Fujifilm X30 Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Fujifilm X30 is a new serious compact camera from Fujifilm, and updates the X20, the camera features a large electronic viewfinder with 2.36million dots, a tilting 3inch screen, improved battery life, improved controls with a new control ring around the lens, and built in Wi-Fi. The camera is available now priced at £479 in black or silver.

Fujifilm X30 Features

Like the Fujifilm X10 and X20, the X30 switches on and off with the manual zoom control and the camera now features a new command dial that surrounds the lens.

The camera features an improved rubber grip at the front and back, as well as a command dial at the rear. There is a front function button, as well as a rear function button. The exposure compensation dial now goes to 3 (+/-), compared to 2 on the X20.

A high resolution electronic viewfinder with an eye-detection sensor can be found on the back and the camera will automatically switch to the EVF when held up to the eye. The electronic viewfinder is larger than most found in compact cameras, at 0.39 inches and is of a high resolution at 2.36million dots.

The camera features the same 12 megapixel Hybrid AF CMOS sensor as the X20, with phase detection built into the sensor to give improved focus speeds, and the X-Trans sensor has no anti-aliasing filter for the sharpest image quality possible.

The sensor used in the X30 uses the same colour filter array as introduced with the X-Pro1 which is designed to give better noise performance, and also allows the removal of the anti-aliasing filter, which is said to give better detail, over the sensor used in the X10. The sensor is designed to be better in low-light and show less noise. DR (Dynamic Range) options extend to 400% in this model.



Technology implemented in the X30 and X20 is designed to reduce the effects of diffraction and aberration when using smaller apertures, which should result in sharper pictures.

Key Features 

• 12 megapixel 2/3inch X-Trans CMOS sensor
• 4x optical zoom lens, f/2.0-2.8, 28-112mm equivalent
• Optical image stabilisation
• 2.36m dot OLED Real-time electronic viewfinder (EVF) 0.65x, 0.39inch
• 3inch tilting screen, 920k dots, Vertical screen mode
• Front and rear command wheels (lens ring at front)
• RAW shooting, P/A/S/M
• New battery for 470 shots (same battery as X100)
• New Classic Chrome film mode
• Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Full HD video, 60/50/30/25/24fps
• Stereo sound, Mic socket, Mic level adjustment, ISO100-1600 selectable (Video)
• 12fps continuous shooting
• Available in black, or two-tone black and silver

Fujifilm X30 Handling

Handling - Build quality is excellent with a solid metal body and there is an improved rubber grip at front and back (instead of just texture on the X20) giving a much more re-assuring grip when holding the camera with just one hand, and in addition, the handgrip is also larger. The focus mode switch is found at the front as well as a new function button. On top is a classic shutter release button with screw thread.

The Q menu gives quick access to a number of settings on the rear screen, with the Fujifilm menus providing more advanced photo and setup options, neatly arranged into colour coded sections. A pop-up flash is activated by using a manual switch on the back, and is closed by simply pushing it back in. The optical viewfinder in the X20 gave 85% coverage, whereas the new electronic viewfinder gives 100% coverage so you can see exactly what you are shooting.

On top of the camera is an exposure compensation dial, which lets you quickly adjust the exposure, although it’s quite easy to forget that you’ve changed it and leave it set by accident. 

Battery life - The X30 has improved battery life offering 470 shots, thanks to the camera using the same NP-95 battery as the X100/s series. 

Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras

	Fujifilm X30
Shutter Response	<0.05
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response	0.2
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response	0.25
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo	1.3
Shot to Shot without Flash	0.6
Shot to Shot with Flash	1.2
Continuous Shooting - JPEG (shots before slow down)	9fps (22 shots)
Continuous Shooting - Flash	N/A
Continuous Shooting - RAW	8fps (12 shots)

Focus was quick, as was shutter response, and using the high speed shooting mode we were able to shoot at 9fps when shooting JPEG images, and 8fps when shooting raw. 

Fujifilm X30 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 X30 Sample Photos

Sample Photos - Exposure is reliable with the camera consistently producing bright saturated images with good levels of detail. The flash performs quite well with a good mix between the subject and background detail, giving natural look results, although the flash does appear quite weak. The camera produces images with excellent colour that is typical of Fujifilm cameras, particularly if you like rich saturated colours. 

