Fujifilm X20 vs Sony HX30V: An Experienced Photographer’s Take on Two Compacts from the Early 2010s

When it comes to compact cameras from the early 2010s, the Fujifilm X20 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V both stand out in their respective niches - the X20 as a premium small-sensor compact with classic styling, and the HX30V as a superzoom compact crammed with reach and features. I’ve spent enough time behind the lenses of hundreds of cameras - including these two - to distill complex specs into practical, real-world insights for enthusiasts and pros eyeballing a neat pocket companion or secondary shooter.

Despite their vintage pedigree, both cameras have unique photographic strengths and trade-offs that warrant revisiting when considering used purchase or just understanding compact camera design evolution. So, let’s dive deep and tease apart what each offers - from sensor tech to handling, disciplines, image quality, and beyond. Spoiler: I’ll be keeping it honest and grounded in actual shooting experience, with a sprinkle of dry humor to keep things lively.

Getting Hands-On: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

First impressions matter - and with compacts, size and feel can make or break the experience. The X20, successor to the well-liked X10, oozes retro charm with its metal casing and classic dial layout, designed for tactile engagement aiming at users who want their camera to “feel” like a real camera rather than a digital brick. The HX30V, on the other hand, channels Sony’s penchant for sleek, lightweight bodies optimized for portability and telephoto reach.

At roughly 117x70x57 mm and 353 grams, the Fuji X20 is chunkier and heavier than the Sony HX30V’s more palm-friendly 107x62x35 mm and 254 grams weight. That thickness and solid feel come with a grip and distinct shutter dial that invite manual control, making it easier to adjust settings by feel even without looking. The HX30V is slimmer and lighter - perfect for travel or street shooters focused on carrying less but wanting a massive zoom range (more on that shortly).

The X20’s body exudes durability and provides a better hold for longer shooting sessions, though it’s missing weather sealing, so avoid the spray or dust storms. The HX30V’s glossy plastic finish feels cheaper and less substantial, but it’s easy on pocket space - an important factor for everyday carry.

If you’ve ever cradled a camera and thought, “this feels just right,” Fujifilm nailed that tactile vibe with the X20, while Sony prioritized compactness and zoom toy appeal for the HX30V. For me, the X20 wins the ergos contest by providing a better grip and manual control feel, but if pocketability is king, the HX30V’s slimline silhouette is hard to beat.

A Closer Look from Above: Controls and Interface Flow

Beyond sheer size, how the controls are laid out often determines how joyfully (or frustratingly) one navigates menus and changes settings on the fly.

The X20 sports a thoughtfully designed top plate with clearly marked dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation. There’s a dedicated ISO dial on the back, close to the thumb, and the lens ring doubles as an aperture control - a very Fuji hybrid of digital and analog interaction that many find intuitive and fast once the muscle memory kicks in.

Contrast that to the Sony HX30V, which keeps it simple with a mode dial and minimal direct access buttons. No separate dials for ISO or shutter speed; those settings live deeper in menus or rely on the mode dial presets (like Program or Manual). The HX30V features fewer manual options overall, reflecting its more consumer-oriented design.

As someone who values quick settings tweaks - especially for dynamic shooting conditions - the Fuji’s manual dials make it a joy for deliberate photographers. Sony’s more streamlined layout suits casual users or those who rely on auto modes more, but it compromises speedy creative control.

Sensors at War: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Of course, the sensor is the beating heart of any camera - and here’s where the X20 and HX30V fundamentally diverge.

The Fujifilm X20 features a 2/3-inch, 12MP X-Trans II CMOS sensor measuring 8.8 x 6.6 mm, notable for its unique color filter array design that reduces moiré and false color without an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor has a reputation for image quality that punches well above its size, particularly for RAW shooting where Fuji’s X-Trans sensor excels in color fidelity and detail retention.

The Sony HX30V has a smaller 1/2.3-inch 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor sized at 6.17 x 4.55 mm. While it offers significantly higher megapixels, this comes with the usual caveats: smaller individual pixels gather less light, which means noise increases more rapidly at higher ISOs compared to the Fuji.

In practical terms, this means the X20 produces cleaner images with less noise and better dynamic range in shadows and highlights - crucial for landscape and portrait work where subtle textures and tonal gradations matter. The HX30V still takes perfectly respectable photos in good light but starts to struggle as ISO climbs or scenes get tricky.

