Fujifilm FinePix T400 vs XP30: A Practical Comparison for the Budget-Conscious Photographer

When you’re hunting for a budget-friendly compact camera from the early 2010s, Fujifilm presents a couple of interesting little contenders in the FinePix line: the T400 and the XP30. Both of these cameras fit a niche for casual shooters who want straightforward operation without breaking the bank - though their approaches diverge significantly upon closer inspection.

Having spent hours with each model, putting them through their paces across various shooting scenarios, I’m here to share an in-depth, hands-on comparison. This isn’t just about specs on paper, but how these cameras perform in the real world for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, travel, and yes, even the occasional underwater adventure. Along the way, I’ll drop neat technical insights, pros and cons, and ultimately suggest who should consider which model based on your style and budget.

Let’s start with the basics - how these two cameras stack up in size and ergonomics.

Size, Handling, and Build: Pocket-Friendly vs. Adventure-Ready

First thing you notice when placing the Fujifilm T400 next to the XP30 is how differently Fuji engineered their approach. The T400 feels like your classic small sensor compact, artsy enough for everyday strolls and family snaps. The XP30, meanwhile, wears its ruggedness on its sleeve, pun intended. It’s crafted for the outdoors with a waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof body designed to handle a bit of punishment.

Dimensions-wise:

• T400: 104 x 59 x 29 mm, 159 grams
• XP30: 99 x 68 x 24 mm, 165 grams

I call these tight and manageable in your hand (or even a roomy pocket). The extra heft and chunk on the XP30 gets you peace of mind in rough conditions - not just a fashion statement. The slightly wider grip on the XP30 helps when holding underwater or with gloves on. If you prefer sleek and minimalist, T400 leans that way.

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, both relying on their 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCDs. This means you’ll be composing mostly by eye-level screen, which is fine for casual shooting but can challenge stability in bright sunlight.

Controls on both cameras are straightforward, with the XP30 offering marginally bigger buttons - an intentional design choice for usability when hands are wet or gloved. Neither camera offers full manual control clubs for enthusiasts, so if you’re hunting for overdosing your creative process - you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Stepping into the Small-sensor World

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, a sensor size that’s pretty small by today’s standards - though typical for compact cameras of their era. Let’s zoom in on how this translates to image quality.

The T400’s 16-megapixel sensor offers slightly higher resolution, which on paper suggests more detail potential, especially for landscape or large prints. But don’t get too tied up in megapixels - sensor architecture, lens quality, and image processing matter just as much. The XP30, with its 14 MP but a similar sensor size, balances resolution with noise performance by featuring a higher maximum native ISO (3200) compared to the T400’s top native ISO of 1600.

In practical testing, the XP30’s images exhibited slightly cleaner files when shooting at ISO 800 and above - useful for low-light or fast-action outdoor scenarios. Neither camera supports RAW output, so you’re stuck with JPEGs, limiting post-processing latitude.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Staring at the LCD, No Viewfinders

The 2.7-inch TFT color LCDs on both cameras offer 230k dots resolution. That’s definitely on the low side by modern standards but was typical for their class.

The screens are fixed, non-touch, and lack any articulating function, so lifestyle photographers who like experimenting with angles might find themselves a bit restricted. Both displays reflect a fair amount of light in outdoor conditions, making composition challenging without shading.

Interface-wise, the XP30 edges ahead slightly - it supports live view autofocus during video recording, which helps maintain focus clarity. The T400 does have face detection autofocus, which is a nice plus for portraits.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Not Built for Speed Demons

Neither camera is a speed demon. They’re designed for more leisurely shooting styles and lack advanced autofocus modules.

• Autofocus Type: Contrast Detection only
• Focus Points: Unknown, center-weighted AF for T400; unclear for XP30
• Continuous Shooting: 1 frame per second for both
• Face Detection: T400 supports face detection; XP30 does not but supports live view AF during video

This means wildlife photographers or sports action shooters (who often rely on phase detection AF for swifter, predictive tracking) will find both cameras sorely limited. I'll talk more about sports and wildlife results later.

Still, the XP30’s slight edge in responsiveness and live view autofocus does give it a minor leg up.

