Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks for advice on a stylish compact mirrorless – X-series from Fujifilm. For a long time, the X-T30 dominated the mid-budget segment, but then it was replaced by the more recent X-S10.
The company recently released the updated X-T30 II, and now the question of choosing between the two models has become much more difficult. Let’s figure out together what to buy – Fujifilm X-T30 II or Fujifilm X-S10.
What’s new in the Fujifilm X-T30 II
Design and screen
The designers did not make any external changes. Even the number “two” did not appear on the front panel, which would be quite logical. The fact that this is the second version can only be recognized by the sticker on the battery door.
There were some physical changes though: the company updated the rear display. It’s now a modern 1.62M-dot panel – a decent upgrade from the original 1.04M-dot screen.
Buffer
The insides of the camera, or rather, its RAM, received a big update. Exactly how much RAM they added is unknown, but the update eliminated some bottlenecks in the system.
First of all, the buffer has increased. When shooting at 8fps in lossless compressed RAW (lossless compressed RAW files), the original X-T30 shot 18 shots before slowing down. The second version can take 23 pictures. At this frame rate, the difference is minimal.
If we shoot already at 5 fps (a perfectly justified speed for, say, street photography or wedding photography) in the same format, the old camera gives 23 frames, and the new one allows you to take twice as many shots – 46. And this is already significant …
Autofocus
The X-T30 used an already outdated AF tracking system. Not to say that it is terrible, but in comparison with modern devices, it clearly lacks tenacity and “hits”.
The second generation uses an updated system, the same as in the older model of the X-T4 series. Now, during tracking, the screen displays not a bunch of incomprehensible blinking green squares covering the subject from head to toe, but one quite clear square – it became much clearer when the subject is in focus. And of course, the camera now has an excellent hit rate. A much-needed update.
Film Simulation Modes
Fujifilm has always been famous for pleasant colors in JPEG, and different film simulation modes (JPEGs are shot immediately with a picture that imitates the company’s classic films) is one of the ways to quickly get a beautiful frame without additional processing.
The original X-T30 did not have one of the most interesting films – Classic Neg, and in the second it appeared. The beloved Eterna Bleach Bypass was also added.
Video
There are a few small updates here. The first X-T30 could shoot with an F-log profile (a special dim low-contrast profile for subsequent color correction). At the same time, in the preview that you saw on the screen during the shooting, everything was the same dull and low-contrast, so it was impossible to even roughly understand how the picture would look after the color picker.
In the new version, the F-log Assist menu item has appeared, which, as an example, adds a basic color picker – the picture is more contrasting, so it will be easier for you to understand what you will get in the end.
There is also an option for shooting at 1080p at 240 fps – an interesting option for super slow motion, but to be honest, the picture in this mode is soft and the quality sags.
Outcomes
As we can see, there have been no radical changes in the camera (maybe that’s why Fujifilm hesitated to add a new digit to the body?).
Small updates, of course, raise the original 2018 camera to the current technological level, but I can’t call the model especially “new”.
If you already own an X-T30, you definitely don’t need to update. If you are just planning to buy a Fujifilm mid-budget device, you should first look at the similarly priced X-S10.
Fujifilm X-S10 Mirrorless Camera
Design
At one time, the Japanese showed a lot of new and interesting things in the X-S10, but first of all, the camera was remembered for its unexpected appearance for Fujifilm. Prior to this, the X-series was a model of retro nostalgia: all models looked like film cameras. They have a variety of manual dials (including the classic shutter speed dial) and a film-based philosophy of controls.
The X-S10 is strikingly different. She has the ergonomics of a DSLR and the corresponding buttons (unmarked command dials and a standard dial for shooting modes instead of a bunch of separate levers for each setting).
At the same time, the weight and size of the cameras are about the same, but the X-S10 has a much more pronounced grip. And this can be considered a significant plus, because the grip of the X-T30 (II) is quite nominal, which is why the “safety cord” should always hang on your wrist or around your neck.
So before the appearance of the second X-T30, the disposition in the line was something like this: if you want a mid-budget device in a retro-style – you lose a few important technological innovations if you want modern autofocus – you get a camera in the style of a DSLR and without a film vibe.
And this is where the X-T30 II comes on the scene with all the modern goodies. However, the internals of the X-T30 II and X-S10 are not the same either.
Screen
The viewfinders in the cameras are either identical or very similar, so there is nothing to compare here. But the rear screen is the first major difference between the models.
And while the X-T30 II’s redesigned 1.62M dots outperform the X-S10’s 1.04M dot display in terms of detail, the X-S10 boasts a full swivel mechanism. This is, in our opinion, a much more versatile option, especially for video than the usual tilting display of retro dudes.
So before the appearance of the second X-T30, the disposition in the line was something like this: if you want a mid-budget device in a retro-style – you lose a few important technological innovations if you want modern autofocus – you get a camera in the style of a DSLR and without a film vibe.
And this is where the X-T30 II comes on the scene with all the modern goodies. However, the internals of the X-T30 II and X-S10 are not the same either.
Buffer
Improving the buffer X-T30 II “beats” not only the first generation of the model, but also the performance of the X-S10. Both cameras can shoot 8fps burst with a mechanical shutter, but the improved buffer of the X-T30 II allows 23 RAW frames at a time, while the X-S10 only takes 18 frames, just like the original X-T30 (with a buffer when shooting 5 fps is the same).
Video
Although the cameras use similar technologies, the X-S10 is more versatile in this regard.
First, the X-T30 II is still equipped with the old 2.5mm audio jack. That is, to connect a microphone, you will have to look for a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm adapter. Headphones are connected via a USB adapter.
The X-S10 has a standard 3.5 mm jack and the same USB headphone jack.
Secondly, camera overheating performance is very important for video shooting. When shooting in 4K at 24p (200Mbps), the X-T30 II can last 28 minutes to overheat, while the X-S10 can last 44 minutes. A tangible advantage.
Stabilization
But the main difference between the devices lies elsewhere. Unlike the X-T30 II, the X-S10 has a built-in stabilization system. And for the X-system, this is a very serious advantage, because Fujifilm has a bunch of cool sharp fixes in which there is no optical stabilization. And the fact that you can stabilize the image right in the camera gives you great advantages in both photography and video shooting.
Outcomes
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a much-needed technical update to the beloved camera, but by no means revolutionary. The update raises the model to one technological level with other modern Fujifilm cameras – this is its main task.
At the same time, having paid a little more than 10 thousand, you can buy an X-S10 similar in format and characteristics, but with a built-in stabilization system. And this system is worth it. But the X-T30 II also has a couple of advantages – a larger buffer and screen resolution.
But if you’ve already fallen in love with the retro look of the X-T30 II, you’re unlikely to be seduced by some kind of stabilizer. And if tactile dials and film nostalgia are not the main points of your program, then the X-S10 looks a little more versatile.
