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X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

Started 2 months ago | Discussions
sheepless
sheepless Regular Member • Posts: 216
X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?
1

I realize that there are now X-T4 & 5 options out there, but they are both out of my budget. I  currently don’t have an interchangeable camera and my local camera store has both the X-T3  and the X-T30 ll in stock.

I have read the reviews on both and I’m wondering if the X-T3 is the way to go? I’m not sure what the X-T30 ll offers over and above, despite being newer. 
i don’t care about video.

The X-T3 is weather resistant but no IBIS. The X -30 ll has neither. 
I like the direct dials on both and consider myself a novice.

Is there any reason to look at the X-T30 ll over the X-T3?

 sheepless's gear list:sheepless's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic LX100 II
Fujifilm X-T3
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holashobby Senior Member • Posts: 1,663
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?
9

Depends, while the x-t3 is a better camera in many ways with better shutter mechanism, higher rez EVF, larger buffer, dual card slots, weather resistant, etc. The x-t30II is much smaller camera and easier to carry around, so if size is very high on your priority list, I would get the x-t30II otherwise, the x-t3 is the camera to go for.

 holashobby's gear list:holashobby's gear list
Fujifilm X-T4 Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Fujifilm XF 18mm F2 R Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R Fujifilm 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ +4 more
Coldpaw Contributing Member • Posts: 772
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?
1

The X-T30 II is quite a bit lighter and more compact than the X-T3, which may or may not be important to you.

Size and weight aside, the X-T30 II actually got treated with all X-Trans IV jpeg options: It has Classic Neg and Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulations, the Color Chrome FX Blue effect and features .5 increments for the tone curve adjustments. It also features the Clarity setting, although it slows down the EVF quite a bit, just like on all the other X-Trans IV cameras.

sheepless
OP sheepless Regular Member • Posts: 216
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

holashobby wrote:

Depends, while the x-t3 is a better camera in many ways with better shutter mechanism, higher rez EVF, larger buffer, dual card slots, weather resistant, etc. The x-t30II is much smaller camera and easier to carry around, so if size is very high on your priority list, I would get the x-t30II otherwise, the x-t3 is the camera to go for.

Thank you for this - size is always a consideration for me, but I once I handle them both I'll have a better idea if the size of the X-T3 is a deal breaker.

 sheepless's gear list:sheepless's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic LX100 II
sheepless
OP sheepless Regular Member • Posts: 216
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

Well - looks like this might be a moot point - I called to have the XT-3 put on hold, and he said he just sold the last one. I can still get one via Amazon but I'm a bit leery of that.

 sheepless's gear list:sheepless's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic LX100 II
Coldpaw Contributing Member • Posts: 772
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

If you don't mind buying used, you can also check MPB for their stock of X-T3 offers. Depending on your country they offer a no-questions-asked return window as well as a limited warranty.

dccberry Senior Member • Posts: 1,239
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

X-T3 feels a bit more solid for build quality, and has some weather sealing. I rented the smaller body thinking I might buy it for a travel camera, and wound up just keeping the X-T3. Tons of used ones available these days I would think.

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 dccberry's gear list:dccberry's gear list
Ricoh GR Nikon D810 Nikon D850 Fujifilm X-T3 Fujifilm X-T4 +10 more
Yawlen Z
Yawlen Z Regular Member • Posts: 184
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

Coldpaw wrote:

The X-T30 II is quite a bit lighter and more compact than the X-T3, which may or may not be important to you.

Size and weight aside, the X-T30 II actually got treated with all X-Trans IV jpeg options: It has Classic Neg and Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulations, the Color Chrome FX Blue effect and features .5 increments for the tone curve adjustments. It also features the Clarity setting, although it slows down the EVF quite a bit, just like on all the other X-Trans IV cameras.

sheepless wrote:

Well - looks like this might be a moot point - I called to have the XT-3 put on hold, and he said he just sold the last one. I can still get one via Amazon but I'm a bit leery of that.

That's tough luck for you, but this doesn't render Coldpaw's arguments any less relevant. The upgraded jpeg options on the T30.2 are effective enough to allow for an expanded range of SOOC finishings. Speaking for myself only, they should suffice to keep my learning curve going upwards and twirling for a few years.

