X30: small camera and big EVF
It’s confirmed by the trusted Japanese source: the X30 will feature an EVF and it will have the same resolution & coverage of the EVF’s we find the X-T1 + X-E2 and the same magnification of the X-E2’s viewfinder.
The rumored X30 specs list so far is: (TS= trusted source / NeS =New Source / AS = Anonymous Source / SRP = source who was right in the past, but not yet trusted / ORS = other rumor sites
– 2/3 sensor (TS + NeS)
– EVF only (TS + NeS)
– EVF specs: 2,36mp, x0.62 magnification and 100% coverage (TS)
– Announcement: at photokina (ORS) – FR-sources just said “this summer” (AS)
Do you prefer it with an OVF? Then check out the stores in your country. If the X20 isn’t discontinued (like at BHphoto), you could find some great deals on it. Check it out at [shopcountry 12884].
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73 Responses
If the EVF is NOT 100% coverage, no care as it’ll be useless.
100% coverage
Wow, what an unexciting upgrade… Not even a larger sensor? Small format sensors below 1′ sensor are getting more and more irrelevant.
Absolutely true. This is one hell of a snoozer “update” from Fujifilm. Expect massive discounts on this camera by Jan. 1st, if not earlier.
I’m a bit confused. So far this sounds like a downgrade from the X20. :p While I chose the X-T1, that choice was more about the huge EVF than the EVF itself. I’ve already come across many situations where an OVF would’ve been nice to have, even a smaller one. The X20 stood out from its peers largely thanks to its OVF. The X-E2 has an EVF, but that’s to keep it compact despite having interchangeable lenses. The X30 will have no interchangeable lenses. Sounds dangerously close to the XQ1, just with a few more manual controls, to me. At least the XQ1 made good use of the lack of an OVF, making it much smaller than the X20.
Of course, maybe the X30 will have some unrevealed new killer feature, who knows. But this is rarely the range where killer features are introduced…
Edit: I really can’t get over this move. Fujifilm are so proud over the X20 OVF that they have a dedicated web page about it: http://www.fujifilm.eu/uk/products/digital-cameras/proenthusiast-fixed-lens/model/x20/features/advanced-optical-viewfinder-with-real-time-shooting-data-display/
Expect the XQ1 will be discontinued.
100% coverage EVF with no distortion versus only 85% coverage OVF with optical ditorsion a downgrade?
And if the EVF really has 2.36MP res. that would be sensational for a digital compact. The Sony RX100 III only has a 1.44MP EVF, which I think is minimum acceptable resolution for an EVF.
If the X-30 no longer need the protuding optical eyepiece making the camera thinner it may be my compact camera of choice. But as we expect more high-end compacts for Photokina I will waite to see what the competition will offer.
I actually like where this is going. It would be a perfect camera for my wife. Small, EVF, and hopefully some good smart camera integration. Most of the usefulness of a camera is in the firmware so I’m really curious to see what functionality they put into it. The sensor itself isn’t too big a deal for the audience they’re aiming for.
I had to buy a new “family camera” today (understand a compact camera that my wife feels comfortable using) and I must say that the lack of proper video mode on the Fuji cameras has been an issue. I finally went for the new Sony RX100 m3 and I wish Fuji were paying more attention to video, at least to a certain point.
It was not at all a criteria when I bought the X100s and it won’t be one the day I fall for an ILC, but for the X20 this is a bigger problem. Hopefully the X30 will be better on video (I am sure stills will be great).
The camera looks great, it’s nice to see a decent EVF on it, it’s just that there is this little thing that the competition has that this doesn’t that kind of spoils it.
Just thinking logically… *why* would they replace the OVF with an EVF? The only reasons I can think of are either that they want to make the camera smaller, or the zoom longer (making an OVF no longer feasible). Both of those would also be consistent with keeping the sensor the same size. They’re also both things I would be very happy about.
As an X20 owner and as an X user who skipped the X10, I think the answer is simple. The OVF in the X10 was too ahrd to use without the the LCD info overlay, so they added it to the OVF, but it is so hard to read in the X20 most of the time, that the only way to really make a suable VF was to make it an EVF.
And 100% coverage is pretty significant. The current viewfinder is fun but impossible for really precise framing.
OR because the OVF isn’t that useful in the X20
@Patrick Any chance that this will be the 2/3 organic sensor?
All I know is that it should be a 2/3 sensor… and I think they’ll keep the X-Trans II one
I guess if the name were XO-30 we’d have more of a chance. Or OX-10. 🙂
Organic? Yes. In 5 years. Please be patient.
