The X30 is currently sold at a promotional discount of 50 euros. That and the fact that a good used X10 still achieved an acceptable sale price, I took the opportunity, my X10 "upgrade". Was it worth it? And how is the X30 today, around 4 years after the appearance of X10, classify compared with other compact? To these questions I try to answer as part of my review.
The X30 is the second successor of X10. In between is still the X20 that I left out because I could not see any relevance to me advantage. When X30 is different, because compared to the X10 are a lot of important features have been added:
- Slightly larger and especially vertically movable display.
- Electronic viewfinder.
- Hybrid AF.
- Significantly more battery power (almost double the capacity).
- Additional control ring on the lens.
- Wi-Fi.
First of all: Fortunately fits my objective range of accessories of the X10 - filter, lens hood and the special lens cap from JJC - also perfectly to the X30. Especially the JJC Lens cover I have come to expect, since this lens sufficiently protects turned off, but one saves having to only time-consuming lifting the original cover before switching on (and this then to move even sooner or later or lose). In my opinion, a perfect solution that the unique concept of the X10 / 20/30 provides optimum support. No other compact car that I know you're faster at the ready as the X10 / 20/30: A twist of the lens, even the camera is on and you immediately have the right attitude to the main recording parameters (the focal length) afloat (without waiting for be able to adjust motorized zoom).
Missing long I have the movable display. At last shots from unusual perspectives (hip, worm's-eye view, over-head) without contortions are possible.
After the half-hearted solution at the Fuji X20 has finally decided on the X30 for a fully electronic viewfinder and taken from my perspective the bull's eye. With nearly 2.4 MP he's extremely high resolution and shows a bright, brilliant image - laudable. Compared with the known to me, excellent electronic viewfinders of Sony NEX-6 and Sony Alpha 6000 he still lags somewhat behind this. What is not due to the resolution (the Sony's resolve with around 2 and 1.4 MP at low), but more to the smaller size of the viewfinder image (probably a compromise in order to keep the camera small) and the poorer usability especially for eyeglass wearers , A rubberized eye cup and above all an arrangement far left on the camera (such as the two Sony's) would have been a better solution. But that's whining at a high level, in absolute terms, the viewfinder is excellent and far more than a temporary solution (as yet the optical viewfinder of the X10 and X20).
The hybrid AF of the X30 belongs to the fastest and most accurate, what I know from compact cameras. Even the X10 was very quick with her pure contrast-based AF, but the X30 sets up a gear and again sets new standards in the compact segment. In conjunction with the On / Off / Zoom mechanism that X30 is therefore a perfect snapshot camera.
With 1800 mAh offering "new" battery NP-95 80% more capacity / 20 than the NP-50 X10, and this is really a blessing, because in the course of a long photo day we had often in the X10 twice the battery switch ( which, inter alia, with the risk of missing out on moments). Interestingly, the NP-95 is not new, but an old acquaintance: He came many years ago in the famous Fuji F31fd used. Who are these as I had or still has and still functional batteries, can confidently avoid purchasing a replacement battery for the X30.
The additional control ring on the lens is practical. In standard setting can be about him, depending on the mode, an important parameter (eg the panel in mode "A (perture Priority)") set. In Manual Focus, it serves quite classic to focus (which by the way, thanks to automatic magnifying display quite outstanding succeed). But you can also show a different function (eg ISO-change).
WLAN has certainly not everyone in the X10 missing, but it's handy traveling times a SHOT photo on your mobile phone "beam" and to be able to make available to others via WhatsApp, blog or Twitter upload. And that's really quick and easy with the X30. In addition, one can choose whether one. A photo in full resolution or at max 3 MP reduced (which is perfectly adequate for the purposes mentioned and transfer volume saves) wants to transmit.
Moreover, there are still a number of detailed improvements over the X10, the patients only at a second glance. Here are some of them, not exhaustive: The Setup menu operates much tidier now. There are three Auto ISO settings with individual limits set. The X30 now also allows for a number of custom presets, between which you can switch quickly. There is a "Q (uick Access)" - Button, through which you can change all the major recording relevant parameters quickly (the course was already in the X10, but only from the firmware 2.00 from the "RAW" button then as Q key "abused" was); on top of the Quick Access menu is not configurable. 6 keys (the 4 around the Menu / OK button, the FN / WiFi button and the Video button next to the shutter) can be assigned individually.
