Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10 – Which Should You Go For?

This review has to do with the comparison between the Sony a7 vs Fujifilm XT10 and we must say that this is pretty comprehensive.

Not enough time to go through the entire article? Quickly go check out the comparison overview and comparison table sections as they both contain what you need to know in bite sizes.

Nonetheless, we do recommend that you read through the entire article. You could also check out some of our other Sony-Fujifilm articles like the Sony a7 Vs XT1.

Comparison Overview — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

Overall Review of the Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

The Sony a7 has a better sensor resolution than the Fujifilm XT10(24 megapixels to 16 megapixels).

It is also more sophisticated than the Fujifilm XT10 camera. For instance, the Sony a7 camera is weather sealed while the Fujifilm XT10 is not weather sealed.

In addition, the Sony a7 is the better camera in the aspect of low ISO, pixel pitch, shutter speed and autofocus system.

On the other hand, the Fujifilm XT10 is the better in terms of high ISO and continuous shooting speed.

In our opinion, the Sony a7 is the superior of the two cameras in terms of the different types of photography (daily, portrait, street, landscape and sports). It is also the preferred choice in the aspect of video operations.

Price/Value Ratio – Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

The Sony a7 and the Fujifilm XT10 cameras are both afforbale (although the Fujifilm XT10 is more affordable). With a proper examination of the qualities and features present on the cameras it is our opinion that their respective prices are commensurate with their respective features.  

About The Brands

Sony

Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational company. It has a diversified business system which includes consumer and professional electronics, entertainment and gaming. The company also offers financial services.

Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronic products for both consumer and professional markets. It is a leading player in the film industry that has a reputation of producing standard products such as lenses and cameras.

Fujifilm

Fujifilm is a Japanese multinational company that specializes in different diversified business systems which include document solutions, digital imaging, medical imaging, cosmetics, regenerative medicine and stem cells. For the course of this review, Fujifilm produce cameras, optical devices, optical films for flat panel displays and photofinishing equipment.

This brand has been around for a long time. It is known for being one of the best cameras in terms of still photography. This company is renowned for making some of the best APC models.

Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10 – Comparison Table

	Sony a7	Fujifilm XT10
Announcement Date	22-01-2014	19-05-2015
Body Type	SLR Style mirrorless	SLR Style mirrorless
Max Sensor Resolution	24 MP – Full frame CMOS sensor	16 MP  APS – CMOS X-TRANS II sensor
Weight	474g	381g
Dimensions	(127 X 94 X 48)mm	(118 x 83 x 41)mm
ISO	50 to 25600	100 TO 51200
Continuous Shooting	5 Frames Per Second	8 Frames Per Second
NFC Connection	Yes	No
Environmental Sealing	Yes	No
Battery Life	340 shots	350 shots
Min Native Light Sensitivity	50 ISO	100 ISO
Max Native Light Sensitivity	25600 ISO	51000 ISO
Area	855.62 millimeter square	368.16 millimeter square
Max Resolution	6000 x 4000	4896 x 3264
Timeline Recording	With downloadable app	No
Built-in Flash	Yes	None
Number of Focus Points	117	77
DxO Overall Score	90	Not tested
DxO Color Depth	24.8	Not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	14.2	Not tested
Available Lenses	102	49
DxO Low Light ISO	2248	Not tested.
GPS	None	Optional
Screen Resolution	1230k dots	920k dots
Shutter Speed	1/8000 second	1/4000 second
Viewfinder Magnification	0.71	0.62
AF tracking	No	Yes
Max Flash Synchronization	1/250s	None
Headphone Port	Yes	No

A Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10 Comparison Video

Which Is Better Under What Circumstance? — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