I read somewhere that they were hoping to get something out in early 2015, so I hope it doesn’t take 5 years for it to reach the X10-20-30 line. The market isn’t patient and other breakthrough sensors from Fuji’s competitors are coming. Sony and Canon are filing lots of patents lately.
Hi Douglas, I agree that an organic sensor would be kicking-ass and whoever launches first gets the media attention.
Yet, to make this clear, the organic sensor is not just cool. It’s a f**$ing technical revolution. And revolutions don’t come every Monday. They come once in a decade, or once in 2 decades.
And as a company like Fuji that is not exclusively focused on photographic technology, you want to be f**$ing sure that you don’t mess this up. If you mess it up because you launch stuff too early, then this chance, this revolution does break your neck.
And since this organic sensor is of this mega-gigantic potential, you really really do not expect this sensor to be launched in a funny X30.
Have a good day.
Fuji is rumored to be updating three of their most loved cameras this year: XPro, X100s and X20. They won’t all have organic sensors (probably none will this year) but they’re coming. And yes, it is a total reset for cameras. They may not call the “funny” X30 by that name when it has a 2/3 organic, but that becomes a super “serious” model when the revolution comes 😉
I just hope it comes sooner than the Great Pumpkin visits Linus.
they better have good news lens wise, wider/longer/faster/IS… otherwise the small X cameras wont be considered ambitious anymore…
Exactly same sensor? lens too?
I think the sensor will remain the same… but I still don’t know about the lens
Fuji seems to have its finger right on the pulse of what photographers want. Knee jerk reactions to these leaks are that they’ve broken the winning streak. But I’m not nearly so sure. A slightly smaller camera than the previous models, but without losing any ergonomics? A state of the art EVF? These features alone would yield a mixed reaction, I think. One could not write the camera off, but it wouldn’t be a game changer. What else can they do to make it a must buy?
* Revolutionary IQ improvements with the organic sensor. This alone would be a game changer.
Short of the organic, I think the X30 could still be irresistible with evolutionary improvements to image quality and resolution along with:
* Serious ruggedization and weather sealing: make it freeze proof, shockproof, even shallow water submersible!
* Much wider at the wide end (how about a 21mm field of view?!) and still a nice portrait tele without losing speed or sharpness or adding too much size
* A tilting touch LCD to go with that great EVF
* A bigger, longer lasting battery along with better power management
For a few years, Fuji seemed unchallenged in this space with the X10 and X20’s approach to compact cameras with great build, great style, great IQ, and classic handling. This year, there may be other options. I hope that Fuji are ready for these challenges from Panasonic, Sony and Olympus and are ready to compete, not caught on their heels. A little Kaizen may not be enough this time.
According to the Fuji product segmentation, the x10/20/30 is a camera for kids, students and housewives. A little camera that can take lovely pictures, the 1 step upgrade from p&s.
Fuji does not design the x30 to be a tank or fit for combat.
It will receive technological elements from r&d done for the x-e1/2(/3) or x-pro1(/2) or x-t1, though.
No big inventions ever introduced in a low level camera, seen from a product segmentation point of view. Never expect this thing to rival products within the same family.
I disagree with that segmentation interpretation. Build quality, styling and handling suggest that this is an enthusiast’s camera and/or a pro’s walk around. And 2/3 sounds like a sweet spot for the organic sensor. Maybe it will roll out at the high end first, maybe not. But if 2/3 organic looks like the current APSC XTrans, it will be the high end segment and M43 and APSC become what is today’s medium format. Count on prices to reflect that as well. The XO-10 will cost $1200 and put today’s X100s to shame. 🙂
LOL….the organic sensor rumors began in what, 2003 or so? Here are, STILL waiting…….
Yes. And I’ve not seen any new official news since the June 2013 press releases
Going from technology breakthrough to industrial-level manufacturing takes time. First patents from Fuji dates back 1991 (not 2003!)
Many industry players are hard at work on this (and the photo/imaging industry being only a fraction of it). I could be wrong but I believe that the lack of communication says that it is a now a race where the first to deliver will likely win a lot of customers. So now is probably not the time to tell the competition exactly what you’re up to.
Are you kidding with this question about new X30 and EVF? The question should be: do you prefer X30 with 2/3 or 1″ sensor? Who will buy now X30 with the same small 2/3 sensor for the price of 1″ sensor cameras? In my view buying X30 will be wasting of money if you can buy Lumix LX-8, which is going to be the best 1″ camera.
the poll comes from a post of last week, where the EVF rumor was still unconfirmed. The majority of the readers voted for the EVF, so they might be happy to know that the EVF rumor is now confirmed.
