Fujifilm X-T30 and XF 16 f/2.8 WR lens are now official!

Fujifilm announces the X-T30 with new processor and sensor that brings significantly better autofocus and 4K video recording that starts at PHP 52,990!

The X-T30 with the XF 16 f/2.8 WR!

The successor to the X-T20, Fujifilm's mid-range lifestyle camera line has been announced globally and will include the new 4th generation X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and the X-Processor 4 that significantly improves autofocus and video recording capabilities. The native ISO has dropped from 200 to 160 and the camera now includes the Eterna Film Simulations aside from the popular Classic Chrome, Across, Velvia and Provia modes.

The new D-pad and thinner LCD at the back!

The phase detection autofocus points now covers 100 percent of the frame which allows for pinpoint selection while the low light limit for the phase detect has been expanded by +0.5EV to -3EV that allows for better autofocus performance in low light. 

The AF improvements and algorithm from the X-T3 also arrive to the X-T30 but with a new Face Select Function that allows the photographer to select the face/person the autofocus should prioritize. This was a feature that was sorely lacking in the X-T3. (But will arrive in a firmware update)

For video, the X-T30 brings full width (No-crop) and full sensor read-out (No line skipping) 6K (6240x3510) oversampled 4k 30fps at up to 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording to the SD card. It can also record F-log and 4k 60fps 4:2:2 10-bit externally via HDMI-out.

Externally, the X-T30 has replaced the Selector Buttons (D-Pad) with a Focus Lever (joystick) while maintaining the same 383 gram weight. The space that was saved with its replacement has allowed for more room for the grip.

At the bottom are the tripod screw mount, the SD card slot and the battery port

The rear LCD was also replaced with a thinner 1.3mm panel that improves the touch screen response while making the LCD sleeker and more flush.

Aside from the original black and silver colorways and a new charcoal silver will be available. This new color strongly resembles the Graphite color that was available for the X-T100, X-A5 and the X-Pro 2.

In summary, it brings nearly all the features of the PHP 86,990 priced X-T3 at a smaller and a more affordable price point by omitting weather sealing and dual UHS-II SD card slots with a lower resolution EVF and LCD display.

Fujifilm also announced the new Fujinon XF 16mm f/2.8 WR lens that serves as a smaller and more lightweight alternative to the critically acclaimed XF 16mm f/1.4 WR. It also fills the wider focal length role for Fujifilm's compact f/2.0 line that includes the XF 23 f/2.0 WR, XF 35 f/2.0 WR and the XF 50 f/2.0 WR.

Price and availability

The X-T30 and the XF 16 F2.8 will be available in the Philippines soon. There is no word yet on pricing and on the exact date of launch but we will update the article accordingly but Fujifilm Philippines said that it will be available nationwide mid-March of this year.

Body only USD 900 or PHP 47,160
Body with XC 15-45 PZ USD 999 or PHP 52,350
Body with XF 18-55 f/2.8-4 OIS USD 1299 or PHP 68,100

UPDATE: 

The following is the official price of the Fujifilm X-T30
X-T30 body only: PHP 52,990
X-T30 with XF 18-55mm: PHP 75,990
XF 16 f/2.8 WR: TBC

If you order from February 16 to March 16, 2019 at Henry's Professional Camera, Camerhaus and other authorized dealers nationwide, you can receive freebies that is worth up to PHP 20,399.

This includes an extra NP-W126S battery worth PHP 3,500, a X-Shutter release button, hot shoe cover worth PHP 2,000 and a lens pouch worth PHP 200, photography and videography workshop worth PHP 7,000 and 6 months of extended warranty worth PHP 7,599.

The pre-order also entitles you to special prices for the XF 23mm f/2.0, XF 35mm f/2.0 and XF 50 f/2.0 weather resistant lenses.

XF 23 F2.0 WR SRP PHP 24,990 down to PHP 12,000
XF 35 F2.0 WR SRP PHP 21,990 down to PHP 12,000
XF 50 F2.0 WR SRP PHP 25,990 down to PHP 12,000

What do you guys think? Will you be getting one?