Fujifilm has announced that their X Series lineup has two brand new additions: the FUJIFILM X-T30 mirrorless digital camera and the FUJINON XF16mm F2.8 R WR lens.
The release of the X-T30 comes roughly two years after the release of the X-T20 (which, in turn, followed the X-T10 by two years) and shows us Fujifilm’s commitment to continue improving and refining the X Series. From the launch of the original X100, and through each iteration of the various cameras and lenses in the X line, Fujifilm had maintained high quality, beautiful color, and compact design — all of the features that made it a favorite among shooters of all levels.
Fujifilm X-T30 key features:
- 26.1 M BSI APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4
- X-Processor 4 quad-core CPU
- 100% phase detect AF across the entire frame
- Excellent face and eye detection AF with new Face Selection option
- 2.36M-dot OLEO EVF
- 3 inch 1.04M-dot 2-way tilting Touch LCD with smooth and fast drag controls
- 4K/30p, Full HD 120fps, H.264 compression option
- External HDMI recording capable of 4:2:2 1 O bit quality
- 1 x SD UHS-1 card slot
- Built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth V.4.2
- Headphone Jack via USB-C Adapter (3rd Party)
- USB-C
- NP-W126S battery
The new X-T30 packs even greater image quality with the fourth generation X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor. This 26.1 megapixel sensor has one of the highest resolutions among APS-C sensors, allowing the photographer plenty of room to crop or to capture fantastic detail for printing and sharing. The X-T30’s ISO sensitivity has been adjusted to allow ISO 160 in the normal range (it was in extended ISO earlier), making it great for shooting in bright light with more open apertures.
In addition, the new X-Processor 4 Quad Core-CPU enables super fast face detection auto focus, doubling the speed compared to the X-T20 as well as allowing eye detection to work in AF-C mode, great for moving portraits. On top of that, the low light limit of phase detection has been expanded from 0.5EV to -3EV which allows more accurate AF in low light.
While the X-T30 is an amazing stills camera, the video recording capabilities of this beauty have been cranked up to the next level. The X-T30 records (UHD) 4k at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps allowing for super slow motion effects. For filmmakers requiring higher color fidelity, the X-T30 records 10-bit, 4:2:2 color through the HDMI port.
One of Fuji’s most popular features is its amazing color reproduction and “Film Simulation” modes, and being able to use these modes while shooting video is a huge boon. The X-T30 incorporates Monochrome adjustments for the popular ACROS (and monochrome) styles as well as a “Color Chrome” effect that helps when photographing highly saturated colors. This mode produces deep colors and gradation — something any product photographer can attest is hard to do with certain subjects.
Beyond the image quality and powerful features like the auto focus, the X-T30 boasts some physical aspects that will make it a joy to use. The Focus Lever which enables users to quickly and easily shift to a focus point and like all of Fujifilm’s offerings, an ergonomic body design. The X-T30 also incorporates a convenient two-way tilting and intuitive touchscreen panel. Weighing in at 13.51 ounces, the X-T30 is light enough to carry anywhere and powerful enough to capture photos and video wherever you take it.
The Fujifilm X-T30 is available for preorder starting February 15 at 12PM for , and comes in black, silver, and charcoal silver.
It will also be available with a XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R lens kit () or with a XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens kit ().
Fujifilm XF16mmF2.8 R WR Lens:
While we all get excited about new camera releases, it should be remembered that it’s the lens that captures your vision and Fujifilm has created some amazing lenses for the X Series thus far and they’re continuing the tradition with the FUJINON XF-16MM 2.8 R WR wide angle lens.
FUJINON XF16mmF2.8 R WR key features:
- Lens construction: 10 elements, 8 groups (includes 2 aspherical elements)
- Focal length (35mm format equivalent: f=16mm (24mm)
- Angle of view: 83.2°
- Max. aperture: F2.8
- Min. aperture: F22
- Aperture control
- Number of blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
- Stop size: 1/3EV (19 stops)
- Focus range: 17cm and beyond
- Max. magnification: 0.13x
- Weight (excluding caps, hoods): Approx. 155g
By incorporating metal components on the the exterior of the lens and a barrel sealed in nine places, FujiFilm has created a tough, lightweight, and compact weather-resistant tool for demanding photographers, both professional and hobbyist.
The XF16mmF2.8 R WR uses a fast, near-quiet, internal stepping motor to achieve fast and accurate auto focus.
The 10 element (in 8 groups) design provides edge-to-edge sharpness and uses two aspherical elements to overcome field curvature imperfection and chromatic aberration, which can cause image degradation.
Once again, FujiFilm has produced tools any photographer or filmmaker can not help but take notice of. Taking these two announcements as a combo, you’d have an amazing imaging beast, but add to this the entire line of Fuji X Series products that have grown over the last nine years, and you’ve got a powerful player, no surprise to me or anyone else who’s taken notice.
The FUJINON XF16mmF2.8 R WR lens is available for preorder starting February 15 at 12PM for in both black and silver.
New firmware updates:
For current Fuji shooters, new firmware has been announced for the Fujifilm X-T3, Fujifilm X-T100, and the Fujifilm X-A5.
The Fujifilm X-T3 firmware, which will be released in April 2019, is designed to improve the camera’s eye/face detection by nearly 30 percent, and will bring more stable AF tracking to still and video. A brand new “Face Select” function will also be added to give photographers the ability to choose a subject in a sea of faces. A new AF algorithm enhances the existing system and improved touchscreen settings will ease your focusing abilities.
For the X-T100 and X-A5, Fujifilm has announced a new “Bright Mode,” which will produce a more vivid image when in “Advanced SR Auto” mode, as well as “Portrait Enhancer” mode that incorporates a wide range of skin tones. An additional “Night+ Setting” will work to modify the ISO, brightness, and vividness of the image when taken in low light situations. These updates will be available starting February 2019.
Finally, version 4.0 of the Fujifilm Camera Remote app will arrive for iOS in March 2019, and for Android in May 2019. The latest version includes a redesigned interface that will pair quicker and includes albums to help you keep your images organized.
AdoramaTV’s Seth Miranda took the camera for a hands-on session. Check out his images below:
For an extended look, check out this Fujifilm X-T30 & XF 16mm f2.8 | Hands On video below:
