Fujifilm officially announced the X-T30 II today. This “new” camera is just like the “old” camera (including the X-T30 nameplate on the front… it says “X-T30” and not “X-T30 II”), except for a few key things. The rear screen is higher resolution. The camera has some additional built-in memory. It has (basically) the same firmware as the X-T4, X-S10, and X-E4. Otherwise, the two models are identical.
In my article Thoughts on the Upcoming Fujifilm X-T30 II I basically blasted Fujifilm for not offering a firmware update to the X-T30, but selling that firmware update as a “new” camera. I also stated:
It is possible that the X-T30 doesn’t have the internal memory, processing power, or heat dispersion capacity to receive this firmware update. It is possible that there is a hardware limitation that prevents it.
It seems that “internal memory” was indeed an issue, although I believe that the memory issue has more to do with the video side of things than still pictures. That’s just my opinion, not anything I have any evidence for. So the X-T30 II firmware can’t just be uploaded onto the X-T30, but a scaled down version, perhaps without the improved video features, certain could, and definitely should! It’s long, long overdue.
Fujifilm, if you happen to read this, please visit the comments section of my previous article. These are your customers, and those are their opinions.
The X-T30 II will be available on October 21, and if you have been thinking about getting an X-T30, you are better off waiting until October and buying the X-T30 II. I assume that the “original” X-T30 will be discontinued and discounted around that time, so perhaps a good deal on that model will be coming soon.
Also announced was the X-T3 WW, which is an X-T3 without a battery charger, and a $100 cheaper price-tag. The X-T3 and X-T3 WW are 100% identical. If you don’t need a battery charger, this might be a good option to save a little money.
Hey Ritchie, do you think, X-T3 get the Classic Negative finally after release of the X-T3 WW? I think it does make sense to release it with new FW that include all features as the X-T30 II which include everything we want. Tell me what do you think.
The X-T3 WW is 100% an X-T3 (just shipped without a battery charger) and will not have Classic Negative or any other firmware update, unfortunately.
And how are you so convinced? 🙂
It’s what Fujifilm said (among many other things) in their big Sept 2 announcement.
These are jokes. It’s real bullshit. Instead of sending us an update, it’s waiting for us to buy the camera again for a few simulations and additional features. Don’t be so greedy, Fuji. I will definitely not buy this camera. And maybe I will never buy Fujifilm anymore!
Fujifilm, I hope that you are listening!
I don’t think that Fujifilm is expecting that X-T30 owners will now also buy the Mark II version. I could imagine that the Mark II version is more an attempt to convince X-T10/20 owners, who for whatever reason did not want to buy the X-S1 or X-E4, to upgrade their camera. Sure, they could have achieved the same by offering a free firmware update but possibly these would have been too many new features for a free firmware update (I cannot think of any other Fujifilm camera that did ever receive such a huge firmware update, and maybe there were also technical issues), and before offering just a limited firmware update they preferred to release a new version of the X-T30. Just trying to understand the Fujifilm point of view.
X-T30 owners won’t be “upgrading” to the X-T30 II for sure. They certainly feel like they purchased a “bastard child” camera from Fujifilm, and they’re also going to wonder if their next camera purchase (if they ever buy another Fujifilm body) will end up the same. Once bitten, twice shy. A firmware update with at least *some* of the X-T30 II updates (maybe to the X-Pro3 level) would go a long ways toward healing hurt feelings, and it’s long overdue.
As for X-T10 and X-T20 owners looking to upgrade, for a lot of people the X-T30 II is the camera they’ve been waiting for.
Yes, you could be right. Well, isn’t it unfair for people who bought the xt30 this year? For example, I feel cheated and deceived. All I know is that my trust in Fuji has been shaken and many people think like me.
I think so! Consider the person who purchased an X-T30 the day before the announcement of the X-T30 II. They probably feel really deflated when they should be excited.
Oh yes, it’s too bad to even think about it.
If the XT3 WW doesn’t come with classic negative it’s just a huge slap in the face from Fujifilm and I’ll be looking to switch manufacturer if it happens. Otherwise I’ll gladly buy it.
This is the long-term view that Fujifilm is missing.
Film simulations are a bad place to look for more revenue. I have an old x100t I was looking to upgrade, however now I am not so sure about buying fuji again (or a camera).
