Fujifilm X-T30 Review in 2021 |The Best sub-$1000|

Last updated on December 18th, 2020

The FUJIFILM X-T30 combines a sleek mirrorless camera with next-generation image-making technology to meet the ever-increasing needs of content creators, regardless of their skill level.

The X-T30 provides beginners, advanced amateurs, and professionals with fast auto-focus, strong face detection, and the power to create high-resolution stills with notable sharpness and clarity.

What is FUJIFLIMx-T30

FUJIFILM X-T30, offers similar performance to the FUJIFILM X-T3, in a smaller and lighter body. Fujifilm’s X-T30 brings the same 26MP sensor, processor, and much of the feature set of the high-end X-T3 at a more reasonable price. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the relationship between the X-T20 and X-T2 was the same. Must Read: Fujifilm GFX 100 Reviews

With the X-T30 you get Fujifilm’s latest AF system, along with plenty of direct controls and a tilting touchscreen, all in a smaller body. The X-T30 also comes at a significantly lower price than the X-T3, with the body priced at $799

Pros

• Excellent photo and video quality
• Fast and reliable autofocus
• Impressive burst shooting power
• A great looking camera that’s fun to use
• Superb range of prime lenses available

Cons

• No weather-sealing
• No in-built image stabilization
• A couple of handling frustrations

Key Specifications

• Review Price at $799
• Shoots at 8fps in burst mode (or 30fps with electronic shutter)
• X-Processor 4
• 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
• Films 4K video at 30fps
• 3-inch touchscreen with two-axis hinge
• Compatible with Fujifilm’s X Mount lenses
• Weighs only 383g
• Hybrid AF system has 425 phase-detect points spread across the entire frame
• Burst shooting at 30 fps with no blackout (but 1.25X) crop using electronic shutter; 20 fps without crop
• 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder w/0.62x Equiv. magnification and 100 fps refresh rate in boost mode
• Dedicated drive, shutter speed, and exposure compensation dials
• Joystick for AF point selection
• Eterna Film Simulation mode
• 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording or 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output
• USB-C socket with headphone support
• Single SD card slot (UHS-I only)

Design – The Fujifilm X-T30

Like the Fujifilm X-T20 it replaces, the X-T30 isn’t significantly bigger or heavier than a premium compact camera, weighing just 383g including the battery. In fact, aside from marginally inferior burst shooting and video performance, it’s like an X-T3 that’s been blasted by a Shrink Ray.

This means it’s a charming little companion – I think it’s one of the best-looking cameras you can buy today, perhaps only pipped by the Leica Q2. That might not sound important, but the X-T30 is a camera that I continually wanted to pick and use. And that’s important if you’re trying to get out and shoot more.

The X-T30 magnesium alloy body means it feels well built without being too heavy, and it balances particularly well with Fujifilm’s prime lenses like the new XF50mm f/2 (see ‘Lenses’ section). Not that it can’t handle lenses like the XF50-140mm f/2.8, but if you regularly shoot with longer zooms then the X-T3 might be a better choice.

Those retro dials on the top – for changing the drive mode, shutter speed, and exposure compensation – aren’t just for show either. Along with the aperture ring found on many Fujifilm lenses, these make using the X-T30 a tactile joy and a great way to learn the photographic fundamentals.

Not all of the little design changes from the X-T20 are a success. The ‘Q’ menu button – which is a very handy way to bring up a grid of all the main settings – is now on the X-T30’s slightly chunkier thumb grip. But despite a firmware upgrade making it far less sensitive, it’s still a little too easy to accidentally press that button.

The X-T30’s new AF joystick also feels like it’s been positioned a little too low. That said, it’s still a much easier way to move your autofocus point when looking through the EVF than using a d-pad, so it’s an overall improvement once you get used to it.

A camera of this size naturally brings a few ergonomic compromises compared to chunkier rivals or DSLRs. The X-T30 lacks weather-sealing or dedicated dials for things like ISO or drive modes, all of which you’ll find on the X-T3.

But if you’re looking for a street or travel photography camera then I think the trade-off for the X-T30’s portability is well worth it. Whether you like the retro flourishes or not, it’s a real joy to shoot with.

Why Buy the Fujifilm X-T30?

The Fujifilm X-T30 is the best camera you can buy at this travel-friendly size and sub-$899 price point. Whatever you like to shoot, from cities and countryside to people and penguins, it’s got the autofocus, burst shooting, and image quality to snag you some great shots. And it’s a surprisingly talented video camera too.

There are a few minor drawbacks compared to bigger cameras – the handling can be tricky for those with larger hands, there’s no in-built image stabilization and the EVF magnification is a bit on the low side. The Sony A6400 probably also edges it for autofocus reliability, though not by much.

If you’re coming from a bigger camera and would prefer a better EVF, twin card slots, weather sealing, slightly better burst shooting, and more DSLR-like handling, then the Fujifilm X-T3 or forthcoming Panasonic G95 might better bet.

But the X-T30 size makes it perfect for travel and street photography, and when paired with one of Fujifilm’s many excellent prime lenses, it’s one of the most fun and rewarding shooting experiences around.

Adam

I’m a videographer and travel photographer. I created this website to help you buy a Tripod or Gimbal for your DSLR, GoPro, or Mirrorless camera. I tried and reviewed most of the Tripod, Monopod, or Gimbal currently available on the market.