You simply don’t understand until you read all the facts, Fujifilm has an x-trans sensor in the x20 so i’m pretty sure this x30 will feature the same kind of sensor…no anti aliasing filter…and you know that X-trans is compared to almost all the FF camera senors, this would surely mean that it could theoretically be compared to an 4/3 size one or atleast an 1″.
Btw the sensor size doesn’t matter at all, to me atleast and I have been shooting many different formats and all has it’s trade offs.
I just hope this would feature an cool XF1 folding lens construction soon then it would be perfect for any and all kinds of travel and a cool companion to my other cameras.
Are you kidding? Compared to a m4/3 or 1″. It’s not remotely comparable
Remember the old saying Size does not matter it’s what you do with it that counts. Listen to Zac Arias’ video on that very subject, he puts some facts straight 🙂
And he shoots APS-C and Medium format…size matters
It’s not the be all and end all, but in this particular category of camera (enthusiast walk-around), sensor size makes a pretty big difference. I want to be able to push to ISO 800 if necessary and still retain some detail.
And I agree 100% … but Fuji probably has a good few tricks up their sleeves as shown in their recent releases, both bodies AND lenses.
I do own a Nikon 1 V1 which sports a 1″ sensor which cannot see beyond 800 ISO and with a very short dynamic range – Not because Nikon engineers are daft, but for unfathomable marketing reasons and fears of killing their high end models. and apart from a really good and fast AF on the V1, I really regret not to have bought an x-10 at the time.
What I am trying to say is that we should not judge and condemn a new body before we knwo the full specs and actual tests on production bodies start to appear on the net.
All the best
So, it is Panasonic LF1 competitor? More that 2 years later, and Fuji still does not have anything against RX100? Incredible.
I prefer an X30 with …
A bigger sensor
2/3 inch? Sooo 2012
Sony’s RX100 Mk I made the original X10 obsolete from day 1. Fujifilm has yet to recover from this epic failure.
I`m waiting for the X Pro or the EX-3 or the XT 2 with 20 or 24 MP to do the switch….
There you go. Those extra 4 MP will turn your subpar photography into National Geographic cover material instantly. Instead of seeing the eyelashes of your portraits, we’ll be able to see the individual veins in their eyes. That’s what’s holding me back too.
Perhaps this is a sign that they will be omitting the OVF for the X-Pro 2 as well.we will see with the X200.
With respect to image quality, hopefully they will be more competitive than this with the X-Pro 2. And, hopefully it will be announced at Photokina – been waiting too long.
2/3 sensor? Forget it. Even though I have an X-T1 and X-E1, it will be the Pany LX8, with either the 1″ or the larger 4/3 sensor, for me. Fuji, you missed a golden opportunity to compete against the Sony RX 100 III and Pany LX8.
The pany will have better colour straight out of the box, fuji requires a bit of post processing
Since when and under what circumstances?! Panasonic have never been known for their pleasing colours. Fuji on the other hand, trade on it.
Everyone is making a lot of noise before the final specs or price is know. An EVF of that quality in a compact is huge deal. It’s a camera, not a sensor in a box. Assuming it’s built like it’s predecessors, I’d happily take this camera with it’s controls, handling, lens, and brilliant EVF over a fiddly Sony RX100.
I don’t object to an EVF, but they drain the battery much more than an optical finder, personally I am happy with the OVF of the X10/20 (20 improved it but I still use my X10 and the OVF too) Unless a new bigger battery is coming on this model the super battery saving OVF is the way to go a tactical error from Fuji I feel
Sensor size some valid points are raised here my feelings are that the 2/3″ sensor is good (and for some good enough), but it cannot compete with 1″ sensors so the price has to be quite a lot cheaper to make any sense. Honestly from what I see here there is no reason to look at this model unless it’s waay cheaper than the 1″ sensor rivals. I believe Fuji may have made a mistake here in several areas EVF AND sensor size. Regardless most would be ok with an EVF and a 1″ sensor
2/3 is fine but not at £500
You’re assuming the lens stays the same. Maybe it does, but we don’t know that yet.
The crop factor of a 2/3″ sensor relative to a 1″ sensor (going by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_factor) is 1.333. (Which is incidentally the same as the crop factor of a Four Thirds sensor relative to APS-C.) That’s a significant difference, but it’s not enormous.
You would need an f/1.35-2.1 lens on a 2/3″ sensor to be equivalent to the f/1.8-2.8 lens and 1″ sensor combination of the RX100III. That’s ambitious, and I don’t expect the X30’s lens will be that fast (albeit there’s rumors of an Oly XZ-3 with an f/1.4-1.8 lens, so it’s not entirely impossible), but it could still be faster than the X20, or wider/longer, etc.
