X-E3 vs X-T30 for small travel rig

I am currently looking at downsizing my Nikon gear (D7500) or maybe just adding to my gear by getting something smaller that’s more travel-friendly.

I’m torn between the X-E3 and the X-T30.  I like the RF style of the X-E3 body and the lower price, but how much of a difference does the new sensor/autofocus on the X-T30 make in daily use?

Thanks!

I have the X-E3, but if it's your only Fuji, among those 2 I'd recommend the X-T30.

Reasons: better AF, arguably better sensor, built-in flash. Some would also say better overall ergonomics.

Full disclosure.  I bought the X-E3 for travel, then the X-E2 for backup.  I have not used the X-T20/X-T30.

As a travel camera, the X-E3 is fine.  AF is snappy.  It is fully capable of your normal travel type photography. I used Leica rangefinders since 1968 and still have my Leica M3.  Shooting with the X-E3 feels a lot like shooting with the Leica, especially the viewfinder placement.

I understand that face detection is very good with the X-T3/X-T30.  It is OK with the X-E3, but can struggle sometimes when the face isn't close.  That is something to seriously consider if you plan to do a lot of people photography.

Both cameras are really great.  Form factor and AF will probably be your decision points.

mpfef wrote:

I am currently looking at downsizing my Nikon gear (D7500) or maybe just adding to my gear by getting something smaller that’s more travel-friendly.

I’m torn between the X-E3 and the X-T30. I like the RF style of the X-E3 body and the lower price, but how much of a difference does the new sensor/autofocus on the X-T30 make in daily use?

Thanks!

I'd get the X-T30. I'm not a fan of the rangefinder-styled bodies and the lack of a tilting screen.

They are both dinky compared to your current camera. I have the x-t20 and the AF is same as e3: snappy. The t30 is better. Another poster mentioned eye AF: useless with the x-e3/x-t20 with any sort of busy background or multiple people. Unless you already feel you need it, you don’t need it. Still, if I were buying into a new system I would get the most up-to-date tech so that would be the x-t30. Still, if you want to save some money or spend it on an additional lens, you would not be disappointed in the previous iteration.

mpfef wrote:

I am currently looking at downsizing my Nikon gear (D7500) or maybe just adding to my gear by getting something smaller that’s more travel-friendly.

I’m torn between the X-E3 and the X-T30. I like the RF style of the X-E3 body and the lower price, but how much of a difference does the new sensor/autofocus on the X-T30 make in daily use?

Thanks!

I would go with the form factor you prefer and stick with it. Because in another 6 months there will be an xe 4 that trumps the current xt 30 in specs, then an xt 40 that trumps the current xe 4 in specs... and so on and so forth.

The xt30 is 1.5 years newer so yes has some incrementally better specs in some areas.

My advice given your range finder preference, get the xe 3, save money, throw the extra money at lens like the 27 pancake for ultra portability in Fuji world.

When xe 4 comes out, then decide if it’s necessary to upgrade.

Fuji basically has 2 ilc line ups not including the xt 100 or xh1

you have the pro heavier wr rangefinder camera x pro

then the lighter enthusiast oriented non wr xe series

on the other side you have the pro wr dslr style camera xt *

then the lighter enthusiast oriented non wr xt **

on another note, if you plan to keep the d7500 and lenses I might just consider an x100* camera.

But the Fuji water is nice... jump in... I don’t think you’ll lose anything switching from Nikon crop...

I have not shot with the X-E3 but I owned a X-T20 and currently shoot with a X-T2 and X-H1. The ergonomics of the X-T20/30 is way too small unless you buy the optional grip. My hands aren't even that large.

I'd highly suggest just getting a X-T2 or if you're willing to spend more money then get the X-T3 for the latest and greatest. The grip of the X-T2/3 feels way better than the compact X-T20/30. The X-T2 is still a fantastic camera.

mpfef wrote:

I like the RF style of the X-E3 body and the lower price

That kinda says it all.

Autofocus and sensor performance on both cameras is really good, but form factor is something that can help you get the shot.

Photography is about getting the shot, not fighting a camera that doesn't fit your preference. If the X-E3 helps you get the shot, then get it.

Price difference isn't huge, but thats more money saved for another lens or a train ticket.

okmarzo wrote:

The ergonomics of the X-T20/30 is way too small unless you buy the optional grip

Not sure how you can say this when the OP wants to compare the X-T20 with the X-E3. The X-E3 is smaller: http://j.mp/2WLIsu3

He's not asking about comparisons to larger, more expensive cameras.

You got a lot of good advice already, but here's my 2 cents.

