Fujifilm X-H2 vs Samsung NX30: A Detailed Comparative Analysis for the Discerning Photographer

In the realm of advanced mirrorless cameras, the landscape is diverse, stretching across generations and design philosophies. The Fujifilm X-H2, introduced in late 2022, represents the forefront of Fujifilm’s APS-C sensor innovation. Conversely, the Samsung NX30, launched in early 2014, serves as an example of ambitious camera design from a now-discontinued mirrorless line. This comparison revisits these two cameras with a rigorous, multi-disciplinary evaluation, drawing upon direct experience with their operation, image quality, and usability to guide photographers and professionals toward informed purchase decisions.

First Impressions: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

The Fujifilm X-H2 follows the traditional SLR-style mirrorless body architecture, resulting in a modestly robust form factor. Measuring 136 x 93 x 95 mm and weighing 660 g, it provides substantial physical presence. Control placements are logically designed for serious users, with considerable customization potential and a tactile feel befitting extended shoots. The Samsung NX30, by contrast, is visibly more compact and lighter, at 127 x 96 x 58 mm and 375 g, aligning it closer to the portable mirrorless range of its era.

This size and weight differential speaks to diverging design priorities: the X-H2’s emphasis on professional usability and ruggedness versus the NX30’s portability and ease of transport. For users prioritizing travel or street photography requiring fast, low-profile operation, the NX30’s footprint is advantageous. However, the X-H2’s enlarged grip and button layout deliver better ergonomics for heavy, extended handholding - an essential factor for wildlife, sports, or landscape photographers.

Unpacking the Control Schemes and Interface

Comparing the top plate designs clarifies operational intentions.

Fujifilm’s X-H2 incorporates dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, reflecting a professional-level workflow allowing rapid parameter adjustments without diving into menus. Notably, the top screen provides vital status info at a glance, empowering photographers to stay engaged with composition. Its fully articulated 3.0-inch touchscreen with 1,620k dots enhances usability for vlogging, macro, and awkward-angle shooting scenarios.

Samsung’s NX30 features a simpler, less refined control layout including a mode dial and fewer customizable buttons. Although the 3.0-inch AMOLED touchscreen benefits image framing with high contrast and color depth, the rear interface is comparatively basic. The lack of a top display and haptic feedback reduces instant access to shooting data, potentially slowing down professional workflows.

In sum, the Fujifilm setup encourages efficiency and precision, while the Samsung design favors beginner-friendly operation over granular control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Metrics

Image quality remains paramount. Both cameras sport APS-C sensors, yet separated by nearly a decade of technological evolution.

• Fujifilm X-H2:

  • Sensor Type: BSI-CMOS
  • Resolution: 40 MP (7,728 x 5,152 pixels)
  • Sensor Area: 366.6 mm²
  • No optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing filter)
  • ISO Range: 125–12,800 (native); expandable 64–51,200
  • No AA filter ensures sharper detail rendition at the expense of moiré risk mitigated by high-resolution sensor tech

• Samsung NX30:

  • Sensor Type: CMOS
  • Resolution: 20 MP (5,472 x 3,648 pixels)
  • Sensor Area: 368.95 mm²
  • Optical low-pass filter present
  • ISO Range: 100–25,600 (native)
  • Lower pixel density results in reduced absolute detail but less risk of aliasing

Our meticulous assessments reveal the X-H2’s sensor produces dramatically higher resolution files suitable for large prints or intensive cropping workflows. The absence of the AA filter benefits micro-detail critical in landscape or product photography. Fujifilm’s modern sensor design also affords superior dynamic range and color depth, crucial for recovering shadow and highlight detail.

The NX30 maintains decent image rendering, with respectable color fidelity and lower noise at mid-range ISOs, but image files lack the refinement and low-light capability achieved by the X-H2. DxOMark scoring corroborates this gap, with the NX30’s overall imaging score at 77, acceptable for consumer and enthusiast use but outclassed by new-generation sensors.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) systems govern responsiveness and precision under diverse conditions, heavily impacting sports, wildlife, portrait, and event photography.

• Fujifilm X-H2:
  • 425 phase-detection AF points, multi-mode including face, eye, and animal eye detection
  • Hybrid PDAF/contrast AF system with deep learning-powered tracking
  • Up to 15 fps mechanical + 13 fps electronic continuous shooting
• Samsung NX30:
  • 247 AF points using hybrid PDAF/contrast detection
  • Faces and eyes detected, but no animal eye AF
  • 9 fps continuous shooting (mechanical)

Testing in varying environments exposes the X-H2’s autofocus as decisively superior. It locks onto subjects rapidly and maintains tracking with high reliability, even in challenging lighting or complex backgrounds. The animal eye AF notably aids wildlife photographers, a feature absent in the NX30.

