What’s the Best Pick? Fujifilm X-T30III vs X-T50 vs X-S20 vs X-E5 and XC13-33 vs XC15-45 vs XF16-50 vs XF10-24

So what is the best camera right now to get into the Fujifilm X system?

Well, the answer is of course very personal and it depends on your needs and preference.

However, if “compact size” is one of your top criteria (and you want an EVF), then it probably makes no difference if you go for the Fujifilm X-T30 III, X-T50, X-S20 or X-E5, since they are all pretty close in size as you can see below from the comparison taken from Camerasize.

So other factors will be more important in your decision.

For example, for me there is no competition: it must be rangefinder styled. So Fujifilm X-E5 is the way to go.

If you prefer PSAM dial instead, the X-S20 is pretty much your only (and excellent) option: a bit more expensive, sure, but you’ll get also IBIS and a fully articulating screen if that’s important to you.

If on the other hand resolution is a priority, then the X-T50 might be to consider.

If on a budget, though, I’d go for the X-T30III and compensate for the lack of IBIS with a stabilized lens, such as the XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3.

Speaking of XC13-33, I also wanted to compare it with the other wide angle zooms of Fujifilm (XC15-45mm and XF10-24mm) as well as the more higher end kit lens, the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8.

I love how compact the XC13-33 is and so far from the first looks I have seen it seems to be a fairly priced lens for its performance (it costs $150 only if purchased bundled with the X-T30III).

But I am still kind of amazed by the XF16-50mm, an “ordinary” kit lens that comes with some more premium features like weather sealing, linear autofocus motor and an internal zoom.

So, if you don’t miss too much the range from 13 to 15, then I guess I’d recommend the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8. Although, that’s not offered bundled with the X-T30III and the XC13-33mm becomes an unbeatable bargain if purchased bundled with X-T30III.

Stranger Things: What’s Missing and What You Might Have Missed About the Fujifilm X-T30III

The Fujifilm X-T30 III and XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 are here, and they come with a few surprises.

There are some things you might have missed, some strange omissions compared to other Fujifilm cameras like the X-E5, and even a feature that makes it oddly superior (on paper) to the X-E5 despite being substantially cheaper. Let’s dive in.

Less Film Simulations, More Flexibility

The X-T30 III’s film simulation dial lacks of dedicated Classic Neg. and Nostalgic Neg. slots, unlike all other FS dials Fujifilm has released so far. But at least you can store recipes on the FS1 to FS3 position, like on my beloved Fujifilm X-E5 (you can’t do that on X-T50 and X-M5).

One Firmware Away from Auto Subject Detection Awesomeness

In full AUTO mode, subject detection automatically switches between people, animals, and other subjects (train, car, etc.), just like on the X-S20. It’d be great to have this fully automatic detection in regular shooting modes too.

Here on FujiRumors we are asking for it since 2023 and we also have shared a simple idea on how to implement it on every Fujifilm camera with subject detection.

So please, Fujifilm. You are just a few firmware code lines away from making this happen!

EVF Strangeness

I hope to be wrong with this one, but I have not seen it mentioned anywhere: it looks like the Fujifilm X-T30 III does not have my new favorite EVF “classic display mode”. I love it on my X-E5, and I don’t understand why Fujifilm couldn’t put it also on the X-T30 III.

LCD Strangeness

The Fujifilm X-T30III is substantially cheaper than the Fujifilm X-E5, and yet it features a higher resolution LCD than the X-E5. Look, in real life this does not matter, and yet it is interesting to note that.

Instax Love

in the image size settings, besides the usual 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 etc settings, there are also “instax mini”, “instax square” and “instax wide” settings: those setting record compressed JPEG/HEIF in a shape matching those Instax formats. Shooting 1:1 format has higher resolution than 1:1 Instax Square format.

Also, you can directly print to Instax printers.

6K – Same Same, but Different

6K modes on 40MP models are cropped in wide screen shape, but on 26MP models it’s 6K open gate.

Fujifilm X App 2.7.0 Released – And Slowly Climbing the Ratings

Fujifilm has updated the X App software to version 2.7.0 for iOS. Down below are all the details.

But before that, at the moment the App has a 3.8 stars rating on the Apple Store. That’s way up compared to the 2.6 rating of the past.

Not to talk of the older Camera Remot App, which also got an update recently (just minor bug fixes), but its rating is stuck at 1.4 stars.

What’s New?

  1. The location information of the smartphone synchronizes the camera even when the smartphone is in lock screen mode or when the application is running in the background.
    Note: To use this function, access to “Location” in the XApp must be set to “Always Allow”.
  2. Activity information can be shared as image data, so that you can use them for the social networking sites, etc.
  3. Some other function improvements are implemented.
  4. Supported OS versions are iOS14 and later versions.

You can download the latest Fujifilm X App for iOS here and for Android here.

Fujifilm X RAW STUDIO Adds X-T30III and macOS Tahoe 26 Support

Fujifilm X RAW Studio has added support for the Fujifilm X-T30 III and macOS Tahoe 26

Detail of the software update – Ver.1.28.0
The software update Ver. 1.28.0 incorporates the following issues:

  1. The application is compatible with FUJIFILM X-T30 III.
  2. The application can run with macOS Tahoe 26.
    If you are using macOS Tahoe 26 computer, please install and use this Version 1.28.0.

You can access the latest version here.

Fujifilm X-T30III with XC13-33mm Now Available for Pre-Order Also at Amazon

Amazon is now taking preorders for the Fujifilm X-T30 III and the XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3. Since they went live a bit later than the other stores, there’s a good chance Amazon’s waiting list is still shorter right now.

Amazon US

Amazon Europe

Pre-Orders