Fujifilm X-T30: A 'little sister' that shoots big

In November, we talked about the Fujifilm X-T3, one of the best mirrorless cameras you can buy for under 2,000 euros. We're convinced it's worth making the effort to reach it, but the photography market adapts, and Fujifilm made the decision (a good one, by the way) to incorporate many of its features into the new Fujifilm X-T30. The same sensor, solid 4K video, and similar battery performance at a fraction of the cost make the Fujifilm X-T30 a more than interesting option for any enthusiast.

We all want good, cheap cameras. Fortunately, manufacturers have understood the message, and their new low-cost models come with features that were impossible to include a few years ago. However, some cameras make us sigh, and the Fujifilm X-T3 is one of them. It currently carries a price tag of 1,850 euros, unless you only need the body (then it drops to 1,380). But how about the possibility of accessing a significant part of its benefits, with an investment of 1,300 euros in total and within an 18-55 kit? The key is the brand-new Fujifilm X-T30.

Fujifilm X-T30: Nearly the same, for much less

Announced in February of this year, the Fujifilm X-T30 features the same CMOS sensor as the X-T3, with an effective resolution of 26.1 megapixels, and the backing of the fourth generation X-Processor. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 160 to 12,800 with a boost in both directions of 80-51,200, while the shutter speed goes from 1/4000 to 900 seconds, or 1/32000 with the electronic system. Fujifilm made small adjustments to the screen. Although it remains 3 inches and 1.04 million dots with touch and tilting support, it doesn't have all the freedom of movement we see on the X-T3.

We also noticed that the viewfinder stepped down a notch. On the X-T3 it reaches 3.69 million dots, but on the Fujifilm X-T30 we find a value more appropriate for the camera's overall cost, with a maximum of 2.36 million dots and 100 percent coverage, without losing the boost mode that takes its framerate to 100 FPS.

The autofocus system is one of the strongest aspects of the Fujifilm X-T30, courtesy of its 425 points and phase detection system. Some of the decisions the camera makes are not entirely optimal (although far superior compared to previous models), so the recommendation for deeper manual intervention remains intact. This is especially true with face detection, which has a priority behavior (perhaps too much) over other settings. The trick many photographers use is to customize one of the buttons to turn face detection on or off, so to speak. When using its continuous mode, the burst doesn't disappoint. 30 FPS (with a slight crop) or 20 FPS with the electronic shutter (8 FPS mechanical) turn the Fujifilm X-T30 into a machine gun, even though it's not considered a 'sports' camera.

The interface of the Fujifilm X-T30 remains almost as rich as that of its older sister, though it's not hard to spot some absences. For example, the four-direction control (which was also present on the X-T20) is gone, and now everything goes through a small eight-direction joystick, or through touch support on the screen. If you've never used a Fujifilm camera before, don't let the number of dials intimidate you. On the contrary, once you master them, everything becomes more comfortable.

On the left you have the drive dial, with video mode, bracketing (BKT1 and 2), slow and fast burst (CL, CH), single shot (S), advanced filters (Adv.1 and 2), multiple exposures, and panorama. On the other end is the dial for exposure compensation, and the remaining dial modifies shutter speed. The 'Full Auto' is activated with the lever under this dial. Fujifilm already offers a manual translated into Spanish for the X-T30, and I recommend a look at its 320 pages.

One of the first things we thought about the Fujifilm X-T30 was that its deepest cuts would be focused on video modes, but we're glad to know the scissors didn't lose control. In fact, the only elements it gave up are H.265 support, 4Kp60 mode, and recording at 400 megabits per second. The Fujifilm X-T30 records excellent 4Kp30 at 200 megabits per second, based on 6K oversampling. Some colleagues highlight as negatives the absence of 10-bit recording and in-body stabilization, but at the end of the day we're getting more than we expected for the price. Even the 4K recording time seems reasonable. On the X-T3 it's half an hour, while on the Fujifilm X-T30 it drops to 10 minutes (in comparison, the point-and-shoot Sony RX100 V gives us five). In terms of connectivity, the camera works with WiFi n and Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2, but the official app is an exercise in patience (the reviews speak for themselves), and it will likely receive an update soon.

Accessories for Fujifilm X-T30

There are three options to buy the Fujifilm X-T30. The body averages 950 euros, its kit with a 15-45 lens is currently at 1,000 euros, and the edition with the 18-55 included jumps to 1,300 euros. The cost-benefit ratio favors the 15-45 kit, but anything you can invest in lenses today will pay off more in the long run. Something similar happens with accessories. If you decide to take advantage of the intermediate kit, it's not a bad idea to redirect that 300-euro margin to expanding your gear.

Batteries and power

The Fujifilm X-T30 lost only ten photos in battery performance, and a full charge should last 380 shots on average (the viewfinder boost can reduce that number). The good news is that Fujifilm decided to keep the NP-W126 format, which gives access to alternatives like the Gloxy compatible module and its hybrid 2-in-1 charger for home and car. With both accessories, you can double the autonomy of the Fujifilm X-T30 for 40 euros. For reference, the battery and charger set is listed under SKU "0712006549,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-4242".

Tripods and supports

Official specifications indicate that the camera weighs 383 grams with battery and memory card installed. That means when looking for a tripod for Fujifilm X-T30, we can follow the traditional route and place our trust in the Gloxy GX-T6662A. With 1.6 meters of height, a maximum load of 10 kilograms, non-slip legs, and a quick-release ball head, its logical price makes it irresistible.

But if you prefer a more compact support, we have something new: the Clampod Takeway T2, an updated version with better support for its tripod mode, and the same strength that characterizes it.

Backpacks and bags

A very positive aspect of the Fujifilm X-T30 is its construction. Despite the price adjustment, its body has a lot of metal, and it feels firm in the hands, but it doesn't come weather-sealed from the factory. I imagine it will be very tempting for owners to carry it around their neck and that's it, but we must recommend a couple of transport options.

For those looking for a bag or backpack, the models from Fancier and Gloxy (SKU codes "Fancier400a,GloxyPRO") are worth considering. On one hand, the Fancier Delta 400a bag with a sling design, adjustable dividers, and breathable fabric on the back. On the other, we find the Gloxy Pro AW series backpacks, with three different sizes, excellent customizable interior, and an external waterproof cover for extra protection.

Flashes

As hard as it may seem, the Fujifilm X-T30 hides a small flash that will serve you well in most cases, but you know my position regarding light. It all depends on the power you want. For example, the Meike MK-320 reaches a guide number of 32, is very compact, and above all, economical.

Now, if you plan to step up, the official Fujifilm EF-42 flash won't fail. As its name suggests, the guide number is 42, it includes a small diffuser, and its head has a wide range of movement.

Lenses

Singular, to be precise. We'll assume you'll buy the Fujifilm X-T30 with one of its kits, and given the video it produces, why not look for a lens optimized for that task? The answer is the Samyang VDSLR 2.2 NCS CS, an ultra-wide-angle lens that lets you capture the best scenes thanks to its fixed focal length of 12 millimeters, without sacrificing quality in general shots. For 425 euros, it's one of the best in its category.

We're done for today. Fujifilm did its homework, and did it well. Instead of offering a super-cut product with too many compromises, the Fujifilm X-T30 is an extraordinary middle ground for those who feel the X-T3 is too far away, and an acceptable price from the start makes it even more attractive. If your budget floats between 1,000 and 1,300 euros, you won't go wrong with this camera. Good luck!