Photoshop User - USA (2019-08)

Reviews

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Fujifilm followed up their flagship X-T3 mirrorless camera with

the X-T30, a more compact, lighter, and less expensive camera

that includes all the key features of its bigger sibling. It uses the

same impressive back-illuminated 26.1-megapixel, APS-C sensor

with X-Trans CMOS 4 processor, covering 99% of the sensor with

phase detection for fast, accurate continuous autofocus. File qual-

ity is the same, and the X-T30 includes all the same terrific film

simulations, focus stacking, and touchscreen technology as the

X-T3. I reviewed the Fujifilm X-T3 in the Photoshop User March

2019 issue, so I’ll try to concentrate mostly on the differences.

After a month of taking pictures with the X-T30, my impression

is that Fujifilm has found a sweet spot in size, weight, and handling,

and this could be considered the perfect travel camera. It might

be more appropriate to compare the X-T30 to its predecessor the

X-T20, but after using both cameras, I think that comparing it to

the X-T3 is more valuable. Let’s start with price and weight. Body

only, the X-T3 is $1,499; the X-T30 is $899. With the battery, the

X-T3 weighs 539 g (19 oz.) and the X-T30 383 g (13.5 oz.).

Unlike the X-T3, the X-T30’s metallic body isn’t weatherproof

and has a shallow grip that’s inadequate when using longer,

heavier lenses. To regain the camera’s balance, I bought an $18

metal thumb grip solution that attaches to the hot shoe. Optional

handgrips might be a better solution but that starts to eat away

at the weight/size advantage. Disappointingly, both cameras lack

built-in image stabilization.

Company: Fujifilm Corporation

Price: $899 (body only)

Rating:

Hot: Affordable; fast; accurate continuous

focusing; overall quality; great for travel

Not: Shallow grip; lacks weather sealing and

a second, faster card slot

Reviewed by Steve Baczewski

Powerful, Affordable Compact Camera

FUJIFILM

X-T30

> PHOTOSHOP USER

>^ AUGUST 2019

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