Fujifilm X-T10 Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Fujifilm X-T10 is a brand new mirrorless compact system camera from Fujifilm, that features classic SLR styling, with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), and is like a mini X-T1, priced at £499 body only, £599 with XC16-50mm kit lens, or £799 with 18-55mm kit lens. The X-T10 is available now, in silver or black with all kit lenses being black. The X-T10 has been introduced with a new Fujinon XF 90mm f/2.0 WR lens.

Fujifilm X-T10 Features

The camera uses the same 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor as the X-T1 with built-in phase-detection focus. This new camera, the X-T10, features the same focus improvements that have been introduced in the latest firmware update for the X-T1, which includes: Face detection with eye detection, wide-area tracking, and zone area focus. The X-T10 features Fujifilm’s conventional 49-point AF mode for high speed and precision focusing, as well as new Zone and Wide/Tracking modes that track subject movement across a larger 77-point area, significantly improving the camera’s ability to capture moving targets. Like the X-T1, the X-T10 features 8fps continuous shooting with continuous auto focus. 

The X-T10 features a high-resolution 2.36m dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a fast refresh rate, using a 0.39inch display, with 0.62x magnification vs 0.77x magnification on the X-T1. The rear screen tilts up and down, like the X-T1, but has a slightly lower resolution of 920k vs 1040k on the X-T1.

The X-T10 is more compact than the X-T1 with a body measuring 118.4mm (W) x 82.8mm (H) x 40.8mm (D), and weighing approx. 381g (including battery and memory card), compared to 129mm x 89.8mm x 46.7mm and 440g (inc battery and memory card), for the X-T1.

The camera features top and base plates made of die-cast magnesium, as well as high-quality aluminium dials, but the camera is not weather sealed. To make the camera easier to use the X-T10 features an Auto mode lever that can be used to quickly switch the camera into fully automatic mode, regardless of what settings are on the dials, which will be useful if passing the camera to someone else to use, or for when you quickly want to capture a moment without having to check the settings on the camera. 

Key Features:

• 16.3mp APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor
• Ultra sonic vibration sensor cleaning system
• SD card (UHS-I) compatibility
• 3inch tilting screen, 920k dots
• 0.39inch EVF, 2.36million dots, 0.62x magnification
• ISO100 to ISO51200 (extended)
• 30s to 1/4000s (mechanical)  1/32000s (electronic) shutter speeds (plus bulb)
• 8fps continuous shooting with AF-C (8 frames)
• FullHD video recording 60/50/30/25/24p (at 36Mbps)
• Built in pop-up flash (GN5 at ISO100)
• Wi-Fi built in allows remote control and transfer
• 350 shot battery life

Fujifilm X-T10 Handling

The X-T10 looks good and feels well built with a large (squishy) rubber thumb grip at the rear, and a good sized grip at the front for your right hand. The grip can be extended further with an optional grip that is also available. The camera also features front and rear control wheels, plus a front switch for focus (Manual, Continuous, Single).

The top dials from the left: the first lever is to release the pop-up flash, then there is the drive mode dial, with options including panoramic, multiple exposure, Adv1, Adv2, Single shot, continuous low, continuous high, bracket 1 and 2. Next is the flash hot-shoe. Shutter speed dial, which can be set to A (for Automatic), plus a new Auto switch, which can be used to switch the camera into completely automatic mode, where the camera will automatically recognise the scene and set the camera settings appropriately. On/off, shutter release, exposure compensation and video record button finish the top plate. It looks like the only dials missing compared to the X-T1 are the ISO and metering dials, although there are less function buttons as well, with just one featuring on the back. 

On the rear of the camera (starting from top left) you'll find: Delete and playback buttons followed by the EVF with eye detection sensor and dioptre correction. There is also a view mode button to let you manually set whether to use the screen, or EVF. Other buttons include AEL, a command dial, AFL, Q button, Menu/OK button surrounded by 4-way controller, display/back button and finally the Fn (function) button.

The screen is good, although when using the X-T10 outdoors in bright sunlight, the electronic viewfinder becomes very useful as the screen becomes more difficult to view. The resolution of the electronic viewfinder (EVF) is very good, but we couldn't help but feel that the view is a little small, as the opening to look through appeared quite small compared to other cameras we had to hand. The macro button is no longer needed, as the focus system will automatically switch to macro focusing when needed. On the left of the camera body, there is a Mic / Remote (2.5mm jack) socket, but no flash sync socket.

Camera Remote Main Menu	Remote Control	Image selection

Wi-Fi features - You can shoot remotely using Fujifilms Remote Camera app available for iOS and Android devices, and this lets you remotely control and shoot with the camera as well as start/stop video recording. You can select photos to transfer to the smartphone or tablet, or receive photos sent from the camera. In addition, you can use the app to add GPS / geotagging information to photos. The app is quite easy to use and has a good level of options when shooting remotely. 