I can’t wait to trash this camera on the DPR forums, the second it gets announced with a 2/3 inch sensor and hundreds of Sony fanboys will join me too! FUJI LISTEN: DONT EVEN BOTHER IF ITS A 600 EURO 2/3 iphone point and shoot sensor, mkay?
Why do you all complain so much? I never knew there are so many camera reviewers out there hiding in their closets waiting to jump on and trash every camera rumour that comes to light.
I’m sure 3/4 of you people bitching and moaning are also the exact demographic that would never even consider buying this camera. Any of the Fuji cameras currently in the market would be more than enough for any and all of you. None of you are renowned, professional photographers. You all fall into the realm of fanboys, techno geeks and photo hacks at best. The constant complaining gets old.
Fuji will release whatever it will release – whether you like it or not. If you’re not satisfied with what Fuji releases, there’s no crime to move to another system or brand. There’s no gun to your head to only stay with Fuji – especially if you are talking about fixed lens cameras. Go to Sony. Go to Nikon. Go to Canon. Make a damn pinhole camera if it floats your boat.
Just stop the nitpicking, the complaining, the critiquing. Start your own company and build your own perfect camera.
Although you have a point, your words are a little harsh.
Harsh? More like truthful. This pattern emerges each time there’s scent of a new camera coming out – irregardless of brand. People start coming out of the woodwork with the endless flood of complaints.
I don’t have anyone’s ear at any camera company. And I don’t even have a wish list for the world’s perfect camera. I wait. I check the rumours sites of the brands I like to see what and when something new might be on the way. And then I go to the store, play with it, see if it’s for me and then either buy or hold off.
But it gets tiring listening to people just 99% of the time complaining about why this or that camera has a 1″ sensor or no organic sensor still or FF or not FF – when at the end of the day, it’s irrelevant for 99% of you (myself included). Just get over your own egos and buy a damn camera and go out and use it.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s just a camera people; if you don’t like it (once it’s actually here!), move on. Fortunately there is plenty of choice in this segment at the moment.
James, while I agree with you…you’re missing the point. This is a gear head site solely for the purpose of speculating about new and upcoming gear. Don’t like then chatter, why are you here?????!!!!
No, you sound like a Fuji blind fanboy who does not want to see any mistake or issue made by Fujifilm. If you do not like listen to any users complains, find a land where nobody make the critiquing of anything. Food luck!
What is Food Luck? Never heard of it before. I know of Good Luck, but not Food Luck.
Actually, I am total opposite of fanboy, dumbass – if you read anything I wrote and can understand English. I don’t care what Fuji or any other manufacturer does. I don’t live my life by the whims of Fuji, Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc. When I need a camera, I get what I need based on what is out there in the world. I don’t cry on forums about sensor size or configurations, like everyone else.
People crying about camera specs on forums spend more time complaining about what the cameras don’t have then actually going out and shooting with them.
Fuji can make all the mistakes they want. It’s people like you who are too busy worrying about every last mistake. Spend your precious time complaining AFTER the camera is release and has issues and you wasted your money on it…NOT before it’s even released.
Douche.
Sorry, but reading your strange frustration and great surprise that people do complain on Fuji mistakes, seems to me you are the blind Fuji fanboy, although you dany it. Nobody cries here. Yoy may not like that many Fuji users are dissapointed about same small 2/3 sensor in new X30, but great majority are dissapointed because of that. Accept it. You really sounds like frustrated Fuji fanboy who does not like to hear any complaint about Fuji cameras and abase thouse who make complaint.
There’s a difference between critiquing, and just whinging about a rumour because the rumour doesn’t match your expectation.
You are so right. After the latest but irrelevant firmware, I promised myself to no longer invest in Fuji gears. Bought myself a $1500 Sony A7 and never look back.
If you haven’t looked back… why are you here?
You are full of it with your holier than thou BS. Everything Fuji does is right? Oh, please don’t criticize them. Only say positive things about every product they launch, regardless if they missed the boat. Not moving to a larger sensor is indeed a mistake by Fuji. Why do you think the Sony RX100 series has been such a success? You get one guess. It’s the larger 1″ sensor in a compact camera. Bingo! And even the mass public is buying the Sony. And while we are at it, James, my photography and photographic skills are most definitely far better than yours. Moron.
Criticise them after they release a product. Not sitting around the campfire crying over products that aren’t even released yet. That’s pathetic. Nowhere in my posts did I say anything kissing Fuji’s ass. I can criticise them…ready? The XPro1 was at best a beta release. That’s totally pathetic of Fuji to release a camera that was not ready for prime time.
