Fujifilm X-A3 vs X-S10

The Fujifilm X-A3 and the Fujifilm X-S10 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2016 and October 2020. Both the X-A3 and the X-S10 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The X-A3 has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the X-S10 provides 26 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-A3		Fujifilm X-S10
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Fujifilm X mount lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		26 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)		ISO 160-12,800 (80 - 51,200)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Swivel touchscreen
6 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
410 shots per battery charge		325 shots per battery charge
117 x 67 x 40 mm, 339 g		126 x 85 x 65 mm, 465 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-A3 and the Fujifilm X-S10? 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-A3 and the Fujifilm X-S10 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-A3 can be obtained in three different colors (silver, brown, pink), while the X-S10 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 X-S10 is notably larger (37 percent) than the Fujifilm X-A3. Moreover, the X-S10 is substantially heavier (37 percent) than the X-A3. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-A3 nor the X-S10 are weather-sealed.

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. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, 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, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm X-A3	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	339 g	410	n	Aug 2016	399
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	126 mm	85 mm	65 mm	465 g	325	n	Oct 2020	999
3.		Fujifilm X-E4	121 mm	73 mm	33 mm	364 g	380	n	Jan 2021	849
4.		Fujifilm X-T200	121 mm	84 mm	55 mm	370 g	270	n	Jan 2020	699
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	118 mm	83 mm	47 mm	383 g	380	n	Feb 2019	899
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	119 mm	68 mm	41 mm	320 g	440	n	Sep 2019	499
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	117 mm	68 mm	40 mm	361 g	450	n	Jan 2018	399
8.		Fujifilm X-T100	121 mm	83 mm	47 mm	448 g	430	n	May 2018	599
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	121 mm	74 mm	43 mm	337 g	350	n	Sep 2017	899
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	383 g	350	n	Jan 2017	899
11.		Fujifilm X-A10	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	331 g	410	n	Dec 2016	399
12.		Fujifilm X-A2	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	350 g	410	n	Jan 2015	399
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	799
14.		Fujifilm X-A1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Sep 2013	399
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

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-A3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 60 percent) than the X-S10, 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. 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. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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 tend to be more expensive and 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 X-S10 is 1 percent smaller. 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 X-S10 offers a slightly higher resolution of 26 megapixels, compared with 24 MP of the X-A3. 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 3.76μm versus 3.92μm for the X-A3). However, it should be noted that the X-S10 is much more recent (by 4 years and 1 month) than the X-A3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-S10 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The X-S10 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-A3 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 Fujifilm X-S10 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-51200.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm X-A3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Fujifilm X-E4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
4.		Fujifilm X-T200	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/15p	..	..	..	..
8.		Fujifilm X-T100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/15p	..	..	..	..
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Fujifilm X-A10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
12.		Fujifilm X-A2	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
14.		Fujifilm X-A1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	..	..	..	..

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the X-S10 provides a better video resolution than the X-A3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the X-A3 is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-S10 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-A3 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X-A3, the Fujifilm X-S10, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Fujifilm X-A3	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
3.		Fujifilm X-E4	2360	n	3.0	1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	n
4.		Fujifilm X-T200	2360	n	3.5	2780	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	none	n	3.5	2760	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
8.		Fujifilm X-T100	2360	n	3.0	1040	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	n
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
11.		Fujifilm X-A10	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	n	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
12.		Fujifilm X-A2	none	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6	Y	n
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	2360	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
14.		Fujifilm X-A1	none	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6	Y	n

One feature that differentiates the X-S10 and the X-A3 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The X-S10 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the X-A3 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

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-A3 and the Fujifilm X-S10 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-A3 and the X-S10 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-A3 and Fujifilm X-S10 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Fujifilm X-A3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
3.		Fujifilm X-E4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-T200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
8.		Fujifilm X-T100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
11.		Fujifilm X-A10	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Fujifilm X-A2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
14.		Fujifilm X-A1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-

It is notable that the X-S10 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The X-A3 does not feature such a mic input.

The X-S10 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the X-A3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X-A3 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 website.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-A3 and the Fujifilm X-S10? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-A3:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More compact: Is smaller (117x67mm vs 126x85mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 126g or 27 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (410 versus 325) on a single battery charge.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (60 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2016).

Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm X-S10:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Reflects 4 years and 1 month of technical progress since the X-A3 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X-S10 is the clear winner of the contest (11 : 6 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports 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-A3 and the Fujifilm X-S10 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing 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 partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-A3 or the X-S10. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

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 (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm X-A3	..	..	74/100	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2016	399
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	5/5	..	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	999
3.		Fujifilm X-E4	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	849
4.		Fujifilm X-T200	3.5/5	..	82/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2020	699
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	5/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	3/5	..	81/100	4/5	3.5/5	Sep 2019	499
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	..	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2018	399
8.		Fujifilm X-T100	4/5	+	79/100	4/5	4.5/5	May 2018	599
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	4.5/5	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	5/5	+ +	82/100	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899
11.		Fujifilm X-A10	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Dec 2016	399
12.		Fujifilm X-A2	4/5	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	399
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	4.5/5	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	May 2015	799
14.		Fujifilm X-A1	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	399
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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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Specifications: Fujifilm X-A3 vs Fujifilm X-S10

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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