Last night Fujifilm announced the brand-new X-T30 III camera and Fujinon XC 13-33mm f/3.5-6.3 lens. That’s a lot of threes! I’m not going to spend much time talking about either of these products, but I did want to briefly mention their existence.
The X-T30 III is almost identical to the X-T30 II, which was pretty much identical to the X-T30, launched in early 2019. The big changes for the third iteration are: X-Processor 5 and Film Dial. All of the other changes are directly related to those two.
X-Processor 5 brings with it more computing power and more efficient processing, which allows for autofocus and video improvements (including 6K Open Gate), as well as the Nostalgic Neg. and Reala Ace Film Simulations. Probably better battery life, too. The Film Dial replaces the Drive Dial, which has now been relocated to a button on the back, similar to the Fujifilm X-E5, X100VI, and X-Pro3. Some people are greatly offended by this, but the Drive button has worked quite sufficiently on those popular models and has been a complete nonissue, so there’s no reason to believe it won’t be the same for the X-T30 III. Some people like to complain for the sake of complaining. The benefit of the Film Dial is that it can store up to three Film Simulation Recipes, bringing the total possible Recipes that can be programmed into the camera at any one time up to 11 (certainly Nigel Tufnel would buy this camera just for this). As of right now, the X-T30 III and X-E5 are the only two cameras capable of 11 Recipes; however, I hope that Fujifilm brings the FS1/FS2/FS3 Recipe option to the X-T50 and X-M5, and any future models with the Film Dial.
The one negative with the Film Dial on the X-T30 III is that—like the X-E5—it’s limited to only six hard-set Film Simulations. Unfortunately, Classic Negative and Nostalgic Neg. were both excluded. For Classic Negative, that’s inexplicable, as it’s one of the most popular and iconic options. I think if Fujifilm had used the same Film Dial found on the X-T50 and X-M5, that would have been better. While the Film Dial isn’t perfect and certainly can be improved, it’s still a feature that I love, and I’m happy to see it on this camera.
The lens? I personally don’t use zooms very often. I’m more of a prime guy myself. It seems like a budget-friendly alternative to the 10-24mm f/4. I’m sure it’s sufficiently good, and a decent starter kit lens. I have no intentions of owning it, personally. Sold with the X-T30 III, I’m sure it’s worthwhile for $150; I definitely wouldn’t spend $400 on one.
There are two (very annoying) complaints that I’ve seen regarding this announcement: Fujifilm should not release any camera until they have Sony-like AF, and where’s the X-Pro4? Let’s discuss both.
I’ve talked about autofocus at great lengths (just type “autofocus” in the search bar), so I won’t spend much energy on it. My basic argument, though, is that Fujifilm’s AF is pretty good, better than what’s existed for the vast majority of photography, and if you can’t make it work for you, it’s largely user error. Yes, your fault. People are offended by that, but sometimes the truth hurts. Once you accept that truth, it reveals a path forward so that you can move beyond your AF obstacles. It might take learning some new skills and/or learning some new things about your camera that you didn’t realize. Fujifilm’s AF is more than sufficient for 99%+ photographers and situations if you know what you’re doing. Those who constantly complain about it have 1) unrealistic expectations (Canikony brands have been making AF for much, much longer, have larger R&D budgets, and larger teams, so it stands to reason that theirs is and always will be better), 2) an unwillingness to accept that they are a part of the problem (more so than the gear), and 3) no motivation for self-improvement.
Can and will Fujifilm improve their AF? Absolutely. I have zero doubts that they’re working hard on that right now and have been for years. Will those improvements have a practical benefit for most of their customers? Probably not, because we’re nearing the peak of an inverted U curve, which means that each improvement will have a smaller and smaller and smaller impact (this is true for every brand, especially Sony and Canon, who might actually be nearing the back side of the curve). Also, realize that any obstacle—including AF woes—can be overcome if you are willing to self-reflect and put in the work. Those who constantly complain about this topic are unwilling on both accounts.
As for the X-Pro4, which I’m predicting will be called X-Pro5, I’m somewhat confident that it will arrive within the next six months, probably announced in January or February. It will likely kick off X-Trans VI, and the X-T30 III will mark the end of the fifth-generation. In other words, the next X-Pro is coming, just have a little more patience.
Anyway, the Fujifilm X-T30 III will hold the important role of budget-friendly non-PASM model with an EVF. The X-T30 II and the X-T30 before it served this purpose very well, and, despite less fanfare, sold a heck-of-a-lot of copies. The X-T30 III will quietly be a major success, too. At only $999, it’s probably the best value camera in the lineup. Yes, some models are cheaper. Yes, some are better. But none quite offer the bang-for-the-buck that the X-T30 III does.
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujifilm X-T30 III in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T30 III in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T30 III in Charcoal:
Amazon, B&H, Moment
Fujinon 13-33mm f/3.5-6.3:
B&H, Nuzira
Probably a small point for most but key for some.
The best wrist / hand strap on the market is by Spider. Their kit is definitely rigeur for wedding and social snappers.
The upper attachment point works best when it is as high and as far back as possible.
The style of eye on the T5 also seems best. This body, a pity.
For me, a top quality seriously heavy duty tripod and the best available hand strap are quite as important as a good lens. The tripod is similar on price, too.
I use the same manual focus Voigtlanders on both my of Zs as well as my T5. ‘Fringer’ adapters are wonderful things.
Rest of the time, bellows and probably movements.
Best if I don’t comment on AF issues one way or the other.
Capability overall though must generate market pressure.
Real ability, pro options and at a very keen price point.
Even if Leitz are grabbing the headlines.
Rgds.
I had never heard of the Spider hand strap. Looked it up. Quite interesting.
A little nothing, but I really like that this has straight shoulders rather than the drooping slope of the X-T50. Just looks better. Otherwise, not much to say. Seems like a solid enough camera.
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As to the Leica out on the same day… I still think it ought to have been an L-mount camera. Get the body as close to M size and shape as possible, but being able to use both autofocus L lenses, and adapt M lenses.
I haven’t looked into the new Leica at all. Someone told me that it has an EVF, which I guess is unique for the M series (I’m so out of touch with Leica, I didn’t know that).
If you had to pick, which one would it be. The 30 iii or the 50?
I would prefer having more film sim options on my film dial, as with the 50, but then again I really do like the size and the style of the 30 models. Another thing would be the massive image size of a 40 MP sensor. As I only shoot with vintage lenses, I also really don’t care about AF at all.
The deficits the 50 has film-sim–wise seem to be something a firmware update might possibly resolve.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
I would pick the X-T50 over the X-T30 III unless the concern is the budget. I don’t know if Fujifilm will bring Recipe functionality to FS1/FS2/FS3 on the X-T50, but I really hope they do. I see the X-T30 III as base-level (and as such it is an excellent value) and the X-T50 as mid-tier. Either way, though, you are likely to be happy with your decision.