Great camera and my first Fuji entryway ❤ But I think it’s not underrated when I did my research back then it became clear that it’s a well known recommendation 🎉
It’s great but annoyingly small and drives me insane to always bump into the Q button. So got an X-T4 instead which is fantastic and also one to recommend! 😊
I had the X-T30 MK1, and did TONS of professional work on it.. Was a joy to use and punched well above its weight class. Highly recommend ! I'm sure the MK2 is even better.
I picked up a refurbished one of these with the 15-45 kit lens from Fuji. They're not always in stock, but the refurbished Fujis are a great deal. Since getting it, I barely touch my Sony A7 III and I've gone from primarily shooting raw and editing on a laptop, to shooting mostly JPEG and doing mild editing on my phone. I think the 15-45 is great for street photography. Just disable sleep mode on the camera, set the lens to a fixed focal length and start using it like a cheap, lightweight prime that has the ability to zoom out or in when you need it. Also, if you turn off AF+MF, the front focusing ring acts like a zoom ring, which is much nicer for fine zoom adjustments than the big power zoom ring.
I’ve had all the Fujis. I just bought this to accompany my X100F Limited Edition and my X-T1. The X-T30ii is a joy to use. Arguably, I think the X-Trans4 sensor is rendering images so beautifully. I even notice a boost in everything compared to my old X-T3. I love love love the Pro3/Pro2 but they are just too big for my liking. The trio of X-T30ii, T1 and X100F is sublime. Lenses are 23mm f2, 35mm f1.4 and the 18-55 f2.8-4. As far as the newer Fujis… I can’t stand the sharp, clinical and iphony look they render… returned them without hesitation. I will most likely never purchase anything from Fuji higher than the X-Trans4 sensors. X-Trans2 is my favorite of all of them. Happy Shooting📸
I have a Canon R5 and lots of heavy Canon primes and zooms in a heavy bag that sits in my closet unless I’m going on a landscape shoot. Watching this video, and a few others, before buying a smaller camera that I could just take with me, I decided on the X-T 30ii. I now take it everywhere with just a 35 f/2 WR - it does everything I want, produces wonderful images, doesn’t weigh anything, and I’ve drunk the Fuji film simulation Kool-Aid. In short, I agree with your assessment, and am glad I didn’t spring for the X100VI
This was my first Fujifilm camera that I got this past summer! And the more I learn about Fujifilm, the more satisfied I am with my purchase! I bought it right before the release of the XT-50 and convinced myself not to wait bc one, I’m impatient. And two, XT30 was cheaper. Don’t regret my purchase at all, I love this camera. I also decided to “splurge” and get the bundle with the 18-55mm lens and I’m very glad I did, especially after your recommendation. It’s an amazing and beautiful camera for someone who loves to take photos casually for fun 😊
Completely agree! I got the xt30ii as a kit with the 18-55mm lens 2 years ago and have not regretted it once. Very underrated camera indeed! I love the 18-55 lens too. Sharp, fast, light, quiet and versatile. I love to take this set on hikes as it is small, light and mobile. Especially great for longer walks as you don't want to carry too much weight. Recently got the XF 27mm 2.8 lens second hand which is a great pairing if you want an even smaller rig for trips, events and family shots. Great for street photography as well. And of course the ability to choose out of all the other lenses, which you can't on the x100 series. Also this camera has all the assignable control buttons on hand, which to me made it a superior choice over the (now discontinued) X-E4 back when I got it.
XT30II was a great camera. Picked it up new for a little over $1000AUD, had I known the price shenanigans that came after I might have simply just kept it.
I got an XS20 recently and bought it with the 15-45 kit lens just bc it was cheaper than buying body only. I think its the sharpest kit lens ever owned, so I dont hate it, definitely I wanna get a 23mm pancake lens for practical purposes and also not a fan of owning only 4 custom modes instead of 7 but the XTrans Sensor IV is just amazing so I can partially talk for that XT30 II. Great photos, decent low light performance, perfect as a second camera for my Sony A7IV
Have you updated the firmware yet? A couple of months ago the XS20 got Reala Ace as well. I love my XS20. I hated the power zoom lens, I have to have mechanical zoom. Power to you though. Definitely pick up a fast 35mm and 20something prime. Enjoy your camera
Couldn't agree more as I've been rocking the OG X-T30 for all my photos and videos since 2019 when I bought it used from amazon. Such a solid choice, mine is all beat up to the point it's missing the rubber part around the Q button on the back and it's still going as strong as day 1 One thing though: the battery SUCKS, so make sure you get a couple of spares to change on the fly. This is specially true if you're going to shoot video, as mine won't make it past 30-45 minutes. For photos, it'll probably last for 1-2 hours. Oh, and definitely get the MK2 as it has the latest firmware with better control for straight out of camera looks and I believe it will shot longer videos as well (OG is limited to 10min 4K)
Buying new is made more attractive by the inflated prices for used Fujis. A used XE4 in good nick is almost the price it was new, for instance. It would have been nice to have more of a look around this camera - have you done a review? But thanks for adding this to my procrastination list!
