Four years is a long time in the world of photography, so Fujifilm have finally updated the X-T30 for 2025 with the launch of the Mark III version. But what exactly has changed since the XT30II, is it really worth upgrading and ultimately which one should you buy?

Although they look exactly the same, the new XT30 III and older XT30 II differ somewhat when it comes to their specifications and features, so much so that cash-conscious buyers may be wondering if the older model still offers everything that they need, or whether the newer Mark III has a few clever tricks up its sleeve that are worth the upgrade.

So we're bringing you this in-depth Fujifilm X-T30 III vs Fujifilm X-T30 II head-to-head comparison to help you choose between these two mid-range mirrorless cameras.

You can also read our detailed Fujifilm X-T30 III review and Fujifilm X-T30 II review to find out exactly what we think of both cameras.

Sensor

The image sensor used in the new X-T30 III and also the X-T30 II is the 26.1 megapixel, APS-C sized, X-Trans 4 BSI CMOS sensor.

Both models therefore provide exactly the same image quality.

Processor

The X-T30 III benefits from using the latest X-Processor 5 processor, as also employed in the flagship X-H2 and X-H2S models, whereas the X-T30 II uses the previous generation X-Processor 4 processor.

This primarily means that the Mark III is able to offer more sophisticated auto-focusing and additional 6K video codecs than the Mark II.

ISO Speed

The native sensitivity range of both cameras is ISO 160 to ISO 12,800, which can be expanded to ISO 80 to ISO 51,200.

Film Simulations

The newer X-T30 III has a dedicated Film Simulation dial which provides quick access to selected simulations plus three user modes, just like on the X-T50.

There are 20 film simulations in total, up from 18 on the X-T30 II, including Reala Ace and Nostalgic Neg.

Video

The older XT30 II only supports a highest quality rate of DCI 4K/30p with no crop, recorded in 4:2:0 8-bit internally onto an SD card and 4:2:2 10-bit via the micro-HDMI port onto an external recorder.

The newer X-t30 III offers a highest quality rate of 6.2K/30p with a modest 1.23x crop recorded in 4:2:2 10-bit internally and also supports up to DCI 4K/60p recording with a 1.17x crop factor.

Both can shoot Full HD 1080p/240p high-speed video mode, which makes them capable of capturing a fast-moving subject in slow motion up to 10x, and both support bit-rates up to 200Mbps.

The X-T30 III offers the latest F-Log 2 profile with up to 14+ stops of dynamic range, whereas the X-T30 II only has the F-Log profile with 11+ stops of dynamic range.

The newer model offers up to 60min recording time at room temperature as standard, versus 30 mins on the XT30II.

Combined with a compatible HDMI recording device from Atomos or Blackmagic Design, 12-bit RAW video output from the X-T30 III and X-T30 II can be recorded as Apple ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW.

Both models support the Long GOP and All Intra compression formats, digital image stabiliser, IS Mode Boost, different Main menu and Quick menu systems for stills and video modes, and 3.5mm MIC and headphone sockets.

The X-T30 III has a 9:16 short movie mode which creates a 1080p vertical movie when holding the camera horizontally.

It also offers more powerful digital stabilization mode for video (1.32x crop) that can auto-correct rolling shutter in-camera and a portrait enhancer mode for both video and stills.

Autofocus

The new X-T30 III has exactly the same hybrid autofocus system with phase detection and and contrast detections points as the X-T30 II.

In the Single point AF mode there are up to 425 selectable AF points arranged in a 25x17 grid. Alternatively, the camera can be set to 117 points in a 13x9 grid, and the size of the points can also be varied.

In addition to Single point AF, there’s Zone AF which allows the AF points to be selected in 3x3, 5x5 or 7x7 groups, and Wide/Tracking AF.

The key difference is that only the X-T30 III can automatically detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones, thanks to the latest X-Processor 5's AI deep learning capabilities.

Burst Shooting

Both cameras offer 8fps continuous shooting speed when using the mechanical shutter.

If you switch to the electronic shutter, they can shoot at up to 20fps with no crop or 30fps with a 1.25x crop applied.

The XT30 III has a much larger buffer than the X-T30 II for every burst shooting mode, though, especially when shooting JPEGs.

Body and Design

The 2025 version is exactly the same size and weight as the previous X-T30 II and has an almost identical design.

The design of the body and controls is almost identical between the XT30 III and the XT30 II, even down to the name badge on the front being "X-T30" on both models.

There's a new dedicated Film Simulation dial which provides quick access to selected simulations plus three user modes, just like on the X-T50 and X-M5.

Consequently the Delete button on the rear of the X-T30 II is now a shared Delete / Drive mode button on the X-T30 III.

The only other way to tell them apart is by looking at the label on the bottom of the camera body.

IBIS

Neither camera has IBIS at all, instead relying on the OIS stabilisation offered by the attached lens (if it has any).

You'll need to step up to the X-S20 which features 5-axis in-body image stabilisation supporting up to a maximum of 7 stops of compensation, making it the joint-best of any current Fujifilm camera with the X-H2 and X-H2S.

Viewfinder

Both models have the same 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.62x magnification, maximum 100fps refresh rate and a built-in eye sensor.

LCD Screen

Both models have the same 3-inch LCD monitor that can be tilted up and down by 90 degrees, but can't be tilted out to the side.

Memory Cards

Both models only have a single memory card slot, rather than dual card slots, and both only support slower UHS-I speed cards.

The memory card slot is next to the battery in a shared compartment on the bottom of the camera, which is much less convenient, especially when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

Battery Life

The Fujifilm X-T30 III uses exactly the same NP-W126S battery as the X-T30 II, which offers a CIPA-rated battery life of up to 325 shots on a single charge when using the LCD screen.

The X-T30 III manages to eke out a little more life and offers up to 315 frames or 425 in Economy mode (versus 390 on the XT30II).

Both cameras can also be powered and charged via the USB-C connection, which is useful if you're out and about and have a compatible power-bank to plug the camera into.

Webcam

You can use a USB-Type C cable to connect the X-T30 III to a computer to use it as a webcam without having to use any software, unlike the X-T30 II which has to use the Fujifilm X Webcam app.

Price

The Fujifilm X-T30 II was priced at £799 / €899 / $799 body-only or £899 / €999 / $899 with the XC 15-45mm lens when it was first released in 2021.

The Fujifilm X-T30 III is priced at £829 / $999 / €949 body only or £999 / $1149 / €1099 with the new XC 13-33mm kit lens., so it's only a little more expensive at launch than its predecessor was.

Conclusion

With the only physical change being the introduction of the film simulation dial in place of the previous drive dial, most of the improvements in the new Mark III version of the X-T30 are courtesy of the generation 5 processor. This notably provides 6K/30p video, improves the auto-focus and subject-detection performance, adds two more film simulations, increases the shooting buffer size and slightly extends the battery life.

So what do you think? Would you choose the newer X-T30 III or the older X-T30 II, and why? Leave a comment below!

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