Fujifilm has revealed its latest retro-styled X-series camera, the enthusiast-focused compact zoom X30. The new shooter improves on last year's X20 with the addition of features including a built-in EVF, a larger tilting LCD monitor, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Fujifilm is also promising a considerably better battery life from the new model.
The X30 is more evolution than it is revolution and, as such, keeps a number of key features from the X20. It still uses a 12 megapixel 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor, along with a 28-112-mm equivalent F2-F2.8 lens and an EXR Processor II image processor. It also, unsurprisingly, retains the retro-styling which helped make its predecessor so popular.
An ISO range of 100 to 12,800 means the X30 should be comfortable shooting in a range of lighting conditions, and it can deliver continuous shooting speeds of up to 12 fps (for 18 frames in JPEG). Also inheriting a proven Intelligent Hybrid AF system, the X30 should be able to focus on a subject in as little as 0.06 seconds. Full HD 1080p video can also be recorded at 60/50/30/25/24 fps and there's a microphone input.
The headline upgrade of the X30 is the move from an optical viewfinder to an electronic one. This OLED EVF boasts an impressive 2.36 million dots, with a display lag time of just 0.005 sec. According to Fujifilm, it's the largest and fastest in its class. The rear monitor has also been upgraded, the bigger and better 3-inch 920K-dot LCD can now be tilted for easier shot composition.
Control freaks will be pleased that the X30 has retained physical access to many manual controls through its array of dials and buttons, and that it's gained dual ring operation. The new control ring around the lens, which sits behind the manual zoom ring, can be used to adjust things like aperture settings and shutter speed. There's also the addition of built-in Wi-Fi for wireless sharing and remote shooting via the Fujifilm Camera Remote app, which allows for Touch AF, shutter release, and the adjustment of many settings.
The camera also will also be able to deliver around 470 shots on a single charge thanks to a battery which has a capacity approximately 1.8 times greater than that of past models. While it's described as a compact, it's worth remembering that the X30 measures 119 x 72 x 60 mm (4.7 x 2.8 x 2.4 in) and weighs 423g (14.9 oz), which makes it comparable with some mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.
The Fujifilm X30 will be available in black or silver, and will go on sale in September with a US$600 price-tag.
To check out the X30 in a bit more detail, take a look at the Fujifilm video below.
Product page: Fujifilm X30