New Camera.....Fujifilm X30!

I have been looking for a new camera, something that was better suited for Street Photography. I wanted a smaller camera, something that would be easier to carry all day long on the street. I wanted something that would still be recognized as a camera (something that a camera on a phone doesn't) but they wouldn't immediately identify as a "pro" camera. I was looking for something that people would see and know I am carrying a camera but one that wouldn't make people feel uncomfortable about it. I wanted a smaller camera, but not one that was so small that people would think I am trying to be all "sneaky" about taking their pictures.

I have been using the FujiFilm HS25EXR "Bridge/SuperZoom" camera for the last few years, it an amazing camera with a great manual zoom lens. I have gotten some really amazing landscape and wildlife shots with this camera. However I find it combersome and heavy when I am doing Street Photography. As an example, a year or so ago we were down in Toronto's Kensington Market neighbourhood, my wife had never been and her Son loves it down there. He loves some of the shops and stores, especially the vintage clothing stores. Well I had my HS25 and I felt it was too big going in and out of the shops. That is when I started researching cameras.

I have done a lot of research, both "print" reviews and video blogs on YouTube. I have been a FujiFilm guy for years, but I also researched cameras by other company's such as Sony, Canon, Leica and others. However I found myself drawn to two particular cameras......both by Fujifilm. I was drawn to the X30 and the X100T cameras. I really liked the X100T, with it's single focal length lens, it's "Hybrid Viewfinder" and other advanced features. However I didn't like the near $1400 price tag on the X100T. Based on the reviews I also was interested in the X30. I liked the manual zoom, the class leading EVF(for the size and price range), and the advanced film simulations and the new WiFi features. I eventually decided on the X30, which at the time of my purchase was on sale for $200 off.

So far I am liking the X30, I haven't done much shooting with it yet, but so far I am happy with the camera. I will post some shots in the near future once I get the chance to really get out and put the camera through it's paces.