The Invisible X30

[rpkphoto]

Since well before Fuji's recent discontinuance of the X30, the camera has been virtually invisible at Fuji Rumors. Has it suddenly stopped being a viable camera? Is it no longer for sale at all the major outlets? Am I foolish to be taking this small camera seriously? Is it any longer even considered a Fuji X Series camera?

 

I still have an antedeluvian X20, and am planning to buy an X30 in order to have two Fuji X cameras to take on a trip abroad early this fall. It would be nice to know of any sales or discounts that might become available.

Edited June 26, 2016 by rpkphoto

[merlin]

It is listed at amazon and b&h, new, for $499.

[rpkphoto]

Merlin, thanks. I know - just bought one from Amazon today.

 

I was looking around Fuji X Forum and came across this statement by Forum member bradsamo:

 

"I think the X30 is hands down the best kept secret in the high-end compact world. Smaller sensor, yes, but image quality and shooting experience are arguably better than the 1" offerings out there. It's a stunning camera."

 

That's pretty much how I feel about the X20, so I have high expectations for its newer sibling.

 

For examples of my work with these cameras, check out my web site at <http://www.rpkphoto.smugmug.com>), especially "Singular Images" in the Galleries section and "Searching For Edward Hopper" in the Books folder. With a couple of minor exceptions, all images there dated 2012 or later were taken with Fuji X10 or X20 cameras. 

[merlin]

Excellent!  I am still a bit on the fence, so to speak, even with having viewed your marvelous images. 

 

Looking once again at my most recent sets of photos taken with the X100S and X-T1 makes me wonder if it is worth getting yet another camera.  Decisions, decisions, decisions....

[rpkphoto]

You might therefore already have everything you need. After all, the most important component in your photographic kit resides between your ears.

 

So you live in MN; I lived in Albuquerque for a couple of years during the late 80s, and love New Mexico. Your SW landscape photos really bring back memories, particularly the ones of Bandolier,

[merlin]

Thanks, Rodger.  Northern New Mexico is a photographer's paradise, with so many amazing vistas and locales. 

 

Do you think the X30 would do well with landscapes, since that is mostly what I shoot?  Having a zoom lens would be very convenient, and the ones for the X-T1 are either much too bulky, or not the best IQ.

[rpkphoto]

I would think for landscapes you might want a large sensor camera like the X-T1 and a zoom to fit your preferences.

 

If I were to get an X-T1 or X-T10, I'd get it with the rather nice 18 - 55mm (27 - 84mm equivalent) zoom lens. You may have gotten one as a kit lens with your X-T1. With a good tripod and the Fuji panorama feature, you're in business.

[merlin]

Since I use mostly the 90mm for landscapes, along with the 16mm, and X100S as an intermediate AOV, that zoom range is a bit too short and not nearly long enough, for me.  That's why I elected to pass on it as a kit lens when I purchased the X-T1, and opted for the 56mm instead.  The 16 and 90 were not yet available.

 

The wider and longer perspectives work very well with the New Mexico landscapes, and most other nature areas, which is why I was drawn to strongly consider the X30 with its compactness and excellent zoom lens.

Edited June 27, 2016 by merlin

[DennisTexas]

I like how it performs on landscapes. I think the 12MP and small sensor gives photos are "down to earth" look. Hard to explain but I like it alot. Might even sell my MFT MD10 II and keep my Lumix GM1 for when I want higher res photos. 

Took this a few days ago with my X30 with a little PP with an my ipad. These are not the original quality photos I usually just put them on Instagram and they process them down, I just grabbed them off instagram website, so this is after my uploading to Instagram then just saving the photo off Instagram. I dont keep the orignals after I upload them to Instagram. 

 

 

 

 

Dennis

Edited June 27, 2016 by DennisTexas

[bradsarno]

The X30 to this day (June 2016) is still my #1 most recommended compact camera to those who ask. It's got so much going for it. The small sensor only penalizes in very low light. Other than that, it's images are often on par with far pricier, larger-sensored compacts. It's simply a wonderful camera that for many people would be the perfect, one-camera solution. I can't say enough great things about the X30. Worth every penny. 

 

 

B