Entry-level upgrade with 40MP main sensor, IBIS and new film simulation dial.
It’s inferior to the X-T50, which has a weaker 26MP sensor, but the rest of the user experience is surprisingly similar.
The Fujifilm X-T30 III is a camera that has proven itself for over a decade. Its great-grandfather was the X-T10 in 2015, and the core appeal of the series has remained unchanged since then.
This compact mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor can perform similarly to Fujifilm’s more expensive cameras for many photographers. However, Fujifilm has made things more complicated for potential owners and fans of the X-T30 series by releasing the X-T50 and X-T30 III based on the 2021 X-T30 II.
The X-T50 is slightly larger than the X-T30 III, but has built-in image stabilization, a feature previously available only on Fujifilm’s larger cameras. They also have higher resolution sensors, but they are much more expensive.
In this article we’ll take a closer look at the details. So, what other options does the X-T30 III have?
The new generation X-T30 II, which will soon be discontinued, can also take photos, but does not support 4K/60p or 6.2K video. And while the X-M5, scheduled for release in late 2024, is technically identical to the
Let’s get back to the main topic and compare the X-T30 III and X-T50, focusing on the main differences.
1. Objective lens
- The X-T30 III – XC is available with the 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS lens.
- X-T50 – two configuration options. XC 15–45mm f3.5–5.6 OIS PZ or XF 16–50mm f/2.8–4.8
Seldom has a group lens been so interesting. If you have a cheaper camera like the X-T30 III, you may want to switch from one lens to another at some point. But this time everything is a little different.
With the release of the X-T30 III, Fujifilm announced a new model to its expensive Equivalent to a 20-50mm lens on a full frame 35mm standard.
That’s a lot wider than the older powerful XC 15-45mm zoom lens that comes in the cheaper
The new XC 13-33mm is smaller and lighter, weighing 125 grams and measuring 61.9 x 37.5 mm. The Fujifilm XC 14-45mm, which has been on sale since 2018, weighs 135 grams and measures 62.6 x 44.2 mm when attached to the camera body.
However, the second lens option in the Fujifilm XF series, the XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8, is only available on the X-T50. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is the 16-55mm thick glass that has been around for a long time. This is a new lens for 2024 that is much smaller and lighter. It weighs just 240 grams (the current lens weighs 655 grams) and is relatively compact (65 x 71.4 mm).
The disadvantage of XF lenses is that the maximum aperture falls more towards the telephoto end. But almost like the famous XF 18-55mm lens, which was recently discontinued, resolution is good around the edges of the frame.
2. Price
- X-T30 III – $999 / £829 / AU$1,679 (body only), $1,149 / £999 / AU$1,949 (including lens kit)
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Fujifilm
The Fujifilm X-T30 II (body only) is priced at $999 / £829 / AU$1,679. Or $1,399 / £1,299 / AU$2,599 for the X-T50.
The list price of the new XC 13-33mm is slightly higher than the XC 14-45mm, so the difference comes down to £400 over the base kit lens.
The price of the new X-T30 III avoids two significant hurdles. In the US they cost less than $1,000 per body, and in the UK they cost less than £1,000 with a set of lenses.
However, like all Fujifilm products, prices have increased in the US in recent months due to tariffs. The current price of the Fujifilm X-T50 is actually higher than when it will go on sale in the US in late 2024.
3. Sensor
- X-T30 III – 26.1 MP APS-C, X-Trans 4
- X-T50 – 40.2 MP APS-C, X-Trans 5
Both cameras have APS-C sized sensors, but the X-T50 has a much higher resolution chip. The headline is 40.2 million pixels compared to the X-T30 II’s 26.1 million pixels. This sub-series has maintained the 20 million pixel range since the X-T20 in 2017.
So the X-T50 offers plenty of cropping range for larger prints and images without any major compromises. This is especially useful if you’re using Fujifilm’s excellent prime lenses instead of zooms.
Fujifilm complements the higher resolution by equipping the X-T50 with a larger frame buffer for continuous shooting.
One of the inevitable consequences of placing more pixels in the same area is that image areas become smaller and ultimately less sensitive to natural light. But one generation of touch technology can really only cover so much, and the X-T50 has a feature that compensates for that.
4. Correction of vibrations inside the body
- XT30 III – no IBIS
- X-T50 – Ibis, 5 axles (7 stations)
The X-T50 is one of Fujifilm’s smallest and lightest cameras in its range, with built-in image stabilization. It follows the X-E5 with a smaller size and rangefinder-style design.
This means you don’t need to use OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) lenses and can use slightly slower shutter speeds, avoiding the risk of camera shake when shooting handheld. Fujifilm says this is effective up to 7 stops and mimics the IBIS system in the larger, 100g heavier X-T5.
The X-T30 II does not have IBIS. Kit lenses have their own optical image stabilization (OIS) to support this, but many of Fujifilm’s best lenses don’t have OIS. This limits your ability to shoot at night or in other low-light situations.
In the early days of wide range cameras, if you needed IBIS, you had to use the X-H1. The camera was great at the time (and still is), but its dimensions of 139.8 x 97.3 x 85.5 mm are much larger than those of the X-T50.
5. Difference in design
- X-T30 III – 118.4 x 82.8 x 46.8 mm, 378 g, back 1.62 m, normal mode up to 315
- X-T50 – 124 x 84 x 49 mm, 438 g, back length 1.84 m. Number of hits in normal mode: 305
While the X-T50 is surprisingly small for an IBIS camera, it is slightly larger than the X-T30 II. Its dimensions are 124 x 84 x 49 mm, while the X-T30 III’s dimensions are 118.4 x 82.8 x 46.8 mm. Just add a few millimeters to each size.
However, Fujifilm has tried to hide this by giving the camera a new rounded look from the side. The same technique is used in some phones: round glass on the front or back can trick your hand into thinking the phone is thinner than it actually is.
The resolution of the X-T50’s rear screen is also slightly higher, ranging from 1.84 to 1.62 million dots. This is not a major update. Fujifilm hasn’t changed much about the basic design either. Both cameras have a classic retro design, and the first three cameras are available in black, charcoal, or silver.
It is also common, at least in some circles, to use dial-up film simulation filters instead of traditional mode dials. This is a counterproductive design move for users who change shooting settings more than the color profile.
6. What is the same thing?
The main differences between these two cameras are the higher resolution and IBIS. Many other key elements are the same or similar.
Both the Fujifilm X-T30 III and X-T50 can shoot video at resolutions up to 6.2K (but in different aspect ratios) or 4K/60. It has the same processor and the same autofocus system, and also offers Fujifilm’s latest subject detection technology.
To get the best results, you don’t need an expensive CFexpress card. Faster SDXC works better.
Solution
Is the improved resolution and IBIS worth the extra money Fujifilm is asking for the X-T50? Of course, for many people.
Fujifilm attempted to reduce the effect of the increased size slightly by changing the shape of the body. We have moved beyond two size levels, and some features do not mix between the two levels.
The Fujifilm X-T30 III remains an excellent choice for new mirrorless camera buyers or those returning to mirrorless cameras. They are much cheaper and can produce similar images with OIS lenses.
Frankly, if you can live without a viewfinder and shoot a decent amount of video, the X-M5 is a much better choice than the X-T30 III, and it’s cheaper, too.
