curve. Check out FUJILOVE's website, too, for some great information by Fuji X shooters. As an ex Nikon shooter myself, I needed a lighter, smaller system and have never looked back. Welcome to the Fuji world of incredible color, sharp lenses and fun-to-use camera bodies.

As a semi-retired photojournalist for the boating industry, I agree with these responses....No tripod! Keep your knees bent slightly to better absorb boat movement. Keep your arms close to your body. Most important of all, use a high shutter speed. When shooting from a boat I normally shoot at 1/1250 to 1/2500 or even higher when using a lens of 400mm or more. Usually there's enough light not to have to worry about raising the ISO above what your camera is capable of. I can shoot my Fuji XT-2 or XT-3 at ISO 3200 with little noticeable noise. Here's an image shot from my bouncing 17-foot Boston Whaler at 1/3500, f/6.4, ISO 640. AF-C.

If you are still not sure about trading in your D500 for the XT-3, check out this DP Review video. It compares the D500, XT-3 and a Panasonic and Olympus system. The XT-3 is the clear winner. https://www.dpreview.com/videos/4312537526/dpreview-tv-crop-sensor-pro-body-cameras?ref_=pe_1674010_132618830

I have the XT-3, and the latest version of LR Classic will convert Fuji's RAW files without any problem. However, I am trying out Capture One because it now has a free version for Fuji files, "Capture One Express for Fuji." It has about 70% of the features that its "Pro" version has. Although I really don't feel like spending time to learn a new program, I have found that it does a better job on certain files....better sharpening, color and noise reduction. And since I sell large prints at fine art exhibitions, it may be worth it to me to make the switch. Still not decided. But if you are not a "pixel peeper" and don't print extra large prints, LR Classic does a very decent job. Another approach is to use Iridient Transformer as a LR plug-in to convert Fuji files to DNG and then use LR for processing and cataloging. It's seamless, very inexpensive and it does a better job on certain Fuji files than LR. These are not my opinions....I use these programs every day. BTW, enjoy your XT-3. It's a fantastic camera, and its vastly improved focusing system is well worth the upgrade from the XT-2.

I also have several other Fuji lenses as you do and agree that the 55-200 is the ideal travel lens. I once compared it to my much more expensive Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 and found it to be as sharp at f/8 thru f/11. It's also bullet proof, as I once accidentally dropped it 3-feet onto a hardwood floor and was amazed that it was not damaged and continues to produce sharp images. Along with the 18-55, I think it's an amazing bargain.

I've used this lens for years on professional jobs (magazine assignments) and have been extremely happy with it. By chance do you have the slide switch set for "A" instead of the icon for aperture ring? That would adversely affect exposure if you're shooting in Aperture priority mode.

Sorry to hear that you still have a problem. I just shot another few hundred images with it, and I haven't had a problem. If you're in the vicinity of NYC, you may want to have the Fuji techs at PhotoPlus Expo (10/25-27) check it out. I had them check my XT-2 last year, and they found a problem I didn't even know existed. They took in for service and shipped it back in a week....like new. BTW, the XT-2 also had a problem locking up when shooting CH, and it was supposedly caused by using slow cards. Not true....eventually they released a firmware update that solved it. Anyway, good luck and let us all know how things turn out.

Relax. The firmware upgrade solves the problem. I’ve already shot thousands of images with my XT-3 without a problem.

That's also a great lens. I use it instead of the 55-200 in these situations: 1) When I know the weather is going to be especially wet and I want the assurance of its weather sealing 2) When I think I will absolutely need that extra one or two stops of light 3) When shooting portraits or special events and want that extra bokeh to separate my subject from the background. However, it is much heavier and larger than the 55-200 so I rarely take it on hikes or walk-arounds. Also, after carefully testing both, I found that at f/8, both lens are equally sharp. For travel and everyday hiking and walk around situations, though, I like the 18-55 and 55-200.

The 55-200 was the second Fuji lens I bought, and now after owning most of the current Fuji lenses (after selling all my Nikon gear), I still use it extensively. It is very sharp and relatively compact considering its 200mm reach. It is also built like a tank, as I accidentally dropped it three feet onto a hard floor, and it still works fine. I've also used it in moderately bad weather without a problem. If you're shooting mostly landscape or travel, it is a perfect companion to the 18-55. And, it is reasonably priced. The 18-135 is one of the only Fuji lenses I don't own, although I have tried it out. The combo of the 18-55 and 55-200 just works better for me. While the 18-135 seems like a good walk-around lens, I've read reviews that it might not be as sharp as other Fuji lenses. Overall, I couldn't be happier after switching from my Nikon full frame with pro glass to Fuji. I started with the XE-1 then progressively moved up to the XT-1, XT-2 and just started shooting with the XT-3, an incredible camera. Hope this helps with your decision.