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Fujifilm X-T30 Camera Review

Tested using Methodology v0.12
Reviewed Feb 08, 2021 at 07:40 am
Latest change: Retest Aug 14, 2023 at 03:30 pm
Fujifilm X-T30 Picture
7.6
Travel Photography
7.9
Landscape Photography
7.1
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.5
Vlogging
7.2
Studio Video
4.9
Action Video
This camera was replaced by the Fujifilm X-T30 II

The Fujifilm X-T30 is a mirrorless DSLR camera with an interchangeable lens. It has a good image quality with a great autofocus performance, so you can take pictures that are sharp and relatively free of visible noise even at high ISO levels. It also supports 4k and FHD video recording, and while its 4k video quality is good, there's a bit more visible noise when you record in FHD. While this camera is portable and lightweight, users with larger hands may find it a bit uncomfortable to hold while shooting.

Our Verdict

7.6 Travel Photography

The Fujifilm X-T30 is good for travel photography. It has good image quality, so your images are clear and detailed. Its impressive autofocus system can help keep moving objects in focus, too. Its low minimum shutter speed also helps you take long exposure photographs. It's very portable, but people with larger hands may find it difficult to get a comfortable grip.

Pros
  • Portable, lightweight design.
  • Good image quality.
Cons
  • Not really comfortable for larger hands.
7.9 Landscape Photography

The Fujifilm X-T30 is good for landscape photography. It has a good image quality, so your images are sharp and without a lot of visible noise. There's also manual focus assistance to help you get a clear shot, and it has a well-built, portable design. While its lens lets in a lot of light, it has some noticeable light falloff that can make the corners of your shot look darker than the middle.

Pros
  • Portable, lightweight design.
  • Good image quality.
Cons
  • Not really comfortable for larger hands.
7.1 Sport & Wildlife Photography

The Fujifilm X-T30 is satisfactory for sports and wildlife photography. Its shooting speed is just okay, so you may have some difficulty getting clear images of fast-moving subjects. That said, this camera has a good image quality, so your pictures don't have a lot of visible noise. Also, its autofocus system is impressive, which helps keep the focus on moving subjects.

Pros
  • Good image quality.
Cons
  • Mediocre continuous high shooting speed.
6.5 Vlogging

The Fujifilm X-T30 is decent for vlogging. It has decent FHD video quality, and it produces an even sharper image when recording in 4k. It's portable, and it does an amazing job smoothing out camera shake if you're running or walking while filming. However, its screen isn't fully articulated, and you can't flip it around to see yourself while you film.

Pros
  • Amazing image stabilization performance in 4k and FHD.
  • Good 4k video quality.
  • Portable, lightweight design.
Cons
  • Screen tilts but doesn't rotate.
  • Not really comfortable for larger hands.
7.2 Studio Video

The Fujifilm X-T30 is good for studio video. Its video quality in FHD is decent, and there's even less visible noise present when you record in 4k. It also has a lot of inputs and outputs for videography accessories like a microphone and an external recorder. However, with recording time limits of 10 minutes in 4k and 15 minutes in FHD, it's not really ideal for long recording sessions.

Pros
  • Lots of inputs and outputs.
  • Outstanding video autofocus performance.
  • Good 4k video quality.
Cons
  • No headphones input.
  • Recording time limits may be prohibitive.
4.9 Action Video

The Fujifilm X-T30 is poor for action video. It isn't really designed for this use, as it can't be mounted on a helmet and isn't dust or water-resistant. It has a high-speed recording mode in FHD that captures footage at 120 fps, but it can only shoot 4k up to 30 fps. That said, its video stabilization performance in 4k and FHD is amazing, so your video is free of camera shake even if you're running while filming.

Pros
  • Amazing image stabilization performance in 4k and FHD.
Cons
  • No advertised dust and water resistance.
  • Limited 4k frame rate options.
  • 7.6 Travel Photography
  • 7.9 Landscape Photography
  • 7.1 Sport & Wildlife Photography
  • 6.5 Vlogging
  • 7.2 Studio Video
  • 4.9 Action Video
  1. Updated Aug 14, 2023: We've updated the sensor type to 'BSI CMOS' to reflect the sensor's back-illuminated design. We previously only noted that it was a 'CMOS' sensor.
  2. Updated Jun 06, 2023: We've updated the 'App Name' in the 'Menu System' section of the review to reflect this camera's compatibility with Fujifilm's new XApp.
  3. Updated Apr 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.
  4. Updated Mar 21, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.11.
  5. Updated Sep 23, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.10.
  6. Updated Aug 04, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.9.
  7. Updated Jun 06, 2022: Updated 'Recording Light' to 'Yes' after discovering this camera does in fact have a tally light. We also retested the camera's battery performance and found that its battery life in video is shorter than we initially reported, with more shutdowns from overheating. 'Tested Battery Life in Video' and 'Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k' have been updated accordingly.
  8. Updated Apr 22, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
  9. Updated Jan 12, 2022: Updated to add information about dynamic range feature.
  10. Updated Dec 21, 2021: Corrected input error with the number of command dials and updated 'FHD Frame Rate' with info about this camera's high-speed recording mode.
  11. Updated Jun 30, 2021: Retested object tracking success rate for photography and updated 'Autofocus' accordingly.
  12. Updated Apr 12, 2021: Corrected input error in 'Tested Lens' field.
  13. Updated Feb 08, 2021: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Fujifilm X-T30 comes in several different color variants: 'Black', 'Silver', and 'Charcoal Silver'. We tested the 'Black' variant with the FUJINON XF 18-55mm F/2.8-4 R lens, and you can see its label here. We expect the other color variants to perform similarly.

