Fujifilm X30 becomes official with a slew of new features

After months of rumor and speculation, Fujifilm has finally introduced the X30, a “premium” compact camera with a classic design and an impressive feature list.

A lot of time has passed since the first Fujifilm X30 rumor. The company has decided to put an end to all the gossip talks by introducing the replacement for the X20 in anticipation of the Photokina 2014 event, where the compact camera will definitely be present.

Fujifilm X30 is finally official. It packs an improved design and the specs list includes a 12-megapixel 2/3″-type sensor and 28-112mm lens (35mm equivalent).

Fujifilm officially announces the X30 with new tilting screen and electronic viewfinder

The brand new Fujifilm X30 comes packed with numerous improvements over its predecessor. However, some things have not changed at all, such as the 12-megapixel 2/3-inch-type X-Trans CMOS II sensor and the 28-112mm zoom lens (35mm equivalent) with a maximum aperture of f/2-2.8, depending on the selected focal length.

The novelties consist of a “Real Time Viewfinder” which offers a 0.65x magnification rate and a resolution of 2.36-million dots. It is based on OLED technology and it is the fastest in its class with a lag of only 0.005 seconds. Nevertheless, the company assures the users that they will not notice any lag when looking through it.

Another improvement is the 3-inch 920K-dot LCD screen on the back of the shooter, which also doubles as a Live View mode.

The X30 is powered by an EXR Processor II and features a very fast Phase Detection AF technology, allowing the camera to acquire focus in only 0.06 seconds. Furthermore, the boot time stands at only 0.5 second and the shutter lag at only 0.0015 seconds.

Fujifilm X30 features an OLED electronic viewfinder compared to the optical viewfinder found in its predecessor, the X20.

Fujifilm X30 compact camera comes packed with “Classic Chrome” film simulation mode

Another novelty, which deserves a special mention, consists of the Classic Chrome film simulation mode. Fujifilm says that its 80-year experience in photographic films allows the company to help photographers reproduce real colors using its new effects.

The Classic Chrome mode will better reproduce the colors, so skin tones will be warmer, while the skies will be bright blue and the trees will be rich green.

A total of 11 film effects will be available, including Velvia, Monochrome, Sepia, Provia, and Astia.

Fuji’s new baby also packs other modes and filters, such as Motion Panorama 360 and Multiple Exposure, that should help users put their creativity to a test.

Fuji has added WiFi into this compact camera in order to allow users to remotely control their X30.

An impressive battery life of 470 shots and built-in WiFi make the X30 a versatile camera

Fujifilm X30 will be adored by mobile users. The compact camera features built-in WiFi, which will allow users to take control over the shooter remotely and even transfer files wirelessly.

This tiny shooter also comes packed with an impressive battery that supports up to 470 shots on a single charge. Moreover, the battery can be recharged via a USB 2.0 port, just like the rumor mill has predicted.

An integrated pop-up flash and autofocus assist light will be useful in low-light environments. However, a hot-shoe is available for external accessories, so users will be able to attach external accessories, such as a flash.

Content will be stored on an SD/SDHC/SDXC card.  The connectivity department is “closed” by a microHDMI port in order to support HDTVs.

Fujifilm also offers a black version. Either way, the X30 comes with dual control rings, that offer manual control over exposure settings.

Dual control rings for manual control over zoom and exposure settings

Fuji has confirmed that the X30 camera comes with an ISO sensitivity range between 100 and 12,800, and a shutter speed range between 30 seconds and 1/4000th of a second.

This compact camera shoots RAW photos and full HD videos with stereo audio at a frame rate of up to 60fps. The device offers a continuous shooting mode of up to 12fps.

Another improvement over its predecessor consists of dual control rings. They are placed on the lens and will allow users to focus manually during video recording and to control the exposure settings among others.

The X20 successor also features optical image stabilization, hence photos and videos will not turn out blurry and shaky, respectively.

Fujifilm X30 release date and price are late September and $599.95, respectively.

Fujifilm X30 release date and price details

Fujifilm X30 is a lightweight and compact camera. It weighs only 423 grams / 14.92 ounces (including battery and card) and measures 119 x 72 x 60mm / 4.69 x 2.83 x 2.36-inches.

The release date of the shooter has been scheduled for late September. The X30 will become available for a price of $599.95 in black and silver color choices.

Potential buyers can already pre-order the Fuji X30 at Amazon for the aforementioned price, with the retailer promising to ship the camera on September 30.