ISSUE385|COMPUTER SHOPPER|MARCH2020 89
CAMERAS
FUJIFILM’SAPPROACHOFapplying the
same features from more advanced models tooo
cheaper cameras has produced some greats.
Just as theX-T20 was apared-down X-T2, so
the latest X-T30 is essentially ababyX-T3.
With thesame26.1-million-pixel APS-C
X-Trans CMOS sensor andX-Processor 4
combination as the X-T3, theX-T30 shouldbe
capable of delivering the goods, quality-wise.
TheAPS-C sensor maybesmaller than the
full-framechipsincameraslike the Nikon Z6,
but Fujifilm clearly reckons thissizeofsensor
is the perfect balancebetweenportability and
image quality: big enoughtocapture lots of
light,but notneeding ahuge body to house it...
The autofocusmodeand fast burst mode are
also shared between both Fujifilm cameras.
SHRUNKENTREASURE
Most of thenotable differences are in the
design. TheX-T30 is smaller and lighter,which
makes it great fortravelling,but there have
beenafew compromises. Agood exampleis
the lack of adedicatedISO dial; another is its
singleSDcard slot, whichisunlikely to be a
major problemfor most enthusiasts, butfor
thosewho like to back up on the go,it’s
something to thinkabout.
The good news is that there’s still a
number of direct access controldials and
buttons to satisfy tactileusers. There’s a
drive mode dial on theleft of the topplate,
while two moredials forshutter speedand
exposure compensation are on the right.
Something youwon’t seeonthe more
advanced X-T3 is an Auto switch,but there’s
abig oneonthe X-T30–goodfor those who
want thecamera to take over exposure with
aflick of thefinger.
The X-T30’s viewfinder is smaller andhas a
lower resolution than that of the X-T3 –0.39in
to the X-T3’s 0.5in, and 2.36 million pixels to
the X-T3’s 3.69 million.However,it’s more
than usable and,unless you’re using an
X-T3 at the same time,stands up well
in isolation. It’s joined by a3in
touchscreenthat tilts up anddownto
help with slightly awkwardangles,
although, unlikethe X-T3’s screen, it
doesn’t tilt outwardstohelpwith
portrait-formatimages.
In practice, the 20fpsburst mode is
capable of keeping up with reasonably
predictable subjects, but alittle less
with erratic or very fast subjects.
The X-T3’s superior buffer depth,
which allowsittotakemore than twice
as many shots in asingle burst than
FUJIFILM X-T30
★★★★★
£849•From http://www.wexphotovideo.com
VERDICT
By distilling features from the X-T3 intoa
smaller,lighter and cheaper body,the X-T30
is everything you need in atravel camera
theX-T30,
makesitthe
betterchoice
forsportsand
action shooting. Forthe
occasional fast-moving subject,however,the
cheapercamera is agoodlittle performer.
IIImmmaaagggeeeqqquuuaaallliiitttyyyiiisss,aaassswwweeennnooowwweeexxxpppeeeccctttfffrrrooommmttthhheee
sensor,fantastic. Fujifilm images are generally
characterised by afilmic quality,with vibrant
yetnaturalcolours and greatdynamicrange.
That remains true forthe X-T30. It also works
wellinlow light, and doesn’t suffertoo badly
from havingasmaller-than-full-framesensor.
In extremelydarkconditions,images shot
at ISO12800remainusable (with lownoise
and nottoo muchevidenceofimage
smoothing).Where light is low butnot
extremely so,you canjustabout push to ISO
25600 if you’re intending to shareatsmall
sizesand need to facilitateaquicker shutter
speed.Inanideal world, you’ll sticktoISO
3200 or below forthe best image quality.STILL FOLLOWING
Focusing in most conditions is very swift
and generally accurate. In very low light,
thecamera can hunt alittle before it locks
on to the target, but it’sextremelyrare for
afalse confirmation to be displayed,even ifthat meannnnsyou have to giveita
couple of gooooes to get there.
Film Simulattttionmodes are agreat
bonus with Fujifilm cameras. TheX-T30 is
equipped with afulllllrangeofoptions including
Provia (the defaultssssetting), Velvia,Astia,
ClassicChrome and Acros(monochrome).
TTThhheeelllaaaccckkkooofffiiimmmaaagggggeeessstttaaabbbiiillliiisssaaatttiiiooonnniiinnnttthhheeebbbooodddyyy
is abit of adisappointment. Instead you’ll
have to rely on quick shutterspeeds, or work
with lenseswith stabilisation builtin, suchas
the excellent 18-55mmf/2.8-4 kitlens. With
impeccable sharpnessand awide maximum
aperture,it’sanideal everydaylens. Youcan
also buy the X-T30witha15-45mm kit lens,
whichissmall but doesn’tperform as well.
It’s fair to saythat the X-T30isunlikely to
be thefirst choice forserious videographers,
but forthosewho like to create theodd
movie,there’s DCI 4K available in frame rates
up to 30fps. Standard 4K is also available up
to 30fps, while Full HD andFull HD slow-mo
modesare also present.TURNTHE SCALES
There’slittle to dislikeabout the X-T30; it
distils many of thebest elementsofthe X-T3
intoasmaller,lighter andcheapercamera.
That said, whencomparedtothe last-
generation X-T20, thedifferences are not huge
enoughtodemandanimmediate upgrade.
utofocusimprovements mean an
exception if you’re likelytobeshooting
lots of moving subjects, but forstatic
shootingit’s not amajor leap forward.
It’salsosomething to consider if
you’re trying to choose betweenthe
X-T30 andthe more expensiveX-T3.
Consider what’s important to you: for
your extra cash, the X-T3 givesyou an
additionalmemory card slot, more
body controls,asidewaystilting
screen and abetter burst depth.Ifyou
can live without all of those things,
the X-T30 gives youthe same image
quality.For many, thatwillbeenough.e enoug
Au
e
lX
t