photo by recep-bg via iStock
The X-T30 is a new APS-C mirrorless camera released by Fujifilm. Although the camera was launched only a week ago, everyone is already talking about its outstanding capabilities.
Since it came out shortly after the Fujifilm X-T3, these two cameras are very similar and those who are looking for a new camera might have a problem deciding which one is the better choice.
The Fujifilm X-T30 offers similar features as the Fujifilm X-T3, but it is much smaller and costs less. Of course, the lower price implies that it can’t be as good as its older brother, but if it has all the features you are looking for, why should you waste money on the more expensive model?
In this comparison review, we will help you to decide which one of these two cameras better suits your needs.
The Fujifilm X-T3 or Fujifilm X-T30?
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Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T30 – Design
To begin with, let’s compare the design of these two cameras.
Both of them are compact and lightweight, but the Fujifilm X-T30 clearly wins in this battle. The camera has a weight of 13.5 oz, while it is 4.66 inches wide, 3.26 inches long, and 1.84 inches deep.
FujiFilm X-T3
Actually, the X-T30 looks like a miniature X-T3 and it is so light that you will barely feel it in your hand.
While there are good sides that come with compact size, there are also certain disadvantages. For example, the grip is far more comfortable in the X-T3, especially if you use telephoto lenses that can be quite heavy.
FujiFilm X-T30
Moreover, the X-T3 is weather-proofed which it is not the case with the X-T30. While you don’t need to worry about dust, moisture, and snow while using the Fujifilm X-T3, the new camera is not very resistant to these things so it needs additional care when used in harsh weather conditions.
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Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T30 - LCD and Viewfinder comparison
FujiFilm X-T3
The X-T3 has a better electronic viewfinder because it has a bigger resolution (3.69 vs 2.36 million dots) and higher magnification (0.75x vs 0.62x).
Additionally, there are differences in the LCD screen. Although they both incorporate a 3-inch LCD screen with a 1040K resolution, the X-T30 can be tilted in two ways, while the display on the X-T3 can be angled up, down, and to the side.
FujiFilm X-T30
The LCD screen on the X-T30 has an advantage because its touchscreen technology seems to be quicker reacting, consequently making it easier to use.
Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T30 – Main Specs
The Fujifilm X-T30 has many similar features as its high-end sibling.
First of all, they both have a 26.1MP X-Trans sensor and X-Processor 4 Quad Core-CPU. This combination allows a native ISO from 160 to 12800, while it can be expanded down to 80 and up to 51200.
FujiFilm X-T3
Additionally, they both offer phase detection AF with 99% coverage, 4K video capabilities, continuous shooting speed of 30 frames per second, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other similar options for creating and editing stills and videos.
FujiFilm X-T30
It is worth mentioning the X-T30 has Advanced SR Auto mode which is aimed to make things easier for those who are not experienced photographers.
When using this mode, the camera will arrange the settings such as exposure and shutter speed automatically, so all you need to do is to press the button in order to make a clear photo.
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Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T30 - Continuous Shooting
Both cameras produce excellent results when it comes to burst shooting with the electronic shutter. On each camera, you can shoot at up to 30 frames per second, although at this speed the resolution will be compressed to 16MP and there will be a 1.25x crop.
If you want to avoid this, you can still shoot at 20fps (which is still quite impressive) and you will preserve full resolution and there will be no crop.
There are minor differences if you are using the mechanical shutter. The Fujifilm X-T3 allows continuous shooting at up to 11fps, while the X-T30 offers only eight frames per second.
Get a hands-on look at the Fujifilm X-T30 in the video above by Mathieu Gasquet.
Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T30 – Autofocus
Both cameras have very impressive phase detection autofocus system. Still, since it is a newer model, the X-T30 improves some of the things that were not so good on the X-T3.
For example, face and eye tracking will be much easier and more accurate. Now you can choose the face you want to lock on and it will be much harder to lose track of it as it was the case with the X-T3.
Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T30 – 4K Video Comparison
Although they both offer 4K video, the Fujifilm X-T3 is much more capable in this domain. This camera offers 4K video recording at 60fps (with a 1.18 crop), while it also allows longer recording times.
For example, the X-T3 can record 4K at 30 frames per second, but there is a time limit of ten minutes per clip.
Although the X-T3 also has a time limit for 4K videos, the clips can be 20 minutes long in 4K at 60fps, and 30 minutes long in 4K at 30fps.
Both cameras improve the quality of 4K videos by recording 6K and then downsampling them to 4K.
Furthermore, each of them offers Full HD recording at 120 fps, but as it is the case with 4K recordings, the X-T3 allows you to make longer videos. The Full HD recordings made by the X-T3 have a time limit of 30 minutes, while those made on the X-T30 have a time limit of 15 minutes.
Finally, the X-T3 allows a 10-bit internal option, while this is not the case with the X-T30.
See the Fujifilm X-T3 in action in the video above by The Art of Photography.
Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T30 – Price Comparison
You can the Fujifilm X-T3 for $1,399.00 brand-new while you can pick up a used one for about $1,289. You will need to spend $899 for the Fujifilm X-T30.
Overall, they are both really great cameras that can be used for versatile purposes. The only big advantage of the X-T3 is that it provides much better options for making videos. Also, the camera is built of stronger material so it has bigger chances to survive in different weather conditions.
On the other side, the X-T30 is a great camera for street photography. It is so small and lightweight that you can carry it with yourself every time you leave the house.
And if that is not enough, its price is quite affordable if you take into consideration what this camera has to offer.
Save even more cash by buying used. Read our MPB review to learn why MPB should be your source for used camera gear.