Fujifilm X-T30 Review

Fujifilm X-T30

The Fujifilm X-T30 is a mid-range mirrorless camera housing updated technology in a compact retro body. Sharing the X-T3's imaging pipeline, it offers a 26MP sensor, fast processor, 30 fps shooting, and 4K video. The X-T30 packs excellent image quality and performance into one of Fujifilm's smallest X-bodies.

Key Specifications

  • 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor
  • X-Processor 4 Quad-Core CPU
  • UHD 4K/30p, FHD/1080 120p, H.264/MOV
  • Up to 8fps Cont. Shooting, 30fps E-Shutter
  • ISO 160-12800, Up to 51200 Extended
  • 425-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System
  • 0.39-Inch 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF and 3” Rear Touchscreen LCD
  • Film Simulation Modes, Grain Effect Modes
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
  • 383g Body Weight

Body

The X-T30 incorporates a magnesium alloy body with weather resistant sealing. The compact retro rangefinder design includes engraved shutter speed and ISO dials. The minimalist top plate and textured finish exude understated sophistication. The reasonably deep hand grip allows stable secure handling. While diminutive, the body still feels reasonably robust and constructed to last. Overall it provides a stylish form factor that encourages you to take it everywhere.

Handling

Despite the compact chassis, decades of camera design expertise afford excellent handling. Key exposure controls sit perfectly under each finger and thumb allowing rapid adjustments. The responsive touchscreen augments fluid menu navigation. The engraved ISO and shutter dials provide intuitive tactile control. Customizable function buttons encourage personalizing for individual workflows. Small size doesn't limit ergonomics, making the X-T30 a highly capable photography tool.

Image Quality

Sporting Fujifilm's high-resolution 26MP X-Trans sensor and speedy quad-core processor, the X-T30 achieves pristine image quality with vast sharpness, clarity and color accuracy. Noise levels remain low for clean images through ISO 12800. The phase detect AF instantly locks onto subjects even in challenging light. HDR modes extract extra highlight and shadow details. Overall the X-T30 captures outstanding stills and UHD videos in a wide variety of conditions.

Functions

Impressive capabilities include 30fps high-speed shooting with the electronic shutter, ideal for sports and action. Continuous shooting reaches 8fps with the mechanical shutter. Shooting modes range from advanced SR auto to full manual control. UHD 4K video can be recorded at 30fps with 200Mbps bitrate. Face and eye detection AF modes precisely focus on human subjects. Multiple exposure, panorama, and time-lapse modes offer creative options.

Conclusion

By packing the high-end X-T3 imaging pipeline into a smaller, lighter body, Fujifilm succeeds in making the X-T30 appeal to enthusiasts seeking portability. It retains the charm and handling of previous X-T cameras but with impressive speed and image quality. While not weather sealed, the stylish form factor encourages you to take it anywhere. For those wanting a capable creative tool in a retro-inspired design, the Fujifilm X-T30 delivers outstanding imaging abilities in a compact chassis.