Introduction:
I’ve used the X-T30 for 2 years and I thought I’d write a review. The lenses I’ve used are the XC 35mm F2, XF 50mm F2, XF 55-200mm F3.5-F4.8 OIS, XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 OIS and the XF 10-24mm F4 OIS. I hope this review answers any questions you may have. However if you still have some questions feel free to email me or send me a DM on Instagram.
Menus:
Fujifilm is one of the camera manufacturers with a reputation for confusing menus and unfortunately the X-T30 is no exception. After a bit of research, I was able to get my head around them but they weren’t very intuitive and I can’t recommend the X-T30 to new users who aren't prepared to read the manual and do some research online.
Build Quality:
The X-T30 may be made in China like other modern Fuji cameras but the overall build quality is solid. I travelled with it abroad for almost a month and it’s still like new. Unfortunately the X-T30 isn’t weather sealed like its bigger brother the X-T3, so keeping dry and dirt free is very important. I would also recommend a screen protector. One final note on the build quality is the ribbon cable that connects the body to the display feels quite fragile and I would take extra caution not to damage it while the display is flipped out.
Battery Life:
When I first moved to the X-T30 I was worried that battery life would be an issue. I used a DSLR before that so I thought the extra power draw of an EVF might mean the X-T30 would be quite power-hungry. However I was happy to discover that even when I had the camera n "Boost" mode with the EVF at +5 brightness the battery life was very reasonable for photography. I still carry multiple batteries with my everywhere I go and turn the camera of while I'm not using it but unless I shoot video I rarely use the second or third backup battery in my bag. Overall the X-T30 has never hindered my photography or given me any reason to suggest that it has poor battery life.
Image Quality:
Fujifilm cameras are known for their excellent out of camera image quality and the X-T30 is no exception. Its film emulation goes a lot deeper then just picture profiles and the in camera raw editing options can yield excellent results. The only complaint I have about image quality is that the files still have minor sharpening issues in Adobe Lightroom, however I do have to stress that you really need to go in very close to notice anything.
Comfort and handling:
Grip
This is something quite personal but a lot of people with larger hands will either take a while to adjust or have to switch to a body with a more substantial grip. However if you can’t afford to move up to the X-T3 or X-T4 a grip accessory from Fujifilm or a third party might be a good solution. I personally tried a metal third party grip and came to the conclusion that it didn’t work for me. The way it is attached from the bottom of the camera via the ¾” screw socket meant it didn’t sit well in my hand even though it was easier to grip.
Q menu
Another issue I’ve heard a lot of other people bring up is the placement of the ‘Q’ or quick menu button. Personally I find this complaint is justified. I’ve accidentally brought up the ‘Q’ menu many times. However I wouldn’t say this is a deal breaker and I have gotten used to it.
Buttons and Dials
A key feature on Fujifilm cameras are the tactil controls. I’m happy to report that the mode dial, shutter speed dial and exposure comp dails all feel premium and durable. Unfortunately the joystick is a different matter. I don’t have a problem with the concept but the execution is subpar. It gets the job done but it doesn’t feel very good to use and a setup like on the X-T20 or most other Mirrorless and Digital SLRs wouldn’t be much of a downgrade considering it would have been the safer option.
EVF and Touchscreen:
The EVF (Electronic viewfinder) on the Fuji X-T30 is quite good, it can display at a refresh rate of 100hz in ‘boost mode’ and is competitive with other Mirrorless cameras at its price point. When I use it, I never feel motion sick or disoriented like I do using the A7iii’s EVF. The 3” touchscreen is also great, I can’t fault the hardware at all, however the software really holds it back. Not being able to navigate the menus using touch is very disappointing. Apart from AF points, its main use is for typing things, and it's not like you do much of that on a camera.
Autofocus:
The autofocus on the X-T30 is very good. While comparing this slightly more budget oriented option to a high end pro system like the Sony A7iii may seem a bit unfair, X-T30 can actually keep up in most situations. One of my favorite features is Eye AF, it’s quite difficult to go back to a camera without it once you get used to it. Even though the X-T30 lags behind high end cameras like the Sony when it comes to low light situations and lacks animal Eye AF it still blows traditional DSLRs like my Canon 800D out of the water.
Features:
26.1MP APS-C X-Trans Sensor
X-Processor 4
Hybrid AF system with 425 phase-detect points across the entire frame
Burst at 30 fps with no blackout and a 1.25X crop using electronic shutter or 20 fps without crop
2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder w/0.62x equiv. magnification and 100hz refresh rate in boost mode
3" tilting touchscreen display
Dedicated mode, shutter speed and exposure comp dials
Joystick for AF point selection and menu control
Fan favorite Eterna Film Simulation mode
DCI 4K/30p capture using the entire width of the sensor
4K/30p 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording or 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit to a external recorder using the HDMI output
Single SD card slot (UHS-I only)
USB-C with headphone support
Conclusion
In my opinion the Fujifilm X-T30 is an excellent camera, it offers incredible value considering the features it has in common with the larger X-T3. It's an excellent lightweight and durable mirrorless camera that punches way above its class in many situations. The X-T30 is ideal for enthusiasts and could even serve as a backup camera for professionals. Having Launched over a year ago in early 2019 it can even be found at a considerable discount used. 9.5/10 recommended.
Written by: Jean Sialelli