Since it first introduced the X-series of cameras, Fujifilm has enjoyed tremendous success with those devices. In particular, the X-Pro line of rangefinder-style cameras and the X-T lines of DSLR-style cameras are fan favorites. However, the X-T20 model within the X-series has become the company’s best-selling product.
After the release of the X-T3, it was clear that an upgrade to the X-T20 would not be too far off. The X-T20 inherited essential features from the more advanced X-T2 and offered them at a far more attractive price. It is not difficult to understand why this was the case.
As was the case in the past, the X-T30 takes the most desirable characteristics of the X-T3 and places them in a more compact, lighter, and more affordably priced body. Fujifilm has retained enough additional within the X-T3 to warrant supplying both cameras. Still, the possibility of having so much of that camera inside a cheaper and more practical body makes it the clear superior choice. Fujifilm has kept enough extra inside the X-T3 to support offering both cameras.
Fujifilm X-T30 Features
The APS-C-sized 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor utilized by the X-T30 is the same one used by the X-T3, and this sensor has been developed with a backlit architecture to assist it in capturing light as efficiently as possible.
The camera is also equipped with the same X-Processor Pro 4 engine as the X-T3, although the lowest sensitivity in the ISO range is ISO160 rather than the X-base T3’s ISO200. This is excellent news for those who frequently take photos outside in bright light, especially when using wide-aperture lenses.
The ISO range goes up to 12,800, but if you ever find yourself in an actual situation, you can expand this to an option comparable to ISO51,200 at the top end and down to an ISO80 equivalent at the lower back. The range itself goes all the way up to 12,800.
Fujifilm X-T30 Build Quality
The X-T20 and the X-T30 are similar on the outside in terms of their appearance. The basic format has not changed; nevertheless, the X-T30 has a more petite but slightly boxier body than the more experienced X-T3 on which it is based. Additionally, it has a configuration resembling a DSLR and features a pair of command dials.
The drive mode, shutter speed, and exposure compensation dials on the top plate of the X-T20 have been carried over to the X-T30. In addition, the aperture may be adjusted using either the ring on the lens affixed to the camera or the dial on the camera itself.
The grip has undergone subtle modifications to improve support for longer and heavier lenses. Even still, the grip doesn’t even project one full centimeter away from the camera’s body, which is a disappointing feature for a device as compact and lightweight as this. This is a camera intended to be utilized with the lenses in the series that are more compact and less weighty. Both XC and XF
Fujifilm X-T30 Autofocus
Although the X-T30 and the X-T3 are distinct in several ways, the focusing technology in both cameras is fundamentally the same. However, it is a bit more sophisticated in certain areas, even though the X-T3 will acquire additional functions offered here through a forthcoming firmware upgrade.
Because it has the same 26.1-megapixel sensor as the X-T3, it also features the same 2.16 million phase-detect AF pixels packed into its array. These pixels cover about one hundred percent of the frame. In the Single Point AF mode, the user can select any of the camera’s 425 individual focus points. In addition to this mode, the Zone AF and Wide/Tracking AF choices are also available.
Fujifilm X-T30 Performance
LCD screen and electronic viewfinder are two aspects that set the Fujifilm X-T30 apart from its predecessor, the X-T3, respectively. The LCD panel has the exact size of 3 inches and 1.04 million dots as the one on the X-T3, albeit it can only be rotated in the vertical and horizontal planes, as opposed to being able to tilt over all three axes on the X-T3.
Naturally, some people would have chosen a screen that can face the front. Still, overall, the display works rather well and maintains a satisfactory level of clarity even when exposed to intense illumination. Whether you’re selecting the focus point, searching through photographs, or altering parameters in the Q menu, it responds well and sensitively to light presses. This is true regardless of the activity.
We do not anticipate that this camera will include the electronic viewfinder (EVF) from the X-T3, which has 3.69 million dots, because the viewfinder on the X-T30 has 2.36 million dots, which is more than sufficient for a camera of this caliber. It has a reasonable degree of detail and clarity for a camera of this class, even though its magnification of 0.62x is a touch on the low side. The performance is suitable for a camera in this class.
Fujifilm X-T30 Image Quality
Image quality is comparable to the X-T3 because the X-T30 has the same sensor and processing engine as its predecessor. Even images captured at ISO6400 maintain exquisite detail, and most slight noise can be removed. This is only the second model to benefit from the 26.1MP back-illuminated sensor. It does an excellent job of keeping image noise low and details high as you increase sensitivity. Again, this is only the second model to benefit from the sensor.
Additionally, the dynamic range is excellent, even at lower sensitivities. In actuality, it is possible to underexpose a scene by the maximum of three stops that is permitted on the exposure compensation dial (until you use the C mode, which increases it to five visits) and still be able to bring up the shadows to the appropriate level in post-production without too much of a penalty in terms of loss of detail or noise. Again, this is because the exposure compensation dial has a maximum of three stops that it can allow.
If you are used to pushing and pulling raw files from full-frame cameras, you might discover that there isn’t the same freedom here. However, Fujifilm is challenging expectations for what can be accomplished with an APS-C sensor.
Even when the lighting isn’t ideal, this camera will still have good results because of its quick glass and powerful image stabilization features.
Fujifilm X-T30 Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Metal |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6240 x 4160 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 26 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | X-Processor 4 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | X-Trans |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 160-12800 (expands to 80-51200) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 80 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (3 slots) |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v.2.3)Raw (Fujifilm 14-bit RAF) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive view. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 425 |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.93× (0.62× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 900 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/32000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
| Scene modes | SR AutoPortraitPortrait EnhancerLandscapeSportNightNight (tripod)FireworksSunsetSnowBeachUnderwaterPartyFlowerText |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash Range | 5.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, on, slow sync, manual, commander |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/180 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleContinuous HContinuous LBracket |
| Continuous drive | 30.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedAverageSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Remote control | Yes (via wired remote or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-W126S lithium-ion battery & Charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 380 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 383 g (0.84 lb / 13.51 oz) |
| Dimensions | 118 x 83 x 47 mm (4.65 x 3.27 x 1.85″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Fujifilm X-T30 Verdict
Fujifilm has packed a lot into this model, including a sturdy chassis, reliable autofocus performance, excellent image quality right out of the camera, and stunning 4K videos, all of which are available at a relatively affordable price. There are a few things about the operation and the electronic viewfinder that give us pause, but overall, there is a lot more to like about this product than there is to be concerned about.
