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Fujifilm X-T30 Hands On

Fujifilm X-T30 vs X-T20 - is the third generation worth it?

Reading Time: 10 minutes - March 20, 2019 - by Jonas Junk

As with the previous generations, the Fujifilm X-T30 has taken many great features from its big brother, the Fujifilm X-T3, and packed them into a lighter, more compact and more affordable body. New on board is the joystick on the back, extended video functions and the "anthracite" color variant.

For many photographers who already own a Fujifilm X-Series system camera, for example the X-T10 or X-T20, the question arises as to whether the new X-T30 is a sensible upgrade. The differences to its big brother will also be highlighted in this article

The further development of the X-T30 - What do the two system cameras have in common?

First of all, we will look at the similarities between the X-T20 and the X-T30. As the X-T30 represents the third generation and is a further development of the X-T20, there are a lot of similarities and visually the two system cameras are difficult to distinguish at first. Nevertheless, we will later present some of the features that make an upgrade worthwhile We have linked the articles +amp; videos on the X-T20 and X-T3 here:


Experience report on the Fujifilm X-T20 The Fujifilm X-T20 is a compact system camera with many functions, top image quality and a large selection of lenses. The article focuses on Jonas' personal highlights and experiences from a year with the Fujifilm X system.

The new Fujifilm flagship - The X-T3 revolutionizes video recording The Fujifilm X-T3 is the new flagship of the X-Series. Fujifilm brings 4K/60p video capabilities into a compact body and builds a worthy successor to the successful X-T2. Read Jonas' personal impressions from two weeks with the new X-T3 in our article read now

Similarities between the X-T20 +amp; X-T30

The front and top of the two mirrorless cameras look almost identical. Here you will find all the buttons and dials that we already know from the predecessor model X-T20. The connections on the left-hand side are also similar, the 2.5mm input for an external microphone and the Micro HDMI output for an external monitor. Only the Micro USB port has been changed to a USB-C socket. The X-T30 also has a 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million pixels, but the screen is now 1.3 millimetres thinner and offers new touch options on the software side. The electronic viewfinder has also remained the same with the diopter setting on the left-hand side and the "View Mode" button on the right-hand side. This means that it is still extremely quick to switch between the monitor and viewfinder or the automatic sensor setting.

Differences between the X-T20 and X-T30

As previously mentioned, the X-T30 comes with some new functions that we already know from the X-T3. Let's move on to the most important part, the question of how the X-T30 differs from the X-T20, so that we can later decide whether an upgrade is worthwhile or whether the previous model already fulfills all our wishes.

1. The fourth generation sensor

Like most cameras in the Fujifilm X-series, the X-T30 also has an X-Trans sensor in APS-C format. The X-T30, the latest generation of the Fujifilm X-series, comes with the latest X-Trans IV sensor with 26.1 megapixels. The same sensor that can be found inside the X-T3. The predecessor model, the X-T20, on the other hand, has the same sensor as the X-T2 (type X-Trans III 24.3MP). In terms of ISO sensitivity, we know from the X-T20 a native range of ISO 200 to ISO 12,800 with extended values of up to 100 and up to 51,200. The native range of the new X-T30 is ISO 160 to ISO 12,800 with extended values of up to ISO 80 and up to ISO 51,200. The differences in image quality were already an exciting topic when the X-T3 was introduced, but in practice they can be described as rather marginal. The fourth-generation sensor shows slightly less noise when you want to brighten dark areas later, while the third-generation sensor shows slightly less noise at high ISO values. We think that the sensor represents a sensible further development, but does not show a big difference in image quality compared to the previous models.

2. Autofocus at X-T3 level

An absolute highlight of the new sensor and the revised image processor is the improved autofocus speed, which promises an increase of up to 150% compared to the previous version. The same autofocus system can also be found in the X-T3. In single-point autofocus mode, the X-T30 has 117 phase detection points in a 13Ã9 grid, or 425 points in a 17Ã25 grid. You can choose between these two options in the menu. With the X-T20 you can choose between 91 and 325 points. The new autofocus system ensures fast and precise focusing, especially when tracking dynamic objects. The X-T30's phase detection pixels are distributed over 99% of the sensor surface in all modes (except AF tracking - 91% x 94%). In the predecessor model of the X-T20, these phase detection pixels are concentrated in the center, so that the camera cannot track subjects at the edge of the image as efficiently. The phase detection AF has also been extended to -3.0 EV in low light situations. On the X-T20 this is +0.5EV.

3. Autofocus face and eye detection

Face and eye detection has been further improved on the X-T30 and, if there are several people in the frame, the photographer can choose which face the camera should prioritize for automatic focus tracking. Face and eye detection on the X-T30 is now also possible with continuous autofocus when shooting video in 4K. Fujifilm also states that the updated autofocus algorithm locks onto faces more reliably than before, and that face tracking is not only smoother and faster for video and stills, but also not as easily confused by unexpected obstacles that appear in the frame. After our test, we were able to confirm this. We were particularly impressed by the face detection in video mode, a feature that was not yet available on the X-T20. You can see how the autofocus performance and the face detection are noticeable in our video.

