Something Very Special!!!!

On April 22nd, I was very happily at the Fujifilm National Sales Meeting to speak to the Fuji U.S.A. team.  While with the troops I had the pleasure to see a number of new products.  I got to hold and shoot a few images with the new Fuji X-T10.  I was not allowed to share much at that time and yesterday I received a new production camera serial number 56L00003, the third new camera!!  I was able to get it because I’m speaking at the unveiling in Nashville at Dury’s Camera on June 20th. Fuji wanted me to shoot some images with the camera of that event, and I requested one for me, as part of the deal!

This is not a technical review but a first impressions blog entry, but I have to say, this is going to be a very successful camera! I’ve seen many less expensive models introduced by many camera companies and in every case they have been downsized physically and sadly have lost lots of their most important features from the older brother in the line.  Of course the X-T10 is somewhat less of a camera than the X-T1 at a price reduction of 40%,  you would expect that, however, the X-T10 is missing none of the most important features of the older brother.  It does features the same sensor, same processor, and makes identical images to the top model!!  It lacks the water resistance, and has a slightly less aggressive viewfinder.  However in the two days I’ve been shooting and switching back and forth between it and the X-T1,  I don’t find it to be of great significance. The size and weight is very refreshing, I can see it as a wonderful travel camera where weight and bulk really matters.  It features the new auto focus system that t he X-T1 will get when Firmware 4.0 is available in a couple of weeks. Trust me this is going make the X-T1 a significantly better camera,.  Don’t you just  love “Kaizen”!  Below are some comparison shots of the operating controls and size perspective;

The feature most anticipated in this camera and Firmware 4.0 is the Focus Tracking feature and after a little test I can attest to how terrific it works.  I first tested the cameras with the 50-140 f 2.8 lens, which I was sure it would work great, and it did.  I was less hopeful for a lens I use a great deal the 18-135.  Good news, that lens worked just as well and nailed every shot from a truck coming toward me at 60 mph!  Is the system now sports worthy and a threat to Canon and Nikon?  We will see, but there is no question that Fuji is continuing to make the X-T1 and the new X-T10 capable of a lot more than what we once thought they were made for!  This is a significant step forward.

Below are three of the frames that show how tack sharp each and every frame was, like these.

The new Fuji X-T10 is also available in a Chrome color scheme, which is not only somewhat handsome, but the same price at the black model.

While it was not really necessary I went out and made a few images with the 35 f 1.4 , (one of my favorite lenses), Those are below, I think you will agree the X-T10 accounted for itself very well indeed!

O.K. some general impressions:  Do I miss the ISO dial?  Not really.  How about the water residence?  Truthfully, if it is pouring rain I go inside, or break out out and umbrella. I’ve found the non-water resistant cameras to do pretty well in light rain.  Is it too small?  No, but I think an “L” bracket from Really Right Stuff with a right side enlarged grip like the X-E2 unit would  make it nearly perfect!  Anything I simply love?  You bet; the shutter release is threaded so I can go back to my manual releases, which I love!!  The shutter release is also soft and very predictable.  The pop-up flash is completely hidden and works very, very well, you can hardly tell a flash was used, which is how it should be!  The control dial on the upper left top of the camera offers two BKT  positions which is very handy so if you want to have two different brackets set-up,  like film simulation and exposure compensation you can dial in the one you want, very handy indeed! Another convenient feature of this control know is two advanced filter choices, set-up in advance you can dial in quickly any special filter you use often, very nice!  Double exposure and panorama (which works fantastic, by-the-way), can also be dialed in, very simple, and very appreciated!

The Bottom Line:  Fuji has brought us a very affordable way to get into the Fuji X System and use all those glorious lenses. If you want a lighter camera for travel, a back-up for your X-T1, or are just entering the X System for the first time, I think you will find this camera a delight!  One thing is for sure, if they want this one back they will have to come and get it!!!!

Blessings,

the pilgrim

Just-for-the-record:  I shot lots of photos of eating establishments, I did not eat at any of them today, but have in the past, just for the record!