Just as we get news of the Canon EOS RP release, Fuji has just announced the X-T30 and XF 16mm F2.8 lens. The successor to the popular X-T20 which inherits a number of features from the X-T3.

The camera body retails for $899 USD & the lens for $399 USD.

Specifications

26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor

X-Processor 4 with Quad CPU

DCI and UHD 4K30 Video; F-Log Gamma

2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder

3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting LCD Touchscreen

425-Point Phase-Detection Autofocus

Extended ISO 80-51200, 30 fps Shooting

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; Sports Finder Mode

Body only weighs 383g

While it’s not a full-frame camera, the Fuji APS-C sensors have been much loved and Fuji has been aggressively adding in video features to their latest cameras. The X-T30 is no different. It can shoot 4K30 with a maximum bitrate of 200Mbps or 100Mbps (depending on codec) and Full HD up to 120fps. It also packs in the film simulation modes including Eterna & Velvia. If you want to record 4K60, you can step up to the Fujifilm X-T3.

To capture a 4K image, the X-T30 actually records in 6K and down samples. It is also capable of 4K DCI which has a 17:9 ratio. For those using an external recorder like the Atomos Ninja V, the X-T30 can output video in F-Log at 4:2:2 10bit via HDMI.

Below is a list of file sizes, frame rates and recording time limitations:

File size / Frame rate / Recording time

[DCI 4K(4096×2160)]

29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps up to approx. 10min

[4K(3840×2160)]

29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps up to approx. 10min

[Full HD(2048 ×1080)]

59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps up to approx. 15min.

[Full HD(1920×1080)]

59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps up to approx. 15min.

[Full HD(1920×1080) High speed rec.]

120p/100p 200Mbps(recording) up to approx. 6min.

Although movie recordings will continue without interruption, when the file size reaches 4GB, subsequent footage will be recorded to a separate file which must be viewed separately. I’m not sure why this hasn’t been fixed like it was on the XT-3.

As far as battery life is concerned:

*Face detection is set to OFF

4K: approx. 45min. (29.97p), FULL HD: approx. 45min. (59.94p)

Continuance battery life of movie capture*3

*Face detection is set to OFF

4K: approx. 60min. (29.97p), FULL HD: approx. 75min. (59.94p)

In addition to the 100% Phase Detection AF coverage, there is also face & Eye AF like that found in Sony cameras. The new AF algorithm maintains tracking even if the subject looks away. A firmware update is available for the X-T3 to update the AF performance.

Unfortunately, the 3.0″ touch screen only articulates upwards, so you won’t be able to use it while seeing yourself for vlogging or selfies.

Pricing & Availability

The Fuji X-T30 has a retail price of $899 USD. A big advantage of the Fuji cameras compared to the new full-frame Nikon Z & EOS R cameras is the extensive line of lenses already available for X-mount.

Some of the competing cameras

Canon EOS RP $1,299 USD

Fuji X-T3 $1,499 USD

Sony a7 III – $1,998 USD

Nikon Z6 – $1,996.95

New XF 16mm F2.8

Also announced today is the XF 16mm F2.8 lens which is 24mm on 35mm equivalent, making it a nice wide angle option.

10 lens elements in 8 groups, including 2 aspherical elements

Weather & Dust resistant

49mm filter thread

Rounded 9-blade aperture

Mechanical Aperture ring

The lens will retail for $399 USD.

Photographer David Flores shares his experience with the Fuji X-T30.