I had an X-T30, liked it but sold it to buy an X-S10 because IBIS. Never liked it: too heavy and for whatever reasons, I’ve never liked a single photo taken with it. So I sold it and bought an X-T30 II with the 18-55. I also use the 27 and the 35 f2. I will never buy a camera heavier than that one. And guess what, I love the photos. BTW I also own a (discontinued) X-F10 which is, in my opinion extremely underrated. Thank for the video!
Great video, recently discovered your channel and I’m liking it very much! Just wanna leave my personal experience here. I theoretically agree with everything you said and recently picked up a brand new one to replace my xpro1 that started failing on me and also because I wanted to try some of the most recent recipes. Loved the size, weight, design and technically it had everything to be perfect. But sadly, ended up returning it after a week of use because everything is sooo tiny and cramped that made the experience frustrating. I’m a tall guy but I don’t have the biggest hands and even then it wasn’t for me. So I strongly recommend it for anyone who has small hands, for anyone who wants a Fuji to leave on the bag or on a shoulder strap most of the time to pick it up only eventually for a few photos or even for someone that doesn’t care that much for all the buttons and dials (but then I would question if Fuji is the better option). Also, tried it with the 50mm f2 and the old 35mm f1.4 and didn’t like it, camera became too front heavy. Only acceptable ones for me were the 18mm and 27mm pancake ones. My use case is carrying it everyday on my bag with a hand strap and picking it up for 30/40 minutes daily photowalks holding it in my hand. Ended up picking a used xpro3 for the same price here in Brazil with an efx8 flash (because I really use flash and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to like the XT30) and I’m very happy with it. Sorry for the long comment but it’s something I would have liked to read before I bought it.
It’s not underrated, it’s the best seller in my local photo store where it is currently on the special order. Ive ordered it in october and after 2 month waiting there is no reliable estimate on when this camera is going to be available. so i opted out for x-s20. on ebay used xt30ii go for at least a price of new one and higher 😢 but thanks for your reviews on x-s20, it helped a lot 😊
I take mine some mouth ago with the 18- 55 and completed it with a XF35 F2. I just love it and enjoy taking picture with it. I totally agree with your point of view.
Thank you for the video. A few months ago, I purchased my XT30 II, along with the 15-45 kit and the 27mm pancake lens. The combination of these two lenses is perfect for me. I completely understand your concerns about the user experience with the 15-45 kit-I felt the same initially. However, I’ve started using it like a “fixed focal wide angle lens” at 15mm, which eliminates any zoom-related issues, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality. However, most of the time, I find myself reaching for the 27mm pancake lens, which offers exceptional quality for its compact size and nearly transforms the XT30 II into a compact camera."
Great video Jay, I am also an XT30II user and I really love the camera overall. I am using it with the 23 1.4 LM and the 33 1.4 LM, my only concern that it doesn't balance well with those lenses. I had the 35 f2 before, it is a super combo, but the 33 1.4 is by far more superior. So, on the long run I am considering to upgrade to the XT5 at some point.
Low light performance on the T30ii is trash. I returned it within 24hrs and bought a used T20 instead which gives a far superior and cleaner image at higher iso settings.
Hey! I’m looking to buy my first camera and can’t decide between the X-T5 and X-S20. I’m mostly into street photography, portraits, and landscapes, but I also want to vlog some moments with family and friends. I love the retro design and manual controls on the X-T5, but the X-S20 seems more practical for video. Should I get the X-T5 with the 23mm or 33mm f/1.4? Or would the X-S20 with the kit lens plus prime be a better choice? I’ve also seen the X-T30 II available in stores - should I consider that? I’d like something that will last for years. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
I agree. No reason to upgrade to a camera with the same sensor size but smaller pixels. More resolution is not always better (less sensitivity, less dynamic range, etc). XT30 and basically everything with the X-Trans IV sensor are more than fine and still great cameras.
