Fujifilm X-T30 Image Quality

Above we compare the 26-megapixel X-T30 to its predecessor, the 24-megapixel X-T20. The X-T30 has a slightly lower base ISO of 160 which combined with its newer backside-illuminated sensor should perhaps yield lower noise despite marginally smaller photosites, however when examining the flatter or darker areas of the scene, we see the X-T30 image does contain slightly higher noise levels. This could be due to faster circuitry required for the X-T30's higher performance, or perhaps as a result from the vast increase in PDAF pixels and related circuitry over the X-T20. Whatever the reason, the X-T30 image does look just a bit noisier. Deep shadows are however more detailed and not as crushed as from the X-T20, which is a nice improvement. The X-T20 appears to do slightly better with our red-leaf swatch, but the X-T30's slight increase in resolution is likely resolving a bit more of the individual thread pattern which tends to interfere with and break-up the leaf pattern somewhat. Micro contrast and sharpness are slightly better in the X-T30 image, but we upgraded lenses since the X-T20 was shot (from the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 macro to the 56mm f/1.2), which is the main reason for the minor improvements in sharpness and contrast. Overall, though, very similar image quality here at base ISO with just slightly higher resolution and noise from the X-T30, along with an improved default tone curve that retains more visible detail in deep shadows.

These two Fujifilm siblings produce virtually the same image quality, which is no surprise, since the X-T30 and X-T3 use the same image sensor and processor.

Here we compare the Fuji X-T30 to the 20.7-megapixel APS-C Nikon D7500 at base ISO. The 26-megapixel X-T30 does resolve a bit more detail than the D7500 in most areas, while the D7500 produces a slightly crisper image with higher contrast, which is especially noticeable in the red-leaf swatch. However, sharpening haloes are more evident from the Nikon. Noise levels are similar here at base ISO, with perhaps just slightly higher noise levels from the X-T30, however keep in mind the higher base ISO of the Fuji. Both cameras offer great color, though the Fuji's is more accurate overall.

Above we compare the X-T30 to a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera, the Panasonic GX9. You might expect the 26-megapixel X-T30 to have a noticeable resolution advantage over the 20-megapixel GX9 here, but both cameras have fairly similar resolutions on the vertical axis (4160 vs 3888 pixels) which is how this scene is framed, so the resolution difference is pretty minor and mostly boils down to different demosaicing algorithms and processing. Luminance noise appears a little lower from the X-T30 in flatter areas, but the GX9 does a better job at rendering fine detail. The GX9 does noticeably better in most of the fabrics, but it also shows more aliasing artifacts which the X-T30's X-Trans filter helps avoid. Both cameras produce pleasing colors though the Fuji's are a bit more accurate overall.

Here we compare the X-T30 to the 24-megapixel APS-C Sony A6400. The A6400 produces a crisper and more detailed image, yet its sharpening algorithm produces less noticeable haloes around high-contrast edges. Contrast is also higher from the Sony, especially in the red-leaf swatch, however it does contain obvious moiré patterns while the Fuji image does not. Noise levels appear similar, but keep in mind the Sony's lower base ISO. Color is generally more pleasing and accurate from the Fuji, with less orange to yellow and yellow to green shift, but the Sony preserves much of the subtle coloration caused by offset printing in the mosaic label while the Fuji preserves very little of the coloration.

Here at ISO 1600, we again see slightly higher contrast and sharpness from the X-T30 versus its older sibling, in part because of the better lens, but also slightly higher noise levels. Still, it's pretty close and both do very well for APS-C cameras.

As expected, practically identical image quality here at ISO 1600 from the two current Fuji siblings, apart from slight differences in white balance and exposure.

Above at ISO 1600, the Nikon D7500's rendering is much softer than it was at base ISO, while the X-T30's is only slightly softer, and the Fuji continues to resolve more detail in most areas. While contrast is still higher in the red-leaf swatch, the D7500's default noise reduction has blurred away more of the fine detail than the X-T30. Luminance noise is however a bit higher from the X-T30, which is no surprise thanks to its smaller pixels.

The GX9 continues to do a better job rendering fine detail than the X-T30 here at ISO 1600, while at the same time producing much lower luma noise. The Fuji however produces fewer aliasing artifacts and lower chroma noise. Again, colors are a bit more pleasing from the Fuji.

The A6400 continues to produce a sharper, more detailed image at ISO 1600, but the offset printing coloration in the mosaic crop is no longer present, suppressed by the Sony's high ISO noise reduction. The Sony also appears to do better in the red-leaf swatch, however much of the fine detail is distorted and false, along with a peppered effect. Noise levels are higher from the Sony, and the noise "grain" pattern appears a little inconsistent and almost crystalline in nature upon close inspection. The A6400 definitely does better with detail in the pink fabric, though, however the X-T30 continues to deliver better overall color.

Once again, very similar image quality from the two current siblings here at ISO 3200, with just slightly higher noise levels from the X-T30.

Again, the X-T30 produces nearly identical image quality compared the X-T3 here at ISO 3200.

Once again, we see the Fuji X-T30 hold onto more detail than the Nikon D7500 here at ISO 3200 (except in our tricky red-leaf swatch), though the D7500 continues to produce higher contrast with more obvious sharpening haloes. Luma noise levels are again a bit higher from the X-T30 but chroma noise is lower, and overall the Fuji arguably produces the better image here.

At ISO 3200, the GX9 image appears a little sharper, contrastier and cleaner, but with more noticeable sharpening haloes and noise reduction artifacts. Fine detail is a little better from the X-T30 in our troublesome red-leaf fabric, though both cameras blur it significantly at this ISO. Colors are still warmer and more pleasing from the Fuji.

The Sony A6400 still produces a crisper, contrastier image with more punch here at ISO 3200, however noise levels in flatter areas are higher and the noise "grain" appears even more crystalline in nature than at ISO 1600. Again, the red-leaf pattern may look more detailed from the Sony, but much of that detail is false, and the Fuji still produces more pleasing color.