A beginner’s first impressions of the FUJIFILM X-T30

I am as you’d say an amateur photographer. I use the term photographer very loosely, though. It’s something I need to do for work or something I like to do when I travel or when I’m out with friends or family. But I am nowhere near being an expert. Perhaps, it’s better to use the term photo enthusiast or a beginner, or a newbie—whatever nickname you want to give for someone who’s starting down this path.

So, when we were invited to try out FUJIFILM’s newest mirrorless digital camera, the X-T30, I wanted to push myself a bit and see if I can let go of my reliance on a camera’s “auto” mode and put this camera’s claim of appealing to both professional photographers and first-time users. The photos you’ll see here are out of the camera shots without any editing.

An easy way to describe the X-T30 is as the baby brother of the X-T3. It comes with the same 26.1-megapixel sensor, processor, and similar feature set but at a more reasonable price. It’s also compact, making it easier to carry around when you need it. Walking around BLOC Camp Site and its surrounding area in Cavinti, Laguna, you wouldn’t feel burdened by the camera. It’s solid and well-built, but it’s not too heavy in hand. You have to take note that it isn’t weather-sealed though, so still practice a bit of caution. It offers enough grip that you don’t have to worry about dropping it while you shoot.

The camera lends itself to a lot of tinkering. And for a newbie that would overwhelm you at first, so if you’re with someone who knows a lot about cameras do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Also, don’t be scared to press buttons and adjust dials until you get used to it. The great thing with the X-T30 is that the physical buttons are customizable. And there is a long list of options or functions to customize so you can get the camera to work how you want it.

On top of that, you also have the Q menu button for quick access to the usual settings and the touchscreen allows you to swipe in four directions to adjust different settings. It’s still quicker to use the dials and the little joystick to navigate the settings on the screen, but it’s nice to have the option there.

The touchscreen was a bit touchy (pun intended), too, and would sometimes not let me switch between the filters. I’m guessing it’s the size of the icons on the screen. But it’s easy to change focus points using the screen. If you want more granular control in that regard, you can use the joystick. Sometimes though, when you have your eye against the viewfinder, you’ll need to feel around for the joystick.

Under the hood, the X-T30 uses the same image sensor and processor as the X-T3. It uses the 4th-generation X Trans CMOS 4 image sensor and X Processor 4. It has a 26.1-megapixel resolution sensor to help deliver good low noise performance and great color reproduction. This time around the lowest native sensitivity is at ISO 160 for those who shoot in RAW. This was previously only available as extended ISO.

The X-T30 promises fast, high-performance AF and better AF-tracking. Fujifilm also improved accuracy when it comes to face and eye detection. This camera gets a new Face Select function that provides priority auto-focus on selected subject/s. If you want to switch between faces by tapping the screen or customizing a button for Face Select and then use the joystick to navigate. If the selected subject turns around or isn’t in the frame anymore, it’ll then move on to another person in the frame. It’s not something I was able to test but this also works when you’re filming a video. You also have better exposure stability during face/eye AF and face recognition in AF-C.

The number of phase detection pixels on the X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor jumps to 2.16 million, which is about four times that of the X-Trans CMOS 3 models. And it now covers the entire frame, so you’ll be able to move your focus points anywhere in the frame.

Fujifilm also expanded the low light limit for phase detection AF (from +0.5EV to -3EV). So, it’s possible to autofocus in very poor lighting. It isn’t something we were able to try out since we were testing the camera in daylight (or rather, a really downcast day).

You get Fujifilm’s Film Simulations modes with the X-T30, including the ETERNA motion picture emulator. These offer different filters and looks to match whatever vibe you want to produce in your photos and videos, too.

This camera promises high-resolution audio recording and smooth 4K/30P video recording. If you want to connect a mic to record audio, the X-T30 comes with a 2.5mm microphone input. Now, if you want to connect headphones, you’ll need to use the USB-C port.

One feature videographers might appreciate is the Movie Silent Control feature. This lets you adjust the exposure, ISO, wind filter, white balance, mic/headphone level, and Film Simulation without touching a physical button. This is more essential than you think as it takes away from making clicking noises that the mic can pick up while you record. It makes use of virtual buttons instead.

If you’re wondering about the camera’s Auto performance, that gets a performance boost here as well. With the improvement of its AF performance, the Advanced SR Auto mode promises a better experience for those who don’t want to tinker with their cameras too much. The camera will automatically choose the optimum shooting settings for a given scene from 58 presets. Again, if you’re buying a camera like this, I’d definitely encourage you to study up and play around with its settings. But if you do need help, the option is here.

Did the camera turn me into an expert overnight (or in the span of an afternoon)? Of course, it didn’t. But it definitely made me want to learn more about photography and what the camera can do. The learning curve is a little high for a beginner, but with a curious mind and the openness to learn, the X-T30 makes for a mighty photography tool.

The Fujifilm X-T30 comes in black, premium silver, and charcoal silver. If you just want to get the body, it goes for P52,990. If you want it with the 18-55mm kit lens, it retails for P75,990.