Overall, the use of the X30 is very intuitive and practical and enables really nothing to be desired.
The feel of the X30 is again excellent as their predecessors. Although now "Made in China" (the X10 was "Made in Japan"), it has in no way the impression that an inferior piece to keep technology in the hands, quite the contrary. The body is very solid, all the switches, buttons and D rings are accurate and comfortably firm. The ports (USB, HDMI, microphone) hidden behind a solid plastic flap that is held closed by spring force, so no labbe engined rubber cover as with many other cameras. Exemplary!
Dimensions and weight are, despite swivel control panel and viewfinder, remained almost identical. The X30 is therefore still carry any pocket camera, but is still so compact that it is not a burden to a small shoulder or even belt pouch.
Last, but not least: The X10 still an external charger was there. The X30 will now follow the trend that only one USB cable is supplied still and the battery is being charged in the camera. This has advantages and disadvantages: During loading, the camera is not really usable. On the other hand, it is so easy when walking to running out battery on the move via Power Bank (which one might anyway this is) a bit "refuel". The Royal: For little money the accessories trade offers external chargers (for example by the company Patona), it is best to take it right with 2 spare batteries in a bundle (eg search for "Bundle Star Battery Charger 4 in 1 incl Charger for Fuji NP-95" ). So a Patona bundle I've bought me for any of my cameras and I am very satisfied. With both (ext. Charger and Power Bank) you are prepared for all situations so that one never expected to run out of power.
From my perspective, the upgrade of the X10 has fully paid off on the X30, because the X30 several weaknesses and missing features of X10 compensated without introducing new drawbacks. (Is currently in the market for about 210 to 230 euros) between a good used X10 and X30 are a new course, more than 200 euros (and then only thanks to the current discount campaign, urging the X30 under 450 euros). Who has a different focus and may dispense with the innovations of the X30, X10 makes a still nothing wrong and can save a lot of money to no compromise in image quality.
Because of the image quality and low-light capability has little or no change. This can be seen positively and negatively. In 2011, as the X10 appeared, they set new standards when it comes to sensor size and low-light capability, thus founding the segment of "precious compacts". A 2/3 "sensor with a light intensity no worse than 1 / 2.8 at the long end was even in a compact hitherto unique and therefore" class-leading ". As a result, however, other manufacturers also brought out similar models, the X10 ausstachen; just think of the Sony RX100 and Canon G1 X, the services with even bigger sensors at similar or even lower dimensions even (much!) better low-light capability Fuji but saw in it no cause, something to the concept of X10. / 20/30 to change. On the one hand a good thing because a larger sensor would have disadvantages such as a bulky appearance (and therefore the loss of compactness) brought or a lowering of the light intensity at the long end with it. On the other hand, it is bad, because the low-light capability of the X30 (despite marginally improved sensor in the transition from X10 to X20) compared to current competitors at best is mediocre yet. Sony RX100 I / II / III, Canon G1 XI / II and G7 X and Panasonic's Lumix LX100 are the Fuji X30 at this point far ahead (only the Canon G7 X a telephoto focal length of 100 mm at 1 / 2.8 manages all the others have either a shorter max. Telephoto lens or a lower light intensity at the long end). One must not forget, however, that you have to grab for those competitors much deeper into their pockets ...
The image quality of the X30 is at low ISOs (ie 100-800) continues to be very good. In particular, the X-Trans sensor as before the EXR sensor on the X10, excellent dynamic range, which are not inferior to the competition offers. The appearance is identical to the X10, and that's good, because there really was no reason to change anything about her. Even at full aperture it is sharp to the corners, and always amazing is their directory poverty at the short end (which although has only 28 mm, but rather as a highly distorted distortionfree 28 mm 24 mm). The JPEG engine uses here a quasi not correcting what you can see nice if you compare the JPEG and the unprocessed RAW a recording together. If one makes the comparison with other cameras (eg the G1 X and also in the also acclaimed RX100 with its Zeiss lens, both also go down only to 28 mm), you sometimes downright frightened when you see their uncorrected distortion ...
