Fujifilm X-T30 II with XF18-55mm Fujifilm - Review 🏆

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is an APS-C mirrorless digital camera that was announced in September 2022. It is the successor to the popular X-T30 model that was released in 2019.

The X-T30 II features a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor and the X-Processor 4 image processing engine. It has a native ISO range of 160-12800, which can be expanded to ISO 80-51200. The camera can shoot continuously at up to 8 fps or up to 30 fps with the electronic shutter.

Key features and specs of the X-T30 II include:

• 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
• X-Processor 4 image processor
• 3.0" tilting touchscreen LCD
• 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• Advanced phase-detection autofocus system
• 4K/30p video recording
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Weighs just 383g body only

The X-T30 II aims to deliver high-quality images and video in a compact, lightweight body. It retains the retro rangefinder-style design of previous X-T models. This review will examine the camera's capabilities across different areas.

Design

The Fujifilm X-T30 II has a stylish and compact retro design that feels substantial and well-built. The magnesium alloy body with aluminum top and bottom plates provides durability while keeping the camera lightweight.

At just 383g, the X-T30 II is highly portable yet does not feel flimsy. The textured coating on the front and rear grip areas provide a secure hold. The dials have a nice stiffness and tactile feedback. Overall, the X-T30 II continues Fujifilm's tradition of excellent build quality in an attractive vintage aesthetic.

Some notable design aspects include the PASM dial on top which lets you quickly change exposure modes. There is also a dedicated shutter speed dial and exposure compensation dial for easy adjustments. The buttons and dials are intelligently laid out for intuitive control while shooting.

The X-T30 II retains the same compact form factor as its predecessor. The centrally-aligned electronic viewfinder and 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD on the back make it easy to compose shots from different angles. With its retro styling, logical controls and sturdy build, the X-T30 II is a very well-designed mirrorless camera.

In addition to the X-T30 II, the Fujifilm X100V is another excellent offering from Fujifilm, boasting a fixed 23mm F2 lens and a 26.1MP APS-C sensor. The X100V combines classic rangefinder styling with modern functionality, including a weather-resistant build and an Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder. This makes it a versatile choice for street photography and everyday shooting.

Image Quality

The Fujifilm X-T30 II features an APS-C sized 26.1 MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, which delivers excellent resolution and dynamic range. The high megapixel count allows for large prints and heavy cropping flexibility.

Image quality is further enhanced by the X-Processor 4, providing fast processing speeds and good high ISO performance up to ISO 12800. Noise is well-controlled, with a balance between detail retention and noise reduction.

The sensor and processor combination enables a wide dynamic range of approximately 13 stops. This allows for good detail retention in highlights and shadows when shooting high contrast scenes. Fujifilm's Film Simulation modes can also be used for creative effect.

Overall, the image quality of the X-T30 II is impressive for its class, producing crisp detailed photos and flexible RAW files. The APS-C sensor size provides a great balance between resolution, dynamic range and high ISO noise performance. Photographers will be pleased with the image quality results across a variety of shooting situations.

Pairing the X-T30 II with the Fujifilm XF23mmF1.4 WR lens further enhances its capabilities. This lens offers a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4, which is perfect for low-light conditions and achieving shallow depth-of-field effects. The WR designation signifies weather resistance, making it suitable for challenging environments. With its advanced optics and fast aperture, this lens provides sharp, high-quality images, complementing the X-T30 II's sensor excellently.

Autofocus

The Fujifilm X-T30 II has a fast and accurate autofocus system that makes it easy to capture sharp images. It uses a hybrid phase and contrast detection AF system with 425 selectable AF points that cover nearly the entire frame.

Some of the focus modes available include Single Point for precise focusing, Zone for focusing on a grouped area, and Wide/Tracking for focusing on moving subjects across a wider area. Face and eye detection are also available and work very well at detecting and tracking human subjects.

In terms of speed, the autofocus is extremely fast thanks to the fast X-Processor 4 image processor. It can achieve focus lock in as little as 0.02 seconds, even in low light conditions. This makes it easy to capture fast action shots.

The autofocus also excels in terms of accuracy. The phase detection pixels provide fast and precise autofocus acquisition, while the contrast detection helps fine tune the focus for maximum sharpness. Even when shooting at the camera's maximum burst rate of 8fps, it's able to maintain focus on moving subjects.

Overall, the autofocus system on the X-T30 II is fast, accurate, and versatile enough to handle a wide variety of shooting situations. It's a major upgrade over previous Fujifilm models and makes the X-T30 II a great choice for action photography.

Video Capabilities

The Fujifilm X-T30 II can shoot high quality video with various resolutions, frame rates and codecs to choose from. For maximum resolution, it can record DCI 4K video (4096 x 2160 pixels) at up to 30 fps. The more standard 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) can be recorded at up to 30fps as well. If you need higher frame rates, you can shoot Full HD 1080p video at up to 240fps for smooth slow motion effects.

The X-T30 II records video using the H.264 codec for MP4 files. But it also offers the more advanced H.265 codec for HEIF files, which provides greater compression while maintaining image quality. Some additional features for video include the ability to output 10-bit 4:2:2 video over HDMI, F-log recording for maximum dynamic range, and mic and headphone ports for better audio recording options. Overall, the video capabilities of the X-T30 II are quite extensive for a mirrorless camera of its class. It provides filmmakers and content creators with plenty of resolution, frame rate, bit rate and codec choices to work with.

