Fujifilm is about to announce the X-T30 III, the true successor to the X-T30 II. A lot of people assumed that the Fujifilm X-T50 was the X-T30 II’s successor, but it wasn’t—if you a Fuji X Weekly regular, you’ve known that for about a year-and-a-half now. Tomorrow at 10:00 PM Pacific Time, Fujifilm will unveil the new camera.
I don’t have any inside information, but I expect that the Fujifilm X-T30 III will be 95% the same as the X-T30 II, which was 98% the same as the X-T30. Fujifilm announced the original X-T30 in February of 2019. I remember it well because I preordered it, and later created many Film Simulation Recipes with that camera. The X-T30 II, which was basically a firmware update with a few minor changes, came in October of 2021. The ability to save WB Shift with each C1-C7 Custom Settings preset, as well as Classic Negative and other JPEG tools like Clarity, are the major improvements found on the Mark II version. Now, four years later, Fujifilm is about to release the latest iteration.
From all accounts, the X-T30 III will be the same as the X-T30 II, except with X-Processor 5 (which includes Nostalgic Neg. and Reala Ace), a Film Dial like what’s on the X-T50 and X-M5, and a Drive Button instead of a Drive Dial. Aside from that, it will be pretty much the same thing as the X-T30 II. I don’t expect any major changes. Overall, it will be a mild refresh.
Why, then, do I think this camera is genius? Because Fujifilm will quietly sell a whole lot of these. It’s not going to go viral like the X100VI. It’s not going to make major headlines. It’s not going to be a hot topic on Reddit or Facebook groups. But Fujifilm will sell a bunch of X-T30 III cameras, more than most other models offered by the brand.
Just four days ago, New York Magazine published in The Strategist section This Fujifilm Camera Gives Me Film Photos Without the Processing by Katherine Gillespie. It’s essentially a review of the Fujifilm X-T30 II. In that article, Katherine states, “Even just using the cheapest 15-45mm kit lens, the camera creates beautiful JPEG photos that require little to no editing to make the colors pop and can be wirelessly transferred to my phone via Fujifilm’s XApp. For me, this is a big sell. While some people seem to enjoy playing around with presets on Lightroom, as a procrastinator who also sort of hates computers, I can’t think of anything worse than shooting in RAW then having to go through and edit hundreds of photos after every social event or vacation. Especially as doing so would also require purchasing a pricey Adobe subscription.”
The article included a small and subtle shoutout to Fuji X Weekly, which was mind-blowing. This follows the New York Times mention in July. I never imagined getting noticed by such large and prestigious publications. But I digress; however, it is a good read, should you want to.
Statements like Katherine’s are why the X-T30 and X-T30 II sold so well, and why soon the X-T30 III will, too. It’s easy to get great-looking photos without the fuss. The cameras are small, lightweight, inexpensive, and straightforward-enough that they’re accessible to anyone and everyone. Even a child can use it and get great results. Robust enough that professionals can use it for serious work, but not so much that first-time hobbyists are in over their heads. That’s indeed a big sell.
No other Fujifilm camera has been given a Mark III iteration. The X-E2 had a second version called X-E2s. There’s the X-H2 and X-H2s, but that’s a slightly different story. There was an X-T3 WW, which was an X-T3 without an external battery charger included in the box. The X-T4 ES is an infrared version of the X-T4. Most models have their time, followed by a successor; the few with a second variation were not given a third. The X-T30 is unique, with a third iteration about to crest the horizon. That elevates the camera to legendary status in my books. There is no doubt in my mind that the X-T30 III will be a great success for Fujifilm, albeit without the fanfare that other models in the X-series often get.
No way. we need to stop that craziness of simulation dial 😔. Fuji is pushing me to move to another system with every new camera they release…
As I said in this article:
https://fujixweekly.com/2025/10/09/the-film-dial-is-awesome/
“The majority of complaints are from the loathers. They really hate the Film Dial and don’t even want to see it when they look at their camera. It bothers them deeply. Some even claim that they’ll leave the brand over its inclusion. It’s like kryptonite or something. I find this very, very strange. It’s weird.”
And:
“There are some buttons that I never use on some of my cameras, and I don’t look at those buttons with disgust or think less than of people who do use them—it would be ridiculous of me to do so. How silly and strange would that be! Yet there are people who do just that when it comes to the Film Dial, and are very open about it, plastering it across the internet.”
