Fujifilm X-T30 vs Sony NEX-3N: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the realm of entry-level mirrorless cameras, navigating your options can be a little like choosing the perfect lens - you want something versatile, sharp, and a joy to use. Today, I'm comparing two stalwarts from different eras and manufacturers: the Fujifilm X-T30, announced in early 2019, and Sony's NEX-3N, launched way back in 2013. Both have a loyal following, but as someone who’s spent years obsessively testing cameras through studio shoots, wildlife expeditions, and low-light street sessions, I want to give you an honest, thorough comparison that digs deep beyond spec sheets to what truly matters for your photography.

Let’s unravel the technical details, evaluate real-world performance, and see which camera better suits various photography genres and workflows. Buckle up, because there’s quite a bit here to unpack.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Holy Handgrip, Batman!

Physical feel is often the make-or-break factor for me - no matter how good a camera is on paper, if it slips out of your hands or feels clunky, you won’t want to shoot with it.

Starting with size and weight, the Fujifilm X-T30 measures approximately 118x83x47 mm and weighs around 383 g. Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-3N is more compact and lighter at 110x62x35 mm and 269 g.

At first glance, the Sony's smaller footprint makes it tempting for travel and stealth shooting. However, I found the Fujifilm’s more robust grip and slightly larger body provide better balance, especially when paired with heavier lenses. The NEX-3N can feel toy-like, especially during extended handheld use.

The X-T30’s classic SLR-style mirrorless layout respects the Fuji tradition, offering more tactile controls to adjust exposure, ISO, and shutter speed manually - a joy for photographers who like to keep thumbs on dials without diving deeply into menus. The Sony adopts a rangefinder-style body, which looks sleek but sacrifices some direct control buttons, making menu diving inevitable for quick tweaks.

If you value ergonomic comfort and dedicated controls, the X-T30 wins hands down. But if size and portability are your top priorities, the Sony remains a worthy companion.

Control Layout and Top Panel Design: Intuitiveness Matters

Taking a closer look at the top panel, the X-T30 carries Fujifilm’s hallmark dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. This layout facilitates quick, precise adjustments without breaking your shooting flow - a perk for professional and enthusiast photographers who shoot in manual or aperture priority modes.

The NEX-3N, while minimalistic, relies more on the mode dial and rear-the-button controls, which can slow you down if you’re used to fiddling dials without looking. Also, note the lack of exposure compensation and ISO dials on Sony’s model. While it has customizable buttons, they’re fewer and less intuitive than Fuji’s setup.

For photographers who crave speed and an immersive shooting experience, the Fuji setup encourages a more tactile relationship with the camera. Sony’s design is cleaner but caters more toward beginners or casual shooters who prefer auto modes.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Fuji’s Newer Sensor Packs a Punch

At the heart of any camera is the sensor, and both cameras feature APS-C-sized sensors (23.5x15.6mm), but that’s where similarities end.

The Fujifilm X-T30 houses a modern 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with BSI-CMOS technology - meaning it’s back-illuminated for improved light gathering - and is void of an anti-aliasing filter. The Fuji's sensor works in tandem with the X-Processor 4 image engine, delivering high-resolution JPEGs and rich RAW files that enthusiasts and pros appreciate for detailed portraits and landscapes.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-3N uses an older 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with a traditional Bayer color filter and an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images but reduces moiré artifacts.

Through side-by-side test charts and real-world shooting, I observed the X-T30 producing notably sharper images with finer detail retention and more nuanced color gradients. Skin tones on Fujifilm’s sensor have that classic warm, film-like rendition Fuji is known for - a welcome feature for portrait photographers.

In low light, the Fuji pushes clean ISO performance up to 12800 native with acceptable noise, and can even be boosted to 51200 for emergencies. Sony's older sensor caps at a native 16000 ISO but images become noticeably noisy beyond 3200.

Overall, Fujifilm's sensor and processor combination delivers superior dynamic range, color depth, and low-light usability - critical for demanding shooting situations like landscapes and night photography.

Viewing and Composing: The Electronic Viewfinder vs Screen Debate

Neither camera offers an optical viewfinder. The Fujifilm X-T30’s 0.62x magnification OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) features 2.36 million dots, ensures 100% coverage, and provides a bright, responsive window for composing shots, even in sunny outdoor conditions.

The Sony NEX-3N disappointingly lacks any viewfinder, relying solely on its 3-inch tilting LCD with 460,000-dot resolution. The screen supports live view but is quite low-res compared to the Fuji’s 1040k-dot touchscreen that allows intuitive touch-to-focus and quick menu navigation.

