CheckMag | Fujifilm leaks reveal replacement for fan-favourite affordable compact APS-C camera: What we expect from the X-T30 II successor
Fujifilm has been on a camera release and update roll, with 2025 alone seeing the launch of the X-E5, X-M5, and the X100VI in the APS-C line-up, as well as the X Half and the medium format GFX100RF. Now, though, according to Fuji Rumors, Fujifilm is preparing an update to the X-T30 II that is perhaps more faithful to the traditional entry-level interchangeable-lens format than the recent X-M5 and more affordable than the X-T50.
Fujifilm's X-T30 II remains a popular affordable camera recommendation across Fujifilm online communities, especially for those looking for a more traditional photography-oriented experience. This is thanks to its more conventional physical controls, the inclusion of an EVF, and the affordable price — it is currently the only Fujifilm APS-C camera with an EVF that can be bought new for under $1,000 on Amazon, even if stock is somewhat rare.
Fujifilm X-T30 III speculative specifications
The implication of the leaked Fujifilm camera being a replacement for the X-T30 II is that it will be more photography-centric, as opposed to the hybrid approach taken by the X-M5. While it's impossible to know the exact specifications this far ahead of launch, it's fairly easy to speculate based on Fujifilm's previous patterns.
Based on pure conjecture, we will likely see the X-T30 III (or X-T40) maintain more or less the same external footprint and controls as the X-T30 II, with updated internals and all the improved capabilities that come with those updates. This means the internals will likely be identical or similar to those found in the X-M5 — the 26 MP X-Trans 4 sensor combined with the X-Processor 5, but without IBIS. This might seem like a minor upgrade over the X-T30 II, which uses the same sensor, but reusing parts and dropping more complex features would allow Fujifilm to keep costs down, and that same setup makes the Fujifilm X-M5 a rather capable camera from a technical standpoint.
An update to the X-Trans 5 sensor is also possible, and would represent a more significant upgrade, but the Fujifilm X-T30 II made similarly small tweaks to the X-T30's formula. Adding an EVF and more physical controls to the X-M5's internals aligns with Fujifilm's usual strategy of differentiating its cameras through philosophy and use case more than specs and capabilities.
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