First Look: Fujifilm X-T30 III - The Little Legend Returns
There’s a particular thrill when Fujifilm releases something in the X-T line. It’s not just about megapixels or codecs — it’s about the feel. The X-T30 III lands in that sweet spot between the stylish minimalism of the X-T30 II and the professional muscle of the X-T50. And as someone who lives online, shooting between Reels, TikToks, and street portraits, I’m always chasing a camera that fits me. Not just my workflow, but my lifestyle. Something that looks as good as it shoots.
Well, spoiler: the X-T30 III is exactly that kind of camera! Check out the full review below.
Design — Retro Meets Reliable
The Fujifilm X-T30 III body remains ultra-compact at just 378 grams, and I love that Fuji didn’t mess with the classic silhouette. The magnesium-alloy top plate still has that retro charm, with tactile dials that make you want to shoot manually again.
It’s available in the same understated colourways, silver and black, instantly screaming “modern classic.” On the other hand, it feels balanced and familiar, almost identical to the X-T30 II. However, the subtle refinements, faster startup (0.8 s), and the USB-C 10 Gbps port show that Fuji is paying attention to creators who shoot, dump files, edit, and post all in one sitting.
For me, that’s the difference between nostalgia and modern usability and Fuji nails both.
Image Quality — The Proven Sensor, Sharper Than Ever
The 26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor returns in the Fujifilm X-T30 III, and I’m completely fine with that. Paired now with the X-Processor 5, this combo is punchier, faster, and more efficient. It’s the same processor powering Fuji’s high-end bodies, meaning AF, colour processing, and even RAW handling get a serious lift. You can now shoot 14-bit RAW, 10-bit HEIF 4:2:2, and even output TIFF straight from the camera, which is wild flexibility for something this small. I tested JPEGs in Classic Chrome, Reala ACE, and Nostalgic Neg. The tones feel painterly, subtle, rich, and ready for Instagram or print.
Low-light performance remains excellent. Fuji’s new AF system with subject detection (animals, vehicles, trains, planes) locks on confidently down to -7 EV, impressive for street and night shooters.
Video — Finally Feels Creator-Ready
This is where I genuinely got excited. The X-T30 III adds 6.2 K (3:2) video recording at up to 200 Mbps, alongside DCI 4K 60p and Full HD 240p slow-mo. There’s no IBIS (as expected), but Digital IS and IS Boost are available in video mode, and they work well for handheld talking-head or vlog shots if paired with a stabilised lens like the XF 16-80 mm f/4 OIS. Fuji also added 10-bit recording, cleaner colour depth, and HEVC H.265 compression, making grading smoother in post. If you’re a hybrid creator like me, this is finally the X-T30 series done right.
Battery life is still on the NP-W126 S, but with the X-Processor 5’s efficiency, I clocked roughly 50 minutes of 4K recording, which is solid for its size. You can also now charge and record via USB-C, so power banks on the go are a dream.
Usability & Performance
The AF system is the real star; the new processor gives face/eye detection that’s actually reliable now. Fuji’s UI remains friendly, but deep; you can go from fully auto to pro-manual without friction. The tilt-screen (3-inch, 1.62M dots) is crisp and responsive; I just wish it flipped forward for complete vlogging flexibility. But for stills and waist-level framing, it’s perfect.
Menus remain intuitive, nothing feels buried. The “Vlog Mode” and “AUTO Scene Modes” like Portrait Enhancer and Sport are clever additions for casual creators who just want a clean look fast.
How It Compares
Versus X-T30 II: same 26MP sensor, but AF speed, video quality, and processing are in another league.
Versus X-T50: that camera adds IBIS and 40MP resolution, but it’s heavier and pricier, so for most enthusiasts, the X-T30 III hits the sweet spot.
Compared to Sony ZV-E10 II / Canon R50, those are more “influencer-centric,” but Fuji wins in colour science, build, and shooting soul.
This camera is ideal for creators who want something compact yet authentic. It’s a real-deal hybrid tool; there are no gimmicks, just gorgeous output.
Where It Fits — The Creator’s Compact Companion
The X-T30 III isn’t trying to compete with full-frame monsters. It’s aiming squarely at the enthusiast photographer or content creator who wants their camera to double as an accessory that looks amazing on-set or on the café table.
It’s for people like me who care about both the art and the aesthetic. It’s a camera that encourages you to slow down, shoot with intention, and still keep up with the pace of modern content creation.
Charlie's Fujifilm X-T30 III Accessory Picks
NiSi True Colour VND 1–5 Stop – perfect for outdoor reels or portraits with shallow depth in harsh daylight.
Final Thoughts — Does It Live Up to the Name?
Absolutely. The X-T30 III feels like a refined love letter to the Fuji community, keeping the charm that made the series iconic while finally addressing the creator crowd who wanted stronger video, smarter AF, and cleaner processing. Is it perfect? Not quite. The lack of IBIS and flip-screen prevents it from being an all-around YouTuber weapon. But for enthusiasts, travellers, and Gen Z creatives who want to level up their photography game, this camera absolutely slaps. Its intuitive controls, lightweight design, and versatile shooting modes adapt effortlessly to street, landscape, and vlog-style photography, making it a genuinely flexible tool that inspires creativity wherever you go.
It’s stylish, fast, and trustworthy. And that, to me, is the definition of a keeper.