It’s just software so it’s hard to believe that simulations can’t run on older cameras.
Camera manufacturers only got into trouble because software was terrible both on camera and desktop so you need to shell out hundreds for software. All the while your phone does it out of the box, and much better, software wise.
They need to stop treating the software part of the camera like it’s film era.
In a year or two AI image editing will be so good enthusiast cameras will be obsolete in terms of image quality. Unless they drastically step up their software game, they will have to play catch-up again.
I think the future will be more in-camera options. I think Alien Skin, VCSO, RNI, etc., will partner with camera makers to include certain presets or looks sooc, and maybe you have 100 or more to choose from. I’m really surprised this hasn’t already happened. The Zeiss ZX1 has some form of Lightroom built into the camera, so there’s some movement in that direction already.
Agreed.
It’s not even necessary for it to be full lightroom. But it’s clearly Fuji’s wish not to include film simulations. People don’t upgrade their camera as often, so software should be up to date for 3 years at least. Make money on camera and lenses, and provide continual satisfaction with software updates. People are excited when they periodically get an update, it shows that they care about their customers.
But I guess it was easiest way to try and generate revenue this way. Seems like it took longer to develop a new sensor than they though so they have nothing for next year.
Anybody who wants to purchase a fuji camera now would be well advised to wait for next generation sensor. Hopefully they’ll use the improvements on better photos and not just on video.
It seems to me that the message Fujifilm is sending is this: if you want all of the features in a certain sensor generation, wait until the last camera in that generation. Don’t buy right away. The X-H2 will be the first X-Trans V. Don’t buy it, because the X-T5, X-T40, X-Pro4, X-E5, X-S20, etc., will have more and better features. Fujifilm won’t be bringing those better features to the X-H2 through firmware. Whether fully true or not, that’s the message being sent, and I don’t think Fujifilm even realizes how much it will bite them–it is in fact already biting them.
Hi Ritchie, as a current X-T10 user I’m seriously think about upgrading to the new X-T30 Mark II. There are many people, however, who say that the newer sensors (X-Trans III and IV) produce a less filmic look than the older sensors (X-Trans I & II). What is your opinion? Do you think that it is still worth upgrading?
The X-Trans I and especially X-Trans II have a warmer white balance. You can achieve the same thing with X-Trans III and IV by adjusting the WB Shift a little warmer (+R and -B). The X-T30 II is head-and-shoulders better for getting a film-like-look straight-out-of-camera, thanks to things like Grain, Clarity, CCE + CCEB, Classic Negative, Eterna, etc. The X-T30 II would be my choice if I were buying an X-Trans IV camera.
Is it the difference in auto white balance? Will it be different if it is the same daylight option?
(I am also an XT30 user, and I am disappointed and even angry that the Classic Negative has not been updated…especially after seeing the XT30 II news)
Sorry for my bad english,
I support you very much! I was an XA2 user at the beginning. I often watch your website and I am very interested in various recipes. Therefore, I bought XT30 this year.
So far I am very satisfied, but I have been looking forward to one day there will be Classic Negative, and I am also shooting film cameras
So on the X-T30, for example, Daylight White Balance with +2 Red & -2 Blue is fairly similar to Daylight White Balance with 0 Red & 0 Blue on the X-T1. It isn’t 100% spot on, but fairly close. It’s the same with many of the other WB options, including Auto. I do wish that the X-T30 had been given Classic Negative, and it is a real shame that Fujifilm hasn’t done that. There’s still a chance Fujifilm could fix this (especially following the “outcry” from X-T30 and X-T3 owners), but it is unlikely it seems, which really is too bad. I appreciate your comment!
Let’s hope for some kaizen in 2022 when Fujifilm celebrates their 10th anniversary of the X line. I also bought my very first Fujifilm X-T3 because of these lovely recipes on Fuji X Weekly, reviews from Omar Gonzales and many more people with passion for these lovely cameras. Fujifilm should give more credit to people like Ritchie!!!! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for some FW updates. Thank you so much Ritchie for all the effort!!! I don’t know how you do it, working so hard and answering all these posts etc. I appreciate it so much! Where Fujifilm disappoints me, you always cheer me up with another recipe. You rock! Kind regards from the Netherlands.