Fujifilm X30 Lens test images

Lens Performance - Dynamic range (DR) is good, with the camera offering a number of ways to expand the amount captured, with an option for up to 400% DR. Macro performance is excellent with the camera letting you focus with the subject as close as 1cm from the front of the lens in super macro mode, giving excellent results. Purple fringing and chromatic aberrations are low, and there is very little lens distortion visible.

Fujifilm X30 ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance - ISO performance is good at the lowest ISO setting of ISO100 and detail is also good until you reach ISO800 where fine details can be lost. Images are sharp even at ISO1600, and noise becomes more noticeable at ISO3200. ISO6400 and ISO12800 images aren't resized as they were on the previous model, however noise is quite strong so these settings are best avoided.

Fujifilm X30 White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - Auto white balance (AWB) performance is good under tungsten lighting with a warm result, with the tungsten preset giving more natural results. AWB performs well under fluorescent lighting, with the fluorescent preset giving a colour cast to the image.

Panoramic | 1/450 sec | f/5.6 | 7.1 mm | ISO 100

Panorama mode - The camera features an automatic panoramic mode that automatically stitches the photos as you hold the shutter release button and pan the camera around. Results are good, with the camera offering 120, 180 or 360 degree photos.

Fujifilm X30 Digital filters

Digital Filters - There are a number of film simulation modes, dynamic range options (100% - 400%), as well as effects, including Toy camera, Miniature, pro low-light mode, pro-focus mode, multiple exposures, and more. There are a number of bracketing options available including DR and Film Simulation bracketing, as well as ISO bracketing. RAW processing is built in and can be used in playback mode. Although the RAW file is not saved or available as an options with a number of these modes, or the scene modes.

Video - Video quality is impressive, recording full HD video, at 60fps, giving smooth results, although with a manual zoom ring, getting a smooth zoom can be difficult. There is now a microphone socket on the side of the camera to add an external microphone. 

 

Value For Money

The Fujifilm X30 is up against a number of competitors, with nearly all manufacturers having a camera or even two models available in the “serious compact” market. As the Fujifilm X30 features a built in EVF, here are the nearest competitors with EVF, OVF or option available:

Olympus Stylus 1 – f/2.8, 10.7x optical zoom lens, EVF, £449 
Canon Powershot G16 – f/1.8-f/2.8, 5x optical zoom lens, optical viewfinder, £369
Nikon Coolpix P7800 – f/2.0-f/4.0, 7.1x optical zoom lens, vari-angle screen, EVF, £380 
Panasonic Lumix LX7 – f/1.4-f/2.3, 3.8x optical zoom lens, optional EVF available, £275 
Panasonic Lumix LX100 - f/1.7-f/2.8, 3.1x optical zoom lens, 1.33inch (m43) sensor, with EVF, £699
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark III - f/1.8-2.8, 2.9x optical zoom lens, 1inch sensor, with EVF, £699

The Fujifilm X30 is available for £479 – which prices it higher than a number of the other models listed above. For more suggestions, have a look at our Top 10 Best Serious Compact Cameras. You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Fujifilm X30 Verdict

The Fujifilm X30 delivers sharp, detailed images with rich saturated colours typical of Fujifilm, as well as good noise performance. The camera has a 3inch tilting screen, plus a high resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), built in Wi-Fi, and improved battery life.  

The Fujifilm X30 delivers high image quality, unique handling and features, as well as a high resolution electronic viewfinder, in a well built and stylish camera, with full manual controls, raw shooting and flash hot shoe. If these are features you’re looking for, and have the money to invest, then the Fujifilm X30 comes highly recommended.

	The Fujifilm X30 delivers impressive image quality from a compact camera with retro styling, and good battery life.

Fujifilm X30 Pros

Excellent colour and image quality
Excellent build quality and design
Electronic viewfinder
Eye-detection sensor
f/1.8 4x optical zoom lens
Manual controls
Fast continuous shooting
Q menu gives quick access to options
Printed manual and neck strap included
Improved battery life
Electronic level

Fujifilm X30 Cons

Price
RAW not available in some modes

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

 

Fujifilm X30 Specifications

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