Review of the new Fujinon XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS on Fujifilm X-T30III
Introduction
Thanks to the kindness of the Fujifilm Marketing team, I had one month time to test the new Fujifilm X-T30III in combination with the new kit zoom lens Fujinon 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS. Additionally, I have tested the new Fujifilm X-T30III also with a manual prime lens from a third-party lens producer, the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2.
I tested the camera and lens combinations in several photographical situations, low light, close ups, architectural, street and people photography.
Fujifilm X-T30III review
The Fujifilm X-T30III has always been classified as the entry level X-T series camera. Fujifilm is using the same 26 megapixels sensor powering the X-PRO3 for the X-T30 series. The big difference to the other Fujifilm cameras using the 26 megapixels sensor is the new generation image processing hardware and software (X-Processor 5) implemented into the X-T30III. It is the same Image Processing Engine used in the X-T5, X-T50 and X-E5. The new Hardware is providing much higher processing power compared to the X-Processor 4 of the Fujifilm X-PRO3. This extra power enables the use of more complex software algorithms for fast dynamic autofocus detection, new complex film simulations, HEIF image format, real-time image quality enhancement and improved image dynamic range.
During the 30-day testing of the X-T30III, I have been comparing the performance of this compact and lightweight camera with my loved X-PRO3. The X-PRO3 is larger and heavier than the X-T30III and even feels more robust. To be honest, this is for sure just a personal impression. The build quality of the X-T30III is as high as its predecessors the X-T20, X-T30 and X-T30II. Fujifilm is known for their use of high-quality materials and metal alloys. Compared to the plastic-based entry level cameras of the competition, Fujifilm is providing highest level of innovation, design and man crafting. Enough of these many positive findings and impressions but they are true. The handling of the X-T30III is good even for my big hands. I used a half case from my X-T20 to improve the grip a bit, and I can tell you they both have the perfect same size. The new selector for film simulations on the top left of the camera is making the use of the emulations extreme simple. It´s not a new selector on the camera but the function has changed. On the X-T20-30-30ii it has been a selector for the shooting frequency and bracketing function. Many hobby photographer will enjoy more the new functionality to fast and simple select a film simulation. There are even two slots where one can save his own simulation settings. Another strong new feature of the new X-T30III is the possibility to save the images on the SD card next in a RAW and JPEG also in a 10-bit HEIF format. The HEIF format is, while providing more image data/details and color depth, even more compact than the 8-bit JPEG format. Other than using the limited 8-bit JPEG format, the 10-bit HEIF format even allows some post processing of the image.
There is only one real issue I have with the X-T30 cameras (it is not a dedicated X-T30III issue) compared to the “old” X-T20, there is a prominent mounted Q button on the right back of the camera housing. My big fingers are pressing unintentional this button repeatedly. Perhaps this is only me, but I have seen more notes in some Fujifilm forums on the internet, that other people have the same problem.
Fujinon XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS review
The new Fujifilm X-T30III is bundled with a new kit lens, the Fujinon XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS. It´s an extreme compact zoom with a focal length go from 13mm (20mm FF) to 33mm (50mm FF). Even so it is only a XC not XF lens with a polymer lens mount, to me this lens is a hidden star. The XC 13-33mm lens has even an optical image stabilization of 3.5 aperture steps. A great combination with this lens that has only a minimum opening of 3.5 at 13mm and 6.3 at 33mm. The less light sensitivity is the trade in for such a wide focal length range in such a compact lens.
I made several images in low light condition and published the good results in another blog entry before. To verify those results and to test more the image quality of the X-T30III with 26 megapixels sensor, I shot a series of images at 13-23-33mm at each max opening, f8, f10, f16 and f22.
At 13mm f3.5 the center of the image is sharp and has a high resolution with no color fringes. At the corner of the image the sharpness and resolution is reduced. I also notice some color fringes. The sharpness in the corners is improving at f8 but shows still some color fringes. Highest quality is reached at f10. From there on at f16 and f22 the quality is dropping again.
At 23mm and 33mm the images are at f5.3 (23mm) and f6.3 (33mm) in the corner already at the quality level of the 13mm images at f8. Both focal lengths are at their IQ peak at f8.
In summary, just looking to the test chart the image quality is lower than most prime lenses. Still, I am satisfied with the IQ for most images I made for my real image tests.
Please have a close look to the sample pictures and share your opinion with me. The images are made without correction from the RAW files.
All in all, I am surprised of the low level of distortions even at 13mm (20mm FF) wide-angle focal length.
Next to the IQ of the test images made on my 3D test chart/setup, I like the color rendering and character of this lens which is visible on many street photography’s. At the end I am not surprised of the pleasant results. Looking to the specs, the lens system (10 lenses in 9 groups) is made with 4 aspherical and 3 ED lenses. A setup you typical only find on expensive high-end zoom lenses. Well done Fujifilm Optical Design Team!
I also tested the Fujinon XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS on the Fujifilm X-PRO3 and it is the same hidden star as I found in this review on the X-T30III. Link to that Test.
For the new 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 lens, which I used as well on the X-T30III, I will publish a row of separate reviews shortly.
Verdict
The new Fujifilm X-T30III is not a disruptive new camera but an upgrade to the predecessors that makes sense and providers a big value to consider a change. The continuation of the good, as build quality, 26mp sensor, compact design combined with the film simulation selector, the 10-bit HEIF format and latest generation of image processing and autofocus hard- and software is a strong purchase argument.
Every beginner or even advanced hobby photographer will find with the X-T30III a tool that is all you need to produce great pictures and even videos. If you choose to purchase also the Kit Lens, in my eyes a real hidden star, with the potential for an always on lens during street, travel, landscape and even portrait photography with low weight and even OIS, you will be able to shoot 90% of the typical photo motives.
I am personally looking forward being able to purchase that lens for my travel photography with my X-PRO3, separately. It will be in many situations all I need on the road during my business travels.
All Pictures and text on this blog are 100% AI free, shot and written by me, unless different marked.