Full Review: Fujifilm X-30

Here's my full review of the Fujfilm X-30 compact enthusiast camera. There's so much more I wanted to say, but nobody wants to watch a 20 minute review video. Overall I liked the camera, with some small complaints. Goto my blog for the full review, and don't hesitate to comment below or on my blog.
Here's my posted full review:
www.bigheadtaco.com/2014/10/fujifilm-x-30-small-but-powerful.html
www.bigheadtaco.com
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[@jal316]

I've had the X30 for a week and I completely agree with your review. I might need to get the lens hood/adapter. The lens cap looks great but isn't functional due to the twist on/off. I like keeping my DSLR on standby and just waking up with a shutter half press. A power button would allow me to simulate that functionality. Also, the image quality is good but the sensor really struggles in low light. Oh I have another issue, the continuous focus never, never gets focus. Just hunts constantly.

[@bigheadtaco]

Jose Lopez thanks for sharing your experience. Low light in all these small sensor cameras are below average. This camera is strongest in outdoor and ISO 200-400. I rarely use continuous AF on any camera. I don't like the feature, except on higher end DSLRs. I found AF on the X-30 slightly above average for a p&s, but you do need to work it a bit. Thanks again for your comment!

[@bw2314]

I opted for the X10 sensor. Wouldve preferred the X30 EVF but the NP95 batteries have been a deal breaker for me. Wouldve like to have seen your quick review for the X10. Almost switched my purchase because of your video. Thanks.

[@piper081147]

Enjoyed the review, but it was spoiled by excessive wind noise.

[@bigheadtaco]

piper081147 thanks for watching, and yes, sorry about the wind noise. My ghetto video set-up is acknowledged. Early on I decided on content vs quality... for now. Future upgrades are in the works. Thanks for your patience! Full review of the camera with lots of sample pics up on my blog now: t.co/BnAFJmZf3c

[@yippie6862]

I went into the store last week to look at the X30 because I remembered how much I liked the X20 a year back. I didn't buy the X30 because I actually prefer a non EVF viewfinder. It's also bigger than the X20 was and is now made in China instead of Japan. Not sure if it makes a difference but it was nice to see the X20 being made in the same factory in Japan as Fuji's more expensive cameras. Also, in DPReview.com charts they seem to rate the X20 higher than the X30 in IQ in both RAW and JPEG for whatever reason. I would have bought the X30 but I was disappointed in those things. I hope the X40 will be smaller, made in Japan again, have a one inch sensor, and the hybrid viewfinder of the X100. The view finder of the X20 made the camera look more retro from the front and sexier, the X30 now just looks weird and a bit boring. Anyways, I didn't buy the X30 but instead bought the X-T1! So all is good. :)

[@bigheadtaco]

Yippie Yes I read the DPReview article on the X30 as well. Very similar conclusion to my review. It's a great looking camera with great ergonomics and operating system, but the sensor is a bit behind. Being made in China was a bit of a disappointment, although my favourite Ricoh GR is made in China and build quality is solid. I hope the X40 will include the X100's hybrid viewfinder and perhaps Fuji may consider a slightly larger sensor that they can recycle into other cameras. It wouldn't make sense to make a sensor to only use in the X40. However, I feel that the Sony RX100 and the new Panasonic LX100 has hit the sweet spot for price-performance. At the same time, for those who don't need the resolution, the X30 is a great camera. Except for the OVF viewfinder on the X20, the X30 is a much improved camera. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@yippie6862]

bigheadtaco Thanks for the comment and the video reviews.

[@canpin]

Hi Bigheadtaco. Its my first time to watch your review and i would say I like the way you do it---they're like RAW shots...what you see is what you get. Thanks and keep it up! Ps. i agree with the previous comments about the audio-hard to listen :-)...get those foam tingy you put over the mic

[@bigheadtaco]

Peter Ros thanks for watching. It's RAW because I'm too lazy to spend time on post production, which is bad I know. I shoot on a single take, mistakes and all. It's the same reason why I left such horrible audio. I pretty much shoot the video, upload directly from my Ricoh GR and post. Eventually I'll worry about putting out a more quality product, so I apologize for the bad audio on this video. I didn't even realize how bad it was until I got it home since the built in speakers on the GR are so horrible. By then it was too late and I wasn't going to reshoot the video... but thanks for watching and thanks for the support! Happy shooting!

[@bigheadtaco]

My latest KZbin video: Fujifilm X-30 Review

[@IanKnight40]

Hi Taco, I loved the review. What DR settings did you use for the Jpegs?. Thanks Ian.