Lens and Zoom: Who Brings More Reach?

Here’s where the biggest difference really shows:

The T400 boasts a massive 10x zoom, giving you a versatile range from wide-angle to long telephoto. This is incredibly useful for travel photographers or anyone who likes to capture a variety of scenes without changing lenses (which you obviously can’t here anyway).

The XP30 limits you to 5x zoom, topping out at 140mm equivalent focal length - a fine range for landscapes, street, portraits, or moderate telephoto shots, but noticeably less reach when trying to capture wildlife or distant subjects.

In the field, I found the T400’s longer reach slightly compromised by slower apertures at the telephoto end and somewhat mushier image quality. The XP30’s shorter lens had better edge sharpness and contrast, likely supported by its optimized optics for rugged conditions.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Adventure vs. Everyday Use

If you plan to roam in rain, snow, or take a tumble, the XP30’s rugged design is the standout feature. It’s waterproof (up to about 3 meters/10 feet), dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof down to -10°C (14°F). The T400 lacks any environmental sealing.

This means the XP30 doubles as your compact "go-anywhere" camera for hiking, snorkeling (not deep scuba), beach holidays, and snowy conditions. The T400 is strictly an indoor/outdoor fair-weather companion.

Battery Life and Storage: Small But Practical

Battery life on these little cameras won’t dazzle, but here’s how they break down:

The XP30’s modest 20 extra shots aren’t going to drastically change your day but could be helpful when away from chargers. Funny enough, the XP30 includes some internal memory as emergency backup, a feature lacking in the T400. For casual snapping, either model will need recharging or battery swap after a few hours of active shooting.

Video Features: Basic at Best

Both models record HD video capped at 720p (1280 x 720) @ 30fps. The T400 supports H.264 and Motion JPEG, while the XP30 is limited to Motion JPEG, which results in larger files and shorter recording times.

Neither camera offers microphone input, headphone monitoring, or advanced stabilization beyond sensor-shift image stabilization during stills.

To be blunt, if video quality or versatility matters to you, both cameras are well outclassed by many modern alternatives.

Diving into Photography Styles: Who Shines Where?

Given the specs and my hands-on experience, let’s look at how each camera holds up in different photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• T400: Face detection autofocus works reasonably well in soft light, helping maintain eye focus. The 10x zoom helps with tight framing. However, lens apertures max out at F3.4 wide - making bokeh effects modest and background separation limited.
• XP30: No face detection, and the slightly slower aperture range (F3.9-4.9) struggles even more for shallow depth of field. On the plus side, better color balance due to custom white balance is more flattering on skin tones.

Neither camera offers professional-grade portrait capabilities, but casual family and friend shots work fine.

Landscape Photography

• T400: Slightly higher resolution sensor and longer zoom add flexibility for framing. Images retain good detail under daylight. Beware of mild chromatic aberration at telephoto extremes.
• XP30: Rugged weather sealing allows shooting in harsher environmental conditions - rain, snow, dust - making it more dependable for outdoor landscapes. Its shorter lens may limit creative viewpoints but shows better corner sharpness.

If you’re on vacation or hiking, XP30’s durability is a strong argument.

Wildlife Photography

Both cameras disappoint here:

• Single frame per second shooting means missed action.
• Autofocus is contrast detection only with no predictive tracking.
• XP30’s 5x zoom is limiting, whereas T400’s 10x zoom offers more reach but slower apertures hurt sharpness when zoomed in fully.

Neither is suited for anything serious; these cameras are for casual snapshots rather than wildlife pursuits.

Sports Photography

No dice here with either camera. Frame rates and AF systems are simply not designed for fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

• T400: Smaller, sleeker, quieter design. Lacks weather sealing but that makes it less noticeable.
• XP30: Bulkier and a bit louder, but ruggedness allows shooting in all weather and rougher handling.

Both are discreet enough for casual street use but won’t replace a dedicated rangefinder or mirrorless street shooter.

Macro Photography

• T400: Closest macro focus at 5cm, which is good for flower close-ups and small objects.
• XP30: Macro focus range starts at 9cm, making tight macro shots trickier.

