The New King of Compact Flash: Why the Godox IT30 Pro is the EF‑X20 We’ve Been Begging For
The Long Wait for a True Successor
For years, as a photographer working across portrait, editorial, music, and fashion in London, I watched the humble Fujifilm EF‑X20 become something of a cult object. It was compact, elegant, and visually harmonised with the Fujifilm X‑Series cameras. For travel work, street sessions, or lightweight shoots, it had charm. But in the fast-paced, equipment-heavy demands of professional workflows, it increasingly felt like a compromise.
As time went on, it was discontinued, the second-hand market inflated, and yet the underlying tech remained effectively stuck in the past. What I needed was a flash that could match my methodical lighting workflow: fast recycle, modern connectivity, and multi-light ecosystem compatibility. That’s why the arrival of the Godox IT30 Pro feels like a genuine leap forward—not just an incremental update, but a professional tool geared for now.
What Made the EF‑X20 So Loved
I kept the EF‑X20 in my kit for a long time and understood why many Fuji shooters did the same. Its appeal came from several aspects:
Compact Form and Integration
The EF‑X20 was lightweight and small, feeling like a natural extension of Fuji’s X bodies rather than a bulky add-on. For mirrorless shooters, this visual and ergonomic harmony matters.
Simplicity and Tactile Control
In an age of menus and multifunction controls, the EF‑X20 kept things manageable. It offered TTL and manual modes, a built-in wide panel for short focal lengths, and simple exposure/emission controls. On lighter shoots, that simplicity was a virtue.
Minimal Size, Good for Fill Flash
While the power was limited, it fulfilled the role of a small fill-flash or travel companion. For minimal setups, it made sense. Many photographers viewed it as a “nice to have” lightweight flash rather than the primary lighting tool.
The Practical Issues: Why It Didn’t Work for Heavyweight Professional Use
While I respected the EF‑X20, certain limitations became deal-breakers for serious work.
Recycle Time and Power
Its guide number was low for full power, which is fine for small fill-light tasks, but my shoots often require bouncing light, high ambient plus flash, or quick multiple bursts. Recycling on 2× AAA batteries could take around 5–6 seconds. On a live music shoot or location portrait in low light, that meant missed moments.
Battery Limitations and Practicality
It used two AAA batteries, which limited output and reliability. Especially on location or long sessions, carrying spares, worrying about battery drain, and dealing with slower performance was a detractor.
Feature Gaps for Modern Workflows
The EF‑X20 lacked built-in radio wireless triggering, robust high-speed sync (HSS) support, and the kind of integration we expect now in multi-light setups. For me, running a multi-light shoot, working with assistants, stylists, models, and varying ambient light, these missing pieces added friction.
The Godox IT30 Pro: How It Solves the Weaknesses
Enough about the old. Here’s how the IT30 Pro addressed every major barrier and provided meaningful upgrades.
Fast Recycle Time & Modern Battery
It uses a built-in lithium-ion battery with recycle time around 1.5 seconds at full power and hundreds of full-power flashes per charge. That change alone drastically improves professional usability. No more waiting, no more dropped shots due to slow flash.
Wireless System & Multi-Light Integration
The IT30 Pro features Godox’s 2.4 GHz X-System radio built in. It can operate as both Master and Receiver for other lights. This means I can integrate it into a broader lighting ecosystem seamlessly. It’s no longer just a foot-mounted fill flash—it becomes a node in a larger lighting setup.
High Output in Compact Form & Professional Features
Despite its small size, it has a much higher guide number than the EF‑X20. It supports TTL, HSS up to 1/8000 s, has a clear interface, USB-C charging, and built-in diffuser/panel options. All of this in a body that remains compact and travel-friendly.
Better Value and Future-Proofing
While the EF‑X20’s second-hand price rose due to scarcity, the IT30 Pro offers much more capability at a lower cost. Its feature set aligns with current demands—fast-paced shoots, editorial lighting, on-location reliability.
What It Means for My Professional Workflow
Let me translate those specs into how it impacts my workflow:
Portrait Sessions: I can confidently plan multi-light setups, bounce off ceilings in a studio or location, blend flash and ambient light, and fire repeatedly without worrying about recycle. With the EF‑X20, I was limited to quick fill or simple setups.
Editorial / Fashion Shoots: Time is tight. Lighting setups must adapt fast, subjects move, and the environment changes. The IT30 Pro keeps pace. The EF‑X20 would force compromises.
Music / Live Work: Stage lighting is unpredictable. Musicians move, bursts of light matter. A flash that can recycle quickly and integrate with other gear matters. The IT30 Pro delivers; the EF‑X20 struggles.
Travel / Minimal Kits: One could argue the EF‑X20’s compact size still has value. But with the IT30 Pro, you gain that compactness and professional power, making it a better travel companion even for minimal setups.
Conclusion: Long Live the King
The Fujifilm EF‑X20 was once a go-to for compactness and form, but now its limitations make it a relic for serious work. The Godox IT30 Pro solves the critical pain points—speed, battery, power, integration—and delivers a modern, professional-grade flash in a compact form.
For photographers who demand performance, reliability, and versatility—especially in portrait, editorial, fashion, and music work—the IT30 Pro isn’t just a “nice upgrade”; it’s a must-have tool. In my bag today as part of my lighting kit, it’s already an essential. The king is dead. Long live the king.