[@KristenWithACamera]

I have a question about using the Fujifilm EF-X20 flash unit on this camera. I cannot seem to get the flash to do anything at all when attached to the camera. Did the camera require you to set up the flash or did it automatically read the flash when you attached it?

[@bigheadtaco]

The EF-X20 flash will work on any camera if it has the standard middle contact and standard flash shoe mount. If you can get other cameras to trigger, then the set-up of the X30 is incorrect. Make sure the camera is not in silent mode. Also make sure the flash setting isn't off. This should work

[@denniselam5517]

I have watched numerous reviews of this camera and own one. But no one mentions that having the 2/3 sensor means the lens size and camera size stay small.. but comparison the Sony RX 1 with the one inch sensor and 24-200 F 2.8 weighs two pounds and is the size of a brick! If the on off switch were elsewhere one could turn the camera off leaving the lens dangerously extended, if it were dropped in that position no doubt there would be an expensive repair, I like the on off in the lens. Also no one mentions the great panorama feature, fifteen movie modes no less, who else does that by the way at any price point, or interval shooting. Finally all this carping about the sensor is reminds me of all the folks that CLAIM they need a full sized pickup. As a result parking lots across America are chock a block full of three ton four door full sized trucks, with nothing in the pick up bed! Indeed, peruse the interior of those pickup beds and you rarely even find a scratch in the paint, which tells us nothing has ever been hauled in the truck. Today most digital photos reside on phones or computer screens where it is tough to see the megapixel or sensor size advantage unless the photo is really blown up, but what do I know. good review and yes get mike muff! dennis elam

[@bigheadtaco]

Dennis Elam thanks for your comment and sharing your thoughts. Yes, sensor size is like talking about horsepower or truck size, you're right. It comes down to your needs and your skill level. Many like fullframe so they can crop more aggressively. However, if you shoot smart, you don't need to crop. The only major advantage of a larger sensor is greater dynamic range, and the ability to recover detail even when you under expose. In fact, it's always wise to underexpose with any camera, as it's possible to recover details in the dark areas, but not washed out highlights. Saying that, again if you're smart, you can get great shots with a smaller sensor camera. Thanks for commenting and happy shooting!!

[@calvinchann1996]

You should get your facts straight before posting. The RX1 is FF. The RX100 has a 1 inch sensor and is much smaller than this X30.

[@donaldcrawford5577]

good review,pity about the windy sound

[@ThePhotographersStone]

Would you still recommend this camera in mid 2016 if looking for all in one walk around camera? Coming from a m4/3 ILS system but would like one grab n go camera without ILS.

[@bigheadtaco]

If you're coming from MFT system, the resolution is definitely a step down. If you don't mind that, it's a decent camera still, albeit 12mp sensor. The EVF is decent, the JPEG profiles are great, and the ergonomics are great. However, there are better cameras out there, and the X30 is probably going to be discontinued soon. the sister camera the XQ2 has already been discontinued. I still shoot with my Ricoh GR-D IV which as a 10mp 1/1.7" sensor and it's 4 years old, but I still shoot with it.

[@E3Zombie]

I'd love to be able to lock the lens into each length. Also a flip out screen.

[@jackslater8688]

BHT. Would you pick this camera over the newer g5x by Canon?Im undecided!

[@bigheadtaco]

Overall the G5X is a better camera over the Fujifilm X30. I was hoping Fujifilm would update the X30 from a 2/3" sensor to the 1" sensor, but they ended up discontinuing it. It's still a decent camera, but no match for the G5X for AF, features, resolution. The only thing is the Fujifilm X30 will have a sharper lens and nicer colours. Everything else the G5X is better.

[@jackslater8688]

Thanks BHT. I wanted you to say get the x30. Rats! I like the rangefinder style of the x30 but the sensor is probably better in the G5x.

[@jcruzfoto]

Thanks for that good review. 6:57 is there a firmware update out already? I didn't find one.

[@bigheadtaco]

***** what I meant to say is upgrade on the OS from the previous X-20 and other X series cameras. I mentioned flash compensation specifically because even the X-T1 doesn't allow you to use one of the custom buttons to access it. The X-T1 has 17 accessible functions for the custom function button, while the X30 (and X100T) allows 21! That's what I mean by upgrade. Sorry for confusion and thanks for watching!

[@jcruzfoto]

bigheadtaco Thanks for the clarification. It was good to know about the custom function capabilities. I wish they would have allowed the change the function of the front button beside the new control ring. That would've been a good button to use for ISO. I've noticed Fuji doesn't like to have a dedicated ISO button. I have to keep changing my Fn/Wifi button to control ISO.

