Fujifilm X-T30 II vs Panasonic Lumix S1: A Hands-On, In-Depth Camera Showdown

Choosing a new camera is never a one-size-fits-all scenario. When I picked up Fujifilm’s X-T30 II and Panasonic’s Lumix S1 for side-by-side use, my goal was to go beyond spec sheets - to truly understand how these two mirrorless cameras perform in the real trenches of photography. Two wildly different beasts in size, sensor type, and price, yet both tempting options. Whether you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast or a seasoned pro weighing serious gear, I’ll walk you through their strengths, weaknesses, and who each camera is really built for.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build & Handling - Form Meets Function

The very first thing that hits you holding these cameras is the physical difference. The Fujifilm X-T30 II is compact and light, weighing just 383 grams, making it a dream pocketable companion for travel or street photography. It neatly fits in one hand without fatigue after hours. The Panasonic Lumix S1, on the other hand, is a hefty pro-grade titan at 1021 grams (~2.7x heavier), built like a tank with weather sealed magnesium alloy.

The X-T30 II’s smaller grip may not satisfy big hands, but its retro SLR-style dials and controls are tactile and fun. Panasonic’s S1 boasts deeper, more sculpted grips and clubs for thumbs, which make one-handed vertical shooting feel natural. The larger body also houses dual SD slots against Fujifilm’s lone card slot - an important detail for pros shooting critical events.

Looking down from above sheds more light on their design philosophies:

The Fuji feels more simplified, with dedicated ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation dials, while the Lumix S1’s control layout is a bit busier but highly customizable, including an OLED top display - a classy pro touch missing on the Fuji.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: APS-C Craftsmanship vs Full-Frame Power

Here’s where the real divide starts: Fuji’s 26MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor versus Panasonic’s 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor.

Despite the lower pixel count, the Fujifilm X-T30 II’s sensor is well-regarded for its color rendition and detail, benefiting from the absence of an anti-aliasing filter to maximize sharpness. The smaller sensor size brings a 1.5x crop factor, useful for telephoto reach on wildlife or sports budgets, though it sacrifices shallow depth of field and low-light performance somewhat.

The Panasonic S1’s full-frame sensor excels in dynamic range (DXO mark scores claim 14.5 stops) and low light (native ISO ceiling of 51200, expandable to 204800), delivering cleaner images with better highlight recovery, perfect for landscapes and night/astro photographers pushing boundaries.

To be straight with you, if image quality, especially in challenging light, is your core priority, the Lumix S1’s sensor is a more versatile canvas, while the X-T30 II holds its own within APS-C class, especially given its price.

The Clarity You See: Viewfinders and Screens

A camera is only as good as what you see through its viewfinder or LCD.

The Lumix S1 features an industry-leading OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 5,760k-dot resolution and a magnification of 0.78x - practically indistinguishable from an optical viewfinder in clarity and smooth refresh rates. Its 3.2-inch touchscreen tilts upwards and downwards, with a whopping 2,100k-dot resolution, making focus checking and menu navigation precise and pleasurable.

In contrast, the Fujifilm X-T30 II sports a 2,360k-dot EVF with a smaller 0.62x magnification and a 3-inch, 1,040k-dot tilting touchscreen. It’s perfectly usable, but more entry-level in feel - excellent for its class but lacking the panache and detail of the S1’s displays.

For critical focus work, such as macro or portrait retouching, the S1’s viewfinder and screen offer that extra bit of confidence.

Autofocus Face-Off: Speed, Accuracy, and Subject Tracking

My autofocus tests split along the lines of anticipated expert vs enthusiast usage.

The Fujifilm X-T30 II comes equipped with 425 phase-detection AF points that cover a large portion of the frame, paired with contrast detection for accuracy. It supports all modern AF modes, including face detection and continuous tracking and touch AF. While it performs admirably well in good light and provides fast acquisition on static or moderately moving subjects, it occasionally struggles in low light or with erratic action, especially wildlife or fast sports.

The Panasonic Lumix S1, despite what you might expect at its price, uses a contrast-detect system without phase detection points, but makes up for it with advanced Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology. It supports eye and face detection, continuous AF, and subject tracking across 225 focus points. Accuracy is excellent and autofocus is consistent, but speed can feel just shy of the top-tier phase detect competitors, though still very competitive for professional needs.

Neither features animal eye detection, which Fuji technically lacks outright and Panasonic does not advertise, so for dedicated wildlife shooters relying heavily on that latest AI feature, neither camera scores a full-house here.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth: How Fast Can They Go?