I’m no fanboy of any camera company. You look at this thread and it’s just people complaining about sensor size and why this and why that. Dry your eyes and get over yourselves.
I don’t care about sensor size or X-Trans, etc. A good camera is a good camera. You people act as if you need these huge sensor sizes and megapixel sizes in order to produce quality images. It’s not the camera, bro. Get that into your thick head.
You are the fanboy worrying about what size sensor is in your camera because god forbid you have a camera with less than a 1″ sensor – you can’t leave the house. Or probably more on point, you’re the type who needs to colour coordinate your camera strap with your outfit. Twat.
Hope they will stay with the manual zoom. This and the OVF have been my main reasons for buying the X10 and X20
I’m kinda split in my opinion regarding OVF vs. EVF for this camera. I’m probably not the primary target market for x10/20/30, but I use the X20 (and previously the X10) as a carry-around camera when I might encounter framing situations where a zoom would be preferred over the X100/100s, and I wasn’t carrying the X-Pro1 or X-T1. The optical viewfinder was plus when I didn’t need precise framing — and I could always switch to the LCD when I needed to.
Fuji did some things very right with the X10/X20: The manual zoom saves power, and also allows a more robust lens mount. The optical finder also cuts power usage.
But as a family camera, and one that can also be used by serious shooters, I can see the attraction for the EVF. What individual photographers ACTUALLY use is another question — how often to we see tourists using low-end DLSRs at arm’s length? I would also expect improved video,
My biggest concern might be, as others have mentioned, power consumption. The NP-50 is hard pressed as it is. Adding the EVF (even with circuit and component improvements to reduce the current demand) might be too much for that battery.
I do really hope it comes wit a decent EVF. I never could get friend with the OVF of the X10 and X20 respectively, always would have preferred a good EVF, where you get WYSIWYG! Great move.
What I would have preferred is a larger sensor – 1″ would have just been perfect.
A camera with a 2/3″ sensor is really revolutionary these days, not!
I will forgive the small sensor if Fuji put in a high quality 4K/60fps video with the capability to take out very clean 8mp jpegs from the clips.
I would have preferred Fuji put their money and effort into a larger sensor – at least a 1 inch sensor to match Panasonic LX8 and Sony RX100m/2/3 – but greater focal range then the RX100m3 – the X30 body is much larger and could therefore support a lens a bit larger – Sony was able to do a 24-70mm – so Fuji could have done a 24-110mm on that larger body – the OVF was OK – not to say that an EVF from the X-E2 is not welcome – but that 2/3 sensor is just no match for the 1 inch sensor – although it is a nice sensor – I just think that the X30 will not do that well in sales – the Retro fad is not so popular is it was in the last few years – folks now also just looking for practicality. I hope they put a On/off switch – my X20 lens start just is not ideal – I have a feeling the new X30 will have a larger LCD so they will remove the left side buttons – which I think is a shame – I like quick access buttons and although LCD not 3 inch it was fine. I think Panasonic with their Touch LCD and Touch FN buttons is a great idea as I realize that there is limited space for physical buttons – Q menu is fine but having additional soft Fn buttons on LCD is great – also Touch To Focus – but Sony and Fuji will never implement that for some reason. I guess Fuji and Sony assume Touch LCD and Touch To Focus is just for beginners – ( as the NEX5/A5000 has Touch LCD but not the A6000 )
I cannot say that I don´t agree 😉
Laten we even eerlijk zijn het is de mens achter de camera die de foto’s maakt. Ik heb nu de Fujifilm X20 en maakt goede foto’s. En even eerlijk het is een camera die je snel mee neemt en dat is belangrijker dan meer pixel of grotere sencor. En een EVF maakt hem enkel gemakkelijker in gebruik zodat je hem nog gemakkelijker mee gaat nemen.
NP50 will not handle and EVF well it’s not got the power. Personally I think the OVF was a unique selling point for Fuji and I will mourn that loss. A hybrid might have been a better choice. However I can’t see any obvious reasons to look at this over the bargain X10 prices for clearance or if you have an X20 it is not a huge update from what we have seen so far.
I also think EXR technology has more to offer and Trans CMOS whilst good I can honestly say EXR is where the goodness lies though maybe we will see more from Fuji. The sensor is fine size wise but 1″ will command more money if Fuji think they can release another 2/3 sensor for £500 they will be sorely mistaken.
Really if we are honest taking the X compact line up to a 1″ sensor is the way to go, but I would add there is no way I’d pay £700 for such a camera. 1″ sensors are interesting but the industry is fooling itself if it thinks it can charge APS-C and higher prices for a smaller sensor. I would not have any interest in such prices nor do I for these expensive bridge cameras
1″ sensor yes high prices NO