Review: Fujifilm X-T30 III
Some cameras want you to slow down; the Fujifilm X-T30 III approaches photography from a different perspective, encouraging creativity and the ability to make quick, decisive changes in the heat of the moment.
It's also a reminder that Fujifilm still knows how to make a camera that feels purposeful. With the X-T30 III (RRP $1,679) there’s no nostalgia gimmickry as with cameras like last year's Fujifilm X Half.
Instead, I found the X-T30 III an understated workhorse dressed in retro clothing, designed for photographers who want speed, control, and Fuji colour without the bulk of an X-T5 or X-H body.
In many ways, it feels like Fujifilm distilling its modern lineup into its most compact, affordable SLR-style form.
It also borrows heavily from last year’s X-M5 under the hood, but wraps those internals in a body that feels familiar to anyone who’s handled an X-T30 or X-T30 II.
The biggest tell that this is a 2025 Fujifilm camera, though, sits right under your thumb: the new film simulation dial, replacing the old drive mode dial. Predictable? A little, but still welcome.
Design & Handling
At its heart, the X-T30 III is built around Fujifilm’s proven 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, paired with the latest processing and subject-detection autofocus from the company.
It’s a sensor I know well and trust, and one that’s been a staple of many Fujifilm cameras for years.
That said, it would be nice to have a minor increase in megapixels, considering it's the same 26.2MP as offered in 2019's X-T30 and 2021's X-T30 II.
At the same time, The X-T30 III looks almost identical to its predecessor, but that’s not really a criticism. The body remains compact and clean, with that classic Fuji silhouette that manages to feel both old-school and modern.
It’s not weather-sealed, it’s not tank-like, but it feels solid enough for daily use, travel, and long days on foot.
At just over 330g for the body, the X-T30 III still sits firmly in the “take everywhere” category, and paired with the new FUJINON XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 OIS kit lens (roughly 20–50mm full-frame equivalent), the setup feels balanced and nimble.
While this isn't a review of the kit lens, as many of you reading this are likely to be considering purchasing it with one, I thought I'd add that the lens itself is small, lightweight, and refreshingly practical.
13-33mm is also a very sensible zoom range that covers wide environmental scenes through to everyday documentary framing. It’s not a lens that screams character, but it gets out of the way and lets you work. It's sharp enough across the frame, particularly in the centre, and performs well stopped down.
It won’t replace Fuji’s faster primes for character-driven work, but as a kit lens it’s one of the better ones I’ve used.
I do however wish it were slightly faster when zoomed in, as you'll need a decent amount of light to take sharp images with a maximum aperture of just f/6.3.
Now, back to the camera. The new film simulation dial located to the left of the viewfinder is the most obvious change on top compared to its predecessor.
Instead of flicking through drive modes, you now have dedicated, direct access to Fuji’s colour science via its film simulations, a feature of Fujifilm cameras for many years.
For newcomers, it’s intuitive and inviting, but for long-time Fuji users, it might feel a touch redundant given how quickly film sims can be assigned to other custom buttons.
But I’ll admit, having it there did change how often I switched looks on the fly. I found myself moving between Classic Chrome, Nostalgic Neg, and Acros more regularly than I might have otherwise.
Otherwise, buttons and dials are sensibly placed, though control real estate is still limited. This is a small camera, and photographers with larger hands may find it a little cramped during long sessions.
That said, once muscle memory kicks in, it’s fast and responsive, and the camera rarely feels like it’s slowing you down, which is a good thing.
Viewfinder and display
The electronic viewfinder is a 2.36-million-dot panel with 0.63× magnification. It’s not class-leading, and in fact 2019's X-T30 also used a 2.36-million dot panel, but it’s clear, responsive, and perfectly usable for both stills and video.
In bright light, it holds up well, and lag was never an issue during real-world shooting. Around the back is a 1.62-million-dot tilting touchscreen LCD. The tilt mechanism is subtle rather than fully articulating, but for street, documentary, and low-angle work it’s more than sufficient.
Touch response is snappy, menus are familiar Fujifilm fare, and the whole experience feels polished rather than flashy.
This is very much a photographer’s interface. No oversized screens, no visual clutter, just enough information to keep you connected to the scene without pulling you out of it.
In the field
The X-T30 III leans heavily into Fujifilm’s colour heritage, and rightly so.
With the full suite of film simulations onboard, including newer favourites like Nostalgic Neg alongside classics like Velvia and Provia, this camera is at its best when you let it deliver finished images straight out of camera.
Unlike the X Half, this is very much a “proper” Fujifilm shooting experience. That means you have RAW, JPEG, or both. You can build custom recipes, fine-tune grain, colour chrome, and highlight roll-off, and save looks of your own too.
Burst shooting is impressive for a camera this size, topping out at up to 30fps with an electronic shutter.
That speed, combined with subject detection AF, actually makes it far more capable than its modest appearance suggests, and for most subjects the camera keeps up without complaint.
Image quality
The 26.1MP X-Trans sensor is pretty long in the tooth, but it still delivers rich colours, pleasing skin tones, and files that hold together beautifully under stress.
ISO performance is solid up to 6400, and perfectly usable beyond that if you’re comfortable with a bit of grain. Dynamic range is generous, especially when shooting RAW, and highlights roll off in a way that feels forgiving rather than clinical.
Metering was reliable across mixed lighting, and exposure rarely needed correction. This is a camera you can trust to get it right most of the time, which frees you up to focus on timing, composition, and intent.
Autofocus
Subject Detection Autofocus is a noticeable step forward compared to earlier X-T30 models. Face and eye detection are faster and more confident, and general tracking feels far more reliable than the older Fujifilm systems.
Is it class-leading? No. Sony and Canon still probably have the edge in absolute AF performance. But for documentary, travel, family, and everyday photography, the X-T30 III is more than capable.
I found it hit focus consistently enough that I stopped thinking about it and that’s usually the highest compliment I can give an AF system.
Video
Video is where the X-T30 III quietly flexes. With 4K recording up to 60p, solid autofocus, and Fujifilm colour straight out of camera, it’s a genuinely capable hybrid tool.
That said, there’s no in-body stabilisation, so you’ll want steady hands or a gimbal, but image quality is crisp and detailed.
For things like travel films, behind-the-scenes clips, or short documentary work, it holds its own remarkably well for its size and price point.
The wrap-up
While it may not be the most exciting update, the X-T30 III is a bit of a quiet achiever. This camera likely won't replace a flagship body or a dedicated film camera, but I can see it being a great compliment to one.
It's also a solid camera that in its third generation showcases Fujifilm's thoughtful approach to design, making for a refined and deliberate product, and one that demonstrates all the things that make Fuji cameras so fun to shoot with.
Ultimately, the X-T30 III helps you make great images with great colour easily and with a bit of fun, especially so if you like experimenting with the Film Simulation dial. I thoroughly enjoyed using it.
The results
Handling ★ ★ ★ ★
Compact, lightweight, and responsive. Can feel a little cramped for larger hands, but overall a joy to carry and use.
Features ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent stills and video specs, full film simulation suite, fast burst shooting. No weather sealing or IBIS keeps it from five stars.
Autofocus ★ ★ ★ ★
Much improved subject detection and reliable tracking. Not class-leading, but more than good enough for real-world use.
Image Quality ★ ★ ★ ★
Classic Fujifilm colour, strong dynamic range, and dependable performance across a wide ISO range. In-camera gives effortless film vibes.
Value ★ ★ ★ ★
A strong balance of performance and price at just $1,679. One of Fujifilm’s most compelling all-rounders for enthusiasts and professionals wanting a compact and capable second body.
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