Performance of the NEW Fujifilm X-T30 III and Fujinon XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS at low light
Introduction
As you can see in one of my blog entries before (Short review of the new Fujinon XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS on Fujifilm X-PRO3), I have been testing the new Kit lens Fujinon XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS on my Fujifilm X-PRO3 at low light. The X-PRO3 and X-T30 III are using the same 26mp APS-C sensor. The design and launch difference of those two cameras, X-PRO3 launch 2020 and X-T30 III launch 2025 are the image processing engine which is not only responsible for the image quality but also for the autofocus performance. To be clear, the performance of the X-T30 III autofocus is outstanding, even at low light. The X-PRO3 can´t match this fast and reliable focusing. Even if you use eye detection, which I never use on the X-PRO3, the focus is fast and seems to jump to the right spot. A clear advantage of more computing power in the new camera. I wish/hope Fujifilm would release soon a new X-PRO4 with this advanced CPU and software including all the latest film simulations and fast autofocus.
Comparison
For all digital cameras, pictures made at low light with higher ISO are the biggest challenge. During good weather day light, most cameras can produce great pictures even the cameras used in smartphones with their tiny sensors. If we have a close look to the low light IQ of both cameras using the same new Fujinon XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS, it is very difficult to see a real difference. I have the feeling the level of details is a bit richer at the X-PRO3, but this could of course also only be my imagination, triggered by the fact that the JPEG file produced by WordPress from the X-PRO3 is 4MB larger. The question is what are the extra 4MB, more noise or more details. Let´s phrase it like this: The new entrance X-T camera is IQ wise at least, at the same high-performance level as the ICONIC Fujifilm X-PRO3.
Summary
In summary the combination of the new Fujifilm X-T30III and the new Fujinon 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS is to me so much more than a beginner’s camera. Due to the small footprint, light weight but still robust build quality this camera can be a perfect second camera for most professional and semiprofessional that are focused and light weight gear for street, travel and landscape photography, in every photo bag.