Burst shooting speeds and buffer depth matter greatly for sports and wildlife photographers needing to capture peak action.

• Fujifilm X-T30 II boasts an impressive 30 fps burst speed with electronic shutter mode - ideal for freezing fluttering birds or game plays. Real-world buffer depth allows for about 43 RAW frames before slowing, which is quite commendable on an entry-level APS-C.

• Panasonic Lumix S1 offers 9 fps mechanical shutter burst, a solid figure for a bulky full-frame camera. It manages a healthy buffer depth but pales compared to the X-T30 II in sheer frames per second. The electronic shutter shooting maxes out at similar speeds but is challenged by rolling shutter artifacts under some lighting.

So, if rapid-fire shooting is essential, the Fuji offers a more aggressive card, especially for fast-moving subjects in a compact body.

Portrait Photography: Who Nails Skin Tones and Bokeh Better?

Portrait work demands naturalistic skin tones, accurate eye detection, and the ability to separate subjects with creamy bokeh.

Fuji’s color science has been beloved by portrait shooters for years - its built-in film simulation modes deliver warm, flattering skin tones right out of camera, reducing the need for extensive post-processing. The X-T30 II's large number of AF points and reliable face detection make nailing sharp portraits easier.

Panasonic’s S1 performs well too - with its full-frame sensor enabling shallow depth of field that makes backgrounds melt away beautifully. The S1’s 5-axis sensor stabilization aids in handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds for indoor portraits. The option for focus stacking makes it a tool worth considering for portrait artists who incorporate creative, sharply-focused composites.

Both cameras lack built-in eye AF tracking for humans, which is a minor gap if you’re used to Sony’s cutting-edge focusing.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Battles

Landscape photographers often look for wide dynamic range to pull in clouds and shadows, plus high resolution for detail-rich prints.

Panasonic S1’s 24MP full-frame sensor gives it a slight advantage over Fuji’s 26MP APS-C in RAW detail retention and dynamic range. Coupled with its rugged weather sealing and weather-resistant lenses, it’s built for severe conditions. I’ve tested it in drizzly moorland and desert dust storms without issues.

The X-T30 II, though not weather sealed, performs well in favorable conditions, and its Fujinon lens lineup (over 60 lenses in X mount) offers sharp primes and zooms perfect for landscapes. The smaller sensor means slight cropping flexibility for framing.

Both provide bracketing modes but the S1's wider dynamic range helps recover more highlight and shadow detail in extreme scenarios.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed vs Reach

For twitchy wildlife shooters and sports fans in the stands, the story is more nuanced.

• The Fuji’s APS-C sensor yields 1.5x crop factor, giving you more 'reach' with lenses - great when you can’t sprint closer. Its 30 fps burst mode with eye autofocus is super advantageous on small, fleeting subjects like birds or players in a fast drill.

• The Panasonic S1’s full-frame sensor excels in low light and image quality, while its 5-axis IBIS comes in handy for slower shutter speeds with large telephotos. However, the max 9 fps burst is modest, and autofocus DFD tech, while clever, sometimes trails behind phase-detection rivals in dead-simple speed.

If you prioritize sheer frame speed and cropping advantages, Fuji wins. For image quality and stability with long glass, Panasonic is a strong contender.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreteness, Size, and Battery Life

Street and travel shooters value lightweight bodies, discretion, and reliability.

Fuji X-T30 II shines here for being pocketable and quiet. Its built-in flash is a nice touch for nightlife shots, but no in-body image stabilization (IBIS) requires stabilized lenses or faster shutter speeds to avoid blur. Battery life is decent but won’t last all-day shooting without spares.

The Panasonic S1 is the opposite: big and heavy, with excellent weather sealing and IBIS that allows slower shutter speeds handheld - great for travel documentaries or street work in unpredictable weather. Battery life is good considering size but it’s a chunk to lug around.

If you prize portability and stealth, go Fuji. If you want a workhorse to endure downpours on the road, Panasonic fits.

Macro and Close-up Work: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

Macro photographers depend on precise focusing and stability.

Panasonic’s S1 shines here with focus bracketing and focus stacking support, as well as powerful 5-axis IBIS to reduce camera shake at high magnifications.

Fuji lacks focus stacking but boasts focus bracketing. Its ergnomic tiltable 3-inch screen facilitates awkward angles when getting close to tiny critters or flowers.

On either system, investing in dedicated macro lenses is mandatory. The Fuji ecosystem offers a wider range of primes with high sharpness, though Panasonic’s Leica L mount promises top-tier optics.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Long Exposures

At night under the stars, sensor performance and noise levels rule.

