Canon 10D vs Fujifilm X100T

The Canon EOS 10D and the Fujifilm X100T are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2003 and September 2014. The 10D is a DSLR, while the X100T is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 6.3 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 16 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 10D		Fujifilm X100T
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		35mm f/2.0
6.3 MP, APS-C Sensor		16 MP, APS-C Sensor
no Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-3200		ISO 200-6400 (100-51200)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
1.8" LCD, 118k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second		6 shutter flaps per second
500 shots per battery charge		330 shots per battery charge
150 x 107 x 75 mm, 850 g		127 x 74 x 52 mm, 440 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 10D and the Fujifilm X100T? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon 10D and the Fujifilm X100T are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X100T can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 10D is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X100T is considerably smaller (41 percent) than the Canon 10D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 10D nor the X100T are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X100T has a lens built in, whereas the 10D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 10D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 10D gets 500 shots out of its BP-511 battery, while the X100T can take 330 images on a single charge of its NP-95 power pack. The power pack in the X100T can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 10D»	5.9 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	30.0 oz	500	n	Feb 2003	1,999	-		Canon 10D
	Fujifilm X100T«	5.0 in	2.9 in	2.0 in	15.5 oz	330	n	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Canon T5« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	16.9 oz	500	n	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon T5
	Canon SL1« »	4.6 in	3.6 in	2.7 in	14.4 oz	380	n	Mar 2013	549	-		Canon SL1
	Canon T4i« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon T4i
	Canon 7D« »	5.8 in	4.4 in	2.9 in	30.3 oz	800	Y	Sep 2009	1,699	-		Canon 7D
	Canon 40D« »	5.7 in	4.3 in	2.9 in	29.0 oz	750	n	Aug 2007	1,299	-		Canon 40D
	Canon 30D« »	5.7 in	4.2 in	2.9 in	27.7 oz	750	n	Feb 2006	1,399	-		Canon 30D
	Canon 20D« »	5.7 in	4.2 in	2.8 in	27.2 oz	700	n	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon Rebel« »	5.6 in	3.9 in	2.8 in	22.9 oz	400	n	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Canon D60« »	5.9 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	30.2 oz	620	n	Feb 2002	2,999	-		Canon D60
	Fujifilm X100F« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.0 in	16.5 oz	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X30« »	4.7 in	2.8 in	2.4 in	14.9 oz	470	n	Aug 2014	599			Fujifilm X30
	Fujifilm X100S« »	5.0 in	2.9 in	2.1 in	15.7 oz	330	n	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Leica X Typ 113« »	5.2 in	2.9 in	3.1 in	17.1 oz	350	n	Sep 2014	2,295			Leica X Typ 113
	Nikon Coolpix A« »	4.4 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	230	n	Mar 2013	1,099	-		Nikon Coolpix A
	Nikon D100« »	5.7 in	4.6 in	3.2 in	27.5 oz	370	n	Feb 2002	1,999	-		Nikon D100
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X100T was launched at a lower price than the 10D, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the X100T is 7 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (10D) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 16MP, the X100T offers a higher resolution than the 10D (6.3MP), but the X100T has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 7.38μm for the 10D). Yet, the X100T is a much more recent model (by 11 years and 6 months) than the 10D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X100T has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X100T implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X100T for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.5 x 16.3 inch or 62.2 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 13.1 inch or 49.7 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.3 x 10.9 inch or 41.5 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 10D are 15.4 x 10.2 inch or 39 x 26 cm for good quality, 12.3 x 8.2 inch or 31.2 x 20.8 cm for very good quality, and 10.2 x 6.8 inch or 26 x 17.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X100T has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS 10D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X100T are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The X100T indeed provides for movie recording, while the 10D does not. The highest resolution format that the X100T can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X100T has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the 10D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the X100T offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 10D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the 10D has a higher magnification (0.55x vs 0.43x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 10D and Fujifilm X100T in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One feature that is present on the 10D, but is missing on the X100T is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The Fujifilm X100T has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 10D writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the X100T uses SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 10D and Fujifilm X100T and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the X100T offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 10D does not offer wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 10D (unlike the X100T) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 10D and the X100T have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 10D was replaced by the Canon 20D, while the X100T was followed by the Fujifilm X100F. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Fujifilm websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Canon 10D better than the Fujifilm X100T or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 10D:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.55x vs 0.43x).
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2003).

Advantages of the Fujifilm X100T:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (16 vs 6.3MP), which boosts linear resolution by 59%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60p video.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 118k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 10D requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (127x74mm vs 150x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the 10D).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 11 years and 6 months of technical progress since the 10D launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X100T is the clear winner of the contest (17 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 10D and the Fujifilm X100T place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 10D or the X100T perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 10D»	-	+ +	-	o	-	Feb 2003	1,999	-		Canon 10D
	Fujifilm X100T«	+	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Canon T5« »	+	-	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon T5
	Canon SL1« »	+	78/100	4/5	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	549	-		Canon SL1
	Canon T4i« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon T4i
	Canon 7D« »	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2009	1,699	-		Canon 7D
	Canon 40D« »	+ +	+ +	4.5/5	o	4.5/5	Aug 2007	1,299	-		Canon 40D
	Canon 30D« »	+ +	+ +	o	o	-	Feb 2006	1,399	-		Canon 30D
	Canon 20D« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon Rebel« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Canon D60« »	-	+ +	o	-	-	Feb 2002	2,999	-		Canon D60
	Fujifilm X100F« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X30« »	-	76/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2014	599			Fujifilm X30
	Fujifilm X100S« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Leica X Typ 113« »	-	-	3.5/5	-	4/5	Sep 2014	2,295			Leica X Typ 113
	Nikon Coolpix A« »	+	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Mar 2013	1,099	-		Nikon Coolpix A
	Nikon D100« »	-	+ +	o	o	-	Feb 2002	1,999	-		Nikon D100
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Canon 10D vs Fujifilm X100T

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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