Fujifilm X30 vs Canon T5

I have had my Fujifilm X30 for about nine months now, and I have had my Canon T5 for a couple months. Which do I prefer? My answer might suprise you.

Both cameras are great cameras. Both take great photos. However if I was to name a favourite camera between the two I would have to say I prefer the X30. Why?

The number one reason is the viewfinder. I would rather have the electronic viewfinder of the X30 over the optical viewfinder of the Canon. I find the focal points on the Canon T5 had to see, especially in low light or against a dark background. Where as the focal points are much easier to see on the Fuji. And the Fuji has more focal points and more options as where the camera will focus. Also you can increase/decrease the size of the focal area with the X30. Another bonus is the overlay options that the Fuji offers, such as the "Rule of Thirds" overlay which is only available on the live view screen on the back of the Canon and not on the viewfinder.

Another thing that I prefer on the X30 is the menu systems on the camera. I find the menu's on the X30 easier to understand and navigate. The Canon is a little more confusing and seems to more limited. The "Quick" menu on the X30 makes it so much easier to make adjustments. And the customization on the X30's buttons is a lot better than with the Canon.

I also prefer the dials on the X30 over the Canon. I like to be able to make adjustments to exposure on the X30 quickly with the compensation dial over trying to find it in the menus on the Canon. This is something that would make the Canon T5 much more comfortable to use and shoot with. The other dials and controls on the X30 makes it a much easier and enjoyable camera to use. The Fuji also offers more customization of the function buttons as well.

Other things I prefer on the X30 include the tilt screen, film emulations and in camera special effects and filters. They are much more advanced and easier to access on the X30.

The Canon T5 has its advantages as well, including price, availability of accessories, better low light performance, bigger sensor/more megapixels. It is a better camera for portraits and landscapes.

For the majority of the types of shooting that I do I would rather use the FujiFilm X30 over the Canon T5. All this considered I do plan on upgrading to a better Canon DSLR over a FujiFilm mirrorless system. This is mostly based on price of the camera and availability and price of the lens and accessories. Canon cameras are more compatible with "third party" accessories than the Fuji cameras are. If I could afford to buy a more advanced Fuji mirrorless system such as the XPro2, I would. But I can get two good Canon's for the price of one good Fuji camera. I am not talking about "Pro" grade DSLR's but rather the Hobbyist or Enthusiast grade of cameras such as the T6I/S or the 70D (or 60D or 80D).