Fujifilm X30 Review: Is this the Best Compact Camera Out There?

If you're in the market for a compact yet powerful camera, you might want to consider the Fujifilm X30. This camera boasts a wide range of features and functionalities that make it a great option for both professional photographers and beginners alike. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Fujifilm X30 and explore its top selling points, as well as its limitations.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Fujifilm X30 article cover photo

Key Features

Aug 26 2014

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandFujifilm
Sensor Type
SensorCMOS X-TRANS II
Weight423g
MSRP$599USD

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Overview of the X30

In the world of compact cameras, it can be challenging to find a model that packs enough punch to meet the needs of both amateur and professional photographers. However, the Fujifilm X30 stands out in a crowded market thanks to its impressive set of features and top-notch build quality. Whether you're looking to shoot landscapes, portraits or street photography, the Fujifilm X30 is a fantastic option to consider. In this blog post, we'll examine some of the top selling points of this camera, as well as areas where it could use some improvement.

Fujifilm X30 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Fujifilm X30 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

12 MP image sensor
High-quality Fujinon lens
Optical image stabilization
Great low-light performance
Fast autofocus
Compact and lightweight
Built-in wifi connectivity
Manual controls for advanced users
Classic aesthetic design
Articulating LCD screen

Cons

No 4K video recording
Limited zoom range
No weather-sealing
Short battery life
Small viewfinder
Limited ISO range
High price point compared to competitors
Limited selection of lenses
Limited video and audio input options
No interchangeable lenses

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Fujifilm X30

Weather sealed
Dimensions119 x 72 x 60mm
Weight423g
Thickness60mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Fujifilm X30 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution920k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 920k dots. This makes the Fujifilm X30 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

X30 includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.65x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Fujifilm X30 has a 12MP sized CMOS X-TRANS II sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Fujifilm X30 has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Aug 26 2014

Announced

100 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Fujifilm X30 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the X30 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera:

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life470 shots
Battery ModelNP-95
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Fujifilm X30 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Fujifilm X30 uses the NP-95 model of battery pack. This is rated for 470 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Fujifilm X30 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Fujifilm X30 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Fujifilm X30 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 49 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Fujifilm X30?

The Fujifilm X30 features a CMOS X-TRANS II sensor

Is the Fujifilm X30 weather sealed?

No the X30 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Fujifilm X30 announced?

The Fujifilm X30 was announced on Aug 26 2014

Does the Fujifilm X30 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the X30 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Fujifilm X30?

The X30 has a native ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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