The release of Fujifilm X S10 makes people aiming for Fujifilm X T3 wonder if they should change their goal. The newcomer S10 is apparently equipped with a bunch of better features while also being a little bit more affordable than the T3. Below, we are going to compare Fujifilm X S10 vs X T3 to find out which one is the better camera overall.
By the end of this article, you will understand better about:
- Whether the new interface on Fujifilm X S10 allows better handling, or you should stick with the traditional controls of Fujifilm X T3
- Why the lack of weather sealing on Fujifilm X S10 won’t actually bother you that much
- Why Fujifilm X T3’s lack of in-body image stabilization is a big disadvantage
- Which camera is better for video recording
- The overall performance and image quality of Fujifilm X S10 vs X T3
- Whether you should go for Fujifilm X S10 or Fujifilm X T3 to get the best value from your money
Fujifilm X S10 vs X T3: Design and Handling
Fujifilm X T3 has been around for quite some time. It used to be the company’s flagship X-mount model, but the title has been succeeded by Fujifilm X T4 (take a look at the comparison between Panasonic Lumix S5 vs Fujifilm XT4 here). It is a medium-sized mirrorless camera with a nice set of external controls. Read also: Panasonic Lumix S5 vs Fujifilm XT4.
One distinctive characteristic of many Fujifilm cameras, including Fujifilm X T3, is the old-style interface, where you get dedicated dials for adjusting the shutter speed, ISO, and exposure. Most compatible lenses also have aperture rings for control. Thus, the operation can be very quick and intuitive. Fujifilm X T3 also comes with an excellent 3.69M-dot, 100-fps electronic viewfinder. Meanwhile, the rear 3-inch touchscreen is sharp and responsive, but unfortunately isn’t vari-angle.
Fujifilm X S10 is a surprising change in terms of design. It is very, very compact for a mirrorless camera, and it departs from the tradition of dedicated dials. Instead, it is more similar to modern day’s DSLRs. It features a PASM dial and customizable wheels for control.
Is it a good change? In the end, the answer is yes. People who are used to the traditional interface certainly need some time to learn using Fujifilm X S10, but eventually the operation can be quicker than Fujifilm X T3. The customizable wheels are particularly great. You can adjust your settings without removing your eye from the viewfinder. And a lot of people are happy with the reduced dimensions.
Another advantage that Fujifilm X S10 offers is the 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen. You can adjust it to any angle, and this is a very useful capability when shooting from a difficult angle. The electronic viewfinder has a lower resolution, 2.36M-dot, but is still functional and reliable.
| Fujifilm X S10 | Fujifilm X T3 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 4.96 x 3.35 x 2.56 inches | 8 x 5.6 x 6.4 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.03 pounds | 3.1 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
Fujifilm X S10 vs X T3: Weather Sealing
Fujifilm X T3 comes with a weather-sealed body. This is a big advantage if you often go to wet or windy places with your camera. If you want a peace of mind when shooting on water, on a windy desert, or in a country where heavy rain or snow can suddenly appear out of nowhere, you may want to stick with Fujifilm X T3.
That said, for people who normally don’t take out their camera in a bad weather, the lack of weather sealing on Fujifilm X S10 is not a real problem. After all, most people won’t let their camera and lenses get wet when they are not using it, no matter if it is weather-sealed or not.
Not to mention that a simple plastic bag is enough to protect Fujifilm X S10 from rain, snow, or dusty wind. Or, you can get a thick, padded, waterproof bag for extra protection. Of course, this is only a valid solution for storage and transport, and not for actual operation in such environmental conditions.
Fujifilm X S10 vs X T3: Image Stabilization
Fujifilm X T3 does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS). So, if you want some stabilization, you have to pair it with an optically stabilized lens. This works fairly well, but relying on the lens alone won’t be as effective as a dual IS system where in-body stabilization and optical stabilization work together to deliver the best shake compensation.
Fujifilm X S10 is very attractive because it comes with IBIS. This makes it comparable to the much more expensive Fujifilm X T4 and also Fujifilm X H1. The 5-axis image stabilization works really well, even when working alone. It already offers shake compensation of up to 6 stops with an unstabilized lens. It works even better when paired with a stabilized lens.
This reason alone is sufficient to make Fujifilm X S10 more recommended than Fujifilm X T3. The stabilization performance is very good, and you will fall in love with it as you acquire shots after shots of clear, sharp images.
Fujifilm X S10 vs X T3: Other Features
For videography, Fujifilm X T3 still holds a better edge, but the advantage is rather slim. There are two things here that make Fujifilm X T3 slightly better for video recording. First, it can record 4K videos at 60fps in the 4:2:0 10-bit format internally. Neat. It can also use the 4:2:2 color sampling when recording to an external device via the HDMI output. Second, it has two memory card slots, so it can save longer videos more easily.
Meanwhile, Fujifilm X S10 can only record 4K videos at up to 30 fps. It records in the 4:2:0 8-bit format if you use a memory card – there is only one memory card slot available, hence limiting how much you can save internally – or in the 4:2:2 10-bit format if you use an external recorder.
Both models come with the company’s famous Film Simulations, which are various JPEG color profiles that mimic purpose-specific analog films. They look very artistic and beautiful. With these Film Simulations, you can get great images right away from the camera without doing post-production work. However, being an older model, Fujifilm X T3 only has 16 built-in Film Simulations, whereas the newer Fujifilm X S10 comes with 18 built-in Film Simulations.
Fujifilm X S10 vs X T3: Performance
In terms of performance, Fujifilm X S10 and Fujifilm X T3 are mostly similar. No matter which model that you choose, you actually get a 26MP APS-C image sensor. It is a backside-illuminated X-Trans chip, and it offers brilliant image quality. The native ISO range is 160 – 12,800, and is expandable to 80 – 51,200. The ISO performance is great, with a good balance between noise reduction and detail retention especially at the higher ISO levels.
They also have the same hybrid AF system. The autofocus on either camera is fast, with great performance in locking and subject tracking. Both models also benefit from the X-Processor 4 engine, which enables increased autofocus sensitivity.
A slight difference is found in the continuous shooting. Fujifilm X T3 has a faster mechanical shutter that can capture 11 shots per second. On the other hand, the mechanical shutter of Fujifilm X S10 is slightly slower at 8 shots per second. Nevertheless, when you switch to the electronic shutter, the photo burst speed is 20 fps on either camera uncropped, 30 fps with a 1.25x crop.
Conclusion
Fujifilm X S10 is generally better and more recommended. It is cheaper, yet it comes with IBIS. It also has a more compact body and a fully articulating display. Fujifilm X T3 is a good choice only if you really need a weather-sealed camera.