Fujifilm X-T30 Review (An Honest One)

Fujifilm by this point has became perhaps the best established name amongst the average consumer and wanna be photographers like myself. It’s been about ten years since I bought my XT-1,  during this period Fujifilm has exploded in popularity as a brand, their latest 100 XVI is a perfect example of this.

The earlier mentioned XT-1 is still my camera most nostalgia heavy fujifilm camera and needles my first mirrorless camera.  You might not be surprised to hear  I broke that, it seems it wasn’t impressed with sea water, or the garden hose it ecountered subsquently. Don’t judge me, I never said was clever.  I have probably owned the my X-T30 for at least 6 years, so this article is going to be more of a retrospective look at this camera which has now become my main photography tool, especially since my Ricoh G3s decided not to work function properly. The X-T30 has remained my most consistent, realiable, over the time I have had it. So lets get on with this review.

Specs and Build

Like many of you, I don’t enjoy carrying around heavy cameras (although I have just bought a Nikon D600). After my X-T1 broke,  I found myself without a modern camera. At that time the X-T2 was over my budget, I considered the X-H1 but it just seemed so bulky compared to the X-T1, and for streetphotography. 

So with a heavy heart I bought the X-T30, it was cheaper and within my range, especially as I had 2 lenses already. Why did I say a heavy heart? I don’t know now, i just guess coming from X-T series I saw it as step down, despite its strong video features, favourable size, weight and megapixels.  These many years later I hold no such negative thoughts about it. Lets compare the stats:

X-T1: 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor vs X-T30: 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor

Now that I played with many cameras, both used old, new better etc I know realise there is a lot more to a camera than simply specs. In fact, I’m not sure I would ever buy a camera again based on that, user experience is better guide.

Flip Up Screen & EVF

I find this very rugged and it has not got any looser with many years of use. I don’t find the images particularly strong or clear on the screen, but after playing around with Nikon D600 its a joy. We simply have forgotten the advantages we have with new mirrorless cameras. If however I’m doing a long day of image collecting I will turn off the screen, as it chews through battery at a good rate, so it’s normally off. However… if you need to take a photo and you need to be low key, just open the screen, hold the camera and shoot from the horizontal flip sreen. Its a great way to shoot from the hip. Of course it’s also useful for image collecting at low or awkward angles. The screen is basically super usable in most cases, with the exception of very bright and direct sunlight.

Other features 

I was concerned about the little joystick, basically I was concerned I would somehow snap it off, because I’m the kind of guy who will just throw his camera into a bag. Plus I have a solid histroy or mishandling cameras. 

There are two things here, one the it has remained peferctly intact, secnondly it a dream to use. At least for me. 

I was concerned about the lack of weather sealing. But since my saltwater experience with my XT-1 and a garden hose,  I no longer get too close to large bodies of water with my cameras. If it rains I find shelter or just use an umbrella. If I were ever to step into the genre of lanscape photography I would probably consider that a must.

Ergonomics

This is the aspect of a camera I find most important, in any camera. Some cameras do scream to be picked up and used. That’s the exact feeling I have with Fujis (and Ricohs). The X-T30 is a great example of this. 

Although far from a pocketable camera (although not far off) it feels great in the hand, and the grip even for my large hands feels comfortable, and the camera never gets too heavy. I love the dials becauuse I detest menu diving,  it simply takes me out of the moment, which is the whole point of walking around with the camera in the first place.

On a obessive note, I also enjoy the manual feeling of Fuji’s more retro cameras.  Reading the light, adjusting the exposure and shutter speed, enhances the overall camera experience for me. The X-T30 has fewer dials than my older Fuji, but it’s not a deal breaker by any means. In fact it has many more dials than some of the other fuji models, and more easy access to dials than many other mirrorless cameras. 

The X-T30 also has enough customisable options for function keys and dials, if your into mapping out the buttons and dials with your cameras.

Image Quality

Honestly, there’s not much to say about see image quality on the X-T30 it’s excellent. The Fujifilm X-T30 offers 16 different film simulations:

1. Provia/Standard

2. Velvia/Vivid

3. Astia/Soft

4. Classic Chrome

5. Pro Neg. Hi

6. Pro Neg. Std

7. Monochrome

8. Monochrome + Ye Filter

9. Monochrome + R Filter

10. Monochrome + G Filter

11. Sepia

12. Acros

13. Acros + Ye Filter

14. Acros + R Filter

15. Acros + G Filter

16. Eterna/Cinema

For me I shoot in RAW, and do all my editing on my iPad in using the Lightroom. I get the results I want there.  I don’t really get this obession with recipies I much prefer to focus on the act or being there. But if this is you, all power to you. 

