Fuji X-T1 vs X-T10

Fuji X-T1 vs. X-T10

Introduction

Fujifilm will be releasing a new camera on May 18th, 2015. The new Fujifilm X-T10 is in many ways similar to their flagship mirror-less camera the X-T10, but will come at a lower price of $799 (body only). Despite the name and similarities in form between these two cameras, the XT10 is more the successor of the less popular rangefinder style X-E2 when it comes to marketing position than the X-T1. The reality is that, since the X-T1 is currently Fujinon’s best selling mirror-less camera ever, it made more sense to produce a lower priced DSLR type body than a successor to the X-E2.

For those of you in the market for a new Fuji camera, I thought a Fuji XT1 vs. XT10 might be useful.

Fuji X-T1 vs. X-T10 comparison

Fuji X-T1 vs X-T10 comparison

 

Sensor

Both cameras have the same 16.3 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor. Although it’s about time that Fujifilm developed a higher megapixel version of their X-TRANS 2 sensor, it is still highly regarded and will cater to most photographers needs. ISO capabilities have not changed, with a minimum ISO 200 when shooting RAW (extended to ISO 100 in JPEG) and a maximum of ISO 6400 for RAW images (extended to 51,200 in JPEG).

Autofocus system

The XT10 also has the same Intelligent Hybrid Auto Focus system with 49 individual AF points in a 7 x 7 grid and nine central phase detect points. AF tracking has always been a weakness of Fujifilm cameras, but a new operating system unlocks a new array of autofocus modes and options. The firmware adds a new ‘Zone’, and ‘Wide/Tracking’ style that uses ‘spilt’ AF points (77) across a wider area.  The Zone mode has either 3×3, 5×3 or 5×5 focus zones designed to work with the continuous AF mode, where the centre AF point tracks moving objects. With the Wide/Tracking mode, the camera tracks moving subjects across the full 77-point AF area, not just following horizontal and vertical movement but also back and forth movement. A new Firmware 4.0 upgrade will be released for the black and graphite X-T1 too with this new functionality.

One of the most exciting developments is the addition of a traditional mode dial that will allow you to change the XT10 to something like the P/S/A/M exposure mode. It’s a big change for Fuji, who seem to be expanding from a full or semi-manual operation to the ability to shoot in Auto mode. Auto mode automatically detects the scene you’re shooting and adjusts parameters accordingly. I’m sure their consumer research department figured that this was a lacking feature that was hurting sales, especially in the advanced amateur segment.

Fuji X-T1 vs X-T10 comparison

Body, Dials and functionality

The XT10 is around 10% smaller and lighter at 118.4mm x 82.8mm x 40.8mm and weighs 381 gr (XT1 is 129mm x 89.8mm x 46.7mm 440 gr). As a cost-cutting measure, weather proofing was omitted from te XT10. A feature that I’m sure many photographers are not willing to pay extra for. It does have five dials, although the ISO dial from the XT1 is now a mode dial as I explained earlier. It also has a hot shoe and is rumoured to feature a built-in flash as well.

No compromises have been made when it comes to the Electronic viewfinder. And as we know the XT1 has one of the best EVF’s out there with 2,360,000 dots. 0.62 x magnification, 100% coverage and a 0,05 lag time. The 3 ” LCD screen has a slightly lower resolution of 920,000 dots and is fixed, as opposed to the tiltable LCD with 1,040,000 dots.

You’ll still be able to control the camera via Wi-Fi with the Fuji remote app for Ios and Android, and transfer images to your smartphone or tablet.

You’ll be able to fire around 350 shots with the unchanged NP-W126 battery. Mirror-Less cameras use the sensor to get your image to the EVF, so this means the sensor is always on, making them burn through batteries fast. Make sure to get at least one extra battery if you want to be able to shoot all day. (I have four, and at times it’s barely sufficient).