As I said in this article:
“It’s safe to say that the Film Dial is sticking around for awhile, and for good reason: it places one of Fujifilm’s most important and beloved features in a highly visible and easily accessible position on the camera.”
In other words, the Film Dial is going to come to more and more models moving forward. Either make pease with it, or start now looking at other brands—those are really your two options; otherwise, you will be miserable.
In fact, that’s what I’m doing. I’m now moving to another brand, maybe soon i will sell the X-T4, the only fuji camera i still keep. My problem is not for having per se de simulation dial, but because they are removing other dials which are more useful. Also, as you wrote, the implementation of that dial is not the best (should be better a recipe dial), and then there are features Fuji is not giving us and that are not hard to implement, like the highlights weighted metering mode, more slots for recipes or a real color grading feature instead of the gimmick wb for colorgrading.
If you’re not happy, go find something that makes you happy.
I can’t say that I agree with what you said, at least not most of it, but it’s better to go find your happiness than to go around complaining about not being happy. Are you looking for a round of applause? Why is it necessary to let the whole world know that you are unhappy and plan to switch brands? Just do it! Get it done, and be happy.
What I would caution, though, is that if the unhappiness is internal and not external, the problem is that wherever you go, there you are. There is not a perfect camera or perfect brand, so you might soon find yourself with the same discontentment (just maybe it’s some other aspect that’s bugging you). That’s the cautionary tale, but if switching brands will make you happy, by all means do it! Even Fujifilm themselves would recommend that, I’m certain. No need to hesitate or make a big spectacle threatening to do it. No need to seek attention over it. Just go purchase the gear you want, sell your X-T4, and be done. Nobody’s gonna throw confetti for you.
It’s very simple : if you are disagree with this dial, don’t use it!
There are buttons on some of my cameras that I never use… imagine how silly and weird it would be for me to be all upset and threaten to leave the brand over that button’s inclusion on some model?
As someone who is coming from only shooting on iPhone – do you see the X100VI or the XT-30 III as the best first Fuji camera?
Well, I think either could be great. The X100VI has the advantage of a fixed lens (the iPhone has up to four fixed-lens cameras, depending on your model). The X-T30 III has the advantage of ease-of-use… you can throw it in full-Auto if you want with the flip of a switch. My recommendation is the X-T30 III, but both are excellent choices, and you’re likely to be happy either way.
No~~!. Mk III should fix the Q button location absolutely!!!!! 😭
What’s wrong with where the Q button is located? I’ve never had an issue with it personally, and I’ve owned an X-T30 since 2019.
Anyone who doesnt like the FilmSim dial doesnt have to 1/use it if it’s on their camera OR 2/ dont buy the models it is on.SO SIMPLE….I like the idea of it but haven’t bought a camera body that includes it yet.
Yes, it’s just like anything and everything: if you don’t like something about a particular product, you don’t have to buy it; even if you do buy, doesn’t mean you have to utilize that aspect of it. Those throwing tantrums about the Film Dial are as bizarre as if I complained that Fujifilm keeps including an AEL button on each model (or something like that), and I threaten to leave the brand if they don’t change. It’s just so weird.
Well, it’s also curious that whenever fuji users provide feedback and ask features, there are fuji fanatics that disqualify those feedbacks . The “leave the brand and stop complaining” is just a common place that kills potential mutual beneficial conversation to improve the brand. Applauding every decision of a brand is not the right way to improve it.
It’s also curious that just because someone is a fan of the brand’s products, their opinions are disregarded as “fanboy” talk. So I guess it goes both ways.
If you regularly read this website, you’ll see that I have criticized Fujifilm many times. But there is a difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. To stomp your feet and say, “If Fujifilm doesn’t do exactly how I want them to, I’m quitting!” That’s destructive criticism, and frankly weird and immature. There’s a whole lot of destructive criticism out there on the internet, and much of it is also weird and immature. Here on this website, I call it out. I don’t join in on it, or celebrate it or echo it. I tell it like it is: weird and unhelpful and childish. When it’s necessary, I do give constructive criticism, which is what’s actually helpful, and, in fact, the right way to take part in improving the brand. Besides, Fujifilm (and every other company) is going to be much more open to listening to constructive criticism over destructive criticism. A lot of the complainers are just spinning their wheels, because nobody’s listening to them, and they’re not listening because of the immature tactics of the complainers.
i think it will going viral and makes major headlines,and this camera already being hot topic on reddit and facebook
It very well could. Stranger things have happened for sure.
xt30ii price will be going up in used market
Maybe, but probably not.
between xt30ii vs xe4 which one hold better value?and why?