Panasonic S1's larger full-frame sensor with native ISO up to 51200 and extended modes to 204800 results in cleaner night shots. I’ve captured star fields with little post-noise reduction.

Fuji’s X-T30 II struggles more past ISO 6400; noise becomes apparent but remains manageable for casual astrophotography.

Neither camera sports dedicated astro modes; both rely on manual controls and external timers for star trails and long exposures.

Video Capabilities: 4K, Frame Rates, and Audio Connectivity

Both Fujifilm and Panasonic cameras offer solid video options, but nuances matter.

The X-T30 II shoots 4K UHD up to 30p with 10-bit video recording, and slo-mo at 1080p 120fps. It has microphone and headphone jacks for monitoring and input but lacks in-body stabilization, making gimbals or stabilized lenses advisable.

The Lumix S1 supports UHD 4K at 60p with 10-bit recording and offers both mic and headphone jacks. Its sensor-shift 5-axis IBIS significantly smooths handheld footage, a boon for run-and-gun shooters. The Lumix also records in H.265 codec, offering better compression and quality. Both cameras support time-lapse functions.

For video, the Panasonic S1 leans more towards professional use, while Fujifilm is ideal for hybrid shooters wanting compact 4K.

Pro Workflow Features: Durability, Raw Support, and Storage

Pro photographers seek more than specs: reliability, file integrity, and backup options.

Panasonic S1’s magnesium alloy body, weather sealing, and dual UHS-II SD card slots satisfy high-demand pro use. Support for larger 14-bit RAW files enables greater post-processing flexibility. Its USB port supports high-power charging in the field, a real lifesaver.

Fujifilm X-T30 II’s single card slot and plastic-heavy body keep weight down but sacrifice some ruggedness and security. It shoots 14-bit RAW too but buffer depth and burst limit may be frustrating in high-pressure environments.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless, USB, and Flash

Both have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for on-the-go transfer and remote control, but neither sports NFC or GPS.

The Fuji includes a built-in flash with multiple modes - a handy if modest fill light for casual shooting.

The Panasonic notably lacks a built-in flash, expecting pros to rely on external units or natural lighting.

Panasonic’s USB charging supports power banks and laptop charging, which the Fujifilm does not - minor but practical difference.

Putting It All Together: Camera Scores and Genre Performance

After long days shooting, field tests, and pixel peeping, here’s a data-backed overview:

And a breakdown by genre:

Fuji X-T30 II shines in street, travel, and sports (due to size and burst speed) and offers excellent portraits for enthusiasts on a budget.

Panasonic S1 dominates landscapes, video, macro, and professional work with superior build and sensor tech.

Sample Images from Both Cameras

To close the technical gap, I have included some gallery shots made under different conditions:

Fujifilm X T30 II front Fujifilm X T30 II screen back Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back

Notice the Panasonic’s better highlight retention and cleaner shadows in landscape images, whereas Fuji’s portraits pop with pleasing tone and fine detail.

Final Pros and Cons: Summing Up

Who Should Buy Which?

• Buy the Fujifilm X-T30 II if:

  • You want a versatile, lightweight camera that fits in a jacket pocket or handbag.
  • Budget is a key concern; you want excellent image quality at a reasonable price.
  • Your photography inclinations are street, travel, portraits, or casual wildlife/sports.
  • You appreciate Fuji’s classic dials, film simulations, and a forgiving learning curve.

• Buy the Panasonic Lumix S1 if:

  • You’re a serious professional or enthusiast who demands full-frame image quality, rugged build, and weather resistance.
  • You shoot landscapes, macro, video (especially 4K 60p), or low-light scenes regularly.
  • You want in-body stabilization and more robust connectivity options.
  • Bulky gear isn’t a deal-breaker, and you prefer ultimate reliability over portability.

My Takeaway

If I were a cheapskate traveling pro or passionate hobbyist, the Fuji X-T30 II offers an unbeatable "bang for buck" with features punching beyond its weight class. It handles so many genres well, making it a dependable all-rounder, especially for photographers who prize size and fun controls.

But if image quality, durability, and feature set trump everything else and your pockets run deep, the Panasonic Lumix S1 is a workhorse that will treat you right in demanding professional settings. It’s a bigger investment but rewards with performance, confidence, and future-proofing.

As always, remember to test these cameras in your own hands, with your preferred lenses, and thinking hard about your shooting style. That’s the best way to ensure your next camera fuels your creativity exactly where it counts.

Happy shooting!

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