Sony a7	Fujifilm XT10
The Sony a7 camera is the better of the two cameras when it comes to the aspect of focusing while framing. Its 117 focal points make it easier to obtain clear pictures with better level of precision.	The Fujifilm XT10 is the better of the two cameras when a photographer has to freeze action while shooting in a fast paced environment. The 8 frames per second continuous shooting rate is responsible for this.
This camera could also come in handy in situations where the photographer needs to freeze actions. And the 1/8000 second shutter speed is responsible.	The Fujifilm XT10, is the more affordable of the two cameras.
The Sony a7 has a good low light ISO rating. The photographer, with the help of this camera, is able to get a balanced exposure in overly lit areas.	This camera is easier to carry around by the user on walking trips, vacations and beach visits.
The Sony a7 has a headphone port which comes in handy in video recording	The Fujifilm XT10 is also the preferred choice in areas where the photographer has to frame in a lowly lit environment. Its high max ISO rating is responsible for this.
The Sony a7 is also the preferred option of the two cameras when they have to film in harsh weather or environmental conditions. And this is because it is weather sealed.	The Fujifilm XT10 also has the timelpase recording option. This allows the photographer play back captured image at a frame rate faster than that at which it was recorded.

Common Features — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

1. Video Resolution

The Sony a7 and the Fujifilm XT10 both have good video recording capabilities. Both cameras can record 1920 by 1080 videos.

In addition to the fact that the two cameras have good video resolution, they can also be used to record these videos at a good speed.

That is, both cameras can record videos at 60 frames per second. This makes it possible to use the camera to record video (including cases where the objects are fast moving) with precision.

2.  Face Detection

Face detection helps the user set the focus better when capturing the face of the targeted image.

A camera with face detection has the ability to detect as many as 10 human faces at once when it is set in this mode. This is the best setting to use when a photographer has to snap group photos.

To get a good image when the camera is set in this mode, the user should ensure that the targeted face takes up the larger part of the photo. The photographer also has to ensure that the camera is well lit. Lastly, the photographer should ensure that the subject stays still as much as possible.

This feature is one of the reasons why the Sony a7 and Fujifilm XT10 are of relevance in street photography.

3. Auto Exposure (AE) Bracketing

In digital photography, bracketing is the technique that entails the photographer taking several shots of the same image, albeit with different exposure settings.

Auto Exposure bracketing comes into play most times when the photographer doesn’t know the right exposure that will bring out the beauty in an image. Most beginners (rookies) are faced with this dilemma when they have to frame in tricky light conditions.

When the photographer sets the camera in this mode, the camera will be able to take a series of 3 shots; one at normal exposure, another at a darker exposure and the last at a lighter exposure.

Auto exposure bracketing ensures that the photographer gets quality imaging in environments where the light condition is nothing to write home about.

4. Wireless Connection

Wi-Fi connection is the  type of connection that allows devices share data between one another or with other users through the internet. In this kind of transfer medium, cables, cords and wires are not needed. As of now, this mode of transfer is the fastest.  

This type of connection can also be used to reach a wider audience globally as it can be used to upload content directly to the internet. The internet connection also gives the camera access to online storage platforms.

5. Articulating Screen

An articulating screen are the types of screen that are adjustable. They can be repositioned in different directions.

A camera with an articulating screen can be used to obtain a quality image in a crowded place without one having to contort oneself into uncomfortable positions. Positioning the screen right, you can get the right images.

In conclusion, we say that the tilting screen is one of the factors that makes the two cameras relevant in street photography.

6. Microphone Port

This port is provided for the attachment of an external microphone to the camera.

External microphones have been proven to be better than the on camera microphone. One of the reasons is that the external microphone only captures necessary sound while the on camera microphone tends to capture mechanical noise that results from handling the camera.

7. External Flash

The external flash is the better type of flash. It could be used to light objects that are at a distance up to 10 meters away from it.

External flash can be used to bounce the flash light around in a more creative way, helping to obtain better image quality.

The external flash also has its own dedicated power source. This allows the external flash have a recycle time that is faster and shorter than that of the inbuilt flash. With the short recycle time of the external flash, the photographer will be ready to capture every photography opportunity.

