Why should you buy a Fujifilm X-T30 in 2023

I have had the Fujifilm X-T30 as my main camera for 5 years now. I have used many other cameras through these years, as I shoot film and digital with no remorse, because, yes, I believe I belong in both camps! Even though I have used many cameras, I always end up using my Fujifilm at all major events in my life. I have used it at my friends’ weddings, I have taken it to Moscow and Saint Petersburg, to Berlin and Frankfurt, London and even during my usual strolls around a random park in Bucharest. It even eclipses my Ricoh GR II, even if it’s much more portable. Today, I’m going to show why you should use this camera as well, despite its age.

The Fujifilm X-T30 is a mirrorless camera that offers advanced features and performance in a compact and lightweight body, but it can accommodate larger, more capable optics as well. . It is a popular choice among photographers who are looking for a camera that is both versatile and easy to carry.

This camera features the X-mount suitable for APSC mirrorless cameras. It evolved into a very prolific set of lenses from both Fujifilm and 3rd party lens manufacturers. The lens offerings provide a wide array of zooms and primes for both beginners and professionals. You can find X-mount lenses from reputable sellers like Zeiss, Viltrox, Tokina, 7Artisans and others.

As this was my first ever Fujifilm camera and didn’t own any other camera gear, I bought mine from a reputable seller in Bucharest together with the kit lens.

The amazing Fujinon XF 18-55 mm 2.8-4 R LM OIS paired greatly to this camera especially since the X-T30 doesn’t have its own optical image stabilization, but the lens do. The X-T30 provides a range of advanced exposure control options, including exposure compensation, exposure lock, and exposure bracketing. These exposure control options provide me with the ability to fine-tune their exposure settings, making it easier to capture images that are properly exposed, even in challenging lighting conditions.

I don’t usually shoot in low light situations, but I was amazed at the fact that I could shoot cityscapes at night by hand-holding the camera. The X-T30 has a native ISO range of 160 through 12800. I usually shoot on auto ISO and I have set mine to have 3 different ranges. 160-800 for well lit situations, 160-1600 for gloomy days and 160-3200 for night time. I believe the camera does a great job in choosing the right ISO setting and I consider you should use Auto ISO more often as well. When setting up the Auto ISO, you can also set up the minimum shutter speed. So when I’m using the old Fujinon 35mm 1.4 , I’ve set the min shutter speed tp 1/60 to make sure my photos are blur-free every time I take a shot, especially in low-light situations. What this does is, in other words, if the light meter of the camera decides it needs a longer shutter speed than 1/60, it will more likely increase the ISO. This combination of OIS and these settings provided me with some amazing night shots that required minimum editing.

This made the camera extremely versatile and since I was a very inexperienced photographer, it was a clear upgrade to the Sony A5000 I previously owned.

The Fujifilm X-T30 is designed to provide a high-quality shooting experience in a compact and lightweight body. The camera features a magnesium alloy body that is both durable and lightweight, making it ideal for photographers who are looking for a camera that can withstand the rigors of regular use while still being portable and easy to carry.

In terms of dimensions, the X-T30 measures 118.4mm x 82.8mm x 46.8mm, and it weighs just 383g with the battery and memory card included. This makes it one of the most compact and lightweight cameras in its class, making it an ideal choice for photographers who are looking for a camera that is both portable and versatile.

What I like the most about the Fujifilm X-T30 are the controls. The top plate of the camera features a retro-style analog exposure dial, which provides quick access to the most commonly used camera settings. The dials and buttons on the top plate are made of high-quality materials, including metal and rubber, which provide a smooth and responsive feel when making adjustments. I love the physicality of the camera usage.

There is a dedicated button for every action you can take. It makes you think about the exposure you are going to take and basically makes you use the camera as you are shooting film. It’s so nice when you have so many dials and knobs for manual control in such a tiny body with which you can combine with even tinier lenses. People are saying that the handling of the camera lets to be desired because there is so little real estate to grab the camera, but I have large hands and I have never had an issue with this. The Q button is another gripe for many people, but I had no issue with this one either. I have had difficulties only with the eight-way autofocus joystick, as I often bump into it and the focusing point is always moving away from where I intend to have it. Also, I have no intention of using a large telephoto lens, so, as it is now, the handling is in the right place. It’s not all rosy though because the ISO knob is missing from the X-T30. I wish it was there and have the full experience of a classic film camera. One of the most beautiful designs I have seen on a modern camera, the X-Pro series and the X100 series has a liftable ISO dial inside the shutter speed dial, which is absolutely beautiful. Although nowadays I am using mostly the Auto ISO and I don’t feel the need for a dedicated dial. There is also an Auto toggle (which I have found out recently is called Advanced Scene Recognition), but it takes all customization away from your experience. At that point the camera controls everything from aperture to white balance and film simulation. I personally never used it.