I’ve got a used XT20 and it’s great. See you have been to Norwich, my home city. Steve ( btw your TV is too high up ; centre of the screen should be at eye level : I was in broadcast TV for 30 ish years)
I sold my XT30m2 for the X100VI.. I sold the X100VI after. XT30m2 isn't "better" but X100VI isn't better by much if at all.. so I guess that's all I have to say.
It's one of the best-selling apsc mirrorless cameras in recent years due to its retro SLR design and competitive price. It's not being talked about enough probably because it's a minor upgrade over a 2019 model, but it doesn't mean it's underrated, people vote with their wallet.
Sold it after a few months. Auto focus is horrible in my opinion and I didn't like the colors. It wasn't quite what I expected. I then bought the Ricoh GRIIIx and I'm really happy so far - even without the EVF.
What do you guys think of this camera, underrated?
Great camera and my first Fuji entryway ❤ But I think it’s not underrated when I did my research back then it became clear that it’s a well known recommendation 🎉
Bought the X-T30 II with a 23mm f2 a month ago, LOVE IT!
Love my little xt30ii mounted with the xc 3tmm F2
It’s great but annoyingly small and drives me insane to always bump into the Q button. So got an X-T4 instead which is fantastic and also one to recommend! 😊
I bought the x-t20, because the x-t30 doesn't have a d-pad.
I had the X-T30 MK1, and did TONS of professional work on it.. Was a joy to use and punched well above its weight class. Highly recommend ! I'm sure the MK2 is even better.
I picked up a refurbished one of these with the 15-45 kit lens from Fuji. They're not always in stock, but the refurbished Fujis are a great deal.
Since getting it, I barely touch my Sony A7 III and I've gone from primarily shooting raw and editing on a laptop, to shooting mostly JPEG and doing mild editing on my phone.
I think the 15-45 is great for street photography. Just disable sleep mode on the camera, set the lens to a fixed focal length and start using it like a cheap, lightweight prime that has the ability to zoom out or in when you need it. Also, if you turn off AF+MF, the front focusing ring acts like a zoom ring, which is much nicer for fine zoom adjustments than the big power zoom ring.
I’ve had all the Fujis. I just bought this to accompany my X100F Limited Edition and my X-T1.
The X-T30ii is a joy to use. Arguably, I think the X-Trans4 sensor is rendering images so beautifully. I even notice a boost in everything compared to my old X-T3.
I love love love the Pro3/Pro2 but they are just too big for my liking.
The trio of X-T30ii, T1 and X100F is sublime.
Lenses are 23mm f2, 35mm f1.4 and the 18-55 f2.8-4.
As far as the newer Fujis… I can’t stand the sharp, clinical and iphony look they render… returned them without hesitation. I will most likely never purchase anything from Fuji higher than the X-Trans4 sensors. X-Trans2 is my favorite of all of them.
Happy Shooting📸
Thanks for sharing. Appreciate your input on this channel!
I'm picking up this camera in a few months for Photography. I already own a Sony ZVE10 for video.
I have a Canon R5 and lots of heavy Canon primes and zooms in a heavy bag that sits in my closet unless I’m going on a landscape shoot. Watching this video, and a few others, before buying a smaller camera that I could just take with me, I decided on the X-T 30ii. I now take it everywhere with just a 35 f/2 WR - it does everything I want, produces wonderful images, doesn’t weigh anything, and I’ve drunk the Fuji film simulation Kool-Aid. In short, I agree with your assessment, and am glad I didn’t spring for the X100VI
This was my first Fujifilm camera that I got this past summer! And the more I learn about Fujifilm, the more satisfied I am with my purchase! I bought it right before the release of the XT-50 and convinced myself not to wait bc one, I’m impatient. And two, XT30 was cheaper. Don’t regret my purchase at all, I love this camera. I also decided to “splurge” and get the bundle with the 18-55mm lens and I’m very glad I did, especially after your recommendation.
It’s an amazing and beautiful camera for someone who loves to take photos casually for fun 😊
That’s great to hear - thanks for sharing on the channel!
At that price, I would take a used X-T3. I just splurged for used X-T4 to get the bigger battery and IBIS. I shoot landscape and occasional wildlife.
I’ve had the xt30ii for about 4 months now and I really enjoy it. My fiancé who has been doing photography for 10 years also really likes it.