4. Continuous shooting speed

With so many new camera launches, you get the feeling that the continuous shooting speed is moving ever closer to infinity. Every photographer has to decide for themselves whether they really need this high continuous shooting speed. The X-T30 can also shoot at 8fps with the mechanical shutter, just like the X-T20. The electronic shutter allows up to 20fps and even an impressive 30fps in 1.25x crop mode (16.6 MP). In addition, the X-T30's electronic shutter offers a blackout-free image with simultaneous live view. The X-T30 is the third mirrorless camera after the Sony A9 and Fujifilm X-T3 to offer this uninterrupted image. The feature is very useful for fast-paced shooting situations such as moving wildlife, as it makes it easier to follow the subject and react to rapid changes in movement.

5. Video recording with the X-T30

Although the X-T30 is not a predestined video camera, the small body really packs a punch and is ideal for advanced videographers. The X-T30 has a range of sophisticated video functions, as the camera supports both recording in DCI format (17:9) and the "ETERNA" film simulation for video images with a typical cinema look. Thanks to the HDMI connection, even demanding filmmakers can use professional features such as F-Log and 10-bit 4:2:2. It is exciting to know that the videos are recorded in very high 6K resolution and later saved directly to the SD card in 4K/30p format (8-bit 4:2:0). This downsampling ensures impressive quality and sharpness.

With regard to the frame rate, the X-T30 has also made some progress with Full HD. The X-T30 offers a maximum frame rate of 120 fps at 200Mbps for slow-motion recordings. The X-T20 can only record at a maximum of 60fps. Further improvements to the video functions can already be seen in the extended menu. While the video settings of the X-T20 fit on one page, the X-T30 needs four pages to display all the setting options. Some new functions are the Zebra function, 4K noise reduction, timecode settings and the various advanced autofocus options.

6. Design and operation with new joystick

The design of the X-T30 is exactly the same as its predecessor, with a few exceptions. In terms of operation, the X-T30 has an AF joystick. For reasons of space, the classic D-pad has been abandoned and the Q button is now located further to the right and is therefore easier to reach. For X-T20 users, the missing D-pad is a loss, but this change makes sense all round, as the focus point can now be selected even more quickly. The settings in the menu must be selected using the joystick. Unfortunately, operation via the touchscreen is still not possible - despite its improved functionality.

(left X-T20, right X-T30)

Furthermore, the grip on the back has been increased by adding a bump where the thumb should be. We like this change very much, but every photographer must decide for themselves whether they find the rather small housing comfortable. In any case, not much has changed compared to the X-T20. For photographers looking for a non-slip body that fits well in the hand, we would recommend the X-T3.

7. Other new features of the X-T30

The film simulation modes are a well-known feature of the Fujifilm X-Series. The new ETERNA profile has been added to the X-T30, which is particularly exciting for videographers. Furthermore, the monochrome settings can be adjusted. The battery used is identical, but the X-T30 is said to be more efficient with the battery capacity, so the X-T30 should be able to take 30 more pictures than the X-T20. An interesting feature that the X-T30 takes over from the X-T3 is the pre-capture mode. If you press the shutter button halfway while using the electronic shutter, the camera starts taking pictures in the buffer. This compensates for human delay and allows you to capture exactly the right moment.

X-T30 vs X-T3

For the sake of completeness, we have taken a few pictures of the Fujifilm X-T30 next to the Fujifilm X-T3. There you can see the external differences already mentioned in the video and the article. On the left the flagship of the Fujifilm X-seriesthe X-T3. On the right is the new Fujifilm X-T30.


Summary and conclusion:

As a logical further development of the Fujifilm X series, the X-T30 also has many functions built in that can also be found in the current flagship. The image quality and autofocus speed are likely to be on an almost identical level. The highlights at a glance:

  • Joystick as new control element for AF area selection
  • improved autofocus at X-T3 level
  • Eye and face focus tracking now also in video
  • blackout-free image during continuous shooting
  • ETERNA film look and distinctive video functions

Unlike other manufacturers, with the Fujifilm X-T30 we do not have the feeling that technically possible functions have been omitted in order to protect the larger models. The X-T3 defines itself more on a haptic than a technical level. A larger body, an additional control dial and a comfortable joystick + D-Pad are reason enough for photographers to choose the larger model. The X-T30, on the other hand, is perfect for all travel enthusiasts or photographers who are less demanding in terms of haptics, as well as for filmmakers. Furthermore, the X-T30 is a perfect backup model for the Fujifilm X-T3 or Fujifilm X-H1, as it is technically on almost the same level. All in all, a great camera for beginners as well as for ambitious photographers and design enthusiasts who want to have a compact camera with them at all times that delivers impressive images. With the retro design of the X-series, Fujifilm is right in tune with the times and the technical features are at a very high level in this price range. The wide range of high-quality Fujinon lens range completes the picture.


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