Quick Verdict
Quality of results is never in doubt with Fujifilm and even when a lower cost, stripped-down version is offered the savings are made in facilities rather than the final results. Enter the X-T30 II, an updated but lower cost introduction to the Fujifilm mirrorless range. Any disadvantages are more about handling than anything else, but apart from the fiddly nature of some of the controls, we have here a reasonably priced, well-made camera that uses the same technology as its much more expensive siblings and is capable of excellent results.
Fujifilm has a long history and an enviable reputation for being capable of producing the highest quality cameras and lenses. This extends currently to outstanding medium format cameras of up to 100MP resolution, but at prices that are not unrealistically out of reach. Against this high level of capability, there are even more affordable choices as well, such as the new X-T30 II, which sports versatile video capability as well as high-quality stills.
For this review, we have the camera body and the previously reviewed Super EBC Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom lens. Let's see how we get on with these out in the field.
Fujifilm X-T30 II Features
The camera is obviously well made and inspires confidence. It is based around a 26MP APS-C format X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with no AA filter, the same X-Processor 4 found in the X-T4 and X Pro-3, and offers facilities that cater for both the stills photographer and videographers. It is a shame there is no weather sealing, which is more and more becoming a minimum expectation. It is small, weighing in at a modest 382g body only, including battery and SD card. Add the Fujinon 18-55mm lens, including lens hood, and we still have a very reasonable total of 707g. It is worth noting that the Fujinon lens is faster than most 18-55mm zooms, offering f/2.8-4 as opposed to the more usual f/3.5-5.6. Being APS-C format, the “35mm equivalent” field of view of the lens is approximately 27-82.5mm, from a useful wide-angle to a useful portrait lens.
In terms of stills photography, the AF is fast, silent and accurate and secures focus in as little as 0.02s. The mechanical shutter can fire at up to 8fps and the electronic shutter at up to 20fps, or 30fps with a slight crop. For video, the camera is compatible with 17:9 DCI format, F-Log video format and Full HD 240p high-speed footage. This gives the equivalent of 10x slow motion. 4K is there, and another interesting feature is that this is oversampled from a 6K signal.
The videographer is not forgotten in the film simulations provided and the Eterna/Cinema setting looks particularly interesting. The full list of film simulations covers the “look” of many a photographers' favourite film emulsions:
- Provia/Standard
- Velvia/Vivid
- Astia/Soft
- Classic Chrome
- Pro Neg High Contrast
- Pro Neg Standard
- Classic Neg
- Eterna/Cinema
- Eterna Bleach Bypass
- Acros (Black and White)
- Monochrome
- Sepia
The monitor is a touchscreen, although that can be switched off if desired. There is also a discrete, tiny built-in flash, something that is often missing in the latest models. All this is packed into a small camera body that is very unobtrusive in use.
Key Features
- X-TRans CMOS 4 Sensor 26MP
- Media: SD cards, 1 slot
- Shutter speeds 900s to 1/4000s (Mechanical shutter)
- Shutter speeds 900s to 1/32000s (Electronic shutter)
- ISO 160-12800 (80-51200 Extended)
- 8fps (Mechanical shutter)
- 20fps (Electronic shutter)
- 30fps (Electronic shutter - image cropped)
- AF capture time 0.02s
- 3” Monitor 1.62 million dots
- 2.36 million dot EVF, 0.93x magnification
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- 6K oversampled to 4K/30p 4:2:0 8-bit
- F-log BT.709 playback
- DCI 17:9 format
- Full HD 240p
- 382g body only, with battery and SD card
- 707g with Fujinon 18-55mm, including hood
- Film simulation modes
- USB Type C, HDMI Micro Type D and 2.5mm mini connectors
Fujifilm X-T30 II Handling
There are numerous physical controls, which does make handling much more convenient than having to constantly delve into menus. Looking first at the top plate, the exposure compensation dial is suitably firm in its action, so we have the convenience of the dial, compact camera style, but there is no tendency for the setting to be accidentally nudged. The same can be said of the shutter speed dial, which is likewise firm and very functional. There is a handy switch to turn the camera fully auto in one action, also a good idea. The Fn button is set to adjust the “performance boost” feature and cycles through the options. The on/off switch surrounds the shutter release button, which is the most efficient place for it, but unfortunately, it is extremely light in operation and is easily nudged back to on. It would seem therefore wise to make sure the power save setting automatically switches off the camera after a short while, to ensure the battery does not inadvertently run down.
On the left side of the top plate, the mode dial is also firm enough to be reliably set without any accidental mishaps. Another small lever operates the release of the very discrete pop-up flash. The camera is so small it is almost a surprise to find a flash there at all, but it could be useful for some fill flash as required.
The base plate has the off-centre tripod socket and the battery/card compartment. A separate card compartment would have been good, but the compact nature of the camera body may have made this difficult. It is not possible to change the card or battery with the camera on a tripod.