The X-T1 can use UHS II memory cards (around 280MB/sec), which means you’ll be able to record eight photos per second. The X-T10 can’t use UHS-II memory cards at top speeds, so sequential shooting and saving will be slower.

Video

The same video options are available: 1080p 60/50/30/25/24 fps (with manual exposure). We’ll have to wait until the next serious Fuji camera update (I mean with a new sensor) to have better video functionality. I would currently not advise you to buy any Fuji camera if you’re serious about video. It’s fine for an occasional movie for non-professional use though.

Fuji X-T1 vs X-T10 comparison

Conclusion

The Fuji X-T10 has a lot going for it. In fact when comparing the Fuji XT1 vs. XT10; there are few differences. You’ll be able to take the same images with this smaller and cheaper camera, and if you don’t mind the lack of weather proofing and the new mode dial, I would seriously consider buying the new X-T10.

I would not go for the Kit lens XC 16-50 mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II, instead start with the excellent Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-f/4.

Purchase and availability

The Fujifilm X-T10 is now available for purchase worldwide here: Fujifilm X-T10 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body is now available for purchase, with XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens, Black $1,099.95 with Free Expedited Shipping

 

 

wim arys

Wim Arys is a photographer from Belgium Europe with a passion for mirrorless cameras.

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5 Responses

  1. Tim says:

    Hi Wym. Thanks for this. I’ve bought the X-T10 and am using it ‘on approval’ while my camera store gets the X-T1 silver in from another store. My plan is to then see both cameras ‘face to face’ and then make a final decision – keep X-T10 or get full refund and go X-T1.

    I’m new to Fuji so this trial period allows me to get used to the Fuji set-up while the alternate camera is on its way. My early thoughts are that I love the set up but I must say that I found the ergonomics a bit awkward on this X-T10. I don’t have particularly large hands but I find it a bit difficult to hold firmly without accidentally pressing the Q and other buttons like the menu button, which are located very close to the rear thumb grip. Feels like it needs another 5mm width to be safe. More than once I found I was re-adjusting settings rather than taking the shot I wanted and consequently the scene had changed and I missed the shot completely.

    I am an ‘enthusiastic amateur’ so will be using my final choice for travel (incl cold conditions – Greenland last year was -15C at midday!), landscapes, street photos and family stuff. I have a 18-135 Fuji lens (lovely but might contribute to the awkward ergonomics on the X-T10?) and am also looking to get the 27mm pancake.

    Will let you know how I go with my choice. Thanks for the opportunity.

    • wim arys says:

      Hi Tim, yes please let me know what you decide. I think for your needs, the X-T1 will be a better fit. It’s weather-proofed and balances better with the larger lenses. You can always add a grip if you feel it’s not there yet.

      • Tim says:

        Hi Wim, well I decided on the X-T1 before I read your reply to me – so you are right! The X-T1 has much more comfortable handling, is more robust but not much heavier than the X-T10 and, as you say, better balances the 18-135 lens. Couldn’t resist the silver graphite and nor could I resist a 27mm pancake lens which has been partly offset by Fujifilm’s current $AUD200 cash back promotion on the X-T1, a trade in on my Canon and as I’m heading overseas soon I will get a tax refund of about $AUD300. So a good time to buy.

        Have installed the firmware updates for both the camera and the 18-135 lens and the set up works well for me and my relatively modest needs. I have no need for video for example. I particularly like the top adjustment dials on the X-T1 which remind me of my old Minolta X-GM I had back in the 80s. The photos I’ve taken so far look nice and crisp, with good colour. I see I can play with adjustments in-camera or wait ’til I get the shots into Lightroom where I have plenty of pre-sets and Nik plug-in opportunities. So far so good! Thanks again.

  2. Rita says:

    Hi Tim,
    I also decided on the X-T1. I played with the x-T10 in a camera store and i found it too small and awkward in my hands, not comfortable. I am coming from a canon 5D mark 2 so anything is smaller.

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