Fujifilm X-T30

[MTK1919]

Hello,

I'm on the hunt for a new camera and have been paying a particular interest in APS-C based options.

Top of the list is the Fujifilm X-T30 as per the title. It appears universally well received in the camera world, so I was hoping for some real life feedback on here (I read a few posts where people mentioned they owned one).

It'll be replacing my 2019 Leica D'lux 7 (aka Panasonic Lx100ii) , which I haven't really got on with.

It'll primarily be used for street photography, some portrait and landscape shots, so being versatile is important. It's unlikely I will do video, although I know this camera is quite capable.

So looking for feedback. Not only on shots, but usability. Some have commented it's compact size make handling an issue and when compared with its big brother the X-T3 I can see why. On that note, has anyone got an X-T3?

Cheers

Edited by MTK1919 on Saturday 21st December 09:35

Edited by MTK1919 on Monday 23 December 17:26

[Phunk]

I recently made the switch from a 5D to a X-T3 and even that felt pretty small but I'm now used to it. I've not seen the X-T30 in the flesh as yet but I've also seen that it's had many great reviews.

After being a loyal Canon shooter for over a decade and loving the switch, the Fuji colour and glass are really nice.

Keep an eye out for cheap X-T3 deals, there's been a few floating about - or if you don't mind a grey import you can pick one up for £900

[Drogo]

X-T30 owner here. Reminds me of me beloved Pentax ME Super.

Both 18-55mm kit lens and the 18-135mm out perform my abilities and have inspired me to want to use it every opportunity.

I love the handling, I have an L bracket fitted to help the lack of size in the hand and the dials as apposed to a menu driven Nikon/Canon I've used.
Very customisable to suit your preferred options for most if not all of the buttons.
I don't use the touch screen that much but it's also customisable.

Have shot street with an X-T10 (basically the same camera body) at approx 6 foot in front of two chaps that had no idea I was there as I used the flip out screen at waist level.

Straight out of camera

Poulanass Waterfall by Dave King, on Flickr

Edited by Drogo on Sunday 22 December 18:15

[MTK1919]

Thanks, that's useful feedback.

Also love the picture above!

I had a chance to have a play with both 3 and 30 in the shops, and think I'll stick with the 30. It does 90% of the 3 whilst being cheaper and slightly more compact. On reflection, the 30 is only just bigger than my Leica so I don't think I'll have any issues.

Now to think about which lenses I need. Some come with the 15-45 kit but this appears to be a cheaper lens and isn't the best. The 18-55 appears to be a much better quality lens, so that's probably the direction I'll take. I'll probably add a 2nd when I get a chance.

[NS66]

Canon shooter for many years and still use 1d and 5d for sports as the little Fuji XT10 that I have is great but not good for action.

I do love the little Fuji though and great to handle, takes a little getting used to but customizing some buttons helps.If you shoot jpeg they are great out the camera but I shoot RAW and they do need different processing to Canon files. Damian Lovegrove did a great article explaining - worth a google.

The Fuji glass is excellent and so sharp, battery life not too bad but they are cheap and small so no worries.

Go for it and enjoy

[FunkyNige]

Just to throw another suggestion into the mix - the XT-20 is still a very good camera, pretty much identical to the 30 except the 30 is better at video (as far as I understand) and the 20 has some more buttons on the back on a d-pad whereas the 30 has more controls on the touchscreen. This is from memory so make sure you check the comparison videos on YouTube first before committing! Omar Gonzalez is who to check out for these videos.
This is just a suggestion, the money saved will help you get the 18-55 which really is a fantastic lens.

[Whoozit]

MTK1919 said:

Now to think about which lenses I need. Some come with the 15-45 kit but this appears to be a cheaper lens and isn't the best. The 18-55 appears to be a much better quality lens, so that's probably the direction I'll take. I'll probably add a 2nd when I get a chance.

You shouldn't be disappointed with either camera choice.

For your first lens, you're right the 15-45 might not be the best choice. It's built to a price. The 18-55 f/2.8-4.0 is a great lens for the size/weight/zoominess. I take the majority of my landscape shots with that lens. If you can get it included as part of a kit, you can buy it for almost nothing.

[MTK1919]

Thanks folks!

Yeah wouldn't rule out the 20 either. I'll check out the sales next week and see what the differences are. I'll definitely be going for the 18-55 kit though.

In recent days I've managed to warm a little bit to the Leica so I might contemplate keeping hold of it.

Some recent snaps I took with it.

The last few snaps are ironically some of my favorites (cave & monkey) and was taken on a Huawei Mate 20 Pro. They came out really well!

[MTK1919]

Well after reading many a review and patiently waiting for the sales, I took the plunge on the X-T30 with 18-55mm kit as an Xmas present to myself.

Absolutely made up with it, it's such a good quality product.

I stayed up way too late last night playing with various settings and shots, and I'm pleased to report its a delight to use.

I get some free training with the camera for both photography and videography, so I'll get that booked in some time during the new year.

A couple of shots of the new and the old! I still love the Leica / Panasonic and will keep hold of it for some impromptu street photography.

[FunkyNige]

Congrats! It's a great little camera - don't be afraid to explore the film simulation modes!

MTK1919 said:

A couple of shots of the new and the old! I still love the Leica / Panasonic and will keep hold of it for some impromptu street photography.

*cough* 27mm pancake lens

The YouTube channel Omar Gonzalez I mentioned above has loads of little XT-20/30 tutorials you may find useful, in fact he did a short video yesterday aimed at new users:
Top Tips for NEW Fujifilm Users!

[MTK1919]

Thanks. Will definitely take a look.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

I was going to pop on a x-t3 to replace a sony a6000 that ive never got on with really but since the x-t4 is now getting released in march im gonna wait as ibis is hopefully gonna be worth it as i tend to shake like a stting dog

[vaud]

I have the XT20 with the kit lens, 35mm F2 and the 56mm F1.2 (beast)

Very happy so far... may upgrade to an XT3 once the XT4 comes out and add a 90mm lens.

[GravelBen]

Good to read threads like this for a bit of real-world experience of them... I'm keeping an eye out for a good second-hand deal on a Fuji for a lighter option for hiking etc (while keeping the current d7200 + bigger lenses for motorsport and wildlife etc). Leaning towards a X-T1 for cost vs features and weather sealing but keeping an open mind.

How are PH users finding typical battery life in real world use? Interested to know how well the 350 shot CIPA rating reflects normal use.

Edited by GravelBen on Sunday 19th January 08:36

[vaud]

On the XT20 I get way more than 350, more like 500 or more. No flash and I tend to use viewfinder and switch off between burst of shots.

[Elderly]

GravelBen said:

How are PH users finding typical battery life in real world use? Interested to know how well the 350 shot CIPA rating reflects normal use.

Edited by GravelBen on Sunday 19th January 08:36

If battery life is your only concern ..... carry anther battery - they weigh LESS than 50 grams.

ETA The meaningful word I omitted 'LESS'

Edited by Elderly on Monday 20th January 08:53

[GravelBen]

vaud said:

On the XT20 I get way more than 350, more like 500 or more. No flash and I tend to use viewfinder and switch off between burst of shots.

Cheers Good to know! Similar style to how I would be using it.

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 20th January 00:25

[GravelBen]

Elderly said:

If battery life is your only concern ..... carry anther battery - they weigh than 50 grams.

Sure, but if you have to carry multiple spare batteries for a multi-day hiking trip (for example) then it does make a difference to the practical weight comparison against a DSLR that can do the whole lot on a single charge.

[vaud]

GravelBen said:

Sure, but if you have to carry multiple spare batteries for a multi-day hiking trip (for example) then it does make a difference to the practical weight comparison against a DSLR that can do the whole lot on a single charge.

On my last multiday hike (Chamonix-Zermatt) I used micro 4/3 instead of DSLR (so similar weight) I found the extra batteries were negligible when you have a 3kg water load. Paring back to 2 lenses (and actually I only used one) was the bigger challenge.

[ukaskew]

I find with the X-T?? bodies you can basically push them as far as anything out there. Internally they share the vast majority of the components with the X-T? bodies, it's only things like usability that are decreased (build quality, viewfinder etc), so technically they are just as capable from an output perspective as some of the best cameras out there.

Shooting motorsport I find 1000+ photos is easily doable on a single charge, but day to day use with the camera switched on and off it's near 300-400.

I do miss the viewfinder of the X-T? range, but only when I'm using both types at the same time (the difference is very noticeable), when just using X-T10/20 bodies it's not a problem at all and easily as good as the vast majority of APS-C DSLR bodies.

X-T10 and 100-400mm
Silverstone 24hr by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

X-T20 and 56mm 1.2
Coombe Lodge Wedding 2018 by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

X-T10 and 10-24mm
Chalet by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

Edited by ukaskew on Monday 20th January 09:02