Looking at the back of the camera, we have the tilting screen, which is limited to tilt only but can still be useful for low or high viewpoints. The menu buttons are of good quality, as is the small four-way lever that can be used to select focus points as well as to navigate the menus. The Q menu button is very prominent and if the camera is routinely carried in one hand, without a strap, then it could easily be constantly pressed when it is not wanted. A very unfortunate placement. The front and back control wheels can either adjust their set parameter or by pushing the wheel in can change the feature to be affected. For example, the front wheel can change the aperture or ISO. The action is so light though that pressing the wheel whilst turning it is almost inevitable. The answer is to use the aperture ring on the lens instead and this proves to be much more reliable.
The camera is of course very compact and the handling quirks mostly relate to this, but the advantages of size, weight and lower cost are very real and may suit many photographers. Those who find the camera too fiddly may well be better served looking at the Fujifilm X-S10, X-T4 or X-Pro 3.
Fujifilm X-T30 II Performance
The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.
Fujifilm X-T30 II Sample Photos
Lens Performance – The Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS has already been reviewed in detail, has been given 4 stars, and is recommended. The colours are good, the AF is nice and snappy and the sharpness is excellent, particularly at the centre of the frame. The OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) feature is always welcome, and when tested this reviewer found results that concurred with the original review; that is, an advantage of around 3.5 stops. In summary, a “kit lens” that represents a significant step up from the norm and one that is also significantly faster.
Fujifilm X-T30 II ISO test images
ISO Noise Performance - We may well be on the cusp of a moment where we start to throw away our current perceptions regarding ISO. Up to ISO 400 we have virtually no difference in the noise level and all settings are totally usable. ISO 800 and 1600 start to show the slightest signs of noise creeping in, but again they are very usable. ISO 3200 and 6400 are really very good indeed and, although they do show noise, it is compact and crisp and the edges of the test chart boxes are still well defined. ISO 12800 is giving up the fight and by 25600 and 51200 it is lost. However, even at these high ISO values, with the right subject matter it is not a total write-off and there is value in having the options available, at a level far better than we might have expected.
Fujifilm X-T30 II White-balance test images
White Balance Performance - White balance offers a good set of options: Auto White Priority, Auto, Auto Ambience Priority, Custom 1, Custom 2, Custom 3, Colour Temperature, Daylight, Shade, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, Incandescent and Underwater. The AWB options offer clean colour and, although it is perhaps surprising that there is no Cloudy option, this could be sorted as a Custom setting.
Fujifilm X-T30 II Digital filters
Digital Filters - Rather delightfully, for those who remember what the various films looked like, Fujifilm provides a lovely set of “film simulation” modes:
- Provia/Standard
- Velvia/Vivid
- Astia/Soft
- Classic Chrome
- Pro Neg High Contrast
- Pro Neg Standard
- Classic Neg
- Eterna/Cinema
- Eterna Bleach Bypass
- Acros (Black and White)
- Monochrome
- Sepia
This is not all nostalgia though, as each setting is also explained, and indeed more recent film looks are included, such as the Cinematic Eterna. This is a good way of looking at Digital Filters and a bit more self-explanatory than seemingly random names.
Video - Extensive video capability is rapidly becoming the norm, and the X-T30 II is no exception to this. This is a whole area in itself, but specifications include Full HD at 240p, F-log, BT.709 playback, 4K 30p 4:2:0 8-bit, 4:2:2 10-bit via the HDMI cable, 4K oversampling from 6K signal, DCI Format 17:9.
Those looking for excellent quality presented in a straightforward manner will have enough to satisfy those requirements. Whereas at one time it was compact cameras offering good but casual video shooting, things have matured somewhat and the standard is now very high.
You can view additional videos on the ePHOTOzine YouTube Channel.
Value For Money
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is available as a body only at £769 or in a kit with the EBC Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS lens at £1099. The kit option offers a sound, above-average kit lens that can produce fine results and can be recommended.
Alternatives might be:
- Fujifilm X-T30 II + XC 15-45mm, £849
- Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 27mm WR, £949
- Fujifilm X-S10 + XF 16-80mm, £1399
- Fujifilm X-S10 + XC 15-45mm, £999
- Nikon Zfc + 16-50mm, £1089
- Nikon Z50 + 16-50mm, £1039
- Canon EOS RP + 24-105mm, £1329
- Panasonic Lumix G9 + Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4, £1299
- Sony ZV-E10 + 16-50mm, £769
- Sony A6100 + 16-50mm, £749
- Sony A6400 + 16-50mm, £999
Against plenty of good competitive alternatives, the Fujifilm X-T30 II offers good sound value for money.
For more options, have a look at our top lists and other camera reviews.
Fujifilm X-T30 II Verdict
Fujifilm offers an excellent range of alternative camera bodies, with different operational styles and at various price levels. The X-T30 II is stills and video-friendly, versatile and performs very well indeed. It is a little fiddly in some operations, with unfortunate placing of particularly the Q button, but with practice, it can surely be worked around. The compact, light form factor is sure to gain the camera many fans and it makes it a strong contender for travel and even perhaps for street photography.
If we also add to this the large number of superb Fujinon lenses available, then the potential adds up to a very attractive proposition at a very fair price.
"Highly Recommended"
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Highly Recommended – A compact, unobtrusive camera with both stills and video photographers well catered for. |