Fujifilm’s big Valentine’s Day announcements made our day go from pleasant to complete—who needs heart-shaped chocolates when you have nonstop camera and gear releases? Today, the mirrorless community was gifted the Fujifilm X-T30 and Fujinon 16mm f/2.8 lens. In this post, we’re going to go through specs, features, first impressions, and see how the X-T30 compares to the X-T3.
The Fujifilm X-T30
Let’s start with the X-T30. This premiere, compact mirrorless camera is remarkably affordable for the amount of quality it provides. Plus, it comes in three sleek colors: black, silver and the new charcoal silver which will be available June 2019.
To contextualize for those who aren’t Fujifilm fans, this is the next generation of Fujifilm’s best selling camera—the X-T20—that arrived in January 2017. Other than image quality (which we’ll get to in a moment), there are a few key differences between these two models that are worth highlighting.
User Interface Updates
First, the X-T30’s articulating LCD screen is 1.3mm thinner than the one on the X-T20. This update streamlines the look of the body and makes the camera a bit lighter. Second, Fujifilm added a USB-C port that you can use to plug in a microphone or headphones with an adaptor—this is big news if you’re planning on using the X-T30 to shoot video. Third, the X-T20’s D-Pad has been replaced with an AF joystick. So, instead of being four-directional it’s now eight-directional which makes it a little easier to navigate AF points. Finally, they moved the Q button to the thumb rest so you can quickly and easily change your screen’s display.
Specifications
The new X-T30 features a 26.1MP back-illuminated APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor. The new X-Processor 4 is a whopping three times faster than the X-T20. Additionally, it provides the highest image resolving performance and color reproduction of the X series processors.
The upgrade to a CMOS 4 image sensor is notable because it’s the exact same one used in the powerful and professional-grade Fujifilm X-T3. Similarly, the X-T30’s autofocus algorithm will be better than the X-T3 when it ships. The upgraded autofocus will have the ability to detect faces as small as 7% of the frame. Plus, it has improved face and eye tracking which allows you to easily prioritize the main subject. The X-T3 will also get these new improved features in April with a firmware update.
All of that said, don’t be fooled; the X-T3 still tops the X-T30 with its sturdier body, weather sealing, additional external settings, and superior video capabilities. However, it’s still incredible that you can get a few of the same key features for almost $600 less than you would pay for the X-T3.
Video Updates
As for video recording, the X-T30 shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. It also shoots 4:2:2 10-bit video via HDMI and 4:2:0 8-bit in camera. This footage quality upgrade plus the new Eterna preset and improved microphone makes this camera a viable option for cinematographers.
Price & Availability
The Fujifilm X-T30 will start shipping in March. The body alone will cost $899 and the body bundled with the 18-55mm lens will be $1,299. A 15-45mm kit will also be available for $999.
The Fujinon 16mm f/2.8 | Price & Availability
The second big release from Fujifilm is the XF 16mm f/2.8 lens. This is the latest wide-angle prime addition to the Fujinon series. It weighs in at just 155G making it the smallest and lightest prime lens of its class. Combined with the X-T30, the entire body weighs only 1.2 pounds—that’s less than a bottle of wine. This 16mm will be available in mid-March at a price of $399 and will be available in black and silver.
That about wraps it up for Fujifilm’s Valentine’s Day releases! Let us know your thoughts on Fujifilm’s latest mirrorless camera and Fujinon lens in the comments below.
