Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review

Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review: The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a highly anticipated upgrade to the original X-T30, launched in 2019. This mirrorless camera offers an impressive blend of portability, advanced features, and image quality, making it a compelling option for both amateur and professional photographers. In this comprehensive Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review, we will explore its various features, performance in different photography scenarios, and overall usability.

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Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Specifications

General

Model Name: Fujifilm X-T30 II
Type: Mirrorless digital camera

Sensor

Sensor Type: X-Trans CMOS 4
Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Effective Pixels: 26.1 megapixels
Total Pixels: 26.6 megapixels

Image Processor

Processor: X-Processor 4

Lens Mount

Compatible Mountings: Fujifilm X Mount

Image Quality

Image Formats: JPEG, RAW
Image Stabilization: Optical (dependent on lens)
Aspect Ratios: 3:2, 16:9, 1:1

ISO Sensitivity

Standard ISO: 160 to 12800 (expandable to 80-51200)

Focus

Autofocus System: Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast and phase detection)
Number of Focus Points: 425
Focus Modes: Single AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus
Low Light AF: Down to -7EV (with XF50mmF1.0 R WR lens)

Shutter

Shutter Type: Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter Speed: Mechanical Shutter: 4 sec to 1/4000 sec, Electronic Shutter: 4 sec to 1/32000 sec, Combined: 60 min to 1/32000 sec

Continuous Shooting

Burst Rate: Up to 8 fps with mechanical shutter, up to 20 fps with electronic shutter (1.25x crop), up to 30 fps with electronic shutter (1.25x crop)

Viewfinder

Type: Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
Resolution: 2.36 million dots
Coverage: Approx. 100%
Magnification: 0.62x

Display

Screen Size: 3.0 inches
Screen Type: Tilting touchscreen LCD
Resolution: 1.04 million dots

Video

4K Video: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30p, 25p, 24p
Full HD Video: 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
High Speed Video: Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 240p, 200p, 120p, 100p
Video Formats: MOV, MP4
Color Output: 10-bit 4:2:2 via HDMI

Connectivity

Wireless: Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Ports: USB Type-C, HDMI Micro (Type D), 2.5mm Microphone/Remote Release, 3.5mm Headphone Jack (via USB-C adapter)

Storage

Memory Card Slot: 1 x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)

Battery

Battery Type: NP-W126S Li-ion battery
Battery Life: Approx. 380 shots per charge (CIPA standard)

Physical

Dimensions: 118.4 x 82.8 x 46.8 mm (4.7 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches)
Weight: Approx. 383 g (13.5 oz) including battery and memory card

Additional Features

Film Simulation Modes: 18 (including Provia, Velvia, Astia, Classic Chrome, Pro Neg. Hi, Pro Neg. Std, Classic Neg, Eterna, Eterna Bleach Bypass, Acros, Monochrome, Sepia, etc.)
Advanced SR Auto mode: Automatically selects optimal settings from 58 presets
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control
Compatible with FUJIFILM Camera Remote App and INSTAX Smartphone printers

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Design and Build Quality: Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review

The Fujifilm X-T30 II retains the classic, retro design that Fujifilm cameras are known for. Its compact and lightweight body is made of high-quality materials, giving it a robust feel while being easy to carry around. The camera’s design includes numerous physical dials and buttons, providing photographers with quick access to essential settings. This tactile interface is ideal for those who prefer hands-on control over their camera settings.

Dimensions and Weight

Weighing just 383 grams, the X-T30 II is exceptionally portable. Its dimensions of 118.4 x 82.8 x 46.8 mm make it small enough to fit into a bag without taking up much space, which is perfect for travel and street photography. Despite its compact size, the camera does not compromise on build quality, ensuring durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.

Ergonomics

The camera’s grip is comfortable, though it might feel a bit cramped for those with larger hands due to its compact size. However, the placement of dials and buttons is well thought out, making it easy to adjust settings quickly. The two-way tilting touchscreen adds to its versatility, allowing photographers to shoot from high or low angles with ease.

Image Quality: Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review

The Fujifilm X-T30 II excels in delivering high-quality images, thanks to its advanced sensor and processor. It features a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and an X-Processor 4, which work together to produce stunning images with excellent detail and vibrant colors.

Sensor and Image Processing

The fourth-generation X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor is back-illuminated, which helps minimize noise and enhances sensitivity, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions. The unique structure of the X-Trans color filter array reduces moiré and false colors without the need for an optical low pass filter, ensuring sharp and detailed images.

Color Reproduction

One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X-T30 II is its color reproduction. Fujifilm is renowned for its color science, and this camera is no exception. The colors are true-to-life and vibrant, making it an excellent choice for portrait, landscape, and travel photography. Additionally, the camera offers 18 Film Simulation modes, allowing photographers to replicate the look of classic film stocks directly in-camera.

Autofocus and Performance: Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review

The autofocus system of the X-T30 II is another significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a fast and accurate autofocus system, which is crucial for capturing sharp images of moving subjects.

Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

The X-T30 II boasts a sophisticated autofocus system with 425 phase-detection points covering nearly the entire frame. It can focus in as little as 0.02 seconds, ensuring that you never miss a moment. The improved tracking capabilities allow for better performance when photographing fast-moving subjects, making it suitable for sports and wildlife photography.