You can also purchase this camera in each color scheme with the FUJINON XC 15-45mm F/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens or without a lens at all, but we haven't tested the performance of these variants.

If you come across another version, let us know in the discussions so we can update our review.

Compared To Other Cameras

Fujifilm X-T5

The Fujifilm X-T5 sits above the Fujifilm X-T30 in Fujifilm's lineup and has a few advantages. It uses a newer, higher-resolution sensor, a higher-resolution EVF, and an improved autofocus system. It also has better video features, including more frame rate options and better internal recording capabilities. That said, the X-T30 is more portable and still has an excellent sensor, so it may be a good option if you prefer something more compact for photography.

Fujifilm X-T30 II

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a refreshed version of the Fujifilm X-T30. The cameras look almost identical on the outside, though the Mark II has a higher-resolution tilting screen. The X-T30 II also has internal upgrades, including a newer autofocus system, a slightly larger photo buffer, and longer video recording time limits. Overall, it's a solid improvement, but if you already own an X-T30, it isn't different enough to warrant an upgrade.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
7.9
Design
Portability
Height
3.3" (8.3 cm)
Width
5.1" (12.9 cm)
Depth
2.0" (5.2 cm)
Volume
34.1 in³ (559.2 cm³)
Weight
0.86 lbs (0.39 kg)
8.0
Design
Build Quality

  • Metal and plastic build feels robust and solid
  • Screen mechanism is sturdy
  • Dials and buttons feel sturdy
  • Inputs are covered by a hinged flap
  • Battery and SD Card covered by hinged door

Design
Body
Body Type
SLR-Style
Water Resistance
No
Mirrorless
Yes
Rugged
No
Hot Shoe
Yes
Customizable Button
Yes
Command Dial
3
Tripod Mount
Yes
Lens Mount
X Mount
Built-In Flash
Yes
Fastest Shutter Speed
1/4,000 s
Design
In The Box

  • Fujifilm XT30
  • FUJINON XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS lens
  • Lens cap
  • Lens cover
  • Owner's Manual
  • Shoulder strap
  • 1x NP-W126S battery
  • Sensor cap
  • Charging adapter
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • Plastic tool

6.0
Design
Ergonomics & Comfort
Hand Grip: Small Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Medium Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Large Hand
No
Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
No

  • Suitable for smaller hands
  • Body is small, causing cramped grip for people with larger hands
  • Shoulder straps are in the way of grip
  • Plastic eyecup is stiff

Design
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Advertised Coverage
100%
Advertised Resolution
2.36 million dots
Advertised Magnification
0.62
6.9
Design
Screen
Screen Articulation Type
Tilting
Screen Max Brightness
785 cd/m²
Advertised Resolution
1.04 million dots
Size
3.0" (7.6 cm)
Touchscreen
Limited
8.0
Design
Menu System
Guide Mode
No
App Name
Fujifilm XApp

  • Joystick allows for quick and easy menu system navigation
  • App lets you control camera from your smartphone
  • No Guide Mode to explain features to new users