8. Smartphone Remote Control

The provision for a camera to be controlled using a smartphone could be a lifesaver in certain conditions.

One criterion for this such communication that the photographer must have the camera app on his phone. This way the photographer has full access to the camera.  

It is also important to state that the smartphone and the camera have to be connected over a shared internet connection.

9.  Battery Life

The Sony a7 and the Fujifilm XT10 both have poor battery life. The Sony a7 has a battery life of 340 shots while the Fujifilm XT10 has a battery life of 350 shots.

10.  RAW Support

In digital photography, RAW format is that in which the camera records all the data from the sensor.

This format helps you record files in their highest quality which, in turn, gives you room to tweak and edit the pictures to get the best possible quality. And this is the major difference between this format and the JPEG format.

When shooting images using the RAW format, you get to record higher levels of brightness. And the higher the level of brightness an image has, the smoother the transitions of tones.

The most impressive thing about the RAW format is that the photographer gets to choose what will be included in the final image. This is not the same with other formats such as the JPEG format where the camera solely decides what and what will be included in the final image.

11. Continuous Shooting

Continuous shooting is mostly employed in the aspects of photography that involve quick motion. It presents the photographer the opportunity to select from a wide range of options.

This way, the photographer gets to pick the image with the best quality. This feature has relevance in certain aspects of photography including wildlife coverage, sport coverage and street photography.

The Sony a7 has a continuous shooting rate of 5 frames per second while the Fujifilm XT10 has a continuous shooting rate of 8 frames per second. And while there is a noticeable 3 frame difference, both rates are still alright.

12. Viewfinder

A viewfinder is more like the eyes of the camera. It is the component with which the photographer composes and focuses on his or her targeted image.

There are basically two kinds of viewfinders and one of them is the electronic viewfinder. The electronic viewfinder (which both cameras have) has a good refresh rate. That also ensure that there is no production of grain in the pictures even in low light.

Both cameras also have identical viewfinder resolutions. The Sony a7 has a viewfinder resolution of 2359k dots while the Fujifilm XT10 camera has a viewfinder resolution of 2360k dots.

A Sony a7 Demonstration Video — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

Unique Features Of The Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

1.  Maximum Sensor Resolution

Sensor resolution is a property of the camera sensor which defines the number of individual light sensing areas on the camera sensor.

The Sony a7 has a sensor resolution of 24 megapixels while the Fujifilm XT10 has a sensor resolution of 16 megapixels. We could see from this alone that the Sony a7 is better equipped to capture and produce images of higher quality than that of the Fujifilm XT10.

That said, we must mention that the sensor resolution (albeit the major decidind factor) is not the only factor that determines the image quality. The sensor pixel area and pixel pitch also play a role in determining what the quality of the final image will look like.

The Sony a7 has a pixel area of 35.65 micro squared meter while the Fujifilm XT10 has a pixel area of 23.04 micro squared meter.

Also, the Sony a7 has a pixel pitch of 5.97 micro meter while the Fujifilm XT10 has a pixel pitch of 4.8 micro meter. The ratings of the two cameras in the above stated aspects further state the superiority of the Sony a7 to the Fujifilm XT10 in terms of image quality.

All these allow the photographer more flexibility in terms of cropping images and printing larger pictures. For instance, the maximum print size of the Sony a7 is 30 x 20 inches (which is a really good quality) while that of the Fujifilm XT10 is 24.5 x 16.3 inch (which can pass for a good quality).

2.  Weight

The Sony a7 weighs 474 grams while the Fujifilm XT10 weighs 350 grams. And while neither camera is especially heavy, the 124 gram difference is pretty significant. Significant enough to be the difference between the camera you take hiking and the one you leave at home.

3. Silent Shutter Options

Another difference between the Sony a7 and the Fujifilm XT10 is the fact that the Sony a7 has the silent shutter option setting while the Fujifilm XT10 does not have the silent shutter option setting.

