Fujifilm X30 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90: A Compact Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Budget Buffs

When scouting for a compact camera that delivers more than just Instagram snaps, your choice often comes down to balancing sensor quality, versatility, and usability in a small package. Today, we'll dive deep into two stalwarts from the earlier 2010s: the Fujifilm X30 (2014) and the Panasonic Lumix FX90 (2011). Both were marketed as compact point-and-shoot workhorses with some enthusiast appeal, yet they cater to strikingly different user priorities.

I’ve spent dozens of hours testing these two - from pixel-peeping their shots under varying conditions to firing off bursts tracking fast subjects, and assessing how they feel in the hand during long shooting sessions. What follows is a candid, experience-based look at which one suits your photographic ambitions, technical needs, and wallet.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size Matters But So Does Feel

Right out of the gate, the Fujifilm X30 is a chunkier beast compared to the svelte Panasonic FX90. Measuring 119×72×60 mm and weighing 423g, the X30 truly feels like a compact camera meant to be held, with clubs for thumbs readily welcomed by the pronounced grip and robust dials. In contrast, the FX90 is ultra-light at 149g with dimensions of 102×56×22 mm - practically pocketable in your jeans or jacket without much notice.

Handling the X30, you're conscious of all those external dials and knobs - aperture ring, shutter speed dial, ISO adjustments - providing direct, tactile control, which is a blessing for photographers used to fiddling with clubs for thumbs. The Panasonic FX90 thrills the smartphone crowd with a far more streamlined control scheme and a touchscreen interface that, while less tactile, speeds up menu navigation and focus point selection, albeit lacking the satisfying clickiness when adjusting exposure settings.

For those prioritizing pocket portability and stealthy street shooting, FX90 wins hands down. But if you crave purposeful control and a firm grip during extended sessions, the X30’s design simply can’t be beat.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras pack 12-megapixels, but here is where their DNA diverges with potentially dramatic consequences for image quality.

The X30 houses a 2/3-inch X-TRANS II CMOS sensor measuring 8.8×6.6 mm. This sensor is renowned for its unique color filter array designed by Fujifilm. Rather than the conventional Bayer layout, X-TRANS sensors reduce moiré patterns and increase image sharpness without an anti-aliasing filter. The net effect for photography buffs? Sharper images with rich color fidelity and excellent noise control up to its maximum ISO 12800.

On the flip side, the Panasonic FX90 sports a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor sized 6.08×4.56 mm. This sensor type was dominant in compact cameras before CMOS took over. While it captures 12MP images, expect a steeper drop-off in dynamic range and higher noise beyond ISO 800 or so due to the smaller sensor area and CCD architecture.

A direct consequence is seen in landscape or low-light scenarios, where the Fujifilm demonstrates greater detail retention, smoother gradations, and less chroma noise.

In Practice: Image Samples and Color Rendition

When putting both cameras through their paces in typical lighting, the X30 creates images with pleasing skin tones and vibrant colors that feel more true-to-life thanks to Fujifilm’s film simulation modes. The 32-point autofocus with phase detection ensures pin-sharp results on portraits, even engaging eye detection - a feature sadly missing on Panasonic’s AF system.

Comparatively, the FX90’s CCD sensor produces somewhat muted colors and less detail in shadow areas. Portraits may exhibit slight softness, partly due to its slower lens (max aperture f/2.5-5.9) and simpler contrast-detection autofocus spread over just 23 points.

Here's the proof in pixels:

Fujifilm X30 front Fujifilm X30 screen back Panasonic FX90 front Panasonic FX90 screen back

In side-by-side comparisons, you’ll notice the Fujifilm maintains finer fabrics' texture and better bokeh at wide apertures, lending portraits an immediate pro feel.

Lenses and Zoom Range: Versatility vs Brightness

Lens-wise, the Fujifilm X30 offers a 28-112 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom with a fast and constant-ish aperture of f/2.0-2.8. This relatively bright lens family is a massive advantage in low light and helps create shallow depth of field for portraits or artistic work. Plus, the macro focus down to 1cm is a real treat for close-up shots, yielding crispy results without having to swap lenses or carry extra gear.

The Panasonic FX90 touts a broader 24-120mm equivalent zoom but with a variable aperture range of f/2.5-5.9, meaning image brightness falls off sharply at telephoto ends. It’s great for travel photos where reach matters but less so for shooting handheld in dim conditions or chasing shallow depth of field effects.

In scenarios like wildlife or sports photography, the longer reach with the FX90’s 5x zoom might seem advantageous at first glance, but the slow aperture and less sophisticated AF dampen its practical utility compared to the X30.

Autofocus, Continuous Shooting & Performance

Focusing-wise, the Fujifilm X30 employs a hybrid system combining phase detection and contrast detection spread over 49 focus points, contributing to fast, reliable autofocus across lighting scenarios. It also supports continuous autofocus for moving subjects and face detection, crucial for portraits and street photography.

Panasonic’s FX90 relies solely on contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points. It’s slower to lock focus, particularly in low light or complex scenes, and lacks eye-detection or face-tracking capabilities. Continuous autofocus is supported but can stutter under fast action.

Continuous shooting speeds reaffirm this gap: Fujifilm snags a rapid 12 frames per second burst, a boon for capturing decisive sports moments or dynamic wildlife action. The FX90’s conservative 4 fps may leave you frustrated chasing unpredictable subjects.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers extensive environmental sealing, but the X30’s more robust chassis feels significantly tougher. It can take drops or rough handling a bit better than the FX90’s lightweight plasticky shell.

If you’re a traveler frequently outdoors, neither will withstand harsh weather, so consider an external protective case or look higher up Fujifilm’s lineup if ruggedness is a priority.

Displays and User Interface: Cockpit for Creativity

Browsing the backsides, the X30 sports a 3-inch, 920k-dot tilting LCD and a bright 2,360k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage. The tilting LCD caters wonderfully to creative angles and video shooting, while a rich EVF supports critical focusing in bright environments - something street or wildlife shooters will appreciate.

The FX90 sticks with a fixed, lower-resolution 460k TFT LCD and no EVF, relying solely on the rear screen. This hampers usability on bright days, where glare reduces visibility, and limits flexibility in shooting angles.

Though the FX90 brings touchscreen AF and menus, the X30’s physical dials, combined with the sharp EVF, provide a more satisfying and precise shooting experience for enthusiast photographers.

Video Features and Audio Input

Both cameras provide Full HD 1080p video options at 60/30 fps; however, significant differences emerge in usability.

The X30 permits external microphones - a huge plus if you want to step beyond basic audio and craft higher-quality videos. Plus, it includes optical stabilization to smooth handheld footage.

Conversely, the FX90 lacks external audio ports, limiting sound quality options. While also offering optical stabilization, the video codec choice (MPEG-4, AVCHD) is standard fare.

Neither supports 4K video or advanced video features, so both best suit casual videographers or those prioritizing stills.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Passion

Battery endurance is a clear Fuji win: rated at 470 shots per charge, the X30 keeps you productive well beyond the FX90’s 200-frame range. For long shooting days, the X30 means fewer battery swaps or charger hunting.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards but have just single card slots - standard for their class.

Wireless and Connectivity: Sharing Made Simple (ish)

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi, facilitating straightforward wireless image transfers to phones or computers. Neither has Bluetooth or NFC, which are newer conveniences on recent models.

Both offer USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for wired data transfer and external display connection.

Price-to-Performance: Where Does Your Money Go?

At launch, the Fujifilm X30 priced around $499, while the Panasonic FX90 came in at $227 - a striking difference reflecting the distinct design philosophies.

If you’re a cheapskate on a strict budget, the FX90 remains an appealing compact camera with decent zoom reach and touchscreen convenience ideal for casual travel and family snapshots.

The X30, meanwhile, targets enthusiasts craving DSLR-like control, vibrant image quality, and faster responsiveness. It’s a more expensive investment, but for serious users, it’s money well spent.

Specialized Use-Case Performance: Where Each Camera Shines

Now, let’s parse how these two cameras fare across major photographic genres from hands-on testing and performance benchmarking.

Portrait Photography

The X30’s larger sensor and fast lens deliver superior skin tones and creamy bokeh - eye detection AF helps nail sharp portraits even on the move. The FX90 can take decent portraits but struggles with shallow depth-of-field and sometimes misses focus on eyes.

Winner: Fujifilm X30

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution favor the X30’s X-TRANS sensor, allowing for more flexible shadow recovery and detailed panoramas. The FX90’s smaller sensor and CCD technology limit latitude, and fixed zoom aperture can make for slower shutter speeds.

Winner: Fujifilm X30

Wildlife and Sports Photography

High burst speed (12 fps) and hybrid autofocus on the X30 provide a tactical advantage capturing fast wildlife or sports. FX90’s slower 4 fps and contrast-only AF can miss fleeting shots.

Longer zoom on FX90 adds reach but is hampered by slow aperture and autofocus sluggishness.

Winner: Fujifilm X30

Street Photography

Here, the FX90’s small size and light weight make it a discreet stealth companion - though slower AF and lack of viewfinder may slow you down.

The X30 is bulkier but offers the advantage of quick manual controls and a bright EVF for precise framing.

Balanced: User preference

Macro Photography

The X30’s close focusing distance (1cm) paired with fast aperture provides better macro shots. FX90’s 3cm minimum and slower aperture limit macro potential.

Winner: Fujifilm X30

Night and Astro Photography

Better high ISO handling and reduced noise on the X30 give it serious night shooting chops. FX90’s sensor struggles above ISO 400.

Winner: Fujifilm X30

Video Production

For casual Full HD movies, both suffice, but X30’s microphone input and better stabilization take it to the next level.

Winner: Fujifilm X30

Travel Photography

X30’s versatility and battery life win for extended trips. FX90’s pocketability and zoom make it handy but require more frequent charging.

Balanced: Depends on priority (control vs. portability)

Professional Use

Neither camera suits pro work requiring ruggedness or RAW video. However, the X30’s RAW support and flexible controls make it a decent backup or street photography tool.

Winner: Fujifilm X30

Pros and Cons Summary

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Packs Your Punch?

After this walkthrough, it’s clear both cameras have roles carved out in the compact camera niche but target notably different users.

If you prioritize image quality, control, and versatility for demanding genres like portrait, landscape, or wildlife within a manageable yet robust body, the Fujifilm X30 is the smarter investment. It punches well above its weight, with technical prowess and classic handling that can comfortably replace entry-level mirrorless or DSLR bodies for enthusiasts on the move.

Alternatively, if you’re after a light, go-anywhere companion that’s easy to use with a broad zoom range, handy touchscreen, and a price tag that respects your budget, the Panasonic FX90 can deliver solid snapshots and travel photos - best suited to casual hobbyists or those upgrading from smartphones.

In my testing, the X30 simply outperforms across most critical metrics and real-world conditions, justifying its premium in the small sensor compact arena. But the FX90 remains a respectable choice for the no-fuss shooter who craves portability above all.

Whether you lean Fuji or Panasonic, knowing your shooting priorities and style will help weigh these trade-offs for your next great photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!