Definitely the X-E4. It sells used for 50% to 100% more than the original MSRP. A big reason for that is Fujifilm didn’t manufacture nearly enough of them, and discontinued the camera while there was a large backorder list. The X-E5 is a more premium model in a different class, and costs quite a bit more, too. The X-E4 is unique in being so small and lightweight and minimalistic (not everybody appreciates those things, but some really do). So I don’t anticipate that the price of used X-E4 cameras will drop much anytime soon.
The X-T30 II is not likely to land you more on the second-hand market than the X-T30 III sells for new. I imagine that you’re likely to get something close to MSRP for it, but it’s not going to fetch you a profit.
i keep thinking to sell my xt30ii because xe4 hold value better (or is it possible digital camera can be collector item so the price still rising?)
I would not sell an X-T30 II to purchase an X-E4, on the grounds that the X-E4 will hold its value better. If I owned both an X-E4 and X-T30 II and was planning to keep just one, and the criteria was to hold onto the one likely to hold its value better, I would keep the X-E4. I hope that makes sense.
do you think one of fuji like x100v x100vi price will eventually go down in the future (10years+)?or it will be like collector item and the price keep rising up?
I would not buy any camera from any brand as a financial investment, other than an investment into yourself and your art. The camera itself, like almost everything, will devalue with time; aside from that, inflation will also devalue the camera, albeit in a different way. I would not recommend being concerned about how well a specific model will or won’t hold its value over time (accurately predicting the future is a near impossible task, if not fully impossible), and instead use the camera for your own enjoyment and benefit. Get your money’s worth out of it by using it often and to the best of your ability. Whether you can sell it later for $500 or $1,500 should not matter very much.
With all of that said, Fujifilm wants the resale value of their cameras to be better than they were in the past—to hold their value better over a period of time. When they said this, it was completely misunderstood and heavily criticized by people who didn’t think very deeply about it. But, just so you know, Fujifilm is interested in their used products holding their value well, and “brand strength” is something they’re working towards for all of their products.
ok thankyou so much,i’ll keep using this legendary xt30ii like you said haha
Definitely, it’s a really good camera.
Love my xpro3 & x-t5. I always glow up every time fuji releases a new camera. Wonder if we will see a new film sim in the future. What do you think is missing Ritchie?
I think Fujifilm not only *should* release a new Film Simulation or two, but they *must* do it. The reason? Other camera makers have caught on, so they have no room for complacency. The need to stay a step ahead.
I think there are a lot of potential options for future film simulations. Some of my favorites are:
– Fujicolor PRO 400H sim that turns pastel with overexposure, just like the film
– Cross process, based on Velvia 50
– Fortia inspired sim (more vibrant than Velvia)
– Something that mimics Fujicolor PRO 800Z or Natura 1600 (maybe has Grain built-in, can be more grainy than the other film sims?)
– Fujichrome Sensia inspired sim
– Instax film sim
– A high contrast version of Acros… maybe Highlight/Shadow set to 0 is the same as +4 on regular Acros
Beyond that, I think Fujifilm should offer more JPEG options. Some ideas are:
– Faded blacks
– Vignetting
– Light leaks
– Halation
– More Grain options
– Split toning (for both B&W and color)
– Midtone Tone Curve adjustment
They have to be very careful to balance simplicity with quantity. If they have too many choices, people can easily get lost or feel intimidated by it. If they were to add all of those suggestions, it might overcomplicate things for the average buyer, and sour the experience. But, in order to remain the leader in JPEG processing and Recipe photography, they do need to continue innovating. Standing still is not an option.
Aside from those things, I would recommend that they revamp Advanced Filters. Add the ability to use DR, WB + WB Shift, and Grain. Add Retro and Expired Film from the X Half. If Fujifilm doesn’t want to include Cross Process as a film sim, they could add it as an Advanced Filter.
what about the X-M5? I’m torn which one to buy. Thanks for a nice and insightful article!
I’d go with the X-T30 III unless you just absolutely need the smallest and/or cheapest model.
Thanks Ritchie.