Shooting in this setting affords the photographer the ability to shoot discretely. This could be a blessing when the photographer has to shoot wildlife or in places where camera noises will not be appreciated.

4. Autofocus Points

Autofocus points are the points with which the camera focuses on a subject. They are put on cameras to help increase the  level of precision.

The Sony a7 has 117 autofocus points while the Fujifilm XT10 has 77 autofocus points. This is largely responsible for the superiority of the Sony a7 in the aspect of sports photography.

5. Headphone Port

Headphones are relevant in photography, particularly in the aspect of video recording as it helps to review the quality of sound as the video is being captured.

The Sony a7 has a headphone port while the Fujifilm XT10 camera does not. This is an advantage to the photographer using the Sony a7 camera as it helps the photographer record videos that have better audio quality than the ones recorded using the Fujifilm XT10.

6. Environmental Sealing

Environmental sealing entails the protection of the internal parts of a camera from unfavorable external conditions such as moisture, humidity and dust.

The Sony a7 camera is weather sealed while the Fujifilm XT10 is not. Genarally, weather sealing varies from one camera to the other. The Sony a7 camera in particular is splash and dust sealed.

Another benefit is the fact that it helps to ensure the longevity of the camera.  As a result of the fact that the camera is immune to adverse conditions, the internal parts of the camera are protected and by so doing they do not get damaged.

7. Max ISO

ISOs tell us how sensitive the sensor of a camera is to light.

The Sony a7 has a maximum ISO rating of 25600 while the Fujifilm XT10 camera has a maximum ISO rating of 51200.

Maximum ISOs are often used when photographers have to shoot in areas or environments that have poor lighting. In other words maximum ISO is used in areas where the level of native light present is low.

It is a known fact that the higher the ISO at which a photographer shoots (especially in terrible light conditions), the higher the rate at which the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. This in turn leads to the photographer obtaining quality pictures.

8.  Built-in Flash

An in-built flash is the flash which originally comes with the camera. It helps to produce properly exposed pictures sometimes. The inbuilt flash is a life saver in situations where the natural lighting is insufficient, say indoor or a poorly lit area.

The Fujifilm XT10 camera has this type of flash while the Sony a7 camera does not. It pops up when manually or automatically triggered and could also be hidden or locked down when not in use.

The in built flash could help save money as it does not require its own power source. Another advantage of the inbuilt flash is that it is always available and isn’t a heavy consumer of battery power.

9. Low ISO

Low light ISO is normally employed in situations were there is over-exposure; situations in which the level of lighting is excessive. The use of low ISO in such a situation helps to balance the level of exposure in order to get a well lit and well exposed picture.

The Sony a7 camera has a low light ISO rating of 2248 while the Fujifilm XT10 is not rated in this aspect.

10. Maximum Shutter Speed

In digital photography, shutter speed is the unit of measurement used to ascertain the period of time for which the shutter of a camera will remain open when an image is being captured.

The shutter speed and aperture control the amount of light reaching the sensor. So, the higher the shutter speed, the lesser the amount of light that enters the camera.

Hence, the need for photographers to shoot at high ISO to compensate for the small amount of light that is coming into the camera through the shutter.

That said, the Sony a7 has a shutter speed of 1/8000 second while the Fujifilm XT10  has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second. As a result, the Sony a7 will do a better job of freezing objects than the Fujifilm XT10.

11. Near Field Communication Connection

The Near Field Communication connection feature is present in the Sony a7 but absent in the Fujifilm XT10.

Near Field Communication connection is a short distance transfer medium used to establish a connection between devices through application of the principle of magnetic field induction.

The NFC connection is an added luxury for the photographer that uses the Sony a7 as it can play the role of an alternative in cases where the in built wireless connection messes up. This way, the photographer always has an option (a viable one at that) of transferring files no matter the circumstances.