Dynamic Range

It’s as good as you can expect from a smaller sensor. You learn to work with the light and embrace what you can’t adjust in your software of choice. The files are easier to handle with under exposed files than over exposed that’s for sure.

Video

I have shot 4K video on this camera and it looks fantastic. And the biggest limitation is the lack of in body stabilisation. However, if you are stills photographer like me that’s not really an issue. 

Low Light

Again, it’s a small sensor. But the ISO performs well up to 1600. I don’t find the noise partically pleasing with Fuji. But treat it like a APSC camera, use the available light well and you should be fine. I get 1,4 lens or 1.2, lens and that will make a big difference. These lenses can get expensive, and the better they get at lowlight the heavier they get. 

Frame Rate

Don’t take this the wrong way, but I rarely spray and prey, I hate editing all those files. Actually recently working with the old Nikon 600 I’ve grown to enjoy the slow burst speed. Not that the X-T30 is slow, because it’s not.  If looking for high burst speeds, look elsewhere but if you want to catch your fast moving toddler then its perfect for that. 

Autofocus System

The X-T30 has reasonably good autofocus, I tend to use manual lenses have the time, the half a wide lens close up, As normal you will have to watch your shutter speed to avoid blur, but the actual autofocus in good lights is good. The darker the scene it struggles a little more, but that is to be expected. 

Here is an example I shot at a trains station, people walking fast in good light.

Then another of the train speeding by and the scenery outside. I still think even in this situation it performed well enough.

For video I feel it also performs well, about it’s been a while since I have shot video on it. 

I will be the first to admit, that autofocus does come into handy with hurtling objects such as fleeting children and people participating in sports. I’m not a pro, so I have no idea how they think or what they do, but I would guess the autofocus might not be for them. 

Battery Performance

It’s good enough if you’re out for the whole day take three to four batteries, take a power bank and charge via usb-c or alternatively a charger and charge a few at a time. Also get chargers and charge over night and you will be good.  The main tip is turn off your LCD screen, use the EVF.

Things I don’t like

The biggest gripe I have is the Q button. I have heard people you can turn it off, but so far I have failed. I do have largish hands but everytime every time I shift the grip of my thumb, I push the little bugger and then the Q menu pops up. I wish it was placed somewhere else, or that there was an easy way to disable it.  I’m sure I have missed a bunch of potentially internationally applauded images due to this annoying button. (if you believe that, you will believe anything).

The Battery door on the older, XT-1 was much more secure. The battery door on the X-T30 flips open, seemingly at will. Especially when it knocking around in a bag and I pull it out. I have never had the problem of losing a battery or SD card, but it’s annoying and I always worry that the battery door will snap off. I treat my cameras like they are tools and not precious children so that’s always a concern.

One last thing. With the X-T1 the rubber peeled off fairly quickly, it has done so around the thumb grip with my X-T30. It was an easy fix, and it happened after many years of use. 

It’s important to note however that Fujifilm are not alone in this, the Nikon 600 (not mine though) is reported to do this as well.

Final thoughts

Would I recommend anyone to buy this camera, absolutely, it’s gonna be pretty cheap secondhand now. Alternatively try the newer model the X-T30ii. They are both lightweight and compact, very fun to use.

My opinion has changed about this camera over the years. It went from feeling like temporary replacement to being my most used and reliable camera. I have dropped this little sucker quite a few times, never the camer or lenses have suffered.

I love this camera now, I’m not sure that would buy any of the X-T serious of cameras, for example X-T3 are bigger and heavier than the orginal. This camera is a little powerhouse, superly light weight, multi use and joy to use. 

This camera in main has satisfied my gear acquisition syndrome, it take this camer with a lot. Its my first choice as travel camera. It’s not great for low light and thats why I now have the Nikon D600. The AF on the X-T30 is also easily good enough.

I have no idea why people are fussing about the 100 XVI when this little beauty is available, and with interchangable lenses. Save your money get this, and travel instead.

I prefer this camera over my small Sony a6400, which I gave away. Ricohs are hard to beat in ergonmics and more pocketable. My new (old) DSLR is much bigger and heavier. But X-T30 I have to aplogise, I was an idiot a few years agao. You are in your own cataergory of great cameras.