It would be incredibly amazing if Fujifilm rolled out a whole host of firmware updates for their cameras to celebrate the 10th anniversary! That would go a long ways to re-establishing trust with their customers who have felt unappreciated. I appreciate your kindness, encouragement and support!
I bought my XT30 about a month ago, and feel surprised to say the least. I do hope a software upgrade will be offered, even if it has to be a watered down version for technical reasons. Trying to keep my Fuji fire burning brightly…
Same here, I don’t want to throw Fujifilm immediately in the fire but there is no way why the new Film simulations also couldn’t work on the xt30. Clarity, the other new adjustments and video is something that I would understand if missing from an update but as people said, no one upgrades a camera for 2 new film simulations, so Fujifilm really wouldn’t loose any money by providing the update.
I can (sort of) understand that they can’t do the whole firmware update, but definitely they need to do something.
I feel like they owe it to you to do so. Hopefully they will, especially with all of the “outcry” they’ve likely seen.
G’day Everyone,
First of all great website and support to Fujifilm users Ritchie! I am a long time reader, first time commenter. Surprising as it may seem, I am not a Fujifilm user! I have actually been toying with dumping all my other camera brand equipment (presently Sony) and switching over, I have been for a little while now, since drooling over the first X-T1 and X-Pro1 (I was only just getting over the worry about changing from Full Frame to APS-C only, as silly as that seems!).
I have periodically used other peoples Fujifilm equipment (i.e. borrowed friends) and I was just on the verge of doing this complete change, but now I am not too sure! The things that make Fujifilm great and completely different (in my opinion) to other camera companies are the feel/aesthetics of their cameras, film simulations, the kaizen approach to firmware updates across all models (even older and dated cameras), but most of all it is the community of users!
If Fujifilm go ahead with this approach it will make them no different to the bigger brands (Sony, Nikon, Cannon), this is something I especially hate about Sony! To me Sony don’t listen and don’t care, they just come across as a big tech company (who happen to make cameras as well as other things) that just want to sell you soulless computers every 6 months and then don’t support previous models – making you feel that you need to upgrade when in fact you don’t. I don’t think Fujifilm realise how important the community angle is for them, if they break the community spirit and support (through changing the other three things – camera design, film simulations and kaizen approach of longterm support to camera models) they have nothing that is different to the other manufacturers. This will make them irrelevant and no longer ‘niche’, which I fear will lead to their ultimate demise. Maybe other than Medium Format perhaps!
I know Fujifilm (like the others) rarely listen to their communities, however – their ongoing firmware support for their camera lines makes you feel like they care (more than the others!). Not having the ‘niche’, as identified above, won’t make them anymore relevant or different in the market. But, having it may keep them alive! After all, it is a similar ‘niche’ factor in Leica (who don’t make lots of sales – compared to the others) that keeps them going.
For now I am going to have to sit on the fence line and wait, this (whilst probably not a huge deal to Fujifilm) has cost them sales of at least an X-T4, X-Pro3 and an X-E4 as well as many of their pro-line of lenses! Maybe I will just shill out for an older X-T1 and X-E1 (X Trans I) sensor, just to scratch the itch for now! But, I certainly am reluctant to commit anything further at this point, as transitioning systems is not a cheap experience.
To close this is a real shame and I feel sympathetic to the community of users (which I want dearly want to belong too!) that have loved and have supported Fujifilm over the years. Believe me when I say that I know exactly what you are presently going through (or are going to potentially experience longer term) as a Sony User!
Once again, great website and support Ritchie – the Fujifilm community is very lucky to have you!
Cheers Gav
I appreciate the thoughtful and honest comment! I agree that Fujifilm at least made it appear as if they listened, and maybe that was a myth, but, you know, perception is reality and all. Now they’re dropped the appearance of listening, which, as you stated, makes them the same as everyone else, instead of standing out among the crowd. Surely this is not good long-term. Thanks so much!
Re “perception is reality”…
Yeah unfortunately and as you know, “ignorance is NOT bliss” because ignorance of reality (truth) is intrinsically non-adaptive in an environment of governing psychopathic predators (i.e., the controlling powers-that-should-not-be). It lowers a person’s chances of survival. Ignorance is disempowerment. Truth is empowerment….. read “The 2 Married Pink Elephants In The Historical Room –The Holocaustal Covid-19 Coronavirus Madness: A Sociological Perspective & Historical Assessment Of The Covid “Phenomenon”” by Rolf Hefti at https://www.rolf-hefti.com/covid-19-coronavirus.html
As you correctly said concerning Fuji dropping listening… “Surely this is not good long-term.”