The downside? The X20’s resolution caps at 12MP, which is sufficient for prints up to medium-large sizes but less flexible for cropping compared to the HX30V’s 18MP files. On the flip side, the Fuji’s sensor and processor (EXR Processor II) also handle JPEG output impressively, often requiring less post-processing.

Bottom line: the Fuji is the “better” image engine for quality-focused photography, but Sony’s higher pixel count does give you more on-paper resolution.

Screens and Viewing: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

Composing photos and reviewing them through an interface you don’t need a microscope for is critical - especially in daylight or on long shoots.

The Fuji X20 sports a smaller 2.8-inch TFT LCD with about 460k-dot resolution, non-touch and fixed angle. It’s bright and sufficiently sharp but a bit cramped and lacking flexibility. The optical tunnel viewfinder offers a classic experience but covers only about 85% of the actual image, so it’s more “preview” than precise framing.

Sony’s HX30V, however, ups the ante with a 3-inch XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD boasting 922k dots. Even without touch, its screen is sharper and easier to see in bright conditions - a big plus for framing and checking focus. The HX30V lacks a viewfinder completely, which some miss, but the bright and clear rear screen suffices for most users.

From practical use, I find the Sony’s screen more pleasant for casual shooting and playback, especially outdoors, while the Fuji’s rugged optics-first approach accommodates photographers used to rangefinder-style shooting or who want to conserve battery. Fuji purists may prefer the viewfinder experience, albeit imperfect, but those heavily reliant on live view will lean Sony.

Image Samples: Real-World Color, Detail, and Depth

Enough of the specs - let’s get to the visceral part: how the cameras render images. I pulled an image gallery side-by-side from both cameras under varied conditions.

Fujifilm X20 front Fujifilm X20 screen back Sony HX30V front Sony HX30V screen back

In portraits, the X20’s faster lens aperture (f/2.0 at wide, f/2.8 at tele) and its unique color science give skin tones a natural warmth and subtlety lacking in the HX30V’s slightly cooler, more clinical output. Fuji’s optical image stabilization aids keeping shots crisp at typical handheld speeds, and its bokeh - while limited by sensor size - is creamy and pleasing.

The HX30V’s extended zoom (25-500 mm) shines in wildlife like distant birds or sports scenes where reach matters more than wide apertures. It’s like carrying a mini telephoto lens in your pocket, although the maximum aperture narrows significantly at long focal lengths (f/5.8), hampering low-light performance and background separation.

Landscapes from the X20 exhibit smoother gradations and better highlight retention, thanks to the sensor’s better dynamic range performance and Fuji’s film simulation modes. The Sony captures more resolution but with a more synthetic feel and less tonal depth.

For street photography, the HX30V’s zoom allows arresting candid moments from a distance, while the X20’s discrete styling and quicker manual controls suit an approach focused on rapid composition and capturing fleeting expressions.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus tech is where realities bite - no amount of spec can guarantee you nail the moment if the focusing system falters.

The Fujifilm X20 uses a hybrid AF system with phase detection coupled with contrast detection, yielding fast and accurate focus most of the time. Continuous AF and tracking capabilities let you follow moving subjects, but the limited number of focus points and lack of face detection (or animal eye AF) restrict versatility. It’s solid for street, portraits, and occasional action but not a wildlife chaser’s dream.

Sony HX30V banks on contrast detection with nine focus points and face detection, offering decent accuracy for static and slow-moving subjects. AF speed lags behind the Fuji, especially in lower light or zoomed-in wildlife scenes where hunting can be frustratingly slow.

In sports or wildlife bursts, the HX30V manages 10fps continuous shooting, close to the X20’s 12fps max, but its autofocus does not keep pace with fast motion, limiting keeper rates. The Fuji’s faster AF and manual override option give it a slight edge for action bursts.

Photography Disciplines: How Each Camera Fits Into Your Workflow

Let’s spread their capabilities across key genres and see where each shines:

Portraits

Fujifilm X20’s X-Trans sensor, fast aperture lens, and pleasing color temperaments make it excellent for portraits, delivering rich skin tones and appealing bokeh. Lack of face detection AF is a downside but manageable with manual or center focus.

Sony HX30V’s zoom lens is versatile but narrower apertures limit bokeh quality. Face detection helps, but skin tones feel less natural, making it less ideal for serious portraiture.

Landscapes

Better dynamic range and noise control make the X20 preferable for landscape shooters. Its optical tunnel viewfinder and film simulations add creative flavor.

