The Fujifilm X-T5 and Fujifilm X-T30 II are both Fujifilm X-T bodies. The X-T5 is the newer of the two, arriving in 2022. At launch the X-T5 was 1,699 USD and the X-T30 II 899 USD, making the X-T30 II the more affordable of the two.
On paper the X-T5 is the stronger body of the two. It gives you 40.2 MP of resolution, 15 fps continuous shooting, and AI subject-detection AF, with a few smaller wins on top of that.
The X-T30 II isn't far behind. It hits back with a lighter 378g body.
So which one? If you want 40.2 MP of resolution, get the X-T5. If a lighter 378g body is closer to what you actually need, the X-T30 II is the smarter buy. And the X-T30 II costs less — 899 USD at launch.
Where the X-T5 wins
+40.2 MP of resolution
+15 fps continuous shooting
+AI subject-detection AF
+6K/30p video
+7-stop in-body stabilization
+a 3.69M-dot electronic viewfinder
+580-shot battery life
+weather sealing
+2 card slots
Where the X-T30 II wins
+a lighter 378g body
Who should buy the X-T5 or X-T30 II?
Buy the X-T5 if…
Pick the X-T5 if 40.2 MP of resolution, 15 fps continuous shooting matters to you. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-T handling. Read the full X-T5 review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.
Buy the X-T30 II if…
Pick the X-T30 II if a lighter 378g body matters to you. It also launched cheaper at 899 USD. 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.
The X-T30 II runs the 26.1 MP X-Trans IV sensor with X-Processor 4, the same combination as the X-T3 and X-T4. The X-T5 runs 40.2 MP X-Trans V with X-Processor 5. That is more resolution, but the part you notice day to day is the processor: AI subject detection that finds animals, birds, and vehicles on its own, against face and eye detection only on the X-T30 II. If you photograph pets or anything that moves unpredictably, that gap is the whole comparison.
Stabilization and sealing
The X-T5 has 7-stop in-body stabilization and a weather-sealed body. The X-T30 II has neither. On the X-T30 II you are choosing lenses to compensate — an OIS zoom, or fast primes and a steady hand — and you are keeping it dry. This is the single biggest practical difference between an entry X-T body and the flagship, more than resolution ever is.
Speed, video, and cards
The X-T5 shoots 15 fps to the X-T30 II's 8, records 6K/30 with F-Log2 against 4K/30 with F-Log, and takes two SD UHS-II cards against one. Battery life splits the same way: 580 shots on the NP-W235 versus 380 on the NP-W126S. The X-T30 II answers with size — 378g against 557g — and that is a genuine reason to keep one.
Which one to buy
The X-T30 II launched at 899 USD and is discontinued, so it is now the cheapest way into Fuji's dial-driven handling with a sensor that is still very good. Buy it if the budget is the constraint and you shoot stills in decent conditions. The X-T5 at 1,699 USD is the right buy if you want the camera to stop being the limiting factor: sealing, IBIS, subject detection, and 40 MP of crop room.
Highlighted cells are best in class between these two. Specs sourced from public Fujifilm product pages.
In-depth reviews
For the full long-form review of each camera, see the Fujifilm X-T5 review and the Fujifilm X-T30 II review. Each one carries the full spec breakdown, pros and cons, and where this body sits in the current Fujifilm lineup.