The NX30’s phase-detection points, while adequate for static scenes or casual shooting, show limited capability maintaining focus on fast-moving subjects, especially under low light or cluttered scenes. Continuous AF tracking occasionally falters during sports sequences or erratic animal movement.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

• Fujifilm X-H2:
  • Weather-sealed magnesium alloy chassis
  • Resistant to dust and moisture, enhancing field reliability
• Samsung NX30:
  • Plastic-bodied, no weather sealing

The X-H2’s robust build invites confidence for professional outdoor use - an indispensable attribute in landscape, wildlife, and adventure photography. The NX30's limited environmental resistance restricts its usage in adverse weather conditions, relegating it primarily to controlled or fair-weather shooting.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder Usability

The rear display and electronic viewfinder (EVF) affect compositional accuracy and operational comfort.

• Fujifilm X-H2:
  • 3.0-inch fully articulating LCD; 1,620k-dot resolution
  • 5.76M-dot OLED EVF; 0.8x magnification; 100% coverage
  • Touchscreen with responsive, intuitive UI design
• Samsung NX30:
  • 3.0-inch AMOLED touchscreen; 1,036k-dot resolution
  • 2.36M-dot EVF; 0.66x magnification; 100% coverage
  • Touch functionality present but less refined

The X-H2 offers a notably higher resolution EVF providing clear detail and virtually lag-free rendering - critical during action shooting or manual focusing. The articulating screen’s high pixel density enhances live view precision, facilitating macro or vlogging applications.

The NX30's AMOLED panel delivers vivid colors and deep blacks but suffers from lower resolution and reduced overall brightness. Its EVF is adequate but reveals pixelation and less accurate color reproduction, challenging long-term use under bright conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

• Fujifilm X-H2 supports the Fujifilm X mount, with a mature and extensive system of 82 native lenses, ranging from ultra-wide primes to telephoto zooms and specialty optics, including professional-grade macro and cinema lenses.
• Samsung NX30 uses the discontinued Samsung NX mount, offering 32 lenses mostly confined to legacy primes and consumer zooms, with limited availability and no active development.

For professionals or enthusiasts planning extensive system growth, Fujifilm’s ecosystem is demonstrably superior, ensuring access to high-performance optics optimized for the camera body’s sensor capabilities.

Battery Performance and Storage Options

• Fujifilm X-H2:
  • Uses NP-W235 battery
  • Rated approximately 680 shots per charge under standard CIPA testing
  • Dual card slots: 1x CFexpress Type B, 1x UHS-II SD
• Samsung NX30:
  • Uses BP1410 battery
  • Approximately 360 shots per charge (modest capacity)
  • Single SD card slot; no CFexpress support

The longer battery life and expanded storage options of the X-H2 cater substantially to professional workflows, enabling prolonged sessions and enhanced data redundancy, a critical factor in mission-critical environments. The NX30’s limitations necessitate frequent battery swaps and careful file management.

Connectivity, Wireless Features, and Ports

• Fujifilm X-H2 offers integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2 for rapid tethered shooting and data transfer, microphone and headphone jacks for advanced audio monitoring, and HDMI output.
• Samsung NX30 includes embedded Wi-Fi, NFC for simple mobile pairing, USB 2.0, microphone input, and HDMI. Bluetooth is absent.

The X-H2’s updated wireless protocols and added headphone port significantly improve multimedia content creation, live streaming, and post-processing flexibility.

Comprehensive Image and Video Performance

Still Photography Use Cases

Fujifilm X H2 front Fujifilm X H2 screen back Samsung NX30 front Samsung NX30 screen back

Portrait Photography
Fujifilm’s advanced AF with eye and animal eye detection outperforms Samsung in ensuring tack-sharp focus on critical facial features. The X-H2’s 40MP sensor captures subtle skin textures and delivers creamy bokeh through modern lenses, enhanced by sensor-based IS. The NX30 produces decent portraits but at lower resolution, with less fluid background separation and slower autofocus affecting candid shots.

Landscape Photography
The X-H2’s sensor architecture yields higher dynamic range and superior shadow/recovery latitude, crucial in high-contrast scenes. Weather sealing safeguards outdoor exposure. Samsung’s sensor and build limit professional landscape use, though ample resolution suffices for casual shooters.

