X-T2 or X-T30??

Tom Pinchenzo

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Is an older professional model better than a a newer ‘enthusiast’ model? Has anyone used both? I’ve got an idea of which I’d prefer - my only question mark is over the EVF - I’m used to an optical viewfinder of my FF DSLR. I had an X100S for a while and was a bit uninspired whenever I looked through the EVF. Is there a significant difference in EVF between the T2 and T30?
 
Hi Tom, I've used them. They both have positives over each other depending on your usage.

The xt-30 has faster AF and better video. It is of course also smaller which for me is a negative as I do not like the ergonomics but for many others a positive.

The x-t2 is for me is more appealing. Handles better, especially with the larger lenses. Has a dedicated ISO dial. Weather resistant. Bigger EVF. Dual cards. Grip option.

Pick your poison.
 
Hi Tom, I've used them. They both have positives over each other depending on your usage.

The xt-30 has faster AF and better video. It is of course also smaller which for me is a negative as I do not like the ergonomics but for many others a positive.

The x-t2 is for me is more appealing. Handles better, especially with the larger lenses. Has a dedicated ISO dial. Weather resistant. Bigger EVF. Dual cards. Grip option.

Pick your poison.
I was going the same way as you. I’m scaling down from a FF DSLR so I think the X-T2 will be plenty small. I’m also looking for a more enjoyable shooing experience and I think the ergos of the T2 would make I more enjoyable to use. And the EVF is bigger? Would you say ‘better’?
 
It’s not an X-T30, but I had an X-T10 (which is nigh on the same size) as a smaller camera to complement my DSLR. It was nice but I eventually found it too small and bought a hand grip which made it better. It also felt a little unbalanced with anything bigger than a small prime.

I sold it and bought an X-T2 which for me is a better size. It’s the old tale of - if you can - go and try them out in your hands and see what you think.
 
I have a X-T30 and X-H1 - AFAIAA the X-H1 uses the same sensor/AF/EVF as the X-T2 but is physically larger.

The X-T30 is just a little small for me - but that size also has convenience. I like using the 18-55 and 16mm F1.4 on the X-T30 - I find the 90mm F2 and 55-200 a bit large and heavy for it and prefer these on the X-H1.

The EVF on the X-H1 is nicer to use than the X-T30. If using a WR lens then it provides the extra confidence when there is rain or the camera may get lightly splashed.

The X-T30 focuses a bit better in general - a quicker on moving subjects with the four lenses listed above. I don't think it's noticably better with the 56mm F1.2.

I don't notice any IQ differences between the two sensors.

If given the choice as to whether to live with just the X-T30 vs an X-T2 then I think I would probably be drawn more to the X-T2 for the EVF and handling unless my subjects were more likely to be moving or the smaller size of the X-T30 was an advantage for travel.

Of course ... you might also consider the best of both worlds - the X-T3 is more attractively priced these days and not (IMO) a huge step up from the X-T30 anymore.
 
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What would be the difference? I understand resolution but not sure about EVF magnification? Is the image just bigger?

Yes the image in the EVF is bigger - the things to check with EVFs are Resolution, Magnification and Eye-Relief (Eyepoint) - the latter can make a big difference to handling, its the distance you eye needs to be for the EVF to work at its best, it varies from camera to camera. X-T2 Eyepoint 21mm X-T30 17.5mm if you wear glasses this can make a big issue

I've posted this diagram before eyerelief.jpg

The X-H1 EVF is also brighter!
 
FWIW, I have an X-T1, X-T2 and X-H1 and my wife has an X-T20 - The X-T20 (IMO) feels a bit toy like and definitely benefits from a grip. It feels very unbalanced with long lenses. In terms of pure handling, the X-H1 handles the best, but it does feel more DSLR like than the X-T series, which have a much more retro feel to their handling.

I upgraded X-T2 to X-H1 for the better EVF and the IBIS, the cost of upgrade was very little as I got a good s/h deal. The X-T2 though is a great camera and real step up in use on what came before. But if your budget is limited and you want a touchscreen the X-T30 is the way to go

They all are capable of taking great images, and ultimately there is very little difference in output between the X-T2 and X-T30 despite the sensor generation change.
 
Some good advice above. Here's a separate thought: whichever you get, consider using Capture One as your RAW processing software. There are many online discussions about which software to use and they're worth a look. There is a free version, Capture One Express, which you can play with (and it's what I use with my XT2 and used with a XT20).
 
I was going the same way as you. I’m scaling down from a FF DSLR so I think the X-T2 will be plenty small. I’m also looking for a more enjoyable shooing experience and I think the ergos of the T2 would make I more enjoyable to use. And the EVF is bigger? Would you say ‘better’?
I'd say better yes. It has the same resolution but the magnification and the size of the EVF is bigger. It is a nicer user experience and has better eye relief.
 
X-T? over X-T?? every day of the week (if budget allows).
 
Ok, I think everyone's comments have confirmed my view that the X-T2 is where it's at. I'd love the X-T3 but it's a bit out of my budget, unless I make a compromise on lenses, which I don't think I want to do. I'll see how much I get for my gear - never know, I might get lucky and be able to afford the X-T3....
 
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