Additionally, the X-T30 features a number of advanced metering modes, including multi-zone metering, center-weighted metering, and spot metering. These metering modes allow photographers to choose the best metering mode for their shooting situation, making it easier to achieve accurate exposure.

The back of the camera features a 3-inch touch-sensitive LCD screen, which provides clear and detailed previews of your images and videos. Personally, I am only using the dials and knobs and joystick to navigate through the menus and change the focus points. The screen only articulates vertically, which I am using more often than I thought I would because I like shooting from the hip. I have found it more useful than having a horizontal articulating screen, as I am not vlogging.

I don’t know about the standards nowadays, but I find the viewfinder of the Fujifilm X-T30 to be large and bright. It never failed me. It is very responsive and has a smooth refresh rate, but only when you apply Boost Mode, which I don’t like as this mode wastes a lot of battery life. I do remember that I had to apply some color corrections (in the Settings menu) on the viewfinder screen, as I considered the colors were off straight from the factory. I didn’t have this issue on the LCD.

The X-T30 also features the X-Processor 4, which is a powerful image processor that provides fast and efficient performance. This processor is capable of handling a variety of different shooting scenarios, from high-speed continuous shooting to advanced video recording.

The combination of the 26.1-megapixel sensor and X-Processor 4 provides the X-T30 with excellent image quality and performance, making it a great choice for photographers who are looking for a camera that can deliver high-quality images and videos.

One of the key features that enhances image quality in the X-T30 is its dynamic range. The X-T30's sensor and processor are designed to provide a wide dynamic range, which means that the camera is able to capture a wide range of tonal values in a single image. This results in images that are rich in detail and depth, and that are capable of capturing a wide range of colors and brightness levels.

Another key feature that enhances image quality in the X-T30 is its color reproduction. The X-T30 features Fujifilm's proprietary color reproduction technology, which provides accurate and vibrant colors that are true to life. This color reproduction technology is especially effective when shooting portraits, landscapes, and other types of images where accurate color reproduction is crucial.

If you wish me to provide some Fuji color recipes, based on my experience on using the camera, please let me know in the comments.

The Fujifilm X-T30 is not only a capable stills camera, but it also provides photographers with a range of advanced video features and capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who want to capture high-quality video footage.

One of the key video features of the X-T30 is its 4K UHD video recording capability, which provides videographers with the ability to capture high-quality video footage with excellent detail and clarity. The X-T30 also supports full HD 1080p video recording, providing an alternative option for those who do not need 4K video. I have tried my hand in a few video footage, but I mainly shoot stills.

In addition to its video recording capabilities, the X-T30 also provides a range of features that make it easier to capture and share video content, including built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy transfer of video files to a smartphone or tablet for sharing. With the Fujifilm Camera Remote app, photographers can control the camera's exposure, focus, and other key settings, as well as view images and videos directly on their smartphone or tablet.

The X-T30 also features a USB Type-C port for fast data transfer, as well as a micro HDMI port for connecting to external displays. This makes it easy for photographers to transfer large files and to view images and videos on larger screens.

The Fujifilm X-T30 features a user-friendly menu system and intuitive controls, making it easy to access its wide range of features and functions.

The X-T30's menu system is organized into clear and easy-to-navigate sections, providing access to a range of settings and options, including image quality and size, autofocus settings, video settings, and more. Photographers can also customize the X-T30's menu system to their own preferences, making it easier to access the settings and options that they use most often.

Battery life is an important consideration for any camera, and the Fujifilm X-T30 delivers impressive performance in this area. With its powerful rechargeable battery, the X-T30 can capture up to 390 frames on a single charge. This is enough to last through a full day of shooting, even for the most demanding scenarios, as I was never obliged to charge my camera during my vacation days.

When it comes time to recharge the battery, the X-T30 provides several options for doing so. The camera can be charged using the included AC adapter, or it can be charged using a USB power source, such as a laptop or power bank. This makes it easy to keep the camera charged on the go, even when you don't have access to a wall outlet.

When considering the X-T30 as a potential camera, it's important to consider your specific needs and what you're looking for in a camera. If you're looking for a camera that offers excellent image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, and a range of video capabilities, the X-T30 is a great choice. If you're looking for a camera that is compact and lightweight, the X-T30 is also an excellent choice, making it an ideal option for travel photography and everyday use.

If you wish to see some photo samples, all the photos I have done during my travels in Russia in 2019 were done using this camera with the Fujinon XF 18-55 mm 2.8-4 R LM OIS