The X-M5 leads on more headline specs, but the X-T30 II counters on a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder and 380-shot battery life.
Also searched as XT30 II vs XM5, and in the other order as XM5 vs XT30 II.
Not sure which one fits? Take the Fujifilm camera quiz and we will score both bodies against your answers.
The Fujifilm X-T30 II and Fujifilm X-M5 are Fujifilm APS-C bodies from different lines — the X-T and the X-M. The X-M5 is the newer of the two, arriving in 2024. At launch the X-T30 II was 899 USD and the X-M5 799 USD, making the X-M5 the more affordable of the two.
On paper the X-T30 II is the stronger body of the two. It gives you a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder and 380-shot battery life.
The X-M5 isn't far behind. It hits back with AI subject-detection AF, 6K/30p video, and a lighter 355g body.
So which one? If you want a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder, get the X-T30 II. If AI subject-detection AF is closer to what you actually need, the X-M5 is the smarter buy. And the X-M5 costs less — 799 USD at launch.
Buy the X-T30 II if…
Pick the X-T30 II if a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder, 380-shot battery life matters to you. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-T handling. Read the full X-T30 II review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.
Buy the X-M5 if…
Pick the X-M5 if AI subject-detection AF, 6K/30p video matters to you. It also launched cheaper at 799 USD. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-M handling. Read the full X-M5 review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.
| Fujifilm X-T30 II | Fujifilm X-M5 |
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Pros and cons mirror the in-house X-T30 II review and X-M5 review.
Both bodies use the 26.1 MP X-Trans IV sensor, so base image quality is a wash. The X-M5 pairs it with X-Processor 5 instead of X-Processor 4, and that changes three things: AI subject detection instead of face and eye only, 6K/30 with F-Log2 instead of 4K/30 with F-Log, and a longer film simulation list that includes REALA ACE and Nostalgic Neg. For anyone shooting JPEG, that last one matters more than it sounds.
The X-T30 II has a 2.36M-dot EVF. The X-M5 has no viewfinder at all — you compose on the vari-angle screen, full stop. If you shoot in bright sun, wear glasses, or simply like a camera at your eye, that decides it immediately and nothing else on the spec sheet will change your mind. If you shoot at arm's length and record yourself talking, the X-M5's screen flips to face you and the X-T30 II's does not.
The X-M5 is the smallest X-series body at 355g, against 378g for the X-T30 II — closer than the shape suggests. The X-T30 II gives you the classic top-plate dials and 380 shots CIPA; the X-M5 runs simpler controls, built-in microphones, and 330 shots. Both take a single SD card and neither is weather-sealed.
Stills first, with a finder: X-T30 II, and it is discontinued so you are buying used. Video first, or a small camera for a creator workflow: X-M5, which launched at 799 USD, is still current, and has the newer processor. The X-M5 is the better camera on paper for most people; the X-T30 II is the better camera for someone who wants to shoot through a viewfinder.
| Spec |  X-T30 II2021 · $899 |  X-M52024 · $799 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Release year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Launch price | 899 USD | 799 USD |
| Status | Discontinued | Current |
| Sensor & Image | ||
| Megapixels | 26.1 MP | 26.1 MP |
| Sensor generation | X-Trans IV | X-Trans IV |
| Processor | X-Processor 4 | X-Processor 5 |
| ISO range | 160–12800 | 160–12800 |
| Autofocus & Burst | ||
| AF points | 425 | 425 |
| Subject detection | face-eye | ai |
| Burst (fps) | 8 | 8 |
| Video | ||
| Max video | 4K 30p | 6K 30p |
| Codec | H.265, H.264 | H.265, H.264 |
| Log profile | F-Log | F-Log2 |
| Physical | ||
| Stabilization | None | None |
| Viewfinder | EVF (2.36M dot) | None |
| LCD | 3" tilt touch | 3" flip touch |
| Weather sealed | No | No |
| Weight | 378g | 355g |
| Storage | ||
| Card slots | 1 | 1 |
| Card types | SD UHS-I | SD UHS-I |
| Power | ||
| Battery | NP-W126S | NP-W126S |
| Battery life (CIPA) | 380 shots | 330 shots |
| Software | ||
| Film sims | 7 | 9 |
Highlighted cells are best in class between these two. Specs sourced from public Fujifilm product pages.
For the full long-form review of each camera, see the Fujifilm X-T30 II review and the Fujifilm X-M5 review. Each one carries the full spec breakdown, pros and cons, and where this body sits in the current Fujifilm lineup.