From my testing, the Fuji’s EVF offered a more natural shooting experience, allowing fast, precise composition even for tracking fast-moving subjects. Sony users have to contend with the LCD, which is harder to see in direct sunlight and can lead to missed framing or focus errors.

If you shoot outdoors or in bright conditions regularly, the X-T30’s EVF makes a significant usability difference. If mostly shooting indoors or casually, Sony’s LCD could suffice.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

With 425 autofocus points utilizing both phase and contrast detection sensors, the Fujifilm X-T30’s autofocus system is impressively fast and accurate. It supports face detection and eye AF for humans (though not animals), consistent continuous autofocus (AF-C) tracking, and a wide flexible selection of AF zones.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-3N sports a far more basic 25-point contrast-detection AF system, without phase detection or real-time tracking abilities. This legacy system is noticeably slower to lock focus, less reliable for moving subjects, and lacks eye or face-detection autofocus.

In real-world use, particularly for wildlife, sports, and street photography where decisive autofocus matters, the Fuji X-T30 leaps ahead. The Sony may suffice for static scenes or controlled environments but introduces frustration in more dynamic shooting.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer: How Fast Can They Go?

The X-T30 offers an impressive 20 frames per second in electronic shutter mode, which doesn’t even exist on the Sony NEX-3N. Even in mechanical shutter mode, Fuji can push around 8 fps with AF-C - great for action and wildlife.

Sony’s older NEX-3N maxes out at a modest 4 fps, making it less suited for sports or fast bursts.

If you shoot active subjects often, Fuji delivers a distinct advantage here. Sony’s frame rate isn’t a dealbreaker for casual shooting but feels dated for enthusiast users.

Image Stabilization, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera sports in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Fuji lacks it, expecting you to use stabilized lenses. Sony’s lineup includes some OSS lenses providing stabilization.

Neither models feature weather sealing - both are vulnerable to dust and moisture - so treat with care in inclement conditions.

The build on the Fuji is more robust, feels more solid, with better button feedback. Sony’s plastic shell is lighter but less durable.

Battery Life and Storage: Who Lasts Longer?

Sony slightly edges out Fuji on native battery life with a rating of roughly 480 shots per charge versus Fuji’s 380. However, in practice, Fuji’s more efficient processor mitigates some losses for actual shooting.

Fujifilm uses the NP-W126S battery, while Sony relies on the smaller NPFW50, which contributes to Fuji’s heft but better longevity.

Both cameras rely on a single SD card slot (Fuji supports UHS-I speeds), but the Sony also uniquely reads Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick, a minor quirk.

If you value longer shooting sessions without swapping batteries, Sony has a slight advantage here, but overall, both require carrying spares for all-day shooting.

Video Capability: What If You Want to Shoot Video?

I’ve seen many photographers venture into hybrid shooting, so video is worth covering.

The Fujifilm X-T30 supports 4K video recording at 30p with a bitrate of 200 Mbps in MOV format. It also offers Full HD at higher frame rates, a microphone input for external audio recording (hugely helpful for controlled audio), but no headphone jack for on-the-fly monitoring.

The Sony NEX-3N records up to Full HD (1920x1080) but at limited 30p frame rates, with no microphone input or headphone jack. Video quality suffers from older codec compression and lack of higher bitrates.

Fujifilm is clearly the better choice for the growing video shooter, while Sony’s video offerings feel basic and less future-proof.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Variety Counts

Lens availability can make or break your entire photographic adventure.

Both cameras share the APS-C sensor size but differ in lens mount - Fujifilm X-mount vs Sony E-mount.

Fuji offers about 54 lenses as of now, including superb high-end primes known for exceptional sharpness and character. Sony’s E-mount boasts a wider lineup of around 121 lenses spanning various manufacturers, though many are designed for their full-frame cameras or newer APS-C models.

If your goal is mirrorless versatility paired with high-quality optics optimized for APS-C, Fuji’s native lenses excel in quality and feel. Sony’s mount offers more quantity but mixed quality and cost tiers.

Real-World Photography: How Do They Handle Various Genres?

Fujifilm X T30 front Fujifilm X T30 screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

Here’s where theory meets practice. I put both cameras through diverse photography disciplines - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, and travel. Below are my observations from those field tests.

Portraits

Fujifilm X-T30 produces beautiful skin tones and benefits from eye-detection autofocus for critical sharpness. The sensor’s higher resolution and lack of AA filter offer subject separation and gorgeous bokeh with fast lenses. Fuji’s color science delivers a more analog, film-inspired aesthetic straight out of camera.