Not sure if you’ve seen this one, i’m certain you are familiar with the operation however: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXNCWPl-tao
what i don’t understand fully is whether the X-T30 III “FS”-dials function exactly the same as described (above) on the X-M5, or whether the “FS”-dial on the X-T30 III directly enters recipe mode as the C-profiles would allow on the X-M5.
https://www.fujifilm.com/se/en/news/hq/13018 The press release states that “The Film Simulation dial features three positions, FS1 to FS3, where users can individually register any of the 20 Film Simulation modes and image quality settings as their own “FS recipes.” Depending on the scene or subject, users can quickly recall their FS recipes with a simple dial operation and start shooting.”
Haven’t been able to find the recipe workflow for the X-T30 III on youtube (yet) so am therefore in the blind whether the X-M5 offers faster switching between custom recipes vs the X-T30 III. Given my limited skillset i’m not sure i’d value a shutter speed dial over the 2nd dial on the X-M5.
I hadn’t seen that video. Thanks for sharing!
The Film Dial on the X-T30 III works similarly to the X-M5 Film Dial but not identically; it works the same as the X-E5 (just as a Dial on top instead of a wheel). The big difference is that FS1/FS2/FS3 can be used to also store a Recipe. The smaller difference is that the X-M5 actually has two more Film Sims on the Film Dial.
The Film Dial on the X-T30 III changes the Film Sim and nothing else (except when you program and set FS1-3 for Recipes). It’s useful for when using one of my two “universal Recipes” sets:
https://fujixweekly.com/2024/05/16/fujifilm-x-t50-film-dial-settings-14-new-film-simulation-recipes-yes-14/
https://fujixweekly.com/2025/03/28/universal-negative-14-fujifilm-x100vi-x-trans-v-film-simulation-recipes-yes-14/
It can also be useful when using Kodak Portra 400 v2, as Vintage Vibes and Ferrania Solaris FG 400 share identical settings, the only difference is the Film Simulation. For these situations, it adds quite a bit of picture aesthetic versatility.
Otherwise, the Film Dial should be set to C, which is best understood as Off. At this point you can use C1-C7. If the Film Dial is set to anything other than C, whatever Film Sim is in your C1-C7 will be overridden by the Film Sim on the Film Dial. You can also program one Recipe into the IQ Menu set, which is activated by not selecting any of the C1-C7 options; for this, you also want the Film Dial set to C (aka Off). Additionally, on the X-T30 III, a Recipe can be programmed into FS1/FS2/FS3, which brings the total of possible Recipes that you can program into the camera up to 11. Unfortunately, you can only assign a custom name to C1-C7, so the other four you just have to remember what you programmed into the camera.
Between the X-T30 III and X-M5, I’d go with the X-T30 III hands down unless you just absolutely need the smallest or cheapest option.
Thanks a plenty for the kind and helpful reply. It clarified a lot. I think that seals the deal for me, X-T30 III it is. I’m fine not naming the FS 1-3 recipes, but do value having recipes available already from that dial, which is a small plus in my book, now comparing with the X-M5’s C > C 1-4 move which requires an additional manoeuvre comparing to the simplicity of the X-30’s dial. I’ll probably experiment quite a bit with various recipes and then simply map out my favourite three recipes onto the dial for the quickest access.
I’m not yet familiar with the “the Film Dial should be set to C, which is best understood as Off. At this point you can use C1-C7.” Are the C1-C7 recipes activated via menu on the display?
Also, wow, Indoor Astia and Elite Chrome look incredible. Thank you for sharing, and your impressive work.
C1-C7 is activated by pressing the Q button (you can also assign it to an Fn button if you want).
I’ve currently trying to decide between this and used x-t4. This will be my first proper camera! The pricing between them is similar Any suggestions on which to go for? 🙂
The X-T4 is a more premium model. It’s very good. I have two, actually. The articulating screen is something that you might love or hate. The X-T30 III has the most recent film simulations, and is lighter and smaller. The X-T30 III is probably a better beginner camera, but the X-T4 is probably the better overall camera.
by the way is image quality on xt30ii/xe4 vs xm5 xs20 the same?since they have same sensor
There’s not an image quality difference, but there is a slight rendering difference. A photo captured on the X-S10 may not look 100% identical to one captured on the X-S20 (still very similar, though). But the technical image quality (dynamic range, high ISO, etc..) are identical. I hope this makes sense and answers the question for you.
what do you mean rendering sir?like for example the blue color is deeper on xs20 etc?
Yes, on some film simulations.
Just put a preorder deposit down on the X-T30 III! Very excited to upgrade from my X-T10 and try out some of your newer recipes.
Awesome! My guess is that you’re going to love the camera whenever it comes.