The Fujifilm X20 is one of our favourite compact cameras of recent times, so the news that it has been upgraded is pretty exciting. However, as the lens, sensor and processing engine of the X30 are the same as the X20, image quality is not expected to change.

The most significant change made with the X30 is the fact that the optical viewfinder has been replaced by an electronic unit, in fact it’s the same EVF as is found in the popular Fuji X-T1. This means that it has 2.36million dots and magnification of 0.62x and gives a clear view. Unlike the X-T1, however, the X30’s screen can’t show a magnified view next to the full scene to allow precise manual focusing at the same time as image composition. On the plus-side, though, the shooting data displayed in the EVF rotates when the camera is turned for upright shooting to make it easier to read.

Fuji has also increased the size of the screen on the back of the camera, it’s now a three-inch, 920,000-dot device instead of the 2.8-inch 460,000-dot unit on the X20. The X30’s screen is also mounted on a tilting bracket to make it easier to compose images from above or below head height.

Changing to an electronic viewfinder (EVF) brings the ability to see images as they will actually be captured as adjustments to features such as white balance and exposure are shown.

For those unfamiliar with the X20; the X30 has a 12Mp 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II engine and an f/2.0-f/2.8 lens with an effective focal length of 28-114mm. This is a good range for a walk-around, general purpose camera and the large aperture affords some control over depth of field as well as the ability to use movement freezing shutter speeds in low light.

As before, sensitivity may be set in the range ISO 100-3200, although this can be expanded to ISO 100-12800. In a change from the X20, however, exposure compensation extends to +/-3Ev instead of +/-2Ev.

Other changes from the X20 include the introduction of a new Film Simulation mode called Classic Chrome, which is said to produce warm earthy tones, the addition of Wi-Fi connectivity and an improved battery. The X30 uses the same battery as the X100S and this enables around 470 shots to be taken in a single charge. That’s about 1.8x more than the X20. Full HD video can also be recorded at 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60fps.

One disappointment is that Fuji has not taken the opportunity to allow raw files to be recorded when using the digital filter effects (Advanced Filters).

Build and handling

While the X30 will seem very familiar to X20 users, there are some significant changes, it is noticeably taller and deeper for a start. It’s still a manageable size and it can just about fit into a large jacket pocket.

Fuji also appears to have improved the level of finish on the camera, giving it a higher quality coating that gives more grip. The finger grip is on the front slightly more pronounced and angular, while the thumb grip on the back is longer and higher, this makes both more effective.

The control layout of the new camera is also a little different as the dial around the navigation pad has gone and there’s a customisable control ring around the lens. The navigation buttons are also larger than on the X20 and there’s more opportunity to customise the controls.

Many photographers are likely to use the new ring around the lens to adjust aperture, but it can also be used to control sensitivity, white balance, Film Simulation mode or drive mode. There’s a second ring on the lens for adjusting focal length.

In another change, the Q button which accesses the Quick Menu has been moved from the bottom right on the back of the X20 to above the navigation controls and below to the AEL/AFL button on the X30.

As we would expect given that the viewfinder is the same as the one in the X-T1, the EVF provides a good clear view with plenty of detail. It’s also nice and bright and displays the impact of changes made to the camera settings. The rear screen is also good, but the Sunny Weather settings is required when shooting in bright light outside. I’m looking forward to testing this a bit more to see how easy it is to use it to compose images from very high or low angles.

Performance

I haven’t been able to shoot with a full production sample X30 yet, but as it has the same lens, sensor and processing engine as the X20 it seems a very safe bet that it will produce images that are a close match to those from the camera it replaces. This should mean that the X30 produces images with a good level of detail and pleasantly vibrant colours. Noise should also only start to become problematic at around ISO 3200.

In the past we have found Fuji’s automatic white balance systems to do a good job, drawing on the company’s experience of film manufacture to produce images with attractive colours. The company’s metering systems are also usually reliable in all but the very high contrast conditions that trouble most cameras.

I’ll need to use the X30 in a wide range of conditions before I can say for certain, but the X30’s autofocus system seems fast and accurate. It will be interesting to compare it with the X20’s to see if there is a noticeable difference.

Verdict

Fuji is aiming the X30 at enthusiast and professional photographers looking for a high quality compact camera for second-shooting at weddings, street photography and taking or days out. By the company’s own admission, it isn’t meant as a radical upgrade to the X20, but a refinement that makes the camera more versatile and using it a more pleasurable experience.

While some may be concerned about the loss of the optical viewfinder, I recommend trying the EVF as it’s an excellent device that brings several benefits. The larger, tilting screen should also help promote creative photography.

Although the image quality is expected to be the same as from the X20, we will fully test the X30 when a full-production sample becomes available.

Powered by WPeMatico