• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A57 advantages over Fujifilm X30

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    25 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Fujifilm X30 advantages over Sony A57

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    60 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/1000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.4 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Sony A57

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Buy the Fujifilm X30
Fuji X30 (Silver)
  • Fuji X30 (Silver)
  • Fuji X30 (Black)
All X30 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality for its class; Very good optical performance from the bright f/2-2.8 4x lens; Quick autofocus, even in very low light; Fast burst modes; EVF fixes the flaws of optical viewfinder in X20; Tilting high-res LCD screen; Excellent feel in the hands; Very good battery life.

  • Top shutter speed is only 1/1000s when lens is wide open; No built-in ND filter; 28mm eq. may not be wide enough for some; Shallow buffer depths; Default NR processing a bit heavy-handed.

  • Read our Fujifilm X30 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5100

Sony A57
Nikon D5100
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony A57 vs Nikon D5100

Fujifilm X30
Nikon D5100
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Nikon D5100

Compared to Fujifilm X10

Sony A57
Fujifilm X10
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $599
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Sony A57 vs Fujifilm X10

Fujifilm X30
Fujifilm X10
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 2/3 inch

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Fujifilm X10

Compared to Sony A37

Sony A57
Sony A37
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Higher-res screen
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Sony A57 vs Sony A37

Fujifilm X30
Sony A37
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Sony A37

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A57
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony A57 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Fujifilm X30
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Compared to Fujifilm X20

Sony A57
Fujifilm X20
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Sony A57 vs Fujifilm X20

Fujifilm X30
Fujifilm X20
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Fujifilm X20

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