[@bigheadtaco]

***** They did give a dedicated ISO button on the X-T1 which was a first for the X-series, but yes, they definitely should. For now, I changed the top 4 way controller as my ISO button. It's the easiest to access and change while still shooting.

[@tripanski]

Have you made any prints with it ? I'm curious about print sizes with that 2/3, 12mpx sensor...

[@bigheadtaco]

I haven't made prints because I don't print pictures anymore unless I'm framing it and putting on a wall. I've printed iPhone pictures up to 8 x 10 and got decent results. I'm sure the 2/3 sensor with a well exposed image will easily go up to 11 x 14, but at lower ISO. I wouldn't go above ISO 400 to print large, but ISO 800 would be fine for smaller prints or macro images.

[@tripanski]

bigheadtaco Thanks for your input. Merci !

[@EduardoMendozaPhoto]

A very informative video, well done! Just a note: at some poinst the wind makes the audio too noisy. Regards!

[@biyanrizaldy]

Hello, I want to ask, what Flash External you used it? Thank you!

[@tuluspambudi1577]

maybe it's too late. but it's FUJIFILM EF-X20 Flash

[@igetsmart]

good review - negative is sensor size ! and yes on/off :) we agree - body now even larger then X20 and still same sensor - should be at least 1 inch - it falls apart in low light - in light it is not bad as no AA filter and lens is good - 12MP is OK - Panasonic LX100 has a M43 sensor in a body that is no larger - so yes the X30 has some nice features - but IQ no match for the LX100 and the RX100m3 and the Canon G7X - so yes more fun to operate the X30 over the RX100m3 and G7X - but the G7X has Touch LCD and Touch Shutter which is great - so looks and fun to use minus no Touch LCD are fine but IQ in low light lets it down - I suspect sales will not be that great -

[@bigheadtaco]

igetsmart the big advantage of the X30 is the ergonomics, EVF, and mature operating system. The G7X is awkward to shoot with, and the Sony RX100 series can't touch the X30 on ergonomics. The LX100 kills everyone for resolution, low light, and ergonomics. The X30 actually beats the LX100 for EVF and also JPEG quality. Fuji has amazing JPEGs. the 2/3 sensor is good but the competition is better. The X30 sales are doing ok as per Fuji, but it would have done better with a bigger sensor, you're right!

[@nughady]

Do you recommend Fujifilm X-30 for beginner?

[@bigheadtaco]

nughady this is a great camera for enthusiasts as well as for beginners. It has all the automatic modes, as well as lots of filters and special effect modes. If you decide to be adventurous and learn some of the more advance features, this camera allows you to do so.

[@nughady]

ok thank you for the help :)

[@carlomolina576]

It is true that the only way to charge the battery is inside the camera ?

[@bigheadtaco]

Carlo Molina no this is not true. The NP-95 battery, the same as the X100 series cameras have a dedicated charger. However, the X30 might not include this charger (BC-65N), and only give you the plug-in charger. As a reviewer, I'm not given the camera the usual way, which is packaged for reviewers. It included the BC-65N charger in my kit. If it doesn't include, you can always buy a 3rd party charger ($20) or the official Fuji charger ($50). I do like that you can charge in body, especially for travelling, but it's a headache to charge a second battery. To be honest, the NP-95 in the X30 is amazing. Easily shoot all day (without flash) and still have 50% batter left. I hope this helps.

[@carlomolina576]

Thank you very much for your fast and very informative answer. It would help me to decide between this camera or the pentax k50 but the fuji looks so unique, I always want a camera that looks like the X30.

[@bigheadtaco]

Carlo Molina The K50 is technically the superior camera, in terms of functions, image quality, etc. However, there's a huge following for these X10, X20 and now the X30 cameras. They are reasonably compact and very easy to shoot with. High ISO is not very good though due to the smallish sensor. But shooting experience is great.

[@carlomolina576]

Yeah I was reading about that in amazon reviews and youtube coments. that is what I like about the x30 portability, but price is a strong point for the k50 is about $477 in amazon so is going to be a hard decision. I know is a relative old camera in comparison to the X30 but it would be great if you make a low light test of the K50 :D

[@bigheadtaco]

Carlo Molina the entry level DSLR is so cheap that cost-performance, it's very hard to beat. The K50 is nice because it has an actual pentaprism (solid glass) and is weather-sealed. But the standard lens is pretty average, but you can always upgrade. For myself, size and weight is a big deal. That's why I don't shoot with my SLRs anymore for street photogaphy.