Low Light Performance

Low light focusing performance has been expanded from the original X-T30 model, with the X-T30 II capable of focusing down to -7EV when paired with the XF50mmF1.0 R WR lens. This makes it possible to achieve accurate focus even in extremely dim conditions, adding to the camera’s versatility.

Video Capabilities

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is not just a still photography camera; it also offers robust video recording features. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and 1080p recording at up to 240 frames per second, allowing for impressive slow-motion footage.

4K Recording

For filmmakers, the X-T30 II provides 10-bit 4:2:2 color output via HDMI and supports F-Log recording internally, offering greater flexibility in post-production. The camera’s advanced video features, combined with Fujifilm’s excellent color science, make it a great tool for videographers who require high-quality footage.

Video Stabilization

While the camera itself does not have in-body stabilization, pairing it with optically stabilized Fuji lenses can significantly smooth out camera shake, making handheld shooting more manageable. This is particularly beneficial for vlogging and run-and-gun style filmmaking.

Limitations

Despite its strong video capabilities, the X-T30 II has some limitations. It lacks a fully articulating screen, which can be a drawback for vloggers who need to see themselves while recording. Additionally, the camera can overheat during extended 4K recording sessions, and there is noticeable rolling shutter distortion in 4K mode, which can affect footage quality during fast movements.

Usability and Features: Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is designed to be user-friendly, offering a range of features that enhance its usability for photographers of all skill levels.

Touchscreen and Viewfinder

The camera is equipped with a three-inch, two-way tilting touchscreen that provides intuitive control over settings and makes it easy to navigate menus. The electronic viewfinder offers a clear and detailed view of your subject, making it easier to compose shots accurately.

Film Simulation Modes

One of the unique features of Fujifilm cameras is their Film Simulation modes. The X-T30 II includes 18 different modes that replicate the look of classic Fujifilm film stocks, such as Velvia, Provia, and Acros. These modes allow photographers to add a distinctive style to their images without the need for extensive post-processing.

Connectivity

The X-T30 II is equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling easy sharing of images and videos. You can connect the camera to your smartphone using the FUJIFILM Camera Remote App, which allows you to transfer photos, control the camera remotely, and even print images directly to a compatible FUJIFILM INSTAX printer.

Battery Life

One area where the X-T30 II could be improved is battery life. The camera’s battery can deliver around 380 shots per charge, which is decent but might not be sufficient for a full day of shooting, especially for travel or event photography. Carrying spare batteries or using a portable power bank can help mitigate this limitation.

Performance in Different Photography Scenarios

The versatility of the Fujifilm X-T30 II makes it suitable for a wide range of photography genres. Here, we will evaluate its performance in travel photography, sports and wildlife photography, and vlogging.

Travel Photography

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is an excellent choice for travel photography. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, while its robust build ensures durability. The camera’s excellent image quality, combined with its intuitive controls and versatile features, makes it a reliable companion for capturing memorable travel moments.

Sports and Wildlife Photography

For sports and wildlife photography, the X-T30 II offers a good balance of speed and accuracy. Its fast autofocus system and high burst rate make it capable of capturing fast-moving subjects with ease. However, the camera’s limited RAW photo buffer and longer time to clear the buffer can be a drawback for extended shooting sessions. Despite this, the camera performs well in most situations, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts.

Vlogging

The X-T30 II has several features that make it suitable for vlogging, such as its compact size, excellent video quality, and effective optical image stabilization when paired with the right lenses. However, the lack of a fully articulating screen and potential overheating issues during prolonged 4K recording can be limiting factors. For vloggers who can work around these limitations, the X-T30 II can still be a valuable tool.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review

In this Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review, we have explored the various aspects of this versatile mirrorless camera. Its combination of high image quality, advanced features, and portability makes it a compelling choice for photographers and videographers alike.

Pros

Image Quality: The camera delivers excellent image quality with vibrant colors and great detail, thanks to its X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4.
Autofocus Performance: The fast and accurate autofocus system, coupled with improved low-light performance, ensures sharp images in various conditions.
Video Capabilities: With 4K recording, 10-bit color output, and slow-motion video, the X-T30 II is a capable tool for videographers.
Portability: Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, ideal for travel and street photography.
User-Friendly Features: The camera offers numerous physical controls, a tilting touchscreen, and convenient connectivity options for easy sharing and remote control.

Cons

Battery Life: The battery life could be improved, necessitating spare batteries for extended shoots.
Video Limitations: Overheating issues and rolling shutter distortion in 4K mode can affect video quality during extended recording sessions.
Screen Articulation: The lack of a fully articulating screen can be a drawback for vloggers.

Final Recommendation: Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a versatile and capable camera that caters to a wide range of photography and videography needs. Its strengths in image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities make it a strong contender in the mid-range mirrorless camera market. While it has some limitations, such as battery life and screen articulation, these can be managed with proper planning and accessories.

Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera Review: Overall, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is highly recommended for photographers who seek a compact, high-performance camera with a rich set of features and excellent image quality. Whether you are a travel photographer, a sports and wildlife enthusiast, or a budding videographer, the X-T30 II offers a well-rounded package that is sure to inspire creativity and deliver stunning results.

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