Fuji XT1 vs. XT10: Detailed comparison and review

The Fuji XT1 and XT10 are remarkably similar cameras.  In fact, they are so similar that if you look at the specs side by side, you'd be really hard-pressed to justify the extra cost of the XT1.

When I dumped my Nikon full-frame camera and switched to the Fuji XT1 a few weeks ago, it took me a lot of research to figure out the differences.

Although the Fuji XT1 was first available in January 2014 and the XT10 was released in May 2015, the XT1 has had so many major firmware updates that it has all of the same new technology as the XT10.

But there are significant similarities and difference.  I'll break the differences up in this post between (1) What's different, (2) What's the same, and section (3) will cover which one I recommend.

What's Different Between the Fuji XT1 vs. the XT10?

• The Fuji XT1 is a few hundred dollars more expensive than the Fuji XT10
• The viewfinder on the XT1 is bigger
  • The resolution of both viewfinders is the same
  • The refresh rate on both viewfinders is the same
• The XT1 has more dials to control settings.  You have to go in the menu for some things on the XT10.
  • The XT10 has NO ISO dial.  For me personally, this is a huge annoyance.  That's one of the main reasons why I chose  Fuji–dials for everything!  However, the XT10 at least has a little switch that can allow you to switch between auto ISO and the ISO that you have set in the menu.  That's nice to at least have that, but it ruins the beautiful simplicity of changing the exposure on the XT1.
  • The exposure mode dial is missing on the XT10.  Can't really see anyone caring much about this.  I rarely change mine.
  • The XT1 has a focus assist button
• The XT1 is weather sealed
• The XT1 has a much larger buffer (47 photos at 8fps).  The XT10 only has an 8 shot buffer.  This means that if you're shooting frames as fast as possible, the XT10 will need to pause for a break much much sooner.
• The XT10 has a built-in flash, the XT1 has a removable accessory flash
• The XT1 has a better kit lens available (18-135)
• The XT1 is heavier
• The XT1 is physically larger by around 25%
• The XT10 has more of a rubbery feel to the body that some users feel gives them better grip, but other users find can rub your hands raw after a while
• Some of the XT1 dials have a lock so they can't be accidentally bumped
  • XT10 has dials that are pushed more to the center of the top of the camera, so they are a little less likely to accidentally bump.  Not locking, but still not easy to bump
• The Fuji XT10 uses many cheaper materials (plastic) on the body, which makes it feel cheaper than the XT1.  However, it also makes it lighter
• The Fuji XT10 has a lower resolution LCD screen (920,000 pixels vs. 1,040,000 pixels on the XT1).  Frankly, you'd be very hard pressed to see that difference in real life.
• According to this page, the XT10 has a more substantial thumb rest (small bump on the back of the camera)
• The XT10 does not have contacts on the bottom of the camera to connect with a battery grip that holds a battery.  So if you get a grip for the XT10, it won't give you another battery.
• The XT10 does not have a flash sync port, which I can't imagine many people caring about since wireless hotshoe flash has almost entirely taken over the industry.
• The XT1 supports UHS-1 and 2 SD cards.  If you use a UHS-II card on the XT10, you won't get any speed improvement.

What's the Same in the XT1 and XT10?

• Same sensor
• Same processor
• Same autofocus features in XT1 firmware version 4 as the XT10
• Same battery life
• Same max mechanical shutter speed (1/4000)
• Same frame rate (8 pictures per second)
• Same low light performance
• Just about everything else you can imagine that isn't mentioned above, is also the same

Which Camera I Recommend

For me personally, the XT1 was the best choice.  I like having all three exposure dials and wouldn't compromise there.  I also need a very well weather sealed camera, because I've ruined a few in the past from shooting in downpours and in harsh environments.

However, I would much rather shoot an XT10 and have another nice lens, than shoot an XT1 without the extra lens.  So if there is any doubt that you'll be able to get all the lenses you want in your budget, just buy an XT10 and save a few hundred dollars.

Remember that the XT10 is going to produce the exact same image quality, so there really should be no hesitation in choosing it.  Plus, we all know that Fuji is very likely to release an X-Pro 2 in 2016, so if you save money on an XT10 today and want to upgrade in a year, you'll have saved some money.

If you're buying the Fuji XT1, please click this link to buy on Amazon.  If you're buying the Fuji XT10, please click on this link.  Buying through those links gives Improve Photography a much appreciated commission, and you don't pay a dime more.  I really appreciate your support.

Further Reading

If you're a DSLR shooter and you're looking over the fence longingly at the Fuji system, you may like reading my article about switching from a full frame Nikon to a Fuji XT1.