Photography News 95 - Newsletter

Big test

PERFORMANCE: EXPOSURE LATITUDE

TRAM-ENDOUS Low light levels do not stop critical play. The X-T30 II delivers impressive image quality, even when you venture into the higher ISO regions. Here, exposure was 1/75sec at f/1.4 and ISO 1600, and no noise reduction in Lightroom was applied

-3EV

-2EV

AF was impressive and even did well in low, indoor lighting. It locks on precisely, if you give the system a fighting chance by directing the point to some tone or detail. All in all, this was a creditable AF showing for general photography. WC

the chance to try it alongside its predecessor, but I did have an X-S10 handy. The X-T30 II has the Fujifilm’s usual array of focus zone/point types. I tried a broad selection – including wide zone, smaller zone and single zone – and with face detection, too.

-1EV

0EV

Final word

Verdict The Fujifilm X-T30 II is accomplished, capable and lovely to use. But its compactness and price point rule out the potential benefits of IBIS and dual SD card slots, and it is not a significant upgrade from its previous model, which had the same sensor. X-T30 owners will not gain lots by switching over. Nevertheless, the provision of an autofocus system at the level of an X-T4 is worthwhile, so this could be the ideal camera for X Series newbies keen to explore photography – or for existing owners seeking a relatively affordable and more compact second body. The X-T30 II is very nicely priced, too. 23 /25 FEATURES

+1EV

+2EV

For the money, the X-T30 II packs a considerable punch, especially for stills shooters – but there is no IBIS or dual card slots

Exposure brackets were taken using the X-T30 II in a variety of lighting situations, and the images exposure corrected in Lightroom. The correct exposure for this sunlit shot of Wimpole Hall was 1/400sec at f/5.6 at ISO 160. Raws overexposed by +2EV can be successfully recovered, but that was the limit. The +1EV and +2EV shots looked identical to the correct shot when recovered – while greater overexposure resulted in a colour cast and grey highlights. With underexposure, even -3EV and -4EV shots looked very good when recovered – although there was some digital noise.

+3EV

23 /25 HANDLING

Generally ergonomically sound, with no deal-breaking quirks

24 /25 PERFORMANCE

With a great sensor and enhanced AF, fantastic results are assured

24 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY

A top-value way to get into the Fujifilm X Series ecosystem

94 /100 OVERALL

Impressive performance and a fulsome set of features – the X-T30 II is a leading mirrorless contender at this price point

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE

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PROS Custom options, image quality, high ISO performance, drive dial makes exposure bracketing simple, excellent AF CONS On/off switch could be sturdier

34 Photography News | Issue 95

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