Computer Shopper - UK (2019-08)

ISSUE 378|COMPUTER SHOPPER|AUGUST 2019 53

Batterylife

0% -50 Reference + 50 + 100

Seepage110forperformancedetails

SENSORRESOLUTION26.1 megapixels•SENSORSIZE

23.5x15.6mm(APS-C)•FOCALLENGTHMULTIPLIER1.5x•

VIEWFINDERElectronic(2.36milliondots)•LCDSCREEN

3in(1.04milliondots)•VIEWFINDERMAGNIFICATION

(35mm-EQUIVALENT,COVERAGE)0.62x,100%•WEIGHT

383g•DIMENSIONS83x118x47mm•WARRANTYOneyear

RTB•DETAILSwww.fujifilm.com•PARTCODE 16619982

SPECIFICATIONS

380shots

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 touchscreen that tilts up
and down to help with slightly awkward
angles, although unlike the X-T3’s screen, it
doesn’t tilt outwards to help with portrait-
format images. As with Canon’s new EOS R
and RP cameras, you can use the screen and
viewfinder in tandem, moving your thumb
across the screen to alter the focus point.
Another shared specification between
the X-T3 and the X-T30 is the same phase
detection autofocusing system with 99%
sensor area coverage,along with burst
shooting speeds of up to 20fps. In practice,
it’s very capable of keeping up with
reasonably predictable subjects, but alittle
less so with erratic or fast-moving subjects.
The X-T3’s superior buffer depth, which
allows it to take more than twice as many
shots in asingle burst than the X-T30, makes
it the better choice forsports and action
shooting. Forthe occasional fast-moving
subject, however,the cheaper camera is a
good little performer.
Finally,another specification that will
appeal to travel shooters is the ability to
charge via USB Type-C. That means there’s
no need to bother with dedicated chargers,
and you can also use power banks to give
the camera aboost while on the road.

KEEN EYE

Just as the X-T20 shares the same sensor as
the X-T2, the X-T30 uses the X-T3 sensor.
We’ve already seen this in action from
reviewing the original camera, and know
just how well it can perform.
In short, image quality is fantastic. Fujifilm
images are generally characterised by afilmic
quality,with vibrant yet natural colours and
great dynamic range.That remains true for
the X-T30. It also works well in low light, and
doesn’t suffer toobadly from having asmaller
than full-frame sensor.
In extremely dark conditions, images shot
at ISO 12,800 remain usable,with low noise
and not toomuch evidence of image
smoothing. Speeds beyond that are extension
settings. Where light is low but not extremely
so,you can just about push to ISO 25,600 if
you’re intending to share at small sizes and
need to facilitateaquicker shutter speed.
In an ideal world, you’ll stick to ISO 3200 or
below forthe best image quality.
Focusing in most conditions is very swift
and generally accurate. In very low light,
the camera can hunt alittle before it locks
on to the target, but it’s extremely rare for
afalse confirmation to be displayed, even if
that means you have to give it acouple of
goes to get there.
Using all-purpose metering resulted in
well-balanced exposures in the majority of
situations. JPEG images straight out of the
camera are fantastic, but its Raw files are
extremely malleable if you need to expose

forhighlights and bring back some shadow

detail in post-processing.

STEADYON

Film Simulation modes are agreat bonus with

Fujifilm series cameras. The X-T30 is equipped

with afull range of options, including Provia

(the default setting), Velvia, Astia, Classic

Chrome and Acros (monochrome).

Not having image stabilisation in the body

is abit of adisappointment, however.Instead,

you’ll have to rely on quick shutter speeds, or

work with lenses with stabilisation built in,

such as the excellent 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens.

With impeccable sharpness and awide

maximum aperture,it’s an ideal everydaylens.

Youcan also buy the X-T30 with a15-45mm

kit lens, which is nice and small but doesn’t

perform quiteaswell.

There are plenty of other lenses available

forXmount now that the system has

matured since its debut in 2012. Forthe X-T30,

the f2 primes make perfect sense: small and

light, but still capable of producing excellent

images. We’ve used the 23mm f/2 and the

50mm f/2 with this camera and found both

to be the ideal match forits shape and size.

It’s fair to saythat the X-T30 is unlikely to

be the first choice forserious videographers,

but forthose who like to createthe odd

movie,there’s DCI 4K available in frame rates

up to 30p.Standard 4K is also available up to

30p,too.Full HD,aswell as Full HD slow-mo,

is also present. Youcan use the X-T30’s USB

Type-C port to attach headphones, while

there’s also amicrophone socket. Youcan still

shoot LOG and output 10-bit video over the

HDMI connection, but the X-T3’s ability to

shoot awider range of frame rates, as well as

displaying afilm simulation while recording

F-log footage,gives it an edge.

As we generally find to be the case with

Fujifilm cameras, there’s alot to like about

the X-T30 and hardly anything to dislike.

It’s asuperb camera that distils many of the

best elements of the X-T3 intoasmaller,

lighter and cheaper device.

GRADE DEFLATION

That said, when compared to the last-

generation X-T20, the differences are not

huge enough to demand an immediate

upgrade.Infact, it depends what you

shoot: image quality is very similar to the old

model, with improvements chiefly around

autofocus and body design. If you primarily

shoot static subjects, the X-T30 might not

give you much over the X-T20.

It’s also something to consider if you’re

trying to choose between the X-T30 and

the more expensive X-T3. Consider what’s

important to you: foryour extra cash, the

X-T3 gives you an additional memory card

slot, more body controls, asideways tilting

screen and abetter burst depth. If you can

live without all of those things, the X-T30

gives you the same image quality.For many,

that will be more than enough.

AmyDavies

It’s asuperb camerathatdistils manyofthe bestelements

of the X-T3 into asmaller,lighterand cheaper device