Erik Baumgartner Senior Member • Posts: 6,893
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?
5

The 30’s lack of customizable function buttons (no d-pad) along with that stupid Q button are dealbreakers for me. I love the older X-T20 (with d-pad), but unless the smaller size is of primary importance (the X-T20/30 really need an add on grip to handle well anyway, IMO), the larger X-T2/3 cameras really are better in pretty much every way that matters.

 Erik Baumgartner's gear list:Erik Baumgartner's gear list
Sony RX100 Fujifilm X100V Fujifilm X-T2 Fujifilm X-T20 Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R +5 more
biza43 Forum Pro • Posts: 15,074
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

Yes, there is a reason: if you want a smaller camera, lighter too. And do not mind the compromises required to be smaller and lighter (poorer EVF, not as robust construction).

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 biza43's gear list:biza43's gear list
Fujifilm X-T3 Fujifilm X-T4 Fujifilm XF 16mm F1.4 R WR Fujifilm XF 70-300 F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR Fujifilm XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR +1 more
Yawlen Z
Yawlen Z Regular Member • Posts: 184
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

Erik Baumgartner wrote:

The 30’s lack of customizable function buttons (no d-pad) along with that stupid Q button are dealbreakers for me.

Customers eyeing their own modest progress will try for and find workarounds to this kind of hangups on your part. When the T3 never received an update including the Classic Neg. filmsim and the half-stepped tonecurve, clarity and chrome fx blue, these lackings proved a dealbreaker to me. They're all features that went introduced some 3(½) years ago. I'll assume that only those who tend to ditch their camera jpegs anyway couldn't care less about that.

Erik Baumgartner Senior Member • Posts: 6,893
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?
3

Yawlen Z wrote:

Erik Baumgartner wrote:

The 30’s lack of customizable function buttons (no d-pad) along with that stupid Q button are dealbreakers for me.

Customers eyeing their own modest progress will try for and find workarounds to this kind of hangups on your part. When the T3 never received an update including the Classic Neg. filmsim and the half-stepped tonecurve, clarity and chrome fx blue, these lackings proved a dealbreaker to me. They're all features that went introduced some 3(½) years ago. I'll assume that only those who tend to ditch their camera jpegs anyway couldn't care less about that.

That’s true, I’m a RAW shooter and couldn’t care less about any of those things. Even if I was a jpeg shooter though, I cannot stand having to dive into menus for access to necessary functionality that I need on a regular basis and the X-T30’s shortage of customizable buttons would still be a dealbreaker for me.

 Erik Baumgartner's gear list:Erik Baumgartner's gear list
Sony RX100 Fujifilm X100V Fujifilm X-T2 Fujifilm X-T20 Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R +5 more
sheepless
OP sheepless Regular Member • Posts: 216
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

dccberry wrote:

X-T3 feels a bit more solid for build quality, and has some weather sealing. I rented the smaller body thinking I might buy it for a travel camera, and wound up just keeping the X-T3. Tons of used ones available these days I would think.

I live in Canada so my price comparison below reflect Canadian dollars.

I spent a bit of time looking at used options for the T3 - almost universally they are body only. I would need to purchase a lens as well - and by the time I do that - the price difference between the T3 (used with new lens purchase) and the T4 (new with 18-55mm kit lens) is about $100.00 Considering the T4 has both IBIS and is weather resistant that would move it up a knotch for me.

The T30 ll is almost $1000.00 less. It's smaller (which might be a bonus - I'm going to check out weight and handling at the store today). But no IBIS / weather resistance. (I'm not sure why I'm fixating on that aspect as my T20 had neither of these features and it wasn't an issue).

 sheepless's gear list:sheepless's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic LX100 II
sheepless
OP sheepless Regular Member • Posts: 216
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?

I am a jpeg shooter (might look at RAW someday) but it's the direct dial that is drawing me to Fuji.

