Fujifilm’s compact X-series camera gets a major boost

Fujifilm made waves late last year when they unveiled the X-T3: while it visually looks similar to its predecessor, Fujifilm did serious work with the X-T3’s internals, equipping it with its 4th-generation X-Trans processor and an all-new 26.1-megapixel sensor. The new set of internals improved not just the X-T3’s image quality, but also its autofocus speed.

Given the positive reception for the X-T3, it was just a matter of time that Fujifilm introduced the same set of features to the X-T30, which officially launched today globally.

The successor to the two-year-old X-T20 comes with the same sensor and X-Trans processor found on the X-T3: that means you get the same fast autofocus performance and the same high-resolution 26.1-megapixel sensor on the smaller X-T20. With an improved autofocus speed, the X-T30’s face/eye AF and face recognition is faster and more efficient, ensuring that you nail the focus properly.

In addition, the X-T30 can shoot 4K video at 30FPS; this time around, you have the choice to shoot 8-bit or 10-bit video, making it a great backup camera for professional videographers. You also get Fujifilm’s F-log recording, Eterna film simulation, and support —adding muscle to the X-T30’s video capabilities.

While the overall exterior of the X-T30 is similar to the X-T20, its biggest change is the focus lever joystick at the back. The shift from selector buttons to an actual joystick helps in easier navigation of autofocus points, along with better button arrangement and ergonomics.

Another subtle tweak on the X-T30 involves the LCD display, where Fujifilm made it thinner by 1.3mm for improved touchscreen response.

Like the X-T3, the X-T30 comes with a USB-C port that doubles as a charging port. On top of that, the X-T30’s USB-C port can be used for USB-C headphones for audio monitoring. The 2.5mm microphone jack and micro HDMI port remain present on the X-T30.

The X-T30 will be available this March in black and silver, and in June in charcoal. The X-T30 will be priced at $899(~Php 46.7k) for the body only, $999(~Php 52.2k) with the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens, and $1299(~Php 67.9k) with the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens.

UPDATE: Here’s the official price of the X-T30 in the Philippines:

Body only: PHP 52,990
With XF 18-55mm kit lens: PHP 75,990

Henry’s is accepting pre-orders from February 16 to March 16, where every purchase comes with an extra NP-W126S battery, an X-Shutter release button, hot shoe cover, a lens pouch, Photography and Videography workshop, and 6 months of extended warranty.