Fujifilm X-A10

Review of the Fujifilm X-A10

The Fujifilm X-A10 is an affordable entry point into the X-Series line of digital cameras. It is in the beginner line up available at an affordable price below the X-A3 version.

It is a new interchangeable lens camera, which sits at the budget end of Fujifilm’s X-range.

Fujifilm X-A10 features a 16.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that delivers outstanding image quality. It enhances easy operation and wireless image transfer for quick photo sharing.

The camera is capable of recording 1080/30p video and creating 360-degree panoramas.

It features the Fujifilm X mount and is available to buy as part of a kit with the XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.

Fujifilm X-A10 has an inbuilt flash, Wi-Fi, Full HD video recording, and manual and semi-automatic exposure modes.

It is available to buy for around £499 / $499, including the 16-50mm lens, making it around £50 cheaper than the X-A3.

Introduced in December 2016, the X-A10 stands out from the previous X-A3 for lighter weight and easy to handle body.

Battery life is rated at 410 shots, which is quite good for a CSC and means there is no need to charge the battery too often.

Construction features of the Fujifilm X-A10

The camera offers an extended ISO range of ISO100 to ISO25600, with the standard range being ISO200 to ISO6400.

The X-A10 features a retro black and silver design. On the back, there is a tilting screen, and the screen tilts down, as well as forwards, making it ideal for selfies or group photos. The top cover and front plate are made of plastic, and the top dials are made of aluminum, improving the feel of the camera.

Advantageously, it records full HD video at 30fps, with stereo sound. There is also an electronic 5-axis image stabilization available while recording.

Wi-Fi is built-in, and this supports direct printing to the Instax Share SP-2. One can send images to a smartphone, and use Fujifilm Camera remote to remotely control the camera, as well as send location (GPS) data from the smartphone to the camera to geotag photos.

The Fujifilm X-A10 feels quite good in the hand, with the faux leather covering giving the camera a more premium feel. The top dials are made of metal, with a reassuringly solid feel to them, giving a boost in confidence.

Viewing angles are good, and the screen is bright and clear, with good color reproduction. Ideally, the tilting screen makes it possible to angle the screen for the best view, which helps with visibility when using the camera outdoors in bright light. 

In comparison to X-A3, Fujifilm X-A10 weighs 8 grams less, at around 331 grams excluding the battery. Therefore, it goes without saying, that such a measure immediately suggests that this entry-level is perfect for any type of travel or street photography.

It is of the same size as Fujifilm X-A3 and measures 117 x 67 x 40 mm but slightly lighter than the previous model.

Like all cameras in this price range, the Fujifilm X-A10 is not weather sealed. It cannot withstand extreme climatic situations, dust, and rains.

Photos quality and the shooting experience

The 24-megapixel sensor gives a high image quality of an average image size of 8 MB. Images straight from the Fujifilm X-A10 are warm and nicely saturated, displaying a pleasing color that is characteristic of Fuji cameras.

There is a pleasing amount of detail visible, throughout the sensitivity range. For instance, images taken at ISO 3200 at 100%, makes it clear to see some image smoothing taking place. This effect is of more improvement when shooting at ISO 6400.

Noise is under control throughout the sensitivity range. Images taken at high sensitivity settings gives a good scope to apply own noise reduction in post-processing depending on the kind of balance a photographer wants to achieve.

Automatic white balance copes well with a variety of lighting conditions, producing images that are slightly on the warm side under artificial lights.

The XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens is a good one for starters and achieves some very nice results. For shallow depth of field effects, a photographer may consider investing in a prime lens, which offers a wider aperture.

Using different film simulation modes is a good idea for experimentation with colors. The standard setting (Provia) is a good option for most subjects, while the Velvia setting works well when in boosting saturation. The Classic Chrome option gives a lovely film feel, while the Black and White option is a flavor for many.

The Fujifilm X-A10's maximum shutter speed is 30 seconds in the Manual mode; however, it has a bulb mode that allows exposures up to 60 minutes long, which is excellent for night photography.

Equally, it records full HD video at 30fps, with stereo sound. The detail is good, with the video featuring the same excellent color reproduction as photos, and film simulation are available as well. The electronic image stabilization function delivers the five-axis image stabilization that combines optical and electronic stabilization. Video has a data rate of 36/38mbps. 

Fujifilm X-A10: prices and kits for sale

The Fujifilm X-A10 is available for £449 with a 16-50mm lens. This makes it a good value for money and convenient for starters.

After a while, however, a photographer will feel the need to buy lenses with longer focal lengths, to expand the range of action.

At a disposable budget, a photographer can buy a Fujifilm X-A3 for less than £50 more, which comes with a higher resolution sensor, a touch-sensitive screen, and a hotshoe for adding accessories. 

My opinion on the Fujifilm X-A10

The Fujifilm X-A10 offers the great Fujifilm color reproduction of Fujifilm X-series cameras.

It has great noise performance from the 16-megapixel sensor. Dynamic range is easily expandable using the DR options, and there are several film simulations available.

With two command dials, it is easy to change settings on the camera. 

There is no touch screen, but the tilting 3-inch screen gives good shooting possibilities, and there is a relatively large range of lenses available, with even the entry-level XC lens performs well.

Overall, the Fujifilm X-A10 is a great little camera for those just starting photography, but one can perhaps get more value for money by plumping for the slightly more expensive X-A3.