Fujifilm X30 Detailed Review

In additional X30 was introduced by Fujifilm in August 2014. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Fujifilm is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Fujifilm.

Also X30 has a Compact CMOS X-TRANS II sensor with size of 9 x 7 mm² (0.35″ x 0.26″).

The X30’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 12 megapixel. This resolution is far below average.

The Fujifilm supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Fujifilm’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The X30 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.65x, an above average value for an electronic viewfinder.

The X30’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 30s.

The X30’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 12800 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The X30 supports all general exposure modes.

The Fujifilm allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The X30’s auto focus processor uses 49 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Fujifilm, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The X30 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 7m (23 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The X30 features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The X30 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

X30 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Fujifilm X30 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Fujifilm. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

Connect the Fujifilm to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Fujifilm supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Fujifilm X30 works with a NP-95 battery. The battery lifetime is a generous 470 shots. Usually enough for a full day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The X30’s battery battery parameters:

The Fujifilm X30’s dimensions are 118.7 x 71.6 x 60.3mm³. (4.7″ x 2.8″ x 2.4″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 423 grams (13.6 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the X30:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The X30 is not much bigger: