Performance
Good high-ISO image quality ensures the X-T10 performs well in low light
See more sample images taken with the Fujifilm X-T10
With the same sensor and processor as other X-system cameras going back to the 20-month-old X-E2, I wasn’t expecting any great surprises from the X-T10 with regard to image quality, and didn’t really see any either. On one level this is a good thing, as it means you get Fujifilm’s signature lovely colour rendition, via its ‘film simulation’ modes that are designed to mimic classic film emulsions. Personally, I prefer the ‘Astia/soft’ and ‘monochrome + red’ filter settings, but there’s plenty of other options to suit different tastes.
However, we’ve seen equally nice colour from the X-A2 which uses a conventional 16MP Bayer sensor, so we can’t help wonder what Fujifilm might be able to deliver using one of the latest 24MP Bayer sensors that give excellent results in cameras like the Nikon D7200. Crucially, the raw files would be rather easier to handle in third-party conversion software.
The X-T10 delivers gorgeous, punchy colours
These thoughts aside, the X-T10 generally performs very well in use. Metering is usually well judged, and because the camera provides a live preview of the exposure it’s easy enough to apply any necessary compensation without resorting to guesswork. Auto white balance tends to work well, although it occasionally drifts towards an overly cool interpretation of the scene. However if you shoot raw, you can always re-convert in-camera using your preferred settings without even having to touch a computer.
High ISO image quality has always been a Fujifilm strength, and the X-T10 accordingly delivers really nice results up to ISO 3,200 at least. One real annoyance, though, is that raw recording is limited to the ISO 200-6,400 range, and you can’t access the extended sensitivity settings unless you have raw disabled (and have also turned off the electronic shutter option in the menu). This is pretty infuriating when shooting in low light when you have no option but to boost the ISO, and I’d really like to see Fujifilm make raw files available at any setting, like every other brand. Along with the ability to use your own preferred noise reduction at high ISOs, this would also allow more effective highlight recovery at ISO 100.
