Fujifilm X30: Is it a Minvan or a Sports Car?

[@shortwavetube7652]

Just bought the Fuji x30 and like it more with each shot. I carried it in a big electronic box store and the manager saw it on me and said he remembered it from back in the late 70s, then he seen the display screen on the back and embarrassingly admitted he must have been wrong. still he asked to handle it and was quite impressed. It makes you WANT to take it with you everywhere you go snapping at just about everything you see. It brings out the artistic impulses you never knew you had. A big plus is that you never have to remember a bunch of lenses and has a decent zoom range. This is one sweet lens and the shots I got of my kids were spectacular. I dont have time to photoshop nor want to, so I use the filters and chrome and am totally satisfied with those jpeg shots. (Super Macro will blow you away) Its nice to have an exposure knob on top and a ring around the lense to set for your choice of commands. their is an array of filters and film simulators and it is a blast to use them to fit your mood. I cant wait to wake up in the morning light and go on a photography adventure. Its as fun as my old pen epl1 but now I have the plus of EVF that makes you feel like an old school photographer. Classic chrome is reminiscent of actual film pictures and its nice to have easily accessible choices. Haven't enjoyed my time with a camera this much in over 30 plus years.

[@bigheadtaco]

+shortwavetube yes it's a great looking camera with really good ergonomics and functionality. Glad you like it. It's an underrated camera due to the smaller sensor size, but it's much larger than any smartphone and it has a sharp lens

[@sm700Blue]

Thanks for taking the time to do this review. My X30 arrives tomorrow - it was 584USD. Anyway - why did I buy it? I have an Olympus E-PM2 that I like using for Street Photography - I just don't enjoy the 'shooting experience' with it. The X30 reminds me of the cameras I used to shoot with as a kid! I've tried Street Photography with my D5300, which produces excellent results, but carrying it around all day is a bit of a chore! As you said - different strokes for different folks (or cameras in this case)!

[@dermothoyne2393]

I knew you had an itch for Minolta, but this episode really sweetened the presence. Look into snatching a good Maxxum 7D - you would definitely enjoy it, and it will handle that gem of a zoom.

[@bigheadtaco]

+Dermot Hoyne yup I have the 7D, and the A700, and all the film slr cameras except the Maxxum 9 which I still want....

[@drawwithlight]

Great video again +bigheadtaco. What case do you use for your iPhone?

[@bigheadtaco]

Heidelgraphy thanks! My iPhone case is by my favourite leather goods brand called Vintage Revival Productions. A Japanese brand that uses high quality Italian leather. This is their website: www.vrp-jp.com

[@buckgreen6028]

Why oh why did Fuji screw up the top half of the camera from the excellent appearance of the top of both the X10 and X20???

[@DonFather]

Those minoltas are beautiful. I bet the large SLR had people going crazy for it back in the day. Cutting edge. How many megapixels does it have? (j/k)

[@bigheadtaco]

DaDonFather funny thing is that although Minolta was class leading in so many areas, in N.America, most pros shot Nikon or Canon. In Japan, many pros who shot nature and fine art photography used MInolta. However for sports, it was pretty much Canon and Nikon due to their 'focus' on AF speeds. Minolta came up with some pretty cool cutting edge technology, including the first integrated AF system on an SLR. I love my 9xi, and I feel the Maxxum/Dynax 9 was the best AF film camera ever produced.

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

Hey mate, have you had a look at the Nikon Coolpix A? I am trying to compare the two (the Nikon is only $50 more exxy where I am) and can't really choose between them! I guess zoom (Fuji) v better image quality (Nikon) is what I'm up for, but would be keen on your thoughts. Enjoyed your review series on the X30!

[@bigheadtaco]

R Xie the CoolPix A is more of a direct competition with the Ricoh GR. Spec for spec they are very similar. However, unless there's a huge price difference (I know Nikon recently did a serious price drop because sales were lacking) I would go for the Ricoh GR due to better handling and operating system. The X-30 is a completely different type of camera that compares more to the Sony RX series, Panasonic LX series, Canon S a G. Fujifilm has one of the best jpegs, great lens, great ergonomics. Sensor size is the only major issue for some, but not for others.

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

Hey mate, thanks for the additional insights. Probably need to first decide what I'm really after and what I want to shoot then. I am aware the Ricoh GR is significantly more expensive here (around $150 - $200) so had not even considered it. I'll need to revisit this - again, thanks for the input.

[@hiroakitakagi7724]

X30 owner is smart.

[@MrAkihiros]

I desperately want to like the X30, but after watching the other reviews here in YT it all boils down to a very disappointing AF. Damn Fuji.

[@TheRacerRich]

A minivan is good for nothing.

[@bigheadtaco]

TheRacerRich ha ha, that's how I personally feel, but I don't have 3 kids and shop at Walmart, so who am I to judge. 2 seat sportscar. Now that's super functional!

[@TheRacerRich]

bigheadtaco I work a white-collar job, and I have only had a motorcycle for the last 1.5 years!

[@bigheadtaco]

TheRacerRich I rode my bike to work for 6 years, so I know what you mean. For me, a car is about a feeling and about enjoyment. I too would rather get wet on a motorcycle than have to drive a minivan!

[@harrierha]

bigheadtaco Said the single guy ;-)

[@bigheadtaco]

Larry F married but no kids... :-)