Fuji’s X-T1 is still one of the top APS-C mirrorless camera options available, so when Fuji announced the X-T10, a cheaper alternative to the X-T1, many wondered if this was the camera for them. I have had a great few weeks with the new X-T10 and was sad to have to return it to Fuji a few days ago. Here are my final thoughts on Fuji’s new budget SLR-styled camera.
The X-T10 brings a lot to the table in terms of feature upgrades and improvements over the X-T1 (though most have now been added to the X-T1 via firmware updates). But how does it perform? Simple. As you would expect it to.
The X-T10 and X-T1 share the same 16MP Fuji X-Trans sensor that Fuji has recycled in most of their latest x-series cameras. So image quality and all of those sort of things are virtually identical between these two cameras.
The X-T10 just works. The menus are easy to use; the response is quick and snappy. The AF performance is top notch for an APS-C mirrorless camera, being both quick and accurate. I dare say it; this is Fuji’s best bang-for-the-buck camera right now.
That said, the performance doesn’t wow me. It’s pretty much what we have seen before from Fuji, and so I am only going to give it an average 3 out of 5 stars.
Sample Images
As stated above, the sensor and IQ are virtually identical to the other recent X-series cameras. But for the sake of example, here are some sample shots. Click on the image to view a larger size.
Being a cheaper alternative to the X-T1, you would expect for the X-T10 to be missing features and functionality. While there are some things missing (no weather sealing for one), the majority of the features and functionality that you loved about the X-T1 are also present in the X-T10.
But just as I mentioned above, the X-T10 really doesn’t bring anything new to the table over Fuji’s other offerings, just doing it for cheaper. The one big addition, a true pop-up flash, is excellently hidden but is sadly underpowered (even for a pop-up flash) making it something I would almost never use.
For this reason, I am again giving the X-T10 a solid 3 out of 5 stars for its average/expected feature set.
What can I say, I am a sucker for these SLR-styled Fuji X-T cameras. The X-T10 is no exception, and while having a similar look to the X-T1, side by side, the X-T10 clearly has its own look.
The only real issue I had with the camera was with the placement of the SD card slot. As I mentioned in my initial thoughts post, the SD card slot is located right next to the battery, and the hinge from the door can make it more difficult than it should be to get your card out.
The big change from the X-T1 to the X-T10 on the top was the switching out of the ISO dial on top for a mode dial. While I missed having the quick ISO control, I also really liked being able to quickly change my shooting mode without having to jump into a menu.
I am fully confident giving the X-T10 a solid 4 out of 5 stars for design. It is similar enough to the X-T1 to satisfy those wanting a cheaper X-T1, while still standing on its own.
Quality is not an issue for the X-T10. It combines a great build quality with solid design principles and it makes this an awesome camera. Unfortunately, this is one area where you see the cost saving measures compared to the X-T1, one of those being no more weather sealing.
That is not to say the X-T10 will crap out on you if you get it a little wet or you drop it on a sandy beach, but it will not hold up as well as the X-T1. Given its spot on the ladder below the X-T1 and its market position, this was an understandable and logical move from Fuji.
4 out of 5 stars for quality.
The value of this camera is pretty great. If you want the kit, you can get it for around $1100, a $100 savings when compared to the X-T1 body only. If you want just the X-T10, no lens, then you can pick it up for $799, which is a crazy savings of around $400 compared to the body only X-T1.
It almost makes the X-T1 a bad purchase, because the IQ and functionality of the two cameras are nearly identical. The only reason to get the X-T1 is if you want that ISO dial, a slightly better build, and weather sealing. If you can get by without those things, the X-T10 is clearly the better deal.
The X-T10 scored a respectable 3 out of 5 stars on our rating scale. The only things holding it back in my opinion are the lack of new features, price aside, that set it apart from the other X-Series cameras and a few design annoyances. But don’t let the average 3-star rating fool you, this is a killer mirrorless offering. If I was buying a new Fuji, this is definitely the camera I would be getting.
If you like what you see and want to add the X-T10 to your kit, you have a few options. The camera comes in two flavors, gray and black, both of which are available in Kit and Body Only options. You can find them all over at B&H here.
