Upgrade plan: Last year, I purchased Panasonic FZ80 to see if I wanted to get back into photography. I'm happy to say that I have really enjoyed the FZ80, and feel I'm ready to...

Sonny Boy

Last year, I purchased Panasonic FZ80 to see if I wanted to get back into photography. I'm happy to say that I have really enjoyed the FZ80, and feel I'm ready to upgrade. I'm thinking about a Fuji XT30 with the 18-55 and the 55-200 lenses. I plan to start shooting RAW, and post process with Capture One for Fuji.

Since I am now 73 years old, I would think that this would be my last camera purchase. I value the expertise of the members here, and would appreciate your thoughts on my plan. Thank very much

John

danbir1 Loc: North Potomac, MD

The Fuji X-T30 is an excellent choice, the menu system is simple and friendly.
The lenses are of a superb quality as well.
This camera does not have an internal flash like the X-E2 for example, so you might need a flash.
Personally, I use a flash very little, since the noise is very well controlled.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Sounds like an excellent plan to me...

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I agree with the above - an excellent choice, both body and lenses. I have several friends that shoot either Nikon or Canon full frame professionally, but shoot Fuji the rest of the time. I shoot a Canon FF, but I also own a Fuji (and the 18-55), and I use it more and more because of the light weight/convenience.

repleo Loc: Boston

Sonny Boy wrote:

Last year, I purchased Panasonic FZ80 to see if I ... (show quote)

I am a self confessed Sony fanboy, but after 3 years here on UHH I don't think I have ever seen anybody bash or say anything negative about the Fuji's. That must say something.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

danbir1 wrote:

The Fuji X-T30 is an excellent choice, the menu system is simple and friendly.
The lenses are of a superb quality as well.
This camera does not have an internal flash like the X-E2 for example, so you might need a flash.
Personally, I use a flash very little, since the noise is very well controlled.

Actually, according to the manufacturers specs, it does have an internal flash. I do not own this model of Fuji, I own both an X-T3 and X-E3, both of which do not have built in flashes but use a shoe mounted flash, provided, but not necessarily powerful.

danbir1 Loc: North Potomac, MD

RKL349, of course you are correct, what I actually meant to say was that the flashes in the X-T20 and X-T30 can not be aimed at the ceiling to bounce the light, they are only a direct at the subject type of flash.
Thank you for correcting me,
Dan

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

John, if possible go to a camera store, ask to hold the camera you want and see how it feels in your hand. Make sure it has the features needed for your selection of subjects that you shoot more often. See if the menus are not too complicated for you.
See if the size and handling are exactly what you need and finally, shoot a few of the subjects you usually shoot to make sure the images are to your liking.
Renting before buying is an excellent alternative.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

danbir1 wrote:

RKL349, of course you are correct, what I actually meant to say was that the flashes in the X-T20 and X-T30 can not be aimed at the ceiling to bounce the light, they are only a direct at the subject type of flash.
Thank you for correcting me,
Dan

Dan, my only intent was to point out one existed, not to correct you, per se. And, I clearly have no idea of the users flash needs. The flashes provided with my X-T3 and X-E3 are of little use so I purchased a flash that could be adjusted to bounce and swivel, for more effective lighting options.

danbir1 Loc: North Potomac, MD

Yes, I have done the same with my X-T20, I got a compact flash
I also purchased the X-A3 as a backup camera.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

Sonny Boy wrote:

Last year, I purchased Panasonic FZ80 to see if I ... (show quote)

You are used to the really easy menu layout for Panasonic. I would first look at the Panasonic G80/G85 it has 5 axis stablizer no low pass filter gets wonderful reviews and you have about 100 lenses to choose from

WarpedWeaver

Before you get an XT-30, watch this video from Omar Gonzales who loves his Fuji gear. He is not technical, he goes over points about actual ease of use and the upgrade on the back without the D pad and strictly a joystick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19A2wXXXfMw

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

I'd like to throw in another option for consideration; especially since you have had Panasonic experience. That would be the GX85. Not being sure what sort of IS(image stabilization) that the Fuji cameras have, the GX85 has dual IS. Both in camera and with lenses that have IS. I bought my Panny because I have Parkinson's, and this dual IS has been a real PLUS to me so far. ALso lens options are good too; with many choices and decent quality.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Sonny Boy wrote:

Since I am now 73 years old, I would think that this would be my last camera purchase

John

The GAS is strong John, don't underestimate yourself.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Consider the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens instead of the 18-55 if you want a slightly wider angle lens. B&H is bundling it with the xt30.