A Fujifilm XT10 Demonstration Video — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

Unique Pros Of The Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

Pros of the Sony a7 — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

1. Firstly, the Sony a7 has more megapixels than the Fujifilm XT10.
2. The Sony a7 camera also has the anti alias filter which helps to avoid the development of artificial patterns on images.
3. In addition, the Sony a7 camera has a larger sensor than the Fujifilm XT10. This helps to ensure better quality imaging.
4. The Sony a7 camera also has richer and more accurate colors than the Fujifilm XT10.
5. Also, the Sony a7 camera has a headphone port that enables the photographer monitor the audio quality when recording.
6. The Sony a7 camera has a wider spectrum of light and dark details by virtue of its large sensor pixel area.
7. Furthermore, the Sony a7 camera has the better performance of the two cameras in low quality light.
8. In addition, the Sony a7 camera has a larger screen resolution than the Fujifilm XT10. This helps to see images more clearly.
9. Also, the Sony a7 has more lenses available to it than the Fujifilm XT10 camera. The Sony a7 has 102 lenses compared to the 32 lenses available for the Fujifilm XT10.
10. The Sony a7 has more optically stabilized lenses than the Fujifilm XT10. The Sony a7 has 23 of such lenses while Fujifilm XT10 only has 9 optically tabilized lenses.
11. In addition, the Sony a7 has the silent shutter option that eliminates noise produced from the camera shutter.
12.  The Sony a7 camera also has a higher mechanical shutter speed than the Fujifilm XT10. This allows it to freeze action better.
13. The Sony a7 camera has Near Field Communication connection. This serves as a reliable alternative to the wireless connection in case it malfunctions.
14. The Sony a7 camera has a good low ISO rating. This helps to improve the performance of the camera in over exposed areas.
15. The Sony a7 camera can also be conveniently charged through its USB port. This can not be done using the Fujifilm XT10.
16. The Sony a7 camera also has cross type auto focus points. This allows the photographer focus on images easily.
17. Lastly, the Sony a7 camera is protected against water and dust.

Pros of the Fujifilm XT10 — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

1. To start with, the Fujifilm XT10 camera has a faster continuous shooting speed than the Sony a7 camera. This makes it easier to capture all the moments in a fast moving environment.
2. The Fujifilm XT10 has time lapse recording that helps to carry out low frequency shooting.
3. Also, the Fujifilm XT10 is the lighter of the two cameras. This makes it easy to transport around.
4. Lastly, the Fujifilm XT10 camera has an in built flash. This allows the photographer to brighten deep shadow areas when shooting.

Unique Cons Of The Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

Cons of the Sony a7 — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

1. The Sony a7 camera is not compatible with UHS memory cards.
2. Furthermore, the Sony a7 camera is also poorer than Fujifilm XT10 camera in terms of high ISO.
3. Also, the Fujifilm XT10 camera doesn’t have an built in flash.
4. Lastly, the Sony a7 camera has a slower continuous shooting speed than the Fujifilm XT10.

Cons of the Fujifilm XT10 — Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

1. The Fujifilm XT10 is not weather sealed. This may lead to the shortened life of the camera on the long run.
2. The Fujifilm XT10 has a restricted ISO range when it is ued in RAW capture mode.
3. Also, the Fujifilm XT10 camera has a shutter that makes so much noise when in use.
4. The Fujifilm XT10 has fewer lenses that are compatible with it than that of the Sony a7 (49  to 102 of the Sony a7). This could limit the photographer in terms of creativity in some cases.
5. In addition, the Fujifilm XT10 camera has a focus system that is inferior to that of the Sony a7.
6. Lastly, the Fujifilm XT10 has no Near Field Communication connection.

Common Pros Of The Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10.