Last year, feeling the same as you, and owning a D7100 and plenty of Nikon glass, I handled an X-E3 at a photo show and fell in love with it. I bought the 18-55, 55-200 and the pancake and expected to use this rig as my travel kit. It was truly liberating to use the X-E3 on 2 trips rather than hauling the D7100, as the kit is only half the size. Pictures are great, as good as Nikon. Now, a year later, I figured that I don't need 2 systems and opted to go only Fuji. I sold everything Nikon and used that money to replace my Nikon lenses with Fuji. One of the posters before me gave you good advice. Find a store and handle the cameras and then go with your gut.

Lotsa luck.

I like the x-t30. I used to have the X-e3. The flip screen is quite useful. Autofocus is better. Image quality is same. I Like having the on board flash instead of as a separate accessory. Both cameras need added grip with bigger lenses to feel comfortable.

You won't go wrong with either.

UConn140point6 wrote:

I haven’t had a chance to see either in person but am interested to hear from someone that has. I have Sony A7R3, which I plan to keep, looking for something really compact to carry around when I can’t have Sony. I had the RX100 V, loved the size but the retracting lens and the EVF had too many moving parts and issues for my liking. I was thinking either the XT30 with the 27 2.8 or the XE4 (when it comes out) with the 27 2.8. Are these combos not super portable? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

The XE series with 27 2.8 is smaller and lighter than the Fuji X100f... if that tells you anything.

The current X E3 weighs 11.8 oz with battery and card inside. The fuji 27 2.8 is only 2.7 oz...

It will go in most coat and non-slim jacket pockets. Some claim to be able to put them in their pockets, but they must be wearing baggy cargo shorts or something.

So yeah you are going to save some weight. It isn't as portable as RX100 though.

I would hold both and test them in the hand if possible. I went from the X-E2 to the X-T10, and then back to the X-E3. For me, the X-E line is far more comfortable in the hand than the X-T10/20/30 line. Of course, you may find the opposite to be true. But this difference would be enough to make me choose the older X-E3 over the newer X-T30 (despite the better AF, sensor and video capabilities).

aloli wrote:

I would hold both and test them in the hand if possible. I went from the X-E2 to the X-T10, and then back to the X-E3. For me, the X-E line is far more comfortable in the hand than the X-T10/20/30 line. Of course, you may find the opposite to be true. But this difference would be enough to make me choose the older X-E3 over the newer X-T30 (despite the better AF, sensor and video capabilities).

Same here, I think because they are slightly more rectangular combined with the EVF on the side getting out of the way, instead of the more square design with EVF in center. I also use a thumb grip which makes a good bit of difference.

But yeah, somebody else might like some other design.

mpfef wrote:

I am currently looking at downsizing my Nikon gear (D7500) or maybe just adding to my gear by getting something smaller that’s more travel-friendly.

I’m torn between the X-E3 and the X-T30. I like the RF style of the X-E3 body and the lower price, but how much of a difference does the new sensor/autofocus on the X-T30 make in daily use?

Personally, I don't think the 2 extra megapixels and slightly faster AF make much of a difference.  I think how it feels in hand, or ergonomics in general, would make a bigger difference.  They did for me.

I handled both the X-E3 and the X-T30 in a store and personally did not like the lower location of the X-T30 joystick vs the X-E3's.  There's also a bit more room for your thumb on the back of the X-E3, so perhaps less chances of hitting that Q button (I've never accidentally hit it on my X-E3, but did in the store on the X-T30). I went with the X-E3 because of these little handling niggles, but some do prefer the X-T30.

I do like that the X-T30 has USB-C versus micro-USB (X-E3).  I also like that it has the flash for occasional fill if needed, but the new AF, 2 extra mp, and new charging were not enough to sway me over a cheaper camera that felt better in my hands.  I found my X-E3 for around $425.  At the time it was $475 less than what the X-T30 was running.

I think both are fine cameras...  I echo what others have said.  If you can, hold them before making the jump.

One last thought, if you really like the X-E3 better, but want the current generation performance, then it might be worth it to wait until 2020.  Based what has already been refreshed (X-T3, X-T30, X-Pro3, X-A7) the next left to update would be the X-E and X100 series, and I would imagine most of the goodies from from the current releases will be in the next versions those cameras.  This said, it's hard to argue with the current go rates of the X-E3, and even the new lower price on the X-T30.

Good luck with your choice!

mpfef wrote:

I am currently looking at downsizing my Nikon gear (D7500) or maybe just adding to my gear by getting something smaller that’s more travel-friendly.

I’m torn between the X-E3 and the X-T30. I like the RF style of the X-E3 body and the lower price, but how much of a difference does the new sensor/autofocus on the X-T30 make in daily use?

Thanks!

The X-T30 has a pop-up flash and a tilting screen and therefore more flexible, if you are unconvinced about its sensor/processor improvements, x-t20 will be ok.