Fujifilm X-S10 vs Leica M10-P

The Fujifilm X-S10 and the Leica M10-P are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2020 and August 2018. The X-S10 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the M10-P is a rangefinder-style mirrorless. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X-S10) and a full frame (M10-P) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 26 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 23.8 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-S10		Leica M10-P
Mirrorless system camera		Rangefinder camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Leica M mount lenses
26 MP, APS-C Sensor		23.8 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/30p Video		no Video
ISO 160-12,800 (80 - 51,200)		ISO 100-50,000
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
8 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		no shake reduction
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
325 shots per battery charge		210 shots per battery charge
126 x 85 x 65 mm, 465 g		139 x 80 x 39 mm, 660 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-S10 and the Leica M10-P? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-S10 and the Leica M10-P is provided 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M10-P can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), 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 Leica M10-P is somewhat larger (4 percent) than the Fujifilm X-S10. Moreover, the M10-P is substantially heavier (42 percent) than the X-S10. It is noteworthy in this context that the M10-P is splash and dust-proof, while the X-S10 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. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-S10) and the Leica M Lens Catalog (M10-P).

The power pack in the X-S10 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along 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-S10	5.0 in	3.3 in	2.6 in	16.4 oz	325	n	Oct 2020	999
2.		Leica M10-P	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Aug 2018	7,995
3.		Fujifilm X-E4	4.8 in	2.9 in	1.3 in	12.8 oz	380	n	Jan 2021	849
4.		Fujifilm X-T200	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.2 in	13.1 oz	270	n	Jan 2020	699
5.		Fujifilm X-Pro3	5.6 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	17.5 oz	440	Y	Oct 2019	1,799
6.		Fujifilm X-T30	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	13.5 oz	380	n	Feb 2019	899
7.		Fujifilm X-A7	4.7 in	2.7 in	1.6 in	11.3 oz	440	n	Sep 2019	499
8.		Fujifilm X-T100	4.8 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	15.8 oz	430	n	May 2018	599
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	4.8 in	2.9 in	1.7 in	11.9 oz	350	n	Sep 2017	899
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.5 oz	350	n	Jan 2017	899
11.		Leica M10-R	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Jul 2020	8,295
12.		Leica M-E Typ 240	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Jun 2019	3,999
13.		Leica M10	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595
14.		Leica M Typ 262	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Nov 2015	5,195
15.		Leica M Typ 240	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Sep 2012	6,950
16.		Ricoh GR III	4.3 in	2.4 in	1.3 in	9.1 oz	200	n	Feb 2019	899
17.		Sony A6400	4.7 in	2.6 in	2.0 in	14.2 oz	410	Y	Jan 2019	899
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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The X-S10 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 88 percent) than the M10-P, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-S10 features an APS-C sensor and the Leica M10-P a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the M10-P is 133 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Fujifilm X-S10 offers a higher resolution of 26 megapixels, compared with 23.8 MP of the Leica M10-P. 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 6.00μm for the M10-P). However, it should be noted that the X-S10 is much more recent (by 2 years and 1 month) than the M10-P, 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 neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X-S10 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-S10 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 31.2 x 20.8 inches or 79.2 x 52.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 25 x 16.6 inches or 63.4 x 42.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.8 x 13.9 inches or 52.8 x 35.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica M10-P are 29.8 x 20 inches or 75.6 x 50.7 cm for good quality, 23.8 x 16 inches or 60.5 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 19.8 x 13.3 inches or 50.4 x 33.8 cm for excellent quality prints.

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-S10 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica M10-P are ISO 100 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-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-S10	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
2.		Leica M10-P	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	..	..	..	..
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-Pro3	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
6.		Fujifilm X-T30	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
7.		Fujifilm X-A7	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
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.		Leica M10-R	Full Frame	40.9	7864	5200	none	..	..	..	..
12.		Leica M-E Typ 240	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	1080/25p	..	..	..	..
13.		Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
14.		Leica M Typ 262	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	none	..	..	..	..
15.		Leica M Typ 240	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	1080/25p	24.0	13.3	1860	84
16.		Ricoh GR III	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
17.		Sony A6400	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	24	13.6	1431	83

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The X-S10 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the M10-P does not. The highest resolution format that the X-S10 can use is 4K/30p.

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), while the M10-P 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the M10-P has a higher magnification than the one of the X-S10 (0.73x vs 0.62x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X-S10, the Leica M10-P, 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-S10	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
2.		Leica M10-P	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
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-Pro3	3690	n	3.0	1620	tilting	Y	1/8000s	8.0	n	n
6.		Fujifilm X-T30	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
7.		Fujifilm X-A7	none	n	3.5	2760	swivel	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.		Leica M10-R	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.5	n	n
12.		Leica M-E Typ 240	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
13.		Leica M10	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
14.		Leica M Typ 262	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
15.		Leica M Typ 240	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
16.		Ricoh GR III	optional	n	3.0	1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.0	n	Y
17.		Sony A6400	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/4000s	11.0	Y	n

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X-S10 has one, while the M10-P does not. While the built-in flash of the X-S10 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

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, the X-S10 is one of those camera that have an additional 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-S10 and the Leica M10-P 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-S10 and the M10-P 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-S10 and Leica M10-P 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-S10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Leica M10-P	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-Pro3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	-	3.1	Y	-	Y
6.		Fujifilm X-T30	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
7.		Fujifilm X-A7	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.		Leica M10-R	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
12.		Leica M-E Typ 240	Y	mono	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Leica M10	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
14.		Leica M Typ 262	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Leica M Typ 240	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Ricoh GR III	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	3.0	Y	-	Y
17.		Sony A6400	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y

Both the X-S10 and the M10-P are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The M10-P replaced the earlier Leica M9-P, while the X-S10 does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Leica websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-S10 and the Leica M10-P? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm X-S10:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (26 vs 23.8MP) with a 5% higher linear resolution.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 4K/30p movies.
• 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 flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 195g or 30 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (325 versus 210) on a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (88 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the M10-P launch.

Arguments in favor of the Leica M10-P:

• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.73x vs 0.62x).
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2018).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-S10 is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 9 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 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.

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 X-S10 or the M10-P perform in practice. 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 why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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-S10	5/5	..	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	999
2.		Leica M10-P	..	..	..	..	4/5	Aug 2018	7,995
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-Pro3	4/5	+	85/100	4/5	..	Oct 2019	1,799
6.		Fujifilm X-T30	5/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899
7.		Fujifilm X-A7	3/5	..	81/100	4/5	3.5/5	Sep 2019	499
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.		Leica M10-R	4.5/5	..	..	..	4/5	Jul 2020	8,295
12.		Leica M-E Typ 240	..	..	..	..	..	Jun 2019	3,999
13.		Leica M10	4.5/5	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595
14.		Leica M Typ 262	..	..	..	..	..	Nov 2015	5,195
15.		Leica M Typ 240	4/5	..	..	4/5	..	Sep 2012	6,950
16.		Ricoh GR III	4/5	..	81/100	4/5	..	Feb 2019	899
17.		Sony A6400	4/5	+	85/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jan 2019	899
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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, 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 are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. 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-S10 vs Leica M10-P

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.

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.