Fujifilm has announced its latest X-series camera, the X-T10. The mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) has many of the same specs as the X-T1 (a highly lauded camera that won our Editors’ Choice award), but in a slightly smaller and lighter body. The X-T10 also has some performance improvements.
Like the X-T1, the new X-T10 uses Fujifilm’s 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II image sensor and EXR Processor II. The X-T10’s hybrid autofocus system that has two new modes, Zone and Wide/Tracking. Both modes use 77 autofocus-points to better-track things in motion. Within the 77-point AF area, the Zone mode lets you choose a 3 x 3, 3 x 5, or 5 x 5 zone. “When combined with the AF-C continuous focusing mode, the camera continues tracking a subject in the selected zone. The 3×3 and 3×5 zones at the center, in particular, offer extra-fast focusing with the use of the built-in phase detection pixels,” Fujifilm says.
In Wide/Tracking mode, the AF system picks the area of focus and tracks it throughout the 77 autofocus points (in AF-C). Fujifilm says this “makes it possible to maintain focus on a subject that moves vertically, horizontally, and back and forth.”
The camera has a Fast AF speed of 0.06 seconds (versus the X-T1’s 0.08 seconds). It has a starup time of 0.5 seconds, shutter time lag of 0.005 seconds, and shooting interval of 0.5 seconds – similar to the X-T1.
The X-T10 has a similar look to the X-T1, but it is different. It has a less substantial grip, but its top and base plates are made from strong but lightweight die-cast magnesium. “The top plate features three precision-milled aluminum dials that give the X-T10 a premium feel and allow users to intuitively adjust the combination of aperture, shutter speed and shooting functions while concentrating on picture taking,” Fujifilm says. Unlike the X-T1, the X-T10 doesn’t have any weather-sealing attributes.
One feature that’s been added to the X-T10 is a pop-up flash. It’s something we wish the X-T1 had, so it’s a nice addition. The 0.39-inch OLED electronic viewfinder is smaller than the X-T1’s 0.5-inch EVF, but resolution stays the same at 2.360K. Fujifilm says the EVF has a lag-time of 0.005 seconds. The 3-inch, 920K-dot tilting LCD is a slight decrease from the X-T1’s 1.040K-dot resolution, but it shouldn’t be a handicap.
The X-T10, however, has a new Auto Mode Switch lever that lets the camera automatically pick the optimum settings for the scene (Advanced SR Auto) – the X-T1 didn’t have a true Full Auto mode.
We thought the X-T1’s price was a bit high when we reviewed it. The X-T10, however, comes in at less than $1,000. Body-only, it will retail for $800 when it comes out in June. You can get one with a XC16-50mm kit lens for $900, or with the XF18-55mm kit for $1,100. See below for key features.
X-T1 firmware update
If you’re an X-T1 owner or you have your heart set on this camera but would like the new autofocus features, Fujifilm has a new firmware update that essentially adds the X-T10’s new AF modes to the bigger camera.
Besides the Zone and Wide/Tracking modes, a second improvement is the autofocus accuracy. “Single-point auto focus now divides the focus area into smaller sections to more accurately determine the distance to the subject for even greater focusing accuracy,” Fujifilm says. Sensitivity is increased from 2.5EV to 0.5EV by built-in phase detection pixels. This enhancement will help with focusing in low-light conditions and on low-contrast subjects
Other enhancements include better eye, which helps focus on eyes in different conditions.; an auto macro mode that automatically switches the camera into macro mode, while simultaneously maintaining autofocus speed (this helps when taking close-up shots, especially right after taking photos of objects or scenes somewhat farther away); more natural-looking movies with smooth autofocus; improved shutter speed dial operation when set to T; exposure compensation control added to manual mode, which helps when you want to make exposure adjustments in manual exposures with the ISO auto setting.
Fujifilm says the firmware update is expected for a late-June release. It should soup-up an already great camera even further.
Fujinon XF90mmF2 R LM WR lens
Lastly, Fujifilm unveiled a new prime lens with an f/2 aperture. This 90mm lens’ optical construction (11 elements in eight groups, including three ED glass elements) minimizes the vignetting that occurs in corners, while delivering sharp images with rich bokeh (seven-blade aperture), Fujifilm says. It’s ideal for portraiture and sports photography. For this type of lens, it’s relatively compact and weighs 20 ounces, yet it gives users a minimum focusing distance of 24 inches. A newly developed Quad Linear Motor focuses as fast as 0.14 seconds, yet it offers quiet and accurate performance, thanks to four magnets that deliver higher torque. The lens is weather and dust-resistant, and the glass is coated to reduce ghosting and flare.
The lens will go on sale in July, for $950. Key features listed below.
X-T10 key features (per Fujifilm)
- 3 million Megapixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
- EXR Processor II
- Fast AF of 0.06 seconds
- Startup time of 0.5 seconds
- Shutter time lag of 0.005 seconds
- Shooting interval of 0.5 seconds
- High-precision 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder
- Large viewfinder magnification for digital cameras of 0.62x
- Wide viewing angle (horizontal 25°)
- Ultra-fast Real Time Viewfinder with a lag-time of 0.005 second and new Natural Live View with Preview Picture Effect
- Tempered glass 920K-dot high-precision 3” tilting LCD monitor
- Digital Split Image and Focus Highlight Peaking
- Completely electronic shutter up to 1/32000 seconds
- ISO200 – 6400, extended ISO 100, 12800, 25600, Auto (maximum ISO setting from ISO 400 – ISO6400 available)
- ISO setting of up to 51200 for ultra-high sensitivity that produces low noise and strong blacks in low light conditions.
- ‘Classic Chrome’ and ten other film simulation modes with eight Advanced Filter functions
- Eye Detection AF to automatically detect and focus on human eyes
- Full HD video 1080p at 60fps; bit rate of 36Mbps for clear capture of delicate movements; frame rates of 50fps, 30fps, 25fps and 24fps, supporting worldwide motion picture formats with a high bit rate of 36Mbps for high definition video capture
- Manual focus available during video recording
- Auto Macro function automatically activates the Macro mode while maintaining AF speed
- Variable aspect ratio can be selected from 3:2, 16:9, and 1:1 (square) to accommodate a wide range of photographic styles
- Interval timer shooting for time lapse photography is available with intervals of one second to 24 hours and up to 999 frames.
- Free FUJIFILM Camera Remote application and Wireless Communication function allows users to remotely shoot images from smartphones and tablets via WiFi
- Photos can be sent to the INSTAX Share Printer using the free INSTAX Share App (iOS and Android) SHARE Smartphone Printer.
Learn More: B&H
Fujinon XF90mm F2 R LM WR key features (per Fujifilm)
- FUJIFILM X-Mount is compatible with all FUJIFILM X-Series interchangeable system cameras
- Weather-resistant design with 7 sealing points for weather- and dust-resistance and operation as low as 14°F
- NEW Quad Linear Motor for 0.14 seconds autofocus speed and nearly silent operation
- Uses 11 elements in 8 groups, including 3 ED glass lens elements to reduce lateral and axial chromatic aberration
- Nano-GI coating alters the refractive index between glass and air to reduce ghosting and flare
- 7 blade aperture creates smooth and circular bokeh
- 1/3 EV steps
- Minimum working distance of approximately 24 inches.
Learn More: B&H