This is the best camera i ever owned. Everything about it makes sense
Completely agree! I got the xt30ii as a kit with the 18-55mm lens 2 years ago and have not regretted it once. Very underrated camera indeed! I love the 18-55 lens too. Sharp, fast, light, quiet and versatile. I love to take this set on hikes as it is small, light and mobile. Especially great for longer walks as you don't want to carry too much weight.
Recently got the XF 27mm 2.8 lens second hand which is a great pairing if you want an even smaller rig for trips, events and family shots. Great for street photography as well. And of course the ability to choose out of all the other lenses, which you can't on the x100 series.
Also this camera has all the assignable control buttons on hand, which to me made it a superior choice over the (now discontinued) X-E4 back when I got it.
XT30II was a great camera. Picked it up new for a little over $1000AUD, had I known the price shenanigans that came after I might have simply just kept it.
I got an XS20 recently and bought it with the 15-45 kit lens just bc it was cheaper than buying body only. I think its the sharpest kit lens ever owned, so I dont hate it, definitely I wanna get a 23mm pancake lens for practical purposes and also not a fan of owning only 4 custom modes instead of 7 but the XTrans Sensor IV is just amazing so I can partially talk for that XT30 II. Great photos, decent low light performance, perfect as a second camera for my Sony A7IV
Have you updated the firmware yet? A couple of months ago the XS20 got Reala Ace as well. I love my XS20. I hated the power zoom lens, I have to have mechanical zoom. Power to you though. Definitely pick up a fast 35mm and 20something prime. Enjoy your camera
Couldn't agree more as I've been rocking the OG X-T30 for all my photos and videos since 2019 when I bought it used from amazon. Such a solid choice, mine is all beat up to the point it's missing the rubber part around the Q button on the back and it's still going as strong as day 1
One thing though: the battery SUCKS, so make sure you get a couple of spares to change on the fly. This is specially true if you're going to shoot video, as mine won't make it past 30-45 minutes. For photos, it'll probably last for 1-2 hours.
Oh, and definitely get the MK2 as it has the latest firmware with better control for straight out of camera looks and I believe it will shot longer videos as well (OG is limited to 10min 4K)
Yeah definitely should have mentioned battery life. It certainly does suck! Thanks for sharing to the channel. Really appreciate your input
Buying new is made more attractive by the inflated prices for used Fujis. A used XE4 in good nick is almost the price it was new, for instance. It would have been nice to have more of a look around this camera - have you done a review? But thanks for adding this to my procrastination list!
I had an X-T30, liked it but sold it to buy an X-S10 because IBIS. Never liked it: too heavy and for whatever reasons, I’ve never liked a single photo taken with it. So I sold it and bought an X-T30 II with the 18-55. I also use the 27 and the 35 f2. I will never buy a camera heavier than that one. And guess what, I love the photos.
BTW I also own a (discontinued) X-F10 which is, in my opinion extremely underrated.
Thank for the video!
Great video, recently discovered your channel and I’m liking it very much!
Just wanna leave my personal experience here. I theoretically agree with everything you said and recently picked up a brand new one to replace my xpro1 that started failing on me and also because I wanted to try some of the most recent recipes. Loved the size, weight, design and technically it had everything to be perfect.
But sadly, ended up returning it after a week of use because everything is sooo tiny and cramped that made the experience frustrating. I’m a tall guy but I don’t have the biggest hands and even then it wasn’t for me. So I strongly recommend it for anyone who has small hands, for anyone who wants a Fuji to leave on the bag or on a shoulder strap most of the time to pick it up only eventually for a few photos or even for someone that doesn’t care that much for all the buttons and dials (but then I would question if Fuji is the better option). Also, tried it with the 50mm f2 and the old 35mm f1.4 and didn’t like it, camera became too front heavy. Only acceptable ones for me were the 18mm and 27mm pancake ones.
My use case is carrying it everyday on my bag with a hand strap and picking it up for 30/40 minutes daily photowalks holding it in my hand. Ended up picking a used xpro3 for the same price here in Brazil with an efx8 flash (because I really use flash and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to like the XT30) and I’m very happy with it. Sorry for the long comment but it’s something I would have liked to read before I bought it.