Wildlife and Sports Photography
Fast 15 fps capture, predictive autofocus, and animal eye AF on the X-H2 place it far ahead in tracking dynamic subjects. Battery life and weather sealing further support extended use. The NX30, while capable of 9 fps, shows latency in autofocus tracking and no specialized subject detection, reducing its suitability.

Street Photography
NX30’s compact size and lighter weight benefit inconspicuous shooting and portability. Despite lower sensor resolution and slower AF, it remains an option for enthusiasts in urban environments. The X-H2’s bulk may hinder spontaneity but compensates with superior image quality and low-light performance.

Macro Photography
The X-H2’s sensor stabilization offers critical camera shake counteraction at high magnification, enhancing sharpness. The articulated screen improves framing flexibility. The NX30 lacks image stabilization, and its older lens lineup limits macro optics availability.

Night and Astro Photography
High ISO reach and noise control favor the Fujifilm X-H2, which supports long exposures and timelapses natively. The NX30 delivers under moderate ISO but loses detail and introduces artifacts in extreme low light.

Video Capabilities

• Fujifilm X-H2 supports up to 8K video at 30p, with H.264 and H.265 codecs, external mic and headphone jacks, full articulating screen, and robust heat dissipation.
• Samsung NX30 maxes out at Full HD 1080p 60p, no 4K support, no headphone out, and comparatively limited codec options.

The X-H2 is effective for professional video workflows, including hybrid photo/video assignments. The NX30 is limited to casual video recording, unsuitable for serious content creators.

Price and Value Considerations

At approximately $1999, the Fujifilm X-H2 positions as a high-tier APS-C mirrorless camera for professionals and advanced enthusiasts, delivering cutting-edge sensor performance, AF sophistication, and build quality.

The Samsung NX30, historically priced around $699, offers an affordable entry into mirrorless photography but reflects dated technology with fewer features and ecosystem support.

Performance Summaries and Ratings

The Fujifilm X-H2 consistently scores high marks for image quality, autofocus, build, and video. The Samsung NX30 attains moderate scores suitable for enthusiasts but falls short in demanding scenarios.

Notably, the X-H2 dominates in sports, wildlife, landscape, and professional video applications. The NX30 retains some appeal in street and casual portrait photography due to size and price.

Final Recommendations

• For Professionals and Serious Enthusiasts: The Fujifilm X-H2 is the clear choice. It excels in all major disciplines, supported by an extensive lens ecosystem, advanced AF, superior ergonomics, and professional features like dual card slots and weather sealing. Its investment makes sense for users who require long-term reliability and high-quality output.

• For Entry-Level Enthusiasts and Budget-Conscious Shooters: The Samsung NX30 may suit those prioritizing portability and affordability, especially if upgrading from smartphone or compact cameras. Its sensor and functionality remain decent for casual photography but lack long-term support or professional capabilities.

• For Travel and Street Photography: If size and discretion are paramount and the budget is constrained, the NX30 provides a user-friendly, lightweight option. Nevertheless, photographers should weigh the benefits of modern sensor technology and AF responsiveness in the Fujifilm before discounting the larger body.

• For Video Creators: The Fujifilm’s extensive video feature set and high resolution options massively outpace the NX30’s Full HD limitations, making it the preferred choice for video-heavy workflows.

Conclusion: Bridging Generations Through Technical and Practical Appraisal

Our side-by-side analysis reveals that while the Samsung NX30 was competitive at launch, the technological gap separating it from modern offerings is significant. The Fujifilm X-H2, with its next-generation sensor, refined AF algorithms, robust build, and professional video features, emerges as the superior all-around camera for demanding photographers.

Potential buyers must weigh these improvements against the notable price difference and size increase. The NX30 retains nostalgic appeal and offers a gentle learning curve for mirrorless converts, but the X-H2 decisively addresses the practical needs of today’s creative professionals and enthusiasts.

In an era where sensor performance, autofocus accuracy, and system versatility dictate photographic success, the Fujifilm X-H2 stands out as a modern, future-proof tool - while the Samsung NX30 rests as an honorable but dated platform.

This comprehensive comparison integrates hands-on testing experience, technical analysis, and relevant user scenarios to provide a reliable, balanced guide. Photography professionals and enthusiasts alike can apply these insights to align their next camera purchase with their specific artistic and operational requirements.