Fujifilm X-A10 vs Pentax KP

The Fujifilm X-A10 and the Pentax KP are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in December 2016 and January 2017. The X-A10 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the KP is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 24.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

	VS
Fujifilm X-A10		Pentax KP
Mirrorless system camera		Digital single lens reflex
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Pentax K mount lenses
16 MP, APS-C Sensor		24.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video		1080/60i Video
ISO 200-6400 (100-25600)		ISO 100-819200
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 921k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen)		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
6 shutter flaps per second		7 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
410 shots per battery charge		390 shots per battery charge
117 x 67 x 40 mm, 331 g		132 x 101 x 76 mm, 703 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-A10 and the Pentax KP? 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 Fujifilm X-A10 and the Pentax KP are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The KP can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the X-A10 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 Pentax KP is considerably larger (70 percent) than the Fujifilm X-A10. Moreover, the KP is substantially heavier (112 percent) than the X-A10. It is noteworthy in this context that the KP is splash and dust-proof, while the X-A10 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the X-A10 gets 410 shots out of its NP-W126S battery, while the KP can take 390 images on a single charge of its D-LI109 power pack. The power pack in the X-A10 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-A10»	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	11.7 oz	410	n	Dec 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A10
	Pentax KP«	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.0 in	24.8 oz	390	Y	Jan 2017	1,099		Pentax KP
	Fujifilm X-A5« »	4.6 in	2.7 in	1.6 in	12.7 oz	450	n	Jan 2018	399		Fujifilm X-A5
	Fujifilm X-H1« »	5.5 in	3.8 in	3.4 in	23.7 oz	310	Y	Feb 2018	1,899		Fujifilm X-H1
	Fujifilm X-E3« »	4.8 in	2.9 in	1.7 in	11.9 oz	350	n	Sep 2017	899		Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T20« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.5 oz	350	n	Jan 2017	899		Fujifilm X-T20
	Fujifilm X-A3« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	12.0 oz	410	n	Aug 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A3
	Fujifilm X-E2S« »	5.1 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	12.3 oz	350	n	Jan 2016	699		Fujifilm X-E2S
	Fujifilm X-A2« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	12.3 oz	410	n	Jan 2015	399		Fujifilm X-A2
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.4 oz	350	n	May 2015	799		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X-A1« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	11.6 oz	350	n	Sep 2013	399		Fujifilm X-A1
	Fujifilm X-M1« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	11.6 oz	350	n	Jun 2013	699		Fujifilm X-M1
	Fujifilm X-E1« »	5.1 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	12.3 oz	350	n	Sep 2012	999		Fujifilm X-E1
	Pentax K-70« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	2.9 in	24.3 oz	410	Y	Jun 2016	649		Pentax K-70
	Pentax K-3 II« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	28.2 oz	720	Y	Apr 2015	1,099		Pentax K-3 II
	Pentax K-3« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	28.2 oz	560	Y	Oct 2013	1,299		Pentax K-3
	Pentax K-5« »	5.2 in	3.8 in	2.9 in	26.8 oz	740	Y	Sep 2010	1,099		Pentax K-5
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 X-A10 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 64 percent) than the KP, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the KP offers a higher resolution of 24.1 megapixels, compared with 16 MP of the X-A10. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 4.80μm for the X-A10). It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the KP has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax KP implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the KP for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20 inch or 76.4 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16 inch or 61.1 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.3 inch or 50.9 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm X-A10 are 24.5 x 16.3 inch or 62.2 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inch or 49.7 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 10.9 inch or 41.5 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the X-A10, the KP has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Fujifilm X-A10 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax KP are ISO 100 to ISO 819200 (no boost).

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the KP provides a faster frame rate than the X-A10. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the KP has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-A10 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-A10 and Pentax KP along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One feature that differentiates the KP and the X-A10 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The KP reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the X-A10 has to rely on optical image stabilization in OIS-equipped lenses to achieve the same effect.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-A10 and the Pentax KP both have 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-A10 and the KP write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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 Fujifilm X-A10 and Pentax KP and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the KP has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The X-A10 does not feature such a mic input.

The KP is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Pentax. In contrast, the X-A10 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X-A10 was succeeded by the Fujifilm X-A5. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Pentax websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-A10 and the Pentax KP? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-A10:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 921k dots).
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• More compact: Is smaller (117x67mm vs 132x101mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 372g or 53 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (64 percent cheaper at launch).

Advantages of the Pentax KP:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24.1 vs 16MP), which boosts linear resolution by 23%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/6000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the KP is the clear winner of the contest (11 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro 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 Fujifilm X-A10 and the Pentax KP place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X-A10 or the KP 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 where reviews by experts come in. 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	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-A10	..	..	4/5	..	4/5	Dec 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A10
	Pentax KP	..	82/100	5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,099		Pentax KP
	Fujifilm X-A5	+	..	4/5	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2018	399		Fujifilm X-A5
	Fujifilm X-H1	+	86/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Feb 2018	1,899		Fujifilm X-H1
	Fujifilm X-E3	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899		Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T20	+ +	82/100	5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899		Fujifilm X-T20
	Fujifilm X-A3	..	74/100	4.5/5	..	4/5	Aug 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A3
	Fujifilm X-E2S	..	77/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699		Fujifilm X-E2S
	Fujifilm X-A2	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	399		Fujifilm X-A2
	Fujifilm X-T10	+ +	80/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	May 2015	799		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X-A1	..	..	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Sep 2013	399		Fujifilm X-A1
	Fujifilm X-M1	+	77/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jun 2013	699		Fujifilm X-M1
	Fujifilm X-E1	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	999		Fujifilm X-E1
	Pentax K-70	..	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2016	649		Pentax K-70
	Pentax K-3 II	..	..	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2015	1,099		Pentax K-3 II
	Pentax K-3	..	83/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,299		Pentax K-3
	Pentax K-5	..	83/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2010	1,099		Pentax K-5
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Fujifilm X-A10 vs Pentax KP

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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