Connectivity

The Fujifilm X-T30 II offers a good range of connectivity options. On the physical side, it has a 3.5mm microphone jack and a 2.5mm remote release port. For image transfer and charging, there is a USB-C port that supports USB 3.2 speeds.

For wireless connections, the X-T30 II has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The Wi-Fi allows you to wirelessly transfer photos to a smartphone or tablet using the Fujifilm Camera Remote app. It also enables remote camera control from your mobile device. Bluetooth is available for easy pairing with smartphones and tablets.

Overall, the connectivity options on the X-T30 II cover the basics well. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing images and controlling the camera remotely very convenient. The USB-C port provides fast wired transfer speeds and charging. And the microphone jack allows you to enhance audio quality for videos. These capabilities give you flexibility in how you can access, transfer and control the X-T30 II.

Battery Life

The Fujifilm X-T30 II has a decent battery life thanks to its NP-W126S lithium-ion battery. It's rated for 380 shots per charge according to CIPA standards, which is a pretty good battery life for a mirrorless camera.

Real world battery performance will vary depending on usage. Shooting a lot of 4K video will drain the battery faster. But for still photography, you can easily get several hundred shots per charge. Enough for a full day of casual shooting.

The NP-W126S battery is also used by other Fujifilm X-Series cameras. So you may already have spares handy if you're upgrading from another Fuji model. Overall, the battery life is good for this class of camera. Just be sure to pack the external charger and extra batteries for prolonged shooting.

Special Features

The Fujifilm X-T30 II has some special features that make it stand out from other cameras in its class. Some of the most notable special features include:

Unique Functions

• Film Simulation Modes - The X-T30 II has Fujifilm's acclaimed Film Simulation modes, which mimic the look and feel of some of Fujifilm's classic film stocks like Provia, Velvia and Astia. This allows you to get creative and give your images different looks and moods straight out of camera.

• Advanced Filters - Similar to Film Simulation modes, the Advanced Filters allow you to add creative effects like Toy Camera, Miniature, Pop Color and Soft Focus to your images. This provides an easy way to get more creative with your photography.

• Multiple Exposure Mode - The X-T30 II lets you combine two separate exposures into one image, with options like Additive (combines exposures), Average (averages exposures), Bright (compares exposures pixel-by-pixel, keeping brightest pixel) and Dark (keeps darkest pixel). This opens up creative possibilities.

AI Capabilities

• Face/Eye Detection AF - The X-T30 II has excellent face and eye detection autofocus, which makes portrait shooting easier by helping ensure eyes are in focus. Face detection works on both humans and animals.

• Advanced SR Auto Mode - The camera's Advanced SR Auto mode uses scene recognition and subject tracking to automatically select the optimal settings to capture the scene. This makes it easy to get great shots in changing conditions.

• Bluetooth for Image Transfer - Using the Fujifilm Camera Remote app, you can quickly and easily transfer images from the X-T30 II to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. This enables convenient wireless image sharing.

Pros and Cons

The Fujifilm X-T30 II has many excellent features, but also a few limitations to consider.

Pros

• Excellent image quality with 26MP APS-C sensor and X-Processor 4
• Fast autofocus with phase detection points covering almost 100% of the frame
• Capable 4K/30p video with good quality
• Tilting touchscreen LCD makes shooting at creative angles easy
• Numerous physical controls for quick adjustments while shooting
• Compact, lightweight and stylish retro design

Cons

• No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
• Battery life could be better at just 380 shots per charge
• Single SD card slot
• No headphone jack
• No weather sealing

The X-T30 II delivers outstanding image quality and speedy performance in a portable form factor. It excels for still photography, with the latest autofocus capabilities and a tried-and-true 26MP sensor. While not best suited for professional video or all-weather use, it remains a very capable hybrid camera for enthusiasts and travel photographers. The lack of IBIS and mediocre battery life are perhaps the main limitations. But overall, the X-T30 II provides tremendous value in a stylish retro design.

Conclusion

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a very capable mid-range mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and performance in a compact form factor. Its updated sensor and processor allow it to produce high-resolution images with excellent dynamic range and low noise. The camera excels at still photography, with fast autofocus and burst speeds making it a great option for capturing action.

The addition of IBIS provides up to 6.5 stops of image stabilization, allowing for sharper handheld shots and stable video footage. The revamped autofocus system offers quick and accurate focusing across nearly the entire frame. The camera also provides very good 4K video capabilities, making it versatile for multimedia creators.

The X-T30 II retains the retro rangefinder-style design that Fujifilm's X-Series cameras are known for. It offers direct access dials for key shooting parameters, making it intuitive to use. The touchscreen interface allows for simple menu navigation and touch focus. WiFi and Bluetooth allow for easy wireless image transfer and remote control from smart devices.

Overall, the X-T30 II is an excellent mirrorless camera that provides professional-level image quality and performance in a lightweight, portable body. It's a great option for enthusiasts and pros looking for an affordable yet highly capable camera for stills and video. If you don't need weather-sealing or dual card slots, the X-T30 II packs tremendous value and imaging power into its compact form factor. It comes highly recommended for a wide range of genres including landscapes, portraits, sports, and more.