Fujifilm X-T30 III: Still a Great All-Rounder, but No Big Leap Forward
Fujifilm X-T30 III: A Subtle Upgrade for Fuji’s Versatile Compact Camera
The wait is finally over: the Fujifilm X-T30 III is on its way.
Fujifilm’s most affordable mirrorless camera in the X-T lineup is getting a smart refresh — faster, more responsive, and powered by the latest X-Processor 5, all without a price increase.
While the update may look minor on paper, it brings meaningful upgrades that make the X-T30 III a serious contender in the entry-level mirrorless segment.
🆕 A Familiar Design with Smart Refinements
The X-T30 III keeps the same compact and lightweight body as its predecessor — 118 × 83 × 47 mm and just around 380 grams with battery and card — but introduces subtle design improvements inspired by the higher-end X-T50 and X-M5.
Most notably, the Drive Dial has been replaced by a dedicated Film Simulation Dial, giving photographers quick access to Fujifilm’s famous color profiles such as Classic Chrome, Provia, Eterna, and Acros.
Available in Black, Silver, and Anthracite Grey, the new X-T30 III looks as elegant as ever — a compact retro-style body with a modern touch.
⚙️ Key Specifications of the Fujifilm X-T30 III
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 (back-illuminated) |
| Processor | X-Processor 5 (same as X-S20 and X-M5) |
| Autofocus | 425-point hybrid AF with deep-learning subject detection |
| Burst Shooting | 8 fps mechanical / 20 fps electronic (1.25x crop) |
| Video | 4K/30p, Full HD/120p, F-Log recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal |
| Image Stabilization (IBIS) | No (lens-based OIS recommended) |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ tilting touchscreen (not fully articulating) |
| Battery | NP-W126S, up to ~390 shots per charge (CIPA) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Dimensions / Weight | 118 × 83 × 47 mm / ~383 g |
| Film Simulations | 20+ modes accessible via new dial |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Anthracite |
🧠 Processor and Autofocus — The Real Upgrade
Even though the sensor remains the same 26MP X-Trans CMOS 4 found in the previous X-T30 II, the new X-Processor 5 completely changes the experience.
This processor — already used in the X-S20 and X-M5 — doubles processing speeds and brings AI-based subject detection capable of tracking:
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People and faces
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Animals and birds
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Vehicles, motorcycles, and even drones
This results in smoother AF tracking, more accurate real-time eye detection, and a noticeable boost in responsiveness during continuous shooting.
🎥 Video Capabilities — Still a Solid Hybrid Tool
Video creators will appreciate the X-T30 III’s 4K/30p 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and Full HD 120p slow motion.
While it doesn’t reach the 6.2K resolution found on the X-S20 or X-T5, it still offers excellent image quality and Fujifilm’s beloved color science.
However, vloggers might be disappointed by the tilting-only screen (no vari-angle) and lack of in-body stabilization, making this camera better suited for handheld photography than for self-filming.
On the plus side, the X-T30 III can now connect directly to Fujifilm’s Instax Link printers, allowing users to print photos instantly without a mobile app — a fun bonus for creative shooters.
🔍 A New Kit Lens Option
Alongside the camera, Fujifilm will introduce a new kit lens: the Fujinon XC 13–33mm f/3.5–6.3 OIS.
This ultra-wide-to-standard zoom lens offers built-in optical stabilization, which is particularly important since the X-T30 III lacks IBIS.
This new XC lens is ideal for travel photography and casual video, offering more versatility than the older 15–45mm kit option.
💰 Price and Availability
Fujifilm has managed to keep the X-T30 III very competitive in price — a smart move given the tight mid-range market.
| Configuration | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Body only | $999 – $1,099 USD |
| Body + XC 15–45mm kit | $1,099 – $1,199 USD |
| Body + XC 13–33mm kit | $1,149 – $1,249 USD |
That positions it right against rivals like the Canon EOS R10 ($979) and Sony A6400 ($998) — both excellent cameras but due for refreshes soon.
🗓️ Release Date
The official announcement is expected on October 23, 2025, with shipping starting in late October or early November, just in time for the holiday season.
⚔️ How Does It Compare?
| Feature | X-T30 II (2021) | X-T30 III (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 | Same 26.1MP Sensor |
| Processor | X-Processor 4 | X-Processor 5 |
| AF System | 425-point hybrid | AI-based tracking AF |
| Video | 4K/30p | 4K/30p, Full HD/120p |
| IBIS | No | No |
| Film Simulation Dial | No | Yes |
| Battery | ~380 shots | ~390 shots |
| Price | $899 | $999–$1,099 |
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While it’s not a radical leap, the new processor, AI AF, and design tweaks make it a thoughtful refinement — especially for first-time Fujifilm users or anyone upgrading from an older X-T20.
🏁 Verdict — A Smarter, Faster, Familiar Fujifilm
The Fujifilm X-T30 III might not reinvent the wheel, but it polishes the formula that made its predecessors so successful.
With a faster processor, smarter autofocus, and Fujifilm’s trademark color science, it’s set to remain one of the best compact mirrorless cameras under $1,100.
If you loved the X-T30 II, you’ll feel right at home — just with a bit more speed, intelligence, and refinement.
⚡ Expected announcement: October 23, 2025
💰 Starting at $999 (body only)
🛒 Check the latest Fuji X-T30 III deals on Amazon.com once available.
✨ In Short
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✅ Same 26MP sensor, but new X-Processor 5
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✅ Faster, AI-based autofocus
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✅ Film Simulation Dial replaces Drive Dial
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⚠️ No IBIS, no fully articulating screen
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💰 Excellent value under $1,100
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