	Sony a7	Fujifilm XT10
Inbuilt Wireless Connection	This allows the photographer achieve seamless transfer of files from the camera to other devices.	Same as the Sony a7.
Face Detection Focus	This feature makes it easy to focus on targeted faces especially when carrying out portrait photography.	Same as the Sony a7.
External Flash Shoe	The Sony a7 camera has an external flash shoe. This makes it possible for the photographer to use external flash with the camera.	Same as the Sony a7.
Tilting Screen	The Sony a7 camera has a screen that can be tilted.	Same as the Sony a7.
Auto Exposure Bracketing	This feature helps he photographer solve exposure issues in tricky light situations.	Same as the Sony a7.
Microphone Port	This helps the photographer get the best audio quality possible with this camera.	Same as the Sony a7.
Video resolution	The Sony a7 camera has good video recording abilities.	Same as the Sony a7.
Viewfinder	This helps the photographer frame easily.	Same as the Sony a7.
RAW Support	This ensures that all the details of an image are kept intact.	Same as the Sony a7.
Smartphone remote control	The Sony a7 camera can be operated and controlled using a smartphone.	Same as the Sony a7.

Common Cons Of The Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

	Sony a7	Fujifilm XT10
Battery	The Sony a7 camera did not live up to expectations in the aspect of battery capabilities. The battery life of the camera is short.	Same as the Sony a7.
Bluetooth	The Sony a7 camera is not bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth connection has proven to be a vital medium of file transfer as it is faster than other media of file transfer (excluding Wi-Fi). The absence of this feature is mostly felt when the photographer has to send files to other devices and they do not have internet access.	Same as the Sony a7.
Image Stabilization	The Sony a7 does not have the sensor based image stabilization feature. This could result in the development of blurs in the image captured as balance is very key in obtaining a good quality image.	Same as the Sony a7.
Touch screen	The Sony a7 camera lacks a touch screen feature. This leaves the user with no option than to navigate and control the camera with the mostly annoying buttons.	Same as the Sony a7

What People Think About Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10

Sony a7	Fujifilm XT10
The Sony a7 has received good reviews from users. To start with, the users are in love with the fact that the camera has a good sensor resolution. They appreciate the fact that this makes it easy to obtain quality images. Secondly, many photographers are fascinated with the fact that the camera has a good shutter speed. They say this helps them to freeze action easily. Thirdly, the users love the numerous autofocus points on the camera. They say this  makes it easy to focus on targeted images and increases their level of precision. Lastly, users love that the camera can be used to record quality videos.	The Fujifilm XT10 has also gotten good reviews from users. To begin with, people like the fact that the camera has a built-in flash. This, they say, allows them to carry out flash photography with ease. Secondly, users love that the camera can conveniently carry out video operations. A good number of users also love the fact that the camera is light and compact. They love that it can be transported around easily.   Many photographers also love the fact that the camera has a good sensor resolution. This helps them to achieve quality imaging.
The major complaint that photographers have concerning the Sony a7 is the fact that the camera has a poor battery life.	The major complaint that photographers have concerning the Fujifilm XT10 is the fact that the camera does not have weater sealing. They also don’t like the fact that they can only shoot at a restricted ISO when shooting RAW.

Sony a7 Vs Fujifilm XT10 – Our Take

Sony a7	Fujifilm XT10
We consider this camera a good camera for different levels of photographers. We love the fact that the camera has a good resolution. And are also impressed with the size of its sensor. The camera has the better ratings in all the aspects of photography. This automatically makes the camera our preferred choice for photography purposes. This camera is also our preferred choice for carrying out video operations of the two cameras.	The Fujifilm XT10 is also a good mirrorlesss camera. We love the fact that the camera is lightweight and has a compact plastic body. The ergonomics of this camera is really good. We also like that the camera can be used to shoot and record decent videos. Finally, putting the price into perspective, the Fujifil XT10 camera is the more affordable of the two cameras.
There are also a number of not so good points with this camera. However, if you still decide to go with this camera, get the Sony a7 now!	There are also a number of not so good points with this camera. However, if you still choose to purchase the Fujifilm XT10, get the Fujifilm XT10 now!