Thanks for sharing. I think it’s good to hear all sides for sure 👍
I have it and I absolutely LOVE IT❤️
It’s not underrated, it’s the best seller in my local photo store where it is currently on the special order. Ive ordered it in october and after 2 month waiting there is no reliable estimate on when this camera is going to be available. so i opted out for x-s20. on ebay used xt30ii go for at least a price of new one and higher 😢 but thanks for your reviews on x-s20, it helped a lot 😊
I take mine some mouth ago with the 18- 55 and completed it with a XF35 F2. I just love it and enjoy taking picture with it. I totally agree with your point of view.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for the video. A few months ago, I purchased my XT30 II, along with the 15-45 kit and the 27mm pancake lens. The combination of these two lenses is perfect for me. I completely understand your concerns about the user experience with the 15-45 kit-I felt the same initially. However, I’ve started using it like a “fixed focal wide angle lens” at 15mm, which eliminates any zoom-related issues, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality. However, most of the time, I find myself reaching for the 27mm pancake lens, which offers exceptional quality for its compact size and nearly transforms the XT30 II into a compact camera."
Hi Jay! Was wondering if you had the configurations for the Italian film recipe at all?
I made a video titled the Italian Fuji recipe or you can find it on my first volume of my zine
This was very nice. Thank you. Might have included more details about features, ergonomics.
Will be checking out more!
Thank you - I have already made a video about features and ergonomics so go check that out 👍
One can make excellent photos with any camera of the last 5-10y regardless of brand, Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Pentax. They're all good enough.
Nice shots from Norwich there!
X-T 30ii or X- M5 ?
as soon as I saw the thumbnail i knew, god i wish i could have that camera! HAHA great video Jay
Ahhh I tried to hide it - thanks for watching!
I have Xt30ii ; lovingg it through outtt
Video wise the XT30II is 8bit and has no FLog2.. thats why i did not go for it
Fair
Great video Jay, I am also an XT30II user and I really love the camera overall.
I am using it with the 23 1.4 LM and the 33 1.4 LM, my only concern that it doesn't balance well with those lenses. I had the 35 f2 before, it is a super combo, but the 33 1.4 is by far more superior.
So, on the long run I am considering to upgrade to the XT5 at some point.
Thanks for sharing! I really love that 33mm at the moment. It’s a thing of beauty.
Low light performance on the T30ii is trash. I returned it within 24hrs and bought a used T20 instead which gives a far superior and cleaner image at higher iso settings.
Sadly I think the XT50 is also underrated because of the price increase, everyone prefers the XT5 over it.
Xm5 might be the new best budget option .
Hey! I’m looking to buy my first camera and can’t decide between the X-T5 and X-S20. I’m mostly into street photography, portraits, and landscapes, but I also want to vlog some moments with family and friends. I love the retro design and manual controls on the X-T5, but the X-S20 seems more practical for video. Should I get the X-T5 with the 23mm or 33mm f/1.4? Or would the X-S20 with the kit lens plus prime be a better choice? I’ve also seen the X-T30 II available in stores - should I consider that? I’d like something that will last for years. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
X-S20 for me. Kit lens and I like the 33mm. These are what I like but everyone is different
@@Jay_Ducker thank you!
I agree. No reason to upgrade to a camera with the same sensor size but smaller pixels. More resolution is not always better (less sensitivity, less dynamic range, etc). XT30 and basically everything with the X-Trans IV sensor are more than fine and still great cameras.
Good point
I’ve got a used XT20 and it’s great. See you have been to Norwich, my home city. Steve ( btw your TV is too high up ; centre of the screen should be at eye level : I was in broadcast TV for 30 ish years)
XT20 is a good buy too! I know our TV already had a mount in place when we moved in. Thanks
I still use my X-Pro1 and X-E2. I don’t feel the need to upgrade right now 🤷🏽♂️
Fair enough
I own a XT30. What is the difference between the 30 vs 30ii?
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I made a video about this. Go have a goose
I sold my XT30m2 for the X100VI.. I sold the X100VI after. XT30m2 isn't "better" but X100VI isn't better by much if at all.. so I guess that's all I have to say.
xt30ii is good enough for me 🎉
Love my Xt3
It’s a great camera
It's one of the best-selling apsc mirrorless cameras in recent years due to its retro SLR design and competitive price. It's not being talked about enough probably because it's a minor upgrade over a 2019 model, but it doesn't mean it's underrated, people vote with their wallet.
Yeah that’s fair
Sold it after a few months. Auto focus is horrible in my opinion and I didn't like the colors. It wasn't quite what I expected. I then bought the Ricoh GRIIIx and I'm really happy so far - even without the EVF.
That’s fair and now you have possibly my favourite camera the Ricoh!
I would like to disagree.. Mark 1 is the most underrated and as good as mark 2
Fair