Fujifilm X-M1 vs X30

The Fujifilm X-M1 and the Fujifilm X30 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2013 and August 2014. The X-M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the X30 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X-M1) and a 2/3 (X30) sensor. The X-M1 has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the X30 provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-M1		Fujifilm X30
Mirrorless system camera		Fixed lens compact camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		28-112mm f/2.0-2.8
16 MP – APS-C sensor		12 MP – Two Thirds sensor
1080/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)		ISO 100-12,800
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 920k dots		3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen)		Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
5.6 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
350 shots per battery charge		470 shots per battery charge
117 x 67 x 39 mm, 330 g		119 x 72 x 60 mm, 423 g

Check X-M1 offers at
ebay.com
Check X30 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-M1 and the Fujifilm X30? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-M1 and the Fujifilm X30 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-M1 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, brown), while the X30 is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X30 is notably larger (9 percent) than the Fujifilm X-M1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-M1 nor the X30 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X30 has a lens built in, whereas the X-M1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the X-M1 and their specifications in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X-M1 gets 350 shots out of its Fujifilm NP-W126 battery, while the X30 can take 470 images on a single charge of its Fujifilm NP-95 power pack. The power pack in the X30 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm X-M1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Jun 2013	US$ 699	ebay.com
2.		Fujifilm X30	119 mm	72 mm	60 mm	423 g	470	n	Aug 2014	US$ 599	ebay.com
3.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Sep 2013	US$ 399	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-A2	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	350 g	410	n	Jan 2015	US$ 399	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X-A10	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	331 g	410	n	Dec 2016	US$ 399	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X-E1	129 mm	75 mm	38 mm	350 g	350	n	Sep 2012	US$ 999	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X-E2	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Oct 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X-E2S	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Jan 2016	US$ 699	ebay.com
10.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	140 mm	82 mm	43 mm	450 g	300	n	Jan 2012	US$ 1 699	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	US$ 799	ebay.com
12.		Fujifilm X10	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	350 g	270	n	Sep 2011	US$ 599	ebay.com
13.		Fujifilm X20	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	353 g	270	n	Jan 2013	US$ 599	ebay.com
14.		Fujifilm XQ1	100 mm	59 mm	33 mm	206 g	240	n	Oct 2013	US$ 499	ebay.com
15.		Nikon P7800	119 mm	78 mm	50 mm	399 g	350	n	Sep 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
16.		Sony NEX-5R	111 mm	59 mm	39 mm	276 g	330	n	Aug 2012	US$ 749	ebay.com
17.		Sony NEX-F3	117 mm	67 mm	42 mm	314 g	470	n	May 2012	US$ 599	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X30 was launched at a lower price than the X-M1, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-M1 features an APS-C sensor and the Fujifilm X30 a 2/3 sensor. The sensor area in the X30 is 84 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 3.9. The sensor in the X-M1 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the X30 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 16MP, the X-M1 offers a higher resolution than the X30 (12MP), but the X-M1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 2.20μm for the X30) due to its larger sensor. However, the X30 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 2 months) than the X-M1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X-M1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-M1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm X30 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X30 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-M1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X30 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use the X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm X-M1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.4	12.6	1371	76
2.		Fujifilm X30	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.4	11.2	-312	49
3.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.4	12.6	1390	76
5.		Fujifilm X-A2	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.6	12.8	1515	79
6.		Fujifilm X-A10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.9	13.2	1691	81
7.		Fujifilm X-E1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/24p	23.2	12.4	1298	75
8.		Fujifilm X-E2	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.4	12.6	1400	77
9.		Fujifilm X-E2S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	13.0	1608	80
10.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/24p	23.1	12.3	1238	74
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	12.9	1546	79
12.		Fujifilm X10	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.5	11.3	245	50
13.		Fujifilm X20	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.1	10.9	-462	46
14.		Fujifilm XQ1	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.3	11.0	-390	47
15.		Nikon P7800	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	21.2	11.7	200	54
16.		Sony NEX-5R	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	1080/60i	23.7	13.1	910	78
17.		Sony NEX-F3	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	1080/60i	22.7	12.3	1114	73
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the X30 provides a faster frame rate than the X-M1. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the X-M1 is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X30 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-M1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-M1 and Fujifilm X30 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Fujifilm X-M1	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6/s	Y	n
2.		Fujifilm X30	2360	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
3.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2/s	Y	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6/s	Y	n
5.		Fujifilm X-A2	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6/s	Y	n
6.		Fujifilm X-A10	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
7.		Fujifilm X-E1	2360	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
8.		Fujifilm X-E2	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	n
9.		Fujifilm X-E2S	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	n
10.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	1440	n	3.0 / 1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	n	n
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	2360	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
12.		Fujifilm X10	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
13.		Fujifilm X20	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
14.		Fujifilm XQ1	none	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Nikon P7800	921	n	3.0 / 921	swivel	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	Y
16.		Sony NEX-5R	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	Y	1/4000s	10.0/s	n	n
17.		Sony NEX-F3	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.5/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-M1 and the X30 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-M1 and Fujifilm X30 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Fujifilm X-M1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Fujifilm X30	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
3.		Canon G16	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Fujifilm X-A2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X-A10	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Fujifilm X-E1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Fujifilm X-E2	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Fujifilm X-E2S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Fujifilm X10	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Fujifilm X20	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Fujifilm XQ1	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Nikon P7800	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Sony NEX-5R	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
17.		Sony NEX-F3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

Both the X-M1 and the X30 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Fujifilm. Further information on the features and operation of the X-M1 and X30 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-M1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X30 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Fujifilm X-M1 better than the Fujifilm X30 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Fujifilm X-M1:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (16 vs 12MP) with a 18% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2013).

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X30:

• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 5.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the X-M1 necessitates an extra lens.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (470 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 2 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X30 emerges as the winner of the match-up (10 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-M1 and the Fujifilm X30 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X-M1 or the X30 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm X-M1	3/5	+	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	US$ 699	ebay.com
2.		Fujifilm X30	4/5	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2014	US$ 599	ebay.com
3.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	US$ 399	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-A2	4/5	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	US$ 399	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X-A10	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Dec 2016	US$ 399	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X-E1	4/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	US$ 999	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X-E2	4/5	..	..	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X-E2S	4.5/5	..	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	US$ 699	ebay.com
10.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	5/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	US$ 1 699	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	4.5/5	+ +	..	80/100	5/5	5/5	May 2015	US$ 799	ebay.com
12.		Fujifilm X10	..	..	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2011	US$ 599	ebay.com
13.		Fujifilm X20	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	US$ 599	ebay.com
14.		Fujifilm XQ1	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	US$ 499	ebay.com
15.		Nikon P7800	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
16.		Sony NEX-5R	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2012	US$ 749	ebay.com
17.		Sony NEX-F3	4/5	..	..	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	May 2012	US$ 599	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

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