Battery life - Battery life is rated at 350 shots according to Fujifilm / CIPA test results, which is good for a mirrorless class of camera - although we would recommend a spare battery if you plan on shooting more, and extended use of Wi-Fi and flash is likely to drain the battery more quickly. The memory card and battery compartment can be found underneath next to the tripod socket, which is not centrally aligned.

Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.

When shooting with continuous AF tracking active the active focus area becomes much smaller, compared to the normal focusing mode which covers a wide area of the image. Tested with the 18-55mm, f/2.8-4 OIS lens. 

Fujifilm X-T10 Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Fujifilm X-T10 Sample Photos

Sample Photos - Portrait photos taken with flash show low levels of red-eye, particularly in the auto mode where the camera automatically selects the best settings for you including red-eye reduction flash. Exposure is reliable with the camera taking bright colourful photos, in a variety of shooting conditions, and results are very pleasing with good levels of detail straight from the camera, even when shooting JPEGs. Dynamic range is good, and this can be extended by using the Dynamic Range setting, or shooting raw.

Fujifilm X-T10 Lens test images

Lens Performance - Images show good levels of detail whether shooting at the wide-angle end of the lens or the telephoto lens, and the 18-55mm f/2.8 lens performed well in our full review of the lens. Built in optical image stabilisation helps get shots in low light or when using the zoom. Macro performance of the 18-55mm f/2.8 lens isn't the best, and for better results a dedicated macro lens is recommended. The lens is quite resistant to flare and there is minimal barrel and pincushion distortion. Image quality benefits from the Lens Modulation Optimisation built into the camera to deliver sharper photos when a smaller aperture is used.

Fujifilm X-T10 ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance - Noise is low with excellent levels of detail up to and including ISO1600. Detail remains good at ISO3200, but drops off slightly at ISO6400 as noise increases. ISO performance is impressive at high ISO settings, with good results at ISO12800. ISO25600 may even be usable in some circumstances, although ISO51200 is best avoided. The extended ISO range includes ISO100, ISO12800 and above, and it's not possible to shoot RAW with these ISO settings. 

Fujifilm X-T10 White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well with a very slight colour cast under tungsten lighting, with the tungsten preset giving a slightly more accurate result. AWB performs very well under fluorescent lights, with the fluorescent preset giving a magenta colour cast.

Fujifilm X-T10 Digital filters

Digital Filters - There are numerous film simulation modes selectable, and the camera will also record the RAW file making it easy to go back to the standard version. When shooting using one of the advanced filters the camera only records JPEG files. Panorama mode - The camera features an automatic panoramic mode, where you simply press the shutter release button and pan the camera from one side to the other. Results are very good, and well stitched together, with a fairly high resolution image produced.

Video - Movie options include the ability to set the ISO speed manually from ISO400 to ISO6400, or leave the camera on Auto ISO. You can also adjust the mic level, however there are only four settings from 1 to 4. The resolution and frame rates available are fulHD 1920 x 1080 at 60, 50, 30, 25 and 24fps. Video quality is good, although for best results a tripod is recommended. 

Value For Money

The Fujifilm X-T10 is available for £499 body only which makes it excellent value for money, at the same price as the Fujifilm X-E2, and alternative cameras with an electronic viewfinder include:

Olympus OM-D E-M10, 16mp Micro Four Thirds, 8fps, FullHD, £399 body only
Panasonic Lumix G7, 16mp Micro Four Thirds, 8fps, 4K video, £599 body only
Panasonic Lumix GM5, 16mp Micro Foud Thirds, 5.8fps, FullHD, £449 body only
Sony Alpha A6000, 24mp APS-C, 11fps, FullHD, £425 body only

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Fujifilm X-T10 Verdict

The Fujifilm X-T10 is a more compact, more affordable version of the highly acclaimed Fujifilm X-T1, and with the same image sensor and image quality as the X-T1, the Fujifilm X-T10 is an excellent performer. The X-T10 benefits from advancements made to the focus system and shoots at the same 8fps with continuous auto focus as the X-T1. The X-T10 is smaller, has a built in flash, and costs less, whilst still maintaining excellent controls giving direct access to shutter speed, exposure compensation and drive mode, making the camera a joy to use. Whilst the electronic viewfinder is smaller than the X-T1, the EVF has a very high resolution of 2.36 million dots, and looks excellent with bright vibrant colours. The Fujifilm X-T10 is an excellent mirrorless camera, and would make an excellent choice for those looking for high image quality without the size and bulk associated with the typical Digital SLR. 

Fujifilm X-T10 Pros

Excellent value for money
Excellent image quality
Excellent handling and controls
Low noise and great detail
High resolution electronic viewfinder
7-8fps continuous shooting
Built in pop-up flash
Built in Wi-Fi 

Fujifilm X-T10 Cons

Screen not great in bright sunlight
Raw not available for all shooting modes and settings

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

The Fujifilm X-T10 delivers the excellent image quality of the X-T1 in a smaller body offered at an excellent price.

Fujifilm X-T10 Specifications

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