Review Time


Alright, this is my first review, and I want to set up some expectations. I will not be covering a bunch of specs, and this is going to be short and simple. If you are reading this, you are probably interested in picking up the Fujifulm X-T30 or you want reassurance that you made the right purchase. I will go ahead and answer those burning questions. If you have the funds for a fun, small camera, absolutely get the Fuji X-T30. If you already bought the camera and want to make sure you didn't make a bad purchase, you didn't. There's your reassurance.


So let's move on to the actual review. Like I said before, I will not be covering specs all that much. Instead, I am going to talk about some things that really matter: Usability, Professional Use, and The Little Details that make it so special.

Black and white street scene of people walking on an urban sidewalk at night.

Usability (How it FEELS)


Let's get the boring stuff out of the way. This is a small camera, but it packs a punch. It has a touch screen, some buttons, and analog options for your basic camera settings (ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture). This was such a change from the Sony system I came from, which was an essential player in the change in my photography style.


So how does it FEEL? If I am being honest, coming from a Full Frame System, it was a bit of a shock. It is very small. It took a while to get used to the size of the camera, but once I did, I carried it everywhere with me, which leads me to portability.


This camera is ULTRA portable. Throw a small prime on there and you have a rad everyday carry solution. This has led to some awesome photo opportunities because I started carrying a camera with me everyday because of this camera. A cherry on top, it has a flash BUILT IN. Now this is not a professional flash for awesome flash photography, but if you are documenting, or going for that flash look at a party or something, it is great in a pinch. I will include some party images I got with this camera.

Two people wearing sunglasses and smiling while enjoying a sunny outdoor gathering.

The analog nature of the dials and buttons made me slow down and pay attention to what I was photographing. It made me appreciate the nature of the art, and helped me observe more. Due to slowing down and honing my photographic eye, my photography improved as a result.


Overall, this camera feels great to use and FUN to use. That is the most important part. The small form factor might need some getting used to, but after that learning period, you will find a best friend in a camera.

Black and white image of a dimly lit bar or restaurant interior with industrial lighting fixtures.

Professional Use


So can you use this camera for professional use. Of course you can. If you learn a camera good enough, you could use just about any camera for professional use. That being said, I have used this camera for professional use, and I will do it again if I need to. This camera is small, and the focus is something to get used to. So if you understand this camera may slow down your workflow a tad, and are willing to put in the work to learn the ins and outs of this camera, then go for it.


So let's talk about some boring specs that actually make a difference in the shooting experience. We are going to run through them quick, and I am going to be direct and honest with it:

  • Battery Life: Not the best. Definitely buy another battery. 2 batteries should get you through most sessions, as long as you aren't shooting long events like weddings.
  • Low Light Performance: Because this is a crop sensor, it isn't as strong in lowlight as a Full Frame. However, ISO settings in editing platforms are getting so good, I wouldn't worry too much about this for most occasions.
  • Autofocus: I will admit, Sony cameras are magical when it comes to autofocus. It doesn't hold up to that level, but it is still pretty good. Just be aware, and set your focus on Zone for any events.
  • Lens Options: Amazing. That is all you need to know. Next!
  • File Quality: Fuji RAWs are just as good in my opinion as any others. The colors baked in are better though, to me at least.


Professionally, this camera thrives in casual events. These could be parties that the hosts would like candid shots, maybe even that flash look involved as well. This camera is small and portable which is great for looking inconspicuous and not bringing attention to yourself. Its also great for portability reason if you don't want to bring a big bag or big lenses.


This camera serves me as a fun camera mainly, but it is my go to camera if I am going to a quick, event setting where I can use the built in flash. This camera also serves as a backup to where I might set it up to record some video on a tripod while I am shooting, or as a backup in the sense if my other backups break, I would be happy to grab this camera off the shelf.

Black and white photo of people celebrating with raised arms against a brick wall background.

The Little Details


Alright, so let's quickly cover some things that I didn't cover above. Let's start with the Fuji Colors. Man, I couldn't finish this review without mentioning the fuji colors. This mixed with Fuji's film simulations, it makes you feel so good about yourself. Instead of taking an image and trying to imagine the finished product in the edit, you don't have to do that. The colors and film simulations already look great, so good that I don't do much in my edits anymore. That takes us to editing workflow.


When I tell you I don't do much, I mean it. Heck, a lot of times I just transfer the images of the camera to my phone and post them without editing them at all. The RAW + JPEG shooting option makes that a dream, plus the Fujifilm X App that actually works (I'm looking at you Sony...). Anyway, workflow couldn't be easier. In Lightroom, when working on a Fuji RAW file, the color options come up where you can choose the film simulation colors IN LIGHTROOM. That is so cool, and I love how easy it is to see the image I had in my mind come to life.


Lastly, this camera is just a joy to use. I got this camera while I had my Sony system. I used it mainly as a fun camera. It got me out taking more photos, and I fell in love with the art of photography BECAUSE of this camera. Without it, I probably wouldn't be shooting today. This camera makes me feel empowered as a photographer, and I look at the photos I made with it being proud that I made them. There is an unspoken quality about this camera that just makes you feel good when you press the shutter.

Group gathered around a table at a bar with American flag decor in the background.

Final Thoughts


Who is this camera for? I find it hard finding a person who it isn't for. It is affordable (compared to other interchangeable lens camera of this quality), portable, and it is fun to use. This camera made me start thinking about photography in ways I never have before. I began my photo series projects with this camera because using it just made me feel good about the photography I was making. This camera is responsible for making me continue photography.


Overall, it's a great tool. I switched completely to Fujifilm because of this camera, and I don't regret at all. Is it the best specced out camera? No, of course not. Is this camera going to satisfy everyone? Probably not. But for those who are looking for a camera to create consistently with, I have a hard time suggesting anything else.


Those are my thoughts. I think photography equipment should empower the user to create meaningful work and inspire them to do so. Whatever you enjoy using the most and what feels the best to you is what you should use. If it isn't this camera or Fuji in general, then it isn't for you and that is okay. All in all, use whatever tool that gets you to create.