Neither camera has focus bracketing or stacking, meaning you get what you shoot - without creative macro tools.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors, limited ISO range, and no manual exposure modes keep them far from astro or serious night work.

Of note, XP30’s higher ISO ceiling is somewhat useful in dusk scenes but expect noise.

Video Overview

Both cameras shoot basic 720p video at 30fps with minimal stabilization. The XP30’s live view autofocus gives it an edge in focus during recording, but neither has modern video features enthusiasts want.

Travel Photography

Here, I lean toward the XP30. Ruggedness, decent battery life, internal storage, and waterproofing make it an excellent grab-and-go travel companion. The T400’s longer zoom is handy but not worth the risk in wet or dusty locales.

Professional Work

Neither camera fits professional workflows. No RAW support, limited control, slow AF, and modest image quality lock these firmly into personal or beginner categories.

The Tech Breakdown: Autofocus, Connectivity, and More

The XP30’s built-in GPS (a rarity in compacts from this period) is handy for travel photographers who want location tagging without carrying extra gear.

Sadly both cameras lack WiFi or Bluetooth, so transferring images requires cables or memory cards.

Assessing Value: Price-To-Performance at Their Launch

At launch, the T400 MSRP hovered around $150, while the XP30 came in closer to $240. Given that pricing:

• The T400 offers better zoom flexibility and a slight resolution advantage at a lower price. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious users looking for variety in focal lengths and decent casual photography.
• The XP30 commands a premium for its ruggedness, waterproofing, GPS, and slightly better low light sensor performance. Worth it for adventurers or anyone needing durability.

Putting It All Together: The Scores

The above charts corroborate my experience:

• T400 “wins” in zoom versatility and portrait ease.
• XP30 takes the lead for outdoor reliability and travel toughness.

Sample Images: A Side-By-Side Look

To get a visual sense, take a look at these sample images taken with both cameras in comparable lighting.

Fujifilm T400 front Fujifilm T400 screen back Fujifilm XP30 screen back

The T400 shows more reach and tighter crops, but the XP30 images exhibit better color saturation, especially in outdoor scenes.

The Final Verdict: Which One’s Right for You?

If you’re a cheapskate (in the nicest possible way!) who wants broad zoom range for urban, landscape, and casual shooting, the Fujifilm T400 is your friend. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and caters well to day-to-day photography without too much fuss.

If your adventures take you where rains fall, winds blow, or dust settles thick - and you want a compact camera that can shrug it off - look no further than the Fujifilm XP30. It’s the rugged little workhorse perfect for hiking, camping, or family outings on a lake or beach.

Neither camera is going to scratch the itch for serious photographic control, high-speed action, or professional-level quality. But for what they are - and for the prices you can find on secondary markets - they provide reliable, easy-to-use options with a clear identity.

Quick Pros and Cons Recap

Fujifilm T400

Pros:

• Longer 10x optical zoom
• Slightly higher resolution sensor
• Face detection AF for portraits
• Lightweight, compact design
• Very affordable

Cons:

• No weather sealing
• Limited low-light performance
• No RAW support
• Basic video quality

Fujifilm XP30

Pros:

• Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof body
• Built-in GPS
• Better high ISO capability (up to 3200)
• Live view autofocus during video
• Internal memory backup storage

Cons:

• Shorter 5x zoom range
• No face detection autofocus
• Heavier and chunkier
• Pricier at launch

Final Thoughts from the Field

From handheld strolls to drenching rainstorms, I’ve carried both cameras through diverse shooting sessions. The XP30 feels like a go-anywhere companion, tough and ready for whatever nicks and scratches come its way (and trust me, it wore the scars proudly).

The T400, meanwhile, is a quieter chameleon for everyday scenes, though feeling a bit vulnerable when conditions turn grim.

In price-conscious decisions, weigh your shooting style heavily. Long zoom or rugged flexibility? Pick the camera that meshes with your habits.

Whichever you choose, remember: skill beats gear every time. These humble little Fuji compacts are tools - not magic bullets - but they can still capture memories splendidly with a bit of practice and patience.

Happy shooting!