The Best Fujifilm Camera for Beginners? Here's My Take

13 Apr

If you’re just getting into photography (or maybe coming back to it), one of the biggest questions you’ll face is:
“Which camera should I buy as a beginner?”

As someone who’s spent years shooting with Fujifilm, teaching photography, and answering countless messages from people asking this exact question—let me help you skip the hours of comparison and cut to the chase.

My recommendation?

The Fujifilm X-T30 Mark II.
Here’s why this small, powerful mirrorless camera could be your perfect starting point.

Why the X-T30 Mark II?

There are a lot of cameras in Fujifilm’s lineup. From fixed-lens cult classics like the X100V to professional workhorses like the X-T5 and X-H2. But the X-T30 Mark II hits a special sweet spot:

Affordable (without sacrificing quality)
Compact and travel-friendly
Great for both photo and video
Interchangeable lenses (so you can grow with it)
Packed with Fujifilm’s film simulations for beautiful straight-out-of-camera shots

Whether you’re a travel lover, street shooter, or creative hobbyist, the X-T30 II gives you a ton of value without overwhelming you.

Key Specs at a Glance

Sensor: 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 (APS-C)
ISO Range: 160–12,800 native
Autofocus: Hybrid AF with 425 points
Burst Speed: 8 fps with mechanical shutter
Video: 4K/30p & DCI 4K with F-Log
Internal Video: 8-bit 4:2:0
External Video: 10-bit 4:2:2 via HDMI
Viewfinder: 2.36M-dot OLED
Screen: 3” tilting LCD, 1.68M dots
Battery: NP-W126S
Weight: 378g
Price: ~£799 GBP / €900 / $900

📷 I tested it recently with the 35mm f/2—an incredible combo for street and travel photography.

What Makes It Great?

✅ Beginner-Friendly Yet Advanced

Despite being an “entry-level” camera in the Fujifilm lineup, the X-T30 II is packed with pro-level features. It’s a great camera to grow with. You can shoot fully auto or fully manual—and everything in between.

✅ Compact & Travel-Ready

It’s lightweight, discreet, and doesn’t scream “serious photographer.” Perfect for travel or street shooting where you don’t want to draw attention.

✅ Interchangeable Lenses

Unlike the X100VI (which has a fixed lens), the X-T30 II allows you to swap lenses. That means you can start small and slowly build up your kit without needing to switch systems.

✅ Fujifilm’s Film Simulations

This is what Fuji is known for—beautiful colour profiles inspired by classic film stocks. You’ll spend less time editing and more time enjoying your photography.

A Few Downsides (But Nothing Major)

While I love this camera, it’s not perfect. Here are a few small cons worth noting:

❌ Small Body = Small Grip

If you’ve got large hands, the grip may feel cramped. You can add a third-party grip to make it more comfortable if needed.

❌ Battery Life

It uses the older NP-W126S battery, which doesn’t last all day if you’re shooting a lot. A spare battery (or USB power bank) is recommended.

❌ Smudgy Eyecup

I noticed the viewfinder eyecup gets dirty easily. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep clean or replace down the line.

X-T30 vs X-T30 Mark II – What’s Different?

If you're wondering whether to pick up the original or go for the Mark II, here are the key upgrades:

Improved Autofocus: Faster and more reliable thanks to firmware updates inherited from the X-T4
More Film Simulations: Classic Neg and Eterna Bleach Bypass are included in the Mark II
Better LCD Resolution: 1.68M dots (up from 1.04M on the original)
Extended 4K Recording: 30 minutes instead of 10 on the original
Slight Price Bump: Usually around £100/$100 more—but worth it for most users

Final Thoughts

The Fujifilm X-T30 Mark II is a camera I’ve recommended countless times—and now that I’ve used it properly myself, I stand by that recommendation even more.

If you're just starting your journey into photography or video, and want a compact, powerful, and fun camera to shoot with, the X-T30 II is a no-brainer.

It’s the kind of camera that helps you grow. You can start small, then slowly build your lens collection. Whether you're snapping street scenes, travelling the world, or just shooting everyday life—it’s a tool that helps you fall in love with photography.