FUJIFILM has announced the X-T30 II and two new lenses, the XF 23mm f/1.4 and XF 33mm f/1.4.
The X-T30 II is the follow-up to the original X-T30. The X-T30 II, just like its predecessor, is being touted as an affordable, compact mirrorless camera that offers a good blend of still and video performance for under $900 USD.
The X-T30 II follows FUJIFILM’s philosophy of creating cameras that combine a retro design with new technology.
The camera features the same APS-C-format 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 BSI sensor and X-Processor 4 image processor found in its predecessor. It also uses the exact same 2.36m-dot OLED EVF and 3.0″ 1.04m-dot two-way tilting LCD touchscreen as the X-T30.
So what is new? Well, FUJIFILM claimed that the AF performance has been improved, with focusing speeds as fast as 0.02 seconds, and low-light sensitivity is said to be down to -7 EV. AF subject tracking and recognition have also been claimed to have been improved.
Video Capabilities
The X-T30 II can record DCI/UHD up to 30p, just like its predecessor, but now you can record 1080p at up to 240fps. The camera can record in F-log and like all FUJIFILM cameras, there is a range of film simulation modes you can choose from.
Internally the camera can record the following:
H.264/MOV
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [100 to 200 Mb/s]
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/59.94p [100 to 200 Mb/s]
DCI 2K (2048 x 1080) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [100 to 200 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [100 to 200 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 100p/119.88p/200p/240p [200 Mb/s]
If you want to record 4:2:2 10-bit then you need to do so externally via HDMI.
4:2:2 10-Bit
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p
DCI 2K (2048 x 1080) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 100p/120p
Above you can see what it is capable of over HDMI.
Unfortunately, the camera does have recording limitation times:
Up to 30 Minutes, 59 Seconds for DCI 4K (4096 x 2160)
Up to 30 Minutes for UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)
Up to 30 Minutes for Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Up to 6 Minutes for Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 100p/120p
Price & Availability
The X-T30 II is available in black or silver. The body only price is $899.95 USD. It can also be bundled in a kit with either the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS lens ($1,299.95 USD) or the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ ($995.95 USD).
New Lenses
Along with the X-T30 II, FUJIFILM also announced two new fast prime lenses, the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR and the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR. These two lenses feature updated optics and improved AF.
Both the 23mm and 33mm lenses feature new internal focusing mechanisms to help keep the physical size of the lenses to a minimum. Both lenses have weather-sealed exteriors, nine-blade diaphragms, large manual focus rings, and manual aperture rings.
The 23mm f/1.4 has a minimum focusing distance of 7.5″ / 19.05 cm. It weighs 13.2 oz / 374g.
The longer 33mm f/1.4 has a respectable minimum focusing distance of 11.8″ / 29.97 cm. It weighs 12.7 oz / 360g.
Price & Availability
The FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens reatilas for $889.95 USD and the FUJIFILM XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens is $799 USD.
Thoughts
The X-T30 II doesn’t jump off the page, but it is still a solid offering if you are looking for an entry-level hybrid mirrorless. It is a little disappointing to see FUJIFILM just recycling a lot of the same tech from the X-T30. In reality, the X-T30 II is more of a minor upgrade than a new camera.
If you are looking for an entry cost mirrorless hybrid to use primarily for video work then it is arguably better to spend the extra cash to get something like the X-T4. The X-T4 can record 4K DCI and UHD in 4:2:2 10-bit internally in decent codecs.
If you factor in the cost of getting a Ninja V and an X-T30 II just to be able to record 4:2:2 10-bit then you are already very close to the price of the X-T4.