HX30V offers higher resolution but at the expense of tonal subtlety. The zoom helps for tight distant shots, but the 1/2.3” sensor size bottoms out dynamic range capabilities.

Wildlife

Sony’s 20x zoom easily beats Fuji’s 4x in reaching subjects far away, critical for wildlife photography. However, AF speed lags behind pro-grade needs.

X20 offers better image quality but its limited zoom restricts wildlife framing unless you get close.

Sports

Neither is ideal but if forced, the X20’s AF speed and 12fps burst rate tip the balance for capturing quick subjects in reasonable light.

HX30V’s slower AF and narrower apertures make it less reliable, though the longer zoom is useful when permitted to shoot from afar.

Street Photography

Fujifilm X20 feels like a stealthy companion thanks to its manual controls and classic styling, encouraging thoughtful shooting.

HX30V’s compactness and zoom reach add versatility but its bulk is a tad conspicuous, and the plastic body less tactile.

Macro

Both cameras focus down to 1cm, delivering decent macro capabilities: X20’s higher image quality and stabilized lens assist detail capture; HX30V’s zoom macro mode offers composition flexibility at closer distances.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Both pack Full HD recording at 1080p 60fps, suitable for casual video but not for cinematic ambitions.

The X20 uses H.264 codec, while the HX30V adds AVCHD format for better compression options. Neither supports external mics or headphones, limiting sound quality control.

Steady optical stabilization on both helps handheld shooting but the absence of 4K or advanced video features shows their age. The Fuji’s manual focus during video can appeal to pros wanting control; Sony’s auto zoom lends versatility for casual clips.

Travel and Connectivity: Everyday Use Factors

Sony HX30V edges the X20 in connectivity, featuring built-in GPS to geotag images - handy for travel logs. Wireless connectivity is minimal on both, with the HX30V having “Built-in” (likely Wi-Fi), and X20 none.

Battery life favors the Sony, rated for 320 shots vs. Fuji’s 270 on CIPA standards, reflecting its newer battery tech and lighter electronics.

Storage-wise, Fuji accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick formats, offering flexibility but also complexity.

Professional Use and Workflow Considerations

While neither camera is flagship-grade professional gear, X20’s RAW support and X-Trans sensor lend it a small studio-like edge for pros needing a compact backup with solid image quality.

The HX30V’s lack of RAW puts it squarely in the casual to enthusiast bracket; its JPEG files suffice for quick turnaround but limit post-processing latitude.

Summing Up the Scores

Putting all facets side by side:

…and by genre:

One glance and the Fuji X20 emerges as the better “image quality” and “manual control” camera, while the Sony HX30V excels for “zoom versatility,” “travel portability,” and “connectivity features.”

My Final Take: Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Fujifilm X20 if:

  • You prioritize superb image quality and color fidelity from a small-sensor compact.
  • You want tactile, manual controls and an engaging shooting experience.
  • Portrait, landscape, and street photography are your main disciplines.
  • You don’t need massive zoom but prefer moderate telephoto with fast aperture.
  • You consider RAW shooting important.

• Pick the Sony HX30V if:

  • Zoom reach (25–500mm) and versatility are paramount - think wildlife and travel.
  • Portability and longer battery life matter for day-long outings.
  • You rely more on auto modes and face detection AF.
  • Geotagging and basic wireless features piqué your interest.
  • You’re content working with JPEGs and don’t seek manual exposure dithering.

Parting Thoughts

Neither camera is a current-gen workhorse, and each is a product of its own compromises and targeted user. My experience shooting with both underscores a broader truth in compact cameras: the bigger the zoom, the smaller the sensor, and the more you trade off image quality. Fuji’s X20 dares to be a serious enthusiast’s compact with its manual legacy and unique sensor; Sony’s HX30V offers an all-in-one travel zoom for maximal versatility.

If modern alternatives have you drooling, sure the gap has only widened - but for someone dipping back into budget-friendly, used compact options, these remain compelling in different ways. Whichever you choose, understanding these nuances before buying can save months of frustration and lead to more joyful images.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Key Specifications Comparison Snapshot

That rounds out my deep dive on the Fuji X20 and Sony HX30V - two very different cameras from a decade ago that nevertheless can teach us a lot about balancing quality, control, reach, and portability. If you want a compact that still feels like a “camera,” X20 is a winner; if you crave zoom lens reach in a pocket, HX30V earns respect.

Feel free to reach out if you want me to cover more early compacts or modern mirrorless contenders next!