Summary
Looking back all the way to the first-generation X-T10, it is clear that Fuji has done a remarkable job with each iteration of the camera, and the X-T30 is not an exception. Sporting a compact, lightweight and yet a very stylish minimalistic retro design, intuitive menu system, as well as superb image quality and rich feature-set, the X-T30 is an absolute joy of a camera to use in the field (I am particularly a huge fan of the charcoal silver edition of the camera). Couple it with Fuji’s superb line-up of X-series lenses, and you can get a lot done with this little mini-X-T3 monster. Simply put, it is a very hard camera to beat at $900, making it one of the most valuable cameras on the market today.
If you own the X-T10 and you are looking at upgrading to the X-T30, there isn’t much to think about – the X-T30 is well worth the cost of the upgrade. If you already own the X-T20, then I would recommend to look at the differences highlighted in this review and see if they make sense to you. Personally, I would probably skip a generation and wait until the X-T40 rolls out later this year, which should be an exciting release, especially if Fuji adds in-body image stabilization to it.
My only major complaint with the X-T30 is the removal of the D-Pad. As I have stated on the first page of this review, while I do welcome the addition of the joystick, I am not a fan of using it for everything, including menu navigation. The D-Pad on the X-T10 and X-T20 was much easier and friendlier to use in comparison. I hope Fuji seriously considers adding the D-Pad back to the upcoming X-T40, because it would only enhance the camera’s ergonomics. It would be sad if Fuji left the joystick + D-Pad controls only to high-end cameras like the X-T4…
Overall, I find the Fuji X-T30 to be a superb tool that is well worth the high praise it has received from us, as well as from the rest of the photography community. Kudos to Fuji for making yet another killer X-series camera!
Where to Buy
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Fuji X-T30
- Features
- Build Quality
- Focus Speed and Accuracy
- Handling
- Battery Life
- Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Size and Weight
- Metering and Exposure
- Movie Recording Features
- Dynamic Range
- Value
Photography Life Overall Rating