The T30.2 may not be quite as direct as the T3 /T4 models but it after comparing other brands that rely quite heavily on menu screens I think this might be Fuji might be more appropriate for me.

 sheepless's gear list:sheepless's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic LX100 II
Erik Baumgartner Senior Member • Posts: 6,893
Re: X-T3 vs X-T30 ll?
1

sheepless wrote:

I am a jpeg shooter (might look at RAW someday) but it's the direct dial that is drawing me to Fuji.

The T30.2 may not be quite as direct as the T3 /T4 models but it after comparing other brands that rely quite heavily on menu screens I think this might be Fuji might be more appropriate for me.

It’s not as direct as the X-T20 either, especially if you disable the Q button. If you are willing to put up with a touchscreen then good for you, most people detest them. Personally, I much prefer shooting with the older X-T20 (with the touchscreen disabled).

 Erik Baumgartner's gear list:Erik Baumgartner's gear list
Sony RX100 Fujifilm X100V Fujifilm X-T2 Fujifilm X-T20 Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R +5 more
jpnwdc Junior Member • Posts: 40
Consider the XS10?

Is is small, has IBIS, and a great grip. Only downside is doesn’t have the traditional Fuji controls (ie had PASM controls).

sheepless
OP sheepless Regular Member • Posts: 216
Re: Consider the XS10?

jpnwdc wrote:

Is is small, has IBIS, and a great grip. Only downside is doesn’t have the traditional Fuji controls (ie had PASM controls).

It won't harm to look - everything you mention ticks boxes - but I'm wondering if it will require more menu scrolling than I prefer.

 sheepless's gear list:sheepless's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic LX100 II
sheepless
OP sheepless Regular Member • Posts: 216
Used X-T2 / T3?
1

I've now come across the KEH used website that has both used the T2 and T3 models. The T2 is quite a bit less and from what I can see, the T3 is more expensive due to it's improved video abilities. I don't shoot video so this is a none issue for me.

I am just starting out and learning the basics - so I don't need to "over purchase" initially. If the T2 can meet my basic needs this might be the way to go?

(Sorry if this is getting a bit convoluted - but I'm working my way through as more options / and avenues present themself).

 sheepless's gear list:sheepless's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic LX100 II
Erik Baumgartner Senior Member • Posts: 6,893
Re: Used X-T2 / T3?
1

sheepless wrote:

I've now come across the KEH used website that has both used the T2 and T3 models. The T2 is quite a bit less and from what I can see, the T3 is more expensive due to it's improved video abilities. I don't shoot video so this is a none issue for me.

I am just starting out and learning the basics - so I don't need to "over purchase" initially. If the T2 can meet my basic needs this might be the way to go?

(Sorry if this is getting a bit convoluted - but I'm working my way through as more options / and avenues present themself).

I’m still very happy my X-T2. It’s still a fantastic camera with image quality at least as good as the newer X-T3/4, and actually a bit better high ISO performance. A much better rear command dial than the X-T3 too.

 Erik Baumgartner's gear list:Erik Baumgartner's gear list
Sony RX100 Fujifilm X100V Fujifilm X-T2 Fujifilm X-T20 Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R +5 more
sheepless
OP sheepless Regular Member • Posts: 216
Re: Used X-T2 / T3?

Erik Baumgartner wrote:

sheepless wrote:

I've now come across the KEH used website that has both used the T2 and T3 models. The T2 is quite a bit less and from what I can see, the T3 is more expensive due to it's improved video abilities. I don't shoot video so this is a none issue for me.

I am just starting out and learning the basics - so I don't need to "over purchase" initially. If the T2 can meet my basic needs this might be the way to go?

(Sorry if this is getting a bit convoluted - but I'm working my way through as more options / and avenues present themself).

I’m still very happy my X-T2. It’s still a fantastic camera with image quality at least as good as the newer X-T3/4, and actually a bit better high ISO performance. A much better rear command dial than the X-T3 too.

Thanks for this information. I'm likely looking at used now - I live in Canada - so I'll need to check out some potential sellers. KEH has one one their site. I know my local camera store has KEH events where they come to do buy & sell events - so I'm assuming they are reputable?

 sheepless's gear list:sheepless's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic LX100 II
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