The FUJIFILM X-T30 ... a game changer. The results don't lie!

How can a under $1,000.00 camera perform like the big boys? Well maybe they couldn’t, until now.

I recently added the new FUJIFILM X-T30 to my arsenal. I was drawn to this camera for its size but when FUJIFILM brought the X-T30 to market in what they call “Charcoal” I just had to have it. I personally think perhaps this is THE best-looking camera I’ve ever seen. But that’s not why we buy cameras, is it?

I took it out of the box, got it on my tripod and put it through the rigors. I sat on a bar stool in by back yard and shot hummingbirds, bees and butterflies using my XF 100-400 mm F 4.5 – 5.6 R LM OIS WR with the FUJIFLM XF 2 X extender ( I know we have all been told not to use 2x extenders … well I used this with amazing results. I was blown away!)

FUJIFILM XT-30 vs X-T3

All the images of the critters below ( see IMAGE GALLERY at the end of this article) were shot:

As in-camera JPEGS
None have been processed, sharpened or adjusted in any way…. RIGHT OUT OF THE CAMERA!
I used the Velvia film simulation.
All were shot at ISO 12,800 (yes, I pushed the limits of this camera…. Apertures were either F11 or F 16 with shutter speeds ranging from 1/2000 sex to 1/8000 sec.)

PLEASE NOTE THE NOISE—OR LACK THERE OF. Also, look at the detail! Folks… this FUJIFILM X_T30 as well as all FUJIFILM cameras, can be pushed to their limits—please feel free to do so!

There are already quite a few glowing reviews of the FUJIFILM X-T30 available. This is not a complete review. Just my 2 cents worth.

I remember my first experience with the Fujifilm X-T1. It was a game changer for me. When the X-T 10 arrived in May 2015, I was pleased at the size and performance. It was essentially a X-T1 less some bells and whistles. The X-T20 borrowed features from the X-T2 and now we have an X-T3.

Fujifilm refers the FUJIFILM X-T30 as their “Little Giant” and rightfully so.

So, what are the major differences? I noticed from the FUJIFILM X-T30 shoots 8 frames per second, The X-T3 shoots 11 FPS. Is that a big deal to me? Here is what is important:

26.1 MP APS-C, X-TRANS Sensor CMOS4
Up to 30 FPS
425-point AF system… 2.16 million phase detection pixels
ISO 160-12,900 (has 80-51,200 in extended modes)
4k/30p video –HDMI Output! …Stereo Sound
Under $1000.00
Size great for travel

The Auto focus System is improved, just like it has been improved in the X-T3. There are 4 times as many phase detection pixels on the new sensor than the X-T20. Also, both X-T3 and X-T30 have single and continuous AF modes as well as the 5 AF-C custom settings to greatly aid in focus tracking while shooting moving subjects.

For those of you into video, (and if you’re not you should be, it’s coming on quick!) the X-T30 shoots in HI-DEF 4k with a support F-Log recording. The stereo sound (24 bit) for me is really a nice feature.

The FUJIFILM X-T30 has all the film simulation modes however we now have ETERNA, a subdued color mode great for video.

Does the FUJIFILM X-T30 feel like the X-T3? Well not quite as much, it’s smaller for sure and a bit less robust. However, the improvements over the X-T10 and X-T20 are well thought out (Thumb rest and the control layout). Unlike the X-T3, the camera is not weather sealed. However it’s really a well built and beautifully laid out piece of gear.

The joystick is well placed. The “Q” button is more prominent than the X-T10 and 20. This has been disconcerting for some users. but once again, FUJIFILM TO THE RESCUE (they listen to their customers). In the latest firmware update (V 1.01) the “Q” button can now be assigned to be used as another function button. I’ve assigned mine to change ISO (There is no ISO dial on the top of the X-T3).

For me the main differences between the X-T30 and X-T3 other than the obvious size and construction are:

X-T3 has:

2 SD card Slots
Higher resolution EVF
Shooting up to 11 fps in mechanical shutter
Weather Sealed

The FUJIFILM X-T30 is no slouch and being able to purchase this body for under $1000.00 makes it the best value in cameras on the market. Having said that, I treat this camera as a high-end travel (because of the size and build over the X-T3) but fully capable of making identical images in the right hands!

When I am up in Alaska next week shooting the bears will I be NOT be using the X-T30. I’ll have my X-T3 and X-H1. However, this great camera (X-T 30) will get lots of work … and I mean lots of work.. in the days to come.

JG——————IMAGE GALLERY