[@trungnguyen-qc1ok]

which should i choose between X-a1 and X30 ? p/s sorry about my english :P

[@bigheadtaco]

trung nguyen that's a tough one for me. The X-A1 has a much larger APS-C sensor, but it's not an X-trans sensor, which I prefer. The X-A1 also doesn't have a built in EVF, which for me is pretty important on a interchangeable lens camera system. The X30 is newer and has better features, ergonomics, and functions.... but it has a much smaller sensor. For myself, I would pick the x30 based on my needs, but I don't know your needs. If absolute image quality is your highest priority, get the X-A1. If functions and features is important, the X30 is the obvious choice.

[@sebastianpietrzak7579]

hi, could you tell me model of this lamp above?

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Sebastian Pietrzak ef-x20

[@sandizhang2131]

can you recommend a camera for the beginners?

[@bigheadtaco]

+Sandi Zhang it really depends on your budget, but even a smart phone camera is good enough for a beginner. It's not the camera but your eye that makes a great image.

[@sandizhang2131]

ya... but i somehow wanna own a camera so.. was thinking should i go with X30 or X100T

[@bigheadtaco]

X100T is a great camera. You won't be disappointed.

[@calvinchann1996]

Always hated that on/off switch gimmick.

[@frankyjunior6005]

how about AF in low light, is it still acceptable? and did you use manual or ttl when using ef-x20?

[@bigheadtaco]

+Franky Junior lowlight AF is not great. Manual focus peaking is much better for low light.

[@frankyjunior6005]

+bigheadtaco is it good recomendation for streetphotography with fuji x30?

[@bigheadtaco]

Franky Junior You can definitely use it for street photography. What you lose in IQ, you gain deeper depth of field and versatility with the zoom lens, EVF and articulating screen. Just a small suggestion. Don't see the zoom as a zoom (don't use it just to crop or isolate subjects). See it as 5 prime lenses: 28, 35, 50, 85 (or 90) and 112mm. Learn to 'see' at these focal lengths as different ways to see the world. I use my iPhone mostly for my personal street photography work (instagram.com/bigheadtaco). It's not the camera but your eyes and vision. The camera is just a tool and the X30 is a great tool in the right hands! Happy shooting

[@frankyjunior6005]

+bigheadtaco yeah i already see your photo at instagram and amaze that you just using iphone. I have iphone too but still cant good result, need to learn more about composition. Thanks for your advice. Btw i would like to see your video about you using iphone to take street photography photo.

[@buckgreen6028]

The wind noise is overwhelming so I had to bow out from this video.

[@LuisGGomezPhoto]

the correct url for the murals or graffiti is : www.hifimurals.ca

[@RAKKXLSE]

should i trade my canon eos 600d to x30?

[@canpin]

Sharing this relatively low light timelapse video using the x30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2jHcoOArtCfl8k

[@GixxerZilla]

wind!

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Thomas Hong Kong yeah, learn to use fluffy thingy.

[@nellekebmn]

The sound of this video is horrible

[@bigheadtaco]

nelleke bouman yes, sorry for that. It was a mistake but difficult to fix after. I know for next time. I hope it didn't distract too much from the content :-)

[@Stealt707]

You are reviewing a camera you should at least record your video to be audible without excessive wind noise! Thank you

[@aminqo]

get a f... microphone.... awfull audio

[@bigheadtaco]

Peter Benedik be nice, and yes, I'll eventually get a mic...

[@aminqo]

well sorry, it pissed me off.. you were talking to the point but with that audio.. its harsh to listen, its not that hard to make windshield on mic even if you DIY at home... or remove this awfull wind in post-processing..

[@bigheadtaco]

Peter Benedik sorry to offend you so deeply. My next video was taken indoors, but I'm sure my white balance will offend you. :-)

[@aminqo]

its very sad you can't stand a critique, i'm not trying to shoot you in the leg.. but whatever man.

[@bigheadtaco]

Peter Benedik I was teasing, but as you can tell by my latest video, my white balance is off. My point is that I'm truly focusing my efforts on content and not video and audio quality. That might seem backwards to some, but that's the choice I made when I started my series. I run a blog with full camera reviews, a pretty active and pro-level image IG account, Twitter, KZbin and also my commercial shoots and workshops. I do this all by myself (except Camera Girl for my videos) and all part-time. I have to decide where to cut corners and at this time, it's my video quality unfortunately. It's either I output 2-3 videos a year at high quality, or 12-16 videos with good content with average to mediocre quality. I know not every agrees, but I can't please everyone. I hope you understand, even if you might not agree with my approach?