The X-T10 is the baby brother of the X-T1. Lacking some robust features in the overall build, this small camera is yet another beautifully designed Fujifilm X-Series camera. Though the outside is great, it is the innards that are the real talking point. Before we get too stuck into this I just want to make it clear that despite the fact I have had a sample X-T10 for a while I don’t know any of the statistics of the camera! I am going purely on my experiences, not comparing numbers and megapixels.
Key Points
- Huge auto focus improvement
- Small, smart design
- Significantly lighter than X-T1
- Stores SD card in battery compartment like X-Pro1
- Has pop up flash
- Pressable dial wheels which are REALLY helpful!
- Smaller EVF than X-T1 but still very good
- Adjustable screen like the X-T1
Design
So the key differences are: There is no ISO dial, instead this is replaced with the drive dial which is below the ISO dial on the X-T1. I change the ISO via the top four-way controller on the back of the camera that can be customised to your liking. I actually find this easier than the dial on the X-T1 which often requires the use of my left hand, this way I can change the ISO very quickly without having to take my eye away from the camera or use my left hand. The two other key features are the the two switches. One is for the pop up flash, the other is to switch the camera into auto mode.
Like the X-T1, the X-T10 has the same flippy screen design and generally similar button layout minus the additional Fn button. I find this button a little annoying as I do seem to press it inadvertently a lot with my palm. Particularly annoying when waiting for action and it turns on wifi functionality!
Auto Focus
This is the part that everyone is really interested in. If you haven’t already then check out this video of the impending X-T1 firmware upgrade. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaoIZXA5RMM I can confirm that these great new enhancements are also in the X-T10. The added customisability of the system makes for a much more rewarding experience. The tracking works well, it is refreshing to be able to track a subject even if it moves out of the single focus point you initially used to obtain focus. This always used to be a problem and resulted in me missing a number of action shots in the past. I think it will continue to be a thing of the past as this big autofocus upgrade should put most of those missed shots to bed and bring the X-Series much closer to its rivals in terms of auto focus performance which has always been slightly behind some competitors. The wheel on the front can again be customised, I’ve set it to select autofocus type (single point, zone or wide/tracking). You press the wheel and the option comes up in the EVF and then you scroll to your preferred method. I change the auto focus point(s) via the bottom button on the back dial. At this moment in time I haven’t used the eye detection function but I am looking forward to testing it out, surely a great feature for portrait photographers.
Image Quality
I haven’t run this by Fujifilm yet so I am reluctant to share any high resolution files from the camera as I am not clear as to whether this is a final production version or not. Having been able to access the jpeg files (currently can’t open raw files), the files show no difference to my non-pixel peeking eyes to X-T1 files. The files seem to be useable up to ISO6400, the same as the X-T1. Obviously you still have access to all the current film presets which can make all the difference in the overall feel of an image. Currently swapping between Velvia, Monochrome + Red filter and Classic Chrome, depending on the situation. 
Who is this aimed at?
This is a camera that is aimed at those looking to get into the X-Series without having to commit the extra money to the X-T1, someone wanting to upgrade from the likes of the A or M series cameras, or those seeking a second camera to an X-T1/Pro1.
Because of its size, this camera is a superb travel companion, when matched with the likes of the XF18-135mm (of which I did a lot) it makes for a superb, lightweight combo which can produce very high quality pictures and adapt to a wide variety of situations. Combine that with something like the XF35mm F1.4 and you have a brilliant ultralight travel set up.
Verdict
I had to keep on reminding myself that this is designed to sit below the X-T1 so it was unfair to expect it to be on par with a camera that is loved by many and constantly improving (the impending firmware update is VERY exciting). However it still held its own and produced images of the high image quality I associate with the X-Series. Obviously the game changer is this new auto focus system which has brought Fujifilm closer to its rivals. I remember back when I first got my hands on an X-Pro1 before it had some firmware upgrades, the auto focus was SO slow and inconsistent, and yet I still fell in love with this system because it gave you so much control and input. Now that Fujifilm has dramatically improved the weakest points of this system through consistently listening to customer feedback, the system is now a high quality, responsive set up that hasn’t lost any of that initial charm.
The ability to control every variable through switches and dials has always been one of the greatest assets of the X-Series, giving the photographer a feeling of input and control which is often lost in many modern cameras. Features like the aperture ring on all lenses, shutter speed dial and exposure compensation dial make the shooting experience that much more enjoyable and have undoubtably made me a better photographer. However for those still finding their way in photography and sometimes want to simply point and click, the inclusion of the auto switch will be appreciated by many.
Though I haven’t tried out the little pop up flash I like its inclusion as the mini flash that came with the X-T1 was all well and good but you’d often lose or forget it. However I am also happy that the X-T1 doesn’t have a pop up flash as it feels much more robust. This little ‘get out of jail’ feature will I’m sure help those who don’t own a dedicated flashgun or happen to find themselves without one at the time.
One thing I did notice was that the buffer wasn’t very large, especially when shooting RAW and JPEG fine. I found that I’d only get off around six shots before it started to slow down. The other issue when tracking fast moving subjects is the black out of the EVF which is longer than the mirror flip on advanced/professional SLRs, this can be a real problem when trying to follow a fast moving, erratic subject. Again this kind of stuff is to be expected from a camera which is priced below the X-T1.
Overall this camera has a lot going for it and depending on your current situation, could be a real asset instead of forking out for an X-T1, the difference can then be put towards some all important glass instead. Below is a small selection of images I’ve taken so far with this great little camera.
Ben Cherry Photography Blog 
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