Thank you for commenting! I’ve actually always had a problem with the phrase “perception is reality” because, as you said, perception may or may not be true, but reality is true. So it is more: perception is “reality”.
As consumer I feel fuji is really fooling me. It’s incredible that a camera from 2019 received its last update in 2020,specially when we see no reason why two film simulations are not added. I’ve spent a lot of money buying fuji lenses and I feel that doesn’t care to fuji and they want to force us to buy a whole new camera just to get those simulations. From now i won’t buy more fuji stuff, I’m not willing to spend more money in a company that is behaving very paltry with me.
Fujifilm had an opportunity to thrill some of their customers, but instead chose to upset them. It will cost them more in the long run than they’ll make in the short run. They could still fix this, but they’ve already let it go on too long, and time is certainly running out.
I recently sold my X-100F and planned on an new X-T3. But with all the raves on Classic Negative, I will wait on them to push an update to X-T3, or maybe move to a different brand altogether.
I hope they will and they absolutely should, but they probably won’t. The X-T4 is always an option, and the X-T30 II is also a good one to consider.
Hi Ritchie,
I know I’m quite late in making a comment regarding the XT30ii. I’m actually contemplating on selling/trading-in my XT3 for an XT30ii but I’m not sure if it’s worth sacrificing the WR and robustness build quality of the XT3. We live in a quite humid environment but most of my gears stay inside a dehumidifier box when not in use.
The reason for the contemplation is because of two factors: (1) More compact form factor; (2) Classic Neg film sim. When I received my X100v, I enjoyed the Classic Neg film recipes from your site and others, that I realized I’ve not been using my XT3 that much. Hence, selling/trading it for an XT30ii (or an XS10) may motivate me in using the other body where I can use different lenses with it.
However, it’s the XT30ii’s non-weather sealed body I’m a bit wary about since I had a friend who used it on the beach only for it to be damaged by sand and dust accumulated on its dials. And also, there were users of both an XT30i and XT30ii that had their rubber/leatherette peeled off over time (On this note, how’s your XT30 currently? Still doing great?)
With these being indicated, would you (or anyone out there who would read this comment) still recommend for me to seriously consider the XT30ii? I shoot family documentaries, street, food and travel and only a hobbyist.
Thank you.
I have an X-E4 and X-T5, and I use the X-E4 more than the X-T5, despite no weather sealing. I have a friend with an X-T30 II who does amazing work (both stills and video) with it. He’s a professional (works full-time for a non-profit). If it’s good enough for him, it should be good enough for you, I’d think. My X-T30 has scratches in the paint, but otherwise is in great shape. I don’t use it often nowadays, though, because I like the JPEG options found on the newer cameras. I hope this helps!
Thanks for your prompt reply, Ritchie. Do you subject your X-E4 to harsh or compromising weather conditions? Also, would I be right in saying that you don’t get to use your X-T30 currently because it’s missing some of the film sims especially the Classic Neg which is installed on your X-E4 and also the X-T30ii? And in case you have the X-T30ii, would you be using it more often since it has Classic neg and that it has more dial and customizing options than the X-E4? Thanks again.
I don’t take the X-E4 out in the pouring rain, but I don’t forgo using it due to weather conditions, either. Here, it’s mostly wind, dust and heat. You are right, I don’t use the X-T30 often because it doesn’t have Classic Negative, Clarity, etc.. If I had an X-T30 II along with my X-E4, I would probably still choose the X-E4 because it is smaller and the EVF is on the side (not in the middle).
I see. You kind of prefer the rangefinder aesthetic. And also, with all those extended settings available on the X-E4 and the X-T30ii and not on the XT3, makes me think if it’s really worth sacrificing my XT3 for an X-T30ii because of the Classic Neg film base which really invigorates me to shoot like when the the X100v got into my hands.
I can’t tell you what to do, because it’s up to you to decide what makes sense for you, but I would agree with your assessment personally. I hope that it has been helpful.
Most certianly! You’ve been very helpful. Thank you so much for your time.