Fujifilm has added to its much loved X Series with a new body, the X-T30 II. The camera builds on the success of its predecessor and uses the iconic X-Trans sensor design on which so much of the X Series success has been built, but promises many improvements mainly in its AF speed, video spec and rear LCD. Could Fujifilm have called it the X-T32? Maybe. But then, fans of roman numerals would’ve been up in arms, so…
The X-T30 II comes with the same 26.1Mp X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor as its predecessor, twinned with a X-Processor 4 imaging engine. But performance has been tuned up to deliver fast, phase-detection AF in conditions as dark as -7.0EV. That maximum is achieved when Fujifilm’s XF50mmF1.0 R WR lens is fitted, but you can expect fleet-footed performance from other glass, too. As before, the usefully AF covers 100% of the frame, clocks in at a fastest response time of 0.02sec and harnesses Fujifilm’s most up-to-date subject tracking and Face/Eye detection algorithms. This, it’s said, means AF performance equivalent to the X Series’ current flagship model, the X-T4.
Keeping with the theme of speed, the X-T30 II also claims 8fps in the mechanical shutter mode and up to 30fps in the electronic shutter mode. In the latter mode, it also promises continuous shooting, free from blackout, making it easier to follow fast moving subjects.
The original X-T30 proved popular with movie makers and those shooting vlogs, and with improved video specs, the X-T30 II should continue that trend. The new camera downsamples its 4K video from a 6K capture, ensuring higher quality and sharpness, and it can record 4K/30p movies at 8-bit 4:2:0 internally to the SD card, as well as 4K/30p movies in 10-bit 4:2:2 quality via an HDMI connection. There’s also a great set of slow-mo options, topping out at Full HD/240p meaning you get up to 10x slower video if you need it.
As well as its X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor’s proven ability to capture highly detailed images free from false colour, the X-T30 II offers 18 Film Simulation modes, up from the predecessor’s 16. The new modes are Classic Neg. and ETERNA Bleach Bypass. These popular modes are also able to be used in video recording. The camera’s Auto mode has also be upgraded and it now automatically applies the Color Chrome Effect Blue, Clarity, D Range Priority settings for enhanced image quality in typically challenging situations like strong backlighting.
As for handling, it looks very similar to the original camera, and that’s no bad thing. Weighing just just 378g, the X-T30 II offers a slimline but versatile body, that can be used in everything from full auto to full manual, and like many other X Series bodies has dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation. An upgraded 1.62 million-dot rear LCD completes the picture.
The X-T30 II will be available from October in black or silver, priced £769 body only, £849 with the XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens and £1099 with the XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS lens.