Fujifilm X-T3 vs X-T30: Differences You Care About

What are the main differences when comparing the X-T3 vs X-T30 other than an extra zero?

This post is going to look at the main differences between the two cameras and what they mean to photographers. We’re going to go beyond just a basic comparison of numbers and instead look at the implications.

This is not a review of either camera, though I will include some “review-type” information based on my experiences.

---

X-T3 vs X-T30 Comparison Chart

	Fujifilm X-T3	Fujifilm X-T30
Price (March 2020, body only)	$1,299.95	$799.95
Size (inches, W x H x D)	5.2 x 3.7 x 2.3	4.7 x 3.3 x 1.8
Weight (pounds, with battery)	1.2	0.84
Weather Sealing	Yes	No
In-Body Stabilization	No	No
Sensor	Backside Illuminated X-Trans 4 26.1MP	Backside Illuminated X-Trans 4 26.1MP
Processor	X-Processor 4	X-Processor 4
Focus Points	425	425
Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
Native ISO Range	160-12800	160-12800
Max 4K Framerate	60fps	30fps
Max Full HD Framerate	120fps	120fps
Max Movie Bitrate	400Mbps	200Mbps
Card Slots	2	1
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
No. of Customizable Controls	13	8
Mechanical Shutter Burst Rate	11fps	8fps
Battery Capacity	390 shots	380 shots

---

Image Quality

If you’re comparing X-T3 vs X-T30 image quality, you’re going to find them identical. That’s because both cameras use the same sensor and processor.

All Image Quality menu settings are also identical, including film simulations and features unveiled with this line like Color Chrome Effect and Dynamic Range Priority.

The image quality of these cameras shouldn’t factor into your decision on whether to choose the X-T3 vs the X-T30.

---

Operation

The operation of both of these cameras is going to be slightly different, due to the smaller build of the X-T30.

Both cameras have a touchscreen LCD with programmable touch functions, but the X-T3 has many more controls than the X-T30. The X-T3 is equipped with six function buttons while the X-T30 only has one. They both have AE-L and AF-L buttons, a focus lever, and a programmable rear dial.

My big fat nose seems to “activate” the touchscreen LCD when I look through the viewfinder, so I mostly have it disabled on both cameras. I couldn’t figure out why my AF point kept moving – I’m not touching anything! Oh wait, that’s my nose.

One of the biggest differences in controlling the X-T3 vs X-T30 is that the X-T30 has a drive mode dial where the X-T3 has an ISO dial. The X-T30 also has an AUTO lever next to the shutter speed dial, allowing fully automatic operation of various Scene Positions like Night, Portrait, Landscape, Fireworks, Party, etc. A more insignificant difference is the relocation of the Q button on the X-T30, which is actually quite significant as I’ll explain later.

If you’re someone who likes to program custom controls and do as much as possible through these controls, you’re going to like the X-T3 much better. The X-T30 is going to require that you go into menus a little more to change settings.

But then again, if you’re not someone who is going to be constantly changing settings, or you’re using the AUTO modes, then this shouldn’t matter to you.

The X-T3 also has two card slots while the X-T30 only has one. This seems to be a big deal to a lot of people nowadays; I don’t know what everyone was doing when all cameras only had one card slot and memory cards were failing at a much higher rate than today’s cards. Regardless, there are a lot of advantages of having two card slots, though not a requirement by any means.

---

Build

The X-T30 makes a great travel camera thanks to its small build and light weight.

However, if you’re going to be taking your camera into austere environments, full of salt spray or very fine sand, you’ll be better off considering the excellent environmental sealing found only on the X-T3.

That’s not to say that the X-T30 is a “fragile” camera. Far from it. But the extra sealing in the X-T3 will protect your investment and help you avoid costly professional cleanings.

Both cameras are constructed of a stylish, durable magnesium alloy. No plastic here.

---

Size & weight

A side-by-side of the X-T3 vs X-T30 will unsurprisingly reveal a big difference in size.

You can see how removing many of the controls keeps the X-T30 much smaller than the X-T3. This in turn also helps keep the weight down.

That doesn’t mean that the X-T3 is a huge camera. It’s still quite small in the big world of digital cameras. But if you’re looking for small, and a lack of controls and weather sealing don’t bother you, you’ll probably be much more attracted to the X-T30.

This smallness may also be a disadvantage. The X-T3 is right about the perfect size ergonomically, at least for me. Because of the smaller size of the X-T30, I do find myself accidentally hitting buttons, especially the top Fn button and the Q button. The X-T30 puts that Q button in the worst possible place (right where you rest your thumb) and I’d constantly find myself accidentally pulling up the Q menu when I didn’t want it. Ditto for the Fn1 button. Thankfully, Fujifilm released firmware updates increasing the reaction time for the Q button, requiring you to hold it down to activate it, as well as being able to reprogram it to “nothing.”

---

Movies

This is probably the other major area where there are considerable differences between the X-T3 and X-T30.

Both cameras are capable of recording Full HD at 120fps; the X-T3 can record 4K at 60fps while the X-T30 is limited to 30fps. However, the X-T3 has both F-Log and Hybrid Log (HDR) profiles, while the X-T30 only has F-Log. The X-T3 will also give you a higher bitrate of 400Mbps versus the 200Mbps of the X-T30. 200Mbps is still insanely good, so unless you’re doing high-end commercial videos, the movie recording capability of the X-T30 is more than sufficient for you.

---

Price

Ah yes, the price of the X-T3 vs X-T30. $500 is a good chunk of change for a lot of photographers, especially those who are starting out.

What do you get for the $500 more? Extra buttons, weather sealing, an extra card slot, and increased movie tech. Is it worth it to you?

---

Conclusion: X-T3 vs X-T30

I hope you’ve been able to pick out the things that are important to you in this comparison of the X-T3 and X-T30! Different people have different requirements and I think I have them all covered here.

Speaking for myself, who has loved my X-T1 and X-T2, I would consider the X-T3 as my primary camera body. The X-T30 is a more than adequate backup/secondary body with the considerations discussed. However, because I do love my X-T2 so much, I didn’t see a need to upgrade to the X-T3 after trying it out for a while.

Photographers looking for entry and mid-grade mirrorless cameras will find an outstanding camera in the X-T30. Again, take into consideration the differences here to determine if they’re important to you or not.

Please don’t hesitate to leave any comments or questions below.