14 DAY TRIAL // Following countless leaks, Fuji finally pulled the wraps off its newest compact camera that arrives to complement its lofty portfolio of almost 20 models.
The new camera follows in the footsteps of the previous X20 and X10 and features the same 12-megapixel 2/3-inch sensor and 28-112mm-equivalent f/2.0-f/2.8 lens. Well, while some things remain the same, the X30 does arrive with a bunch of improvements and changes.
Even if Fuji says the camera should cater to the needs of both professional and hobbyist photographers, it does arrive with a fixed lens, an aspect which might put a damper on the enthusiasm of most advanced users.
However, the fixed lens has image stabilization and dual ring control setup made up of manual zoom and programmable rings. The front ring can be used to adjust ISO, film saturation mode, white balance and shooting speed.
The X30 comes equipped with a 2/3-inch 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is about 15% the size of APS-C sensor which can usually be found in DSLRs.
The image sensor bundles high-speed phase-detection auto-focus and Fuji says this will allow users to access auto focus up to 0.06 seconds (which is said to be the fastest in the world at this point).
Furthermore, the X30 will be able to deliver high-speed 12 fps continuous shooting and full HD video recording at 1080 60 fps (with manual focus feat for video).
We should highlight at this point that the X30 boasts some atypical compact camera features like a stereo mic input which should bring about better audio in movies.
The X30 arrives with a 1025 x 768 OLED electronic viewfinder with 5-millisecond response time (super fast). The compact takes advantage of a 3-inch tiltable LCD screen (640 x 480 resolution) which brings about the possibility of taking advantage of film simulation for those looking to get all artsy with their work.
There are 11 filters to choose from, including Velvia, Provia, Sepia and Monochrome plus the all-new “Classic Chrome” filter which is characterized by the muted tones and deep color reproduction.
Images can be composed on the LCD screen that has been upgraded to 920,000-dot. Photos can also be framed on the screen of a smartphone connected to the camera’s Wi-Fi, using the Fuji app.
Another highlight is that Fujifilm has created a new battery system, which should allow photographers to shoot up to 470 shoots without having to pop in for a recharge.
As we already knew, the Fuji X30 will arrive in black and silver versions. It will show up in retail in late September and can be yours for $600 / €454 a pop.