And we are getting no "Pixelpeeper": At 100% view on screen falls (as with the X10) on that last bit of missing detail. This is not only on the resolution; 12 MP of course are no longer sooo much, but for example, the Canon G1 X II or the Lumix LX100 also no longer offer despite a significantly larger sensor and still manage to leave a much better detail sharpness impression. Rather, the specific sub-pixel arrangement of the sensor (not complying to the Bayer pattern) appears to be responsible.
It also benefits limited to rotate in the menu on the noise reduction and / or the sharpness regulator: the amount of details increases thereby marginally, but at the same time increases the gain of disturbance ("film grain") in the picture dramatically. The default setting (noise reduction and sharpness set to "0") is in principle the best.
Higher ISO than 800 are of limited use; 1600 are still acceptable, 3200 not really, unless you use the Pro Low Light mode, which quickly shoots several shots in succession and offset this to a low-noise picture as possible. It would be interesting perhaps even what an external noise reducer hires (eg the Prime-noise reduction of DxO Optics Pro) with high-ISO images X30. I will try on occasion times.
Speaking of external tools: As before, the RAW format allows the X10 / 20/30 use only bad. Although great is the ability to convert in the Camera RAW to JPEG. So it is always recommended to select "RAW + JPEG" (even if you do not intend to edit RAWs later), because that can be an example verhunzter white balance or correct exposure problems and lossless still correct in the camera. Who but how do I actually used to basically develop in peace the RAWs on PC or Mac, needs to change if necessary, because the support RAW is bad. This is due to the unconventional pixel arrangement of the sensor, which means that even basic algorithms that are the same for all sensors the Bayer pattern following, especially for the need to be X10 / 20/30 reprogrammed, which is not economically rule is possible.
Adobe Camera Raw (incl. Lightroom) supports the X10 / 20/30, but in my opinion, only suboptimal. I have quite a few experiments with X10 RAWs behind me, but the quality of the results remains in most cases backed by the Fuji-JPEG engine. My favorite, DxO Optics Pro, the RAWs of the X10 / 20/30 does not support. And I do not buy SilkyPix and familiarize myself in specially for the X10 / 20/30. (After all, Fuji offers on the X30 product page under "Characteristics" to download a free special version of SilkyPix, which may be sufficient for special RAW conversion cases. Am I perhaps try on occasion times.)
That leaves only the JPEG results of X30 as they are (or with minimal adjustments) to be used and, if something has gone wrong coarser to use the RAW conversion in the camera. Thanks to the excellent Fuji-JPEG engine that is but at least an acceptable compromise. The competition has made up some ground in recent years, but hardly dominated as the topic white balance (especially in mixed light, as lightning in artificial light) as well as Fuji.
Conclusion: The X30 is an excellent camera for people who
- Are looking for a solid, practical and intuitive camera
- Require high-snapshot capability,
- Photographing mostly in halfway good lighting conditions,
- As I just have great fun with the only species On / Off / Zoom concept and the other handling the camera,
- Want to do without major rework and do not have to amuse them, in the 100% view after the last bit of sharpness to seek, in other words, who are willing to take small compromise in image quality.
Those who place priority on the very last ounce of image quality, you should look elsewhere (some examples I have mentioned).
I give the X30 full 5 stars because the last bit is not critical image quality for many purposes and the camera this small shortcoming by extremely high Snapshot capability (especially for a compact), an intuitive, practical use and a lot of "fun at the Freud '' compensated. Yes, that is X30 in some ways a little exotic, and a remnant of the "diva-like" of the X10 is also available, but perhaps does just that the "charm" of this camera, and charm has it, that's certain.
PS: I own and use actively the Sony RX100, NEX-6 and Alpha 6000, as the Canon G1 X (Mark I), so know quite what I'm talking about when I see. The G1 X Mark II, G7 X and the Panasonic Lumix LX100 I have not indeed held in the hands, but at least seen plenty of photographs of these cameras to allow me a judgment.
Thank you have persevered this far. I hope my review is helpful to you. If so, I am pleased with a click on the Yes button.