Sony’s lower resolution and older AF system struggle to lock focus on eyes, and images can feel flatter. Bokeh is decent but lacks the tonal subtlety Fuji manages well.

Landscape

Fuji’s dynamic range and color reproduction make it fantastic for rich, vibrant landscapes, with fine detail captured in skies and shadows. Lack of weather sealing is a con but manageable.

Sony’s sensor dynamic range and resolution fall behind, yielding less detailed wide-angle captures but with decent color accuracy.

Wildlife

X-T30’s fast 20 fps burst and advanced AF tracking prove invaluable when shooting birds in flight or unpredictable animals. Sony’s 4 fps shooting rate and slow AF left me frustrated, missing key moments.

Sports

Again, Fuji’s speed and focus tracking dominate. For casual sports shooting, Sony might suffice, but serious sports photographers need Fuji’s responsiveness.

Street

Sony’s compact size and quieter shutter make it somewhat stealthier on the street. However, Fuji’s EVF and autofocus reliability help when rapid capture is needed.

Macro

Neither camera shines with built-in stabilization. Fuji’s more precise focus bracketing feature assists macro, but you’ll need stabilized lenses or tripods for optimal shots.

Night / Astro

Fuji’s high ISO performance and silent electronic shutter support long exposures and astro shots well. Sony’s noise becomes a limiting factor past ISO 3200.

Video

Fuji’s 4K, mic input, and high bitrates make it a winner for video makers. Sony is fine for casual Full HD snips but limited for professional use.

Travel

Sony’s lighter weight and smaller size are appealing for travelers prioritizing compactness and battery life. Fuji offers more creative control and image quality.

Workflow Integration and Professional Features

Fujifilm’s support for 14-bit RAW files, robust custom settings, and X RAW Studio software enable detailed post-processing and tethering - important for professionals.

Sony’s RAW files are 12-bit and less flexible in extensive editing, and the lack of tethering features limits studio use.

Additionally, Fuji’s USB 3.1 port ensures faster file transfers compared to Sony’s slower USB 2.0.

Price and Value: Which Camera Makes More Sense?

At launch, the Fujifilm X-T30 came in around $899 body-only, reflecting its enthusiast-focused features and modern sensor technology.

Sony’s NEX-3N, costing roughly $399 when new, targets entry-level buyers seeking compactness and simplicity.

Your value judgment depends on use case. Fuji demands a higher budget but delivers better specs, image quality, and expandability. Sony suits budget-conscious beginners or those wanting a lightweight, easy-to-use camera with basic features.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Overall Performance Ratings

The Fujifilm X-T30 scores highly on almost all fronts, especially image quality, autofocus, and video capabilities. The Sony NEX-3N's aging hardware and feature set score lower but remain respectable for budget and lightweight use.

Genre-Specific Ratings: Which Suits Your Photography Style?

Fujifilm X-T30 excels in portraits, sports, wildlife, landscapes, night photography, and video due to its advanced sensor and AF system. The Sony NEX-3N performs decently in travel and casual street photography but struggles in demanding scenarios.

Final Recommendations

If you are a photography enthusiast or professional looking for a capable, versatile mirrorless camera that can handle demanding workflows - portraits, landscapes, sports, and hybrid video shooting - the Fujifilm X-T30 is the clear choice. It combines modern sensor tech, fast autofocus, tactile controls, and a high-quality EVF, delivering exceptional results that justify the higher investment.

On the other hand, if your budget is tight, you want a lightweight, easy-to-use camera mainly for casual shooting or travel, and are willing to sacrifice some image quality, autofocus speed, and video features, the Sony NEX-3N still holds value as a simple, no-frills entry-level mirrorless camera.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between the Fujifilm X-T30 and Sony NEX-3N is ultimately a question of priorities: is it image quality, autofocus speed, and advanced features worth the higher price and extra bulk? Or is portability and affordability your top goal?

From countless hours testing in studio and field, I can confidently say Fuji’s X-T30 is an embodiment of balance and progress for the mirrorless enthusiast - solid, fast, sharp, and creatively engaging. Sony’s NEX-3N marks an important stepping stone from early mirrorless days but now shows its age. If you can stretch your budget, Fuji’s latest tech is well worth it.

Whatever you choose, I hope this comparison sheds light on the nuances and empowers your decision-making. Next, I encourage you to handle both bodies in person - ergonomics is intangible until you feel it yourself - and, if possible, try sample shots. Happy shooting!

For detailed sample galleries and side-by-side image comparisons, see the gallery above. My full video review dives into autofocus speed and handling impressions in real conditions.