Same 16mp sensor, same auto focus, and roughly the same weight and size…
So what is different between the X-E2s and the X-T10?
Well as it turns out quite a lot! In this video blog we’ll take a look at the key differences between these two cameras and determine which is better for certain styles and situations.
Both cameras are available in silver or black variants and the retro, functional designs are indicative of the Fujifilm X-Series, but there are clear differences between them. The X-T10 is an SLR-style deign with the viewfinder in the centre of the camera, while the X-E2s has a rangefinder-style design with the viewfinder on the far left of the camera. This doesn’t sound like too big of a deal, but this difference is the main reason why I use these two very capable cameras for different situations.
Which eye to use
That sounds like a bizarre subtitle, maybe Ben has had a long night…? No this is actually a really important thing to consider. I am left-eye dominant, so when using the SLR variant my face is mostly obscured by the camera, but this would pretty much be the same if I used my right eye. But with the rangefinder-style cameras (X-E2S) I deliberately use my right eye (yes it was a bit weird at first but I quickly got used to it). The reason for this is if you use your left eye with one of these camera then the camera sits completely across your face, whereas with your right eye, the camera is off to your right, leaving your face mostly unobscured. This can be a really big factor if you are going to be photographing people regularly as it makes it so much easier to interact with your subject. Particularly if you don’t know each other or have limited common language to otherwise engage, simply being able to smile while taking a photo makes all the difference.
X-E2S – Rangefinder-style images
X-T10 – SLR-style images
The little brother of the X-T1 and X-T2, this dynamic camera is great for those looking to cover a wide variety of photographic genres, whether that is through travelling or simply experimentation. Combining this compact but powerful camera with the likes of the XF18-55mm F2.8-4 OIS and the XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 OIS makes for a brilliant, lightweight travel set up. Maybe add a low-light prime in there like the XF35mm F1.4 or F2 and then you have most bases covered in a very compact system. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the launch of this camera while working in Borneo. Here are a selection of images from that trip with the X-T10. As well as that, here is a link to my brief review of the camera – http://www.bencherryphotos.com/Blog/OMG-is-that-the-XT10
Benefits of each camera
X-T10
- 8 frames per second
- Articulating LCD screen
- SLR-style design
- Great general travel option
X-E2S
- Discreet, slim design
- Rangefinder-style design
- Slows you down
- Best for people interaction
- Fantastic with XF prime lenses
- Different to most other cameras on the market
Which would I choose?
Both are superb cameras with clear benefits over each other. Choosing between them very much depends on where you want your photography to develop. For me, I would opt for the X-E2s with a handful of lightweight prime lenses like the XF18mm F2, XF35mm F2 and maybe the XF56mm F1.2. This creativity inspiring set up would encourage me to think more about my photography, slow me down and encourage better interaction between me and my subjects (with beautiful results wide open using the prime lenses). What set up would you choose and why? Let us know in the comments below.
Click the camera title to find out more:
FUJIFILM X-E2s or FUJIFILM X-T10
A little about Ben
Ben is an environmental photojournalist, zoologist and Fujifilm X-Photographer. His passion is showing the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Find more of his work at:
Thanks for the “left eye”/right eye” suggestion. It makes a lot of sense. Now only if I could train my right eye, having used my left eye for taking pictures.
I would go with the X-E2s as well. I currently use the compact X30, and also use my right eye at the viewfinder a lot of the time.
Regards, Pete.
Actually my answer is both (http://updates.joaoalmeidaphotography.com/post/139910153177/shooting-the-traditional-lazarim-shrovetide-at-the 😉 ), I own an X-E2 since it was released and a year ago bought an X-T10. I really enjoy the rangefinder look and ergonomics of the X-E2 but having a camera with almost the same specs but different form factor and usability (like the tilt screen) has been a real advantage and now I usually put a prime in both and use them at the same time.
Love my X-E2s, Sold the X-T1 as the rubber was falling off and couldn’t be happier.
I have my XE1 + 35/1.4 + 18-55/2.8-4. And for portraiture i don’t need even XE2. When the price will fall off to 300$ for used XE2 I might switch to it. For serious work I have Canon 5d3 & 1d3.
I chose the XT-10, here’s a couple of reasons why…
The articulated LCD was and is an important feature for me. I can still shoot discreetly, maybe even more discreetly when I choose with the XT-10 in no way insuring my lovely mug. I can position my camera easily over my head or on the ground without bending my 70 year old body into a pretzel or having to call for a chain hoist to lift me off the turf.
If I choose to shoot manual focus and settings with primes this camera is every bit as “slow” as the XE2S.
I chose the Fujifilm XT-10.
The articulated LED is indispensable to me for a couple of reasons. First it allows me to be as discreet as I choose to be without even having to raise the camera to either eye and obscuring my pretty mug. Secondly it enables me to shoot overhead and still compose the image and shoot at ground level while not having to get my aged bones into the prone position or needing to call a chain hoist to lift me back up.
Beyond the LED advantage, it’s been my experience that using prime lenses and manual focus provides me with as deliberate or “slow” an experience as I could want.