My Photography Gear, Part 1 Fujifilm X-T30 II

The Decision

Starting this journey, I didn’t need the most expensive or professional setup. I needed something that made photography feel exciting and approachable. The Fujifilm X-T30 II stood out as the perfect starting point: compact, powerful, and creatively inspiring. It felt like the right companion to grow with me as I learned to see through the lens in a new way.

Quick Specs

Before diving deeper, here’s a quick look at what the Fujifilm X-T30 II offers:

Sensor: 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4
Processor: X-Processor 4
ISO Range: 160–12,800 (expandable to 80–51,200)
Autofocus: 425-point hybrid AF system
Continuous Shooting: Up to 8 fps (mechanical) or 20 fps (electronic shutter)
Video: 4K at 30fps, Full HD at 120fps
Viewfinder: 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
LCD: 3-inch tilting touchscreen
Weight: Approx. 329g (body only)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Film Simulations: 18 modes including Acros, Classic Chrome, Velvia, and Eterna

Why Fujifilm?

I’ve always been drawn to the look of classic cameras, and Fujifilm has that retro charm, a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality that makes their cameras truly unique. But beyond the design, what really won me over were the film simulations and the ability to create custom recipes.

It’s like having different rolls of analog film built right into the camera, ready to adapt to any mood or scene.

Film Simulations

Unlike typical digital filters, Fujifilm’s film simulations are carefully crafted to emulate the brand’s iconic film stocks. Each one brings a different character to the image. My personal favorites? Acros with added contrast and grain for timeless, documentary-style black and white. And Classic Chrome with cool shadows and muted tones perfect for capturing quiet, cinematic moments.

They don’t just change the look of the photo, they shape the feeling. Choosing a simulation becomes part of how you interpret a moment before even pressing the shutter.

If you’re curious to explore them all, Fujifilm’s website offers a full overview with sample images.

Image © Fujifilm, sourced from fujifilm-x.com

Film Recipes

What took things a step further for me was discovering film recipes. These are custom settings you build on top of a film simulation. You can tweak highlights, shadows, white balance, grain, and more to create a specific aesthetic. It’s a way to craft your own “digital film” look directly in-camera, with no editing needed afterward.

At first, I started using recipes shared by other Fuji users. Some are inspired by vintage film stocks, others by movies, moods, or even seasons. Fuji X Weekly has been the best resource to dive into this world and get the most out of it. I’m still experimenting and playing around with different recipes.

These recipes have helped me shape a more intentional style, making it incredibly satisfying to shoot JPEGs straight out of camera. It’s not just about how the photo looks. It’s about how it feels.

Image © Exibart Street, sourced from this article

Lightweight + Capable

When I decided to invest in a camera, I didn’t want to spend a fortune without being sure how far this hobby would take me or whether I’d truly enjoy it. That’s why I gave the Fujifilm X-T30 II a shot: a balanced, affordable option that was still powerful enough to grow with me if photography turned out to be more than just a passing curiosity.

One of the X-T30 II’s greatest strengths is its compact size. It fits in any backpack or even a large purse, and that has completely changed the way I see the world. Having it with me all the time has taught me to pay more attention to light, to spontaneous moments, to the small everyday stories that often go unnoticed.

And best of all: its small size doesn’t compromise on quality. The APS-C sensor delivers impressive sharpness, great dynamic range, and solid performance even in low light. All that in a lightweight body with the heart of a much bigger camera.

A Camera That Teaches Me

What I value most about this camera is how much it’s taught me. With manual dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, I’ve come to understand light in a much more intuitive way. It’s a camera that encourages you to experiment, to fail, to try again. And in that process, to grow. With it, I’ve started a journey of discovery, one where I’m continually refining and shaping my own way of seeing.

Still Learning, and That’s Okay

I’m not an expert. I still get a little lost in the menus, sometimes I hesitate with settings, and not every photo turns out the way I imagine it. But I’m okay with that.

What I love about the Fujifilm X-T30 II is that it supports me in this process without overwhelming me. It invites me to observe, to try, to learn at my own pace. With every outing, I discover something new, even if it’s something small.

I’ve learned that I don’t need to know everything to enjoy photography. What matters is to stay curious, to look, and to let the camera be a companion in exploration. And slowly, I’m starting to understand not just how the camera works, but how I want to see.

Learning is part of the magic.