The X30 replaces the manufacturer’s X20, which was previously the flagship compact in the range.

It comes boasting a large 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor with 12 megapixels of resolution. Like its predecessor, the X30 omits an optical low-pass filter, allowing it to squeeze as much image quality as possible from its sensor.

The big news though is the new electronic viewfinder, replacing the optical model found on the X30’s predecessors. It’s got a magnification of 0.65x and a minuscule display lag time of just 0.005sec – according to Fujifilm this makes it the largest and fastest viewfinder in its class.

Indeed the Fujifilm X30 is a speedy customer in most respects, with 12fps continuous shooting, a startup time of 0.5sec, shutter time lag of 0.01sec and phase detect AF that can deliver focus in just 0.06sec.

Elsewhere on the camera is a high-precision f/2-2.8 28-112mm optic with a metal barrel and minimum focusing distance of 1cm.

The controls have been reworked from the previous iterations, with a new control ring positioned behind the manual zoom control that allows immediate change of aperture and shutter speed settings. A control ring setting button at the front can also be used to control functions like ISO sensitivity and white balance.

The buttons at the rear have been reworked too, now resembling he setup of the X-E2.

A number of film simulation modes have been bundled in with the X30’s creative filters, including ‘Classic Chrome’. The X30 is also capable of recording Full HD movies at 60fps, with 50fps, 30fps, 25fps and 24fps options also available.

The Fujifilm X30 will be available around mid-to-late September, priced £479.