not tested
Design
Built-In Lens
Maximum Aperture
No built-in lens
Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Minimum Focal Length
N/A
Maximum Focal Length
N/A
Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Optical Image Stabilization
No
Luminance
N/A
Light Falloff
N/A
Design
Sensor
Sensor Type
BSI CMOS
Advertised Effective Pixels
26.1 MP
Sensor Size
APS-C
Processor
X-Processor 4
Extended ISO Minimum
80
Native ISO Minimum (Base ISO)
160
Native ISO Maximum
12,800
Tested Firmware
1.30
6.4
Design
Battery
Battery Type
Fujifilm NP-W126S
USB Charging
Yes
Use When Charging
Yes
Advertised Battery Life In Photo
380 photos
Tested Battery Life In Video
52 min
Photo General
6.6
Photo General
Photo Shooting Speed
Low Speed Continuous
6 fps
High Speed Continuous
8 fps
Silent Shooting Continuous
10 fps
Raw Buffer Size
19 Photos
JPEG Buffer Size
10,000 Photos
Buffer Empty Time
13 s
3.2
Photo General
Photo AF-C Tracking
Autofocus Tracking Shots
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
23%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
31%
8.9
Photo General
Photo AF-C Center Point
Autofocus Center Point Shots
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
88%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
91%
8.3
Photo General
Photo Image Stabilization
Minimum Shutter Speed Achieved
1/8 s
In-Body Image Stabilization
No
Photo Image Quality
7.8
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range At Base ISO
9.9 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/500s Exposure Time
8.4 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/2000s Exposure Time
7.2 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/4000s Exposure Time
6.6 f-stops
8.2
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Sharpness
Vertical Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
1,873 LW/PH
Horizontal Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
1,869 LW/PH
7.8
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Noise
SNR 18% At 1/8 Exposure Time (125 ms)
33.6dB
SNR 18% At 1/125 Exposure Time (8 ms)
25.5 dB
SNR 18% At 1/1000 Exposure Time (1 ms)
N/A
SNR 18% At 1/4000 Exposure Time (0.25 ms)
N/A
Pictures Sample Gallery
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Skate Park Picture
JPEG Skate Park Picture Download
RAW Skate Park Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Polish Church Picture
JPEG Polish Church Picture Download
RAW Polish Church Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Studio Picture
JPEG Studio Picture Download
RAW Studio Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Stairway Picture
JPEG Stairway Picture Download
RAW Stairway Picture Download
Video General
Video General
Video Features
Full HD Video
Yes
4k Video
Yes
6k Video
No
Clean HDMI Output
Yes
Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI
4:2:2
Advertised Max Bit Depth Over HDMI
10 bits
Log Picture Profile
Yes
Recording Light
Yes
Video General
Audio
Audio Test Sample
Audio Recording
Stereo
Microphone Level Display
Yes
Video General
Video File Format And Compression
MP4 H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
No
MP4 H.265 / HEVC
No
MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Yes
MOV H.265 / HEVC
No
AVCHD H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
No
All-I Compression
No
4k Video
8.5
4k Video
4k Video Frame Rate
240 fps In 4k
No
120 fps In 4k
No
60 fps In 4k
No
30 fps In 4k
Yes
24 fps In 4k
Yes
4k Crop At Max Available fps
1 x
5.5
4k Video
4k Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In 4k
200 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In 4k
100 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In 4k
4:2:0
Bit Depth In 4k
8 Bit
Record Time Limit In 4k
10 min
Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k
4

If you want longer recording times, check out the Fujifilm X-T30 II, which can record 4k video for up to 30 minutes.

9.3
4k Video
4k Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In 4k
9.0
Face Tracking In 4k
9.3
Face Detection In 4k
Yes
Eye Detection In 4k
Yes
8.3
4k Video
4k Video Quality
Low Light Capability In 4k
7.5
Test Scene Extract In 4k
9.0
5.7
4k Video
4k Video Rolling Shutter Effect
4k Rolling Shutter
7.0°
Full HD Video
9.2
Full HD Video
FHD Video Frame Rate
240 fps In FHD
No
120 fps In FHD
Yes, with a Crop
60 fps In FHD
Yes
30 fps In FHD
Yes
24 fps In FHD
Yes
FHD Crop At Max Available fps
1.2 x

Update 12/21/2021: Like other Fujifilm cameras we've tested, the X-T30 has a high-speed recording mode that can capture 1080p footage at 120 fps for slow-motion playback, though using this feature incurs a slight crop.

6.9
Full HD Video
FHD Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In FHD
200 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In FHD
50 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In FHD
4:2:0
Bit Depth In FHD
8 Bit
Record Time Limit in FHD
15 min
9.1
Full HD Video
FHD Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In FHD
9.0
Face Tracking In FHD
8.8
Face Detection In FHD
Yes
Eye Detection In FHD
Yes
7.5
Full HD Video
FHD Video Quality
Low Light Capability In FHD
7.0
Test Scene Extract In FHD
8.0
7.0
Full HD Video
FHD Video Rolling Shutter Effect
FHD Rolling Shutter
4.0°
Storage And Connectivity
Storage And Connectivity
Storage
Card 1 Slot
SD Card UHS-I
Card 2 Slot
No 2nd Card Slot
8.5
Storage And Connectivity
Inputs / Outputs
USB
USB-C
HDMI
Micro (Type D)
Headphones
No
Microphone
Stereo
Wi-Fi
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes