Fujifilm X-T1 versus Sony RX10 III

The Fujifilm X-T1 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2014 and March 2016. The X-T1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the RX10 III is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X-T1) and an one-inch (RX10 III) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 16 megapixel, whereas the Sony provides 20 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Fujifilm X-T1 vs Sony RX10 III

The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-T1 and the Sony RX10 III 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. You can also use the toggle button to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the X-T1 – represents 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX10 III is notably larger (8 percent) than the Fujifilm X-T1. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the RX10 III has a lens build in, whereas the X-T1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can find an overview of optics for the X-T1 and their specifications in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X-T1 gets 350 shots out of its NP-W126 battery, while the RX10 III can take 420 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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
	Fujifilm X-T1»	5.1 in	3.5 in	1.9 in	15.5 oz	350	Y	Jan 2014	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Sony RX10 III«	5.2 in	3.7 in	5.0 in	37.1 oz	420	Y	Mar 2016	1,499			Sony RX10 III
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	2.3 in	19.0 oz	390	Y	Sep 2018	1,499			Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	5.6 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	17.5 oz	350	Y	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	5.2 in	3.6 in	1.9 in	17.9 oz	340	Y	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	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-E2« »	5.1 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	12.3 oz	350	n	Oct 2013	999	-		Fujifilm X-E2
	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-Pro1« »	5.5 in	3.2 in	1.7 in	15.9 oz	300	n	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Leica T« »	5.3 in	2.7 in	1.3 in	13.5 oz	400	n	Apr 2014	1,850	-		Leica T
	Sony RX10 IV« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	5.7 in	38.6 oz	400	Y	Sep 2017	1,699			Sony RX10 IV
	Sony RX100 V« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	220	n	Oct 2016	999			Sony RX100 V
	Sony RX10 II« »	5.1 in	3.5 in	4.0 in	28.7 oz	400	Y	Jun 2015	1,299	-		Sony RX10 II
	Sony RX100 IV« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	280	n	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony RX10« »	5.1 in	3.5 in	4.0 in	28.7 oz	420	Y	Oct 2013	1,299	-		Sony RX10
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Any camera purchase 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 RX10 III was launched at a lower price than the X-T1, despite having a lens build in. 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: Fujifilm X-T1 vs Sony RX10 III

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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-T1 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony RX10 III an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the RX10 III is 68 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the RX10 III offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixel, compared with 16 MP of the X-T1. This megapixel advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 4.80μm for the X-T1). However, it should be noted that the RX10 III is much more recent (by 2 years and 2 months) than the X-T1, 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-T1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The X-T1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in relatively fast and reliable autofocus acquisition during video recording.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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.

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 RX10 III provides a better video resolution than the X-T1. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison: Fujifilm X-T1 vs Sony RX10 III

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the X-T1 offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the RX10 III (2360k vs 2359k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm X-T1 and Sony RX10 III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras. The full specs-sheets can be found in the camera manual or in the dpreview camera hub.

One feature that is present on the RX10 III, but is missing on the X-T1 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 reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, the RX10 III features an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (flickering).

The X-T1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX10 III uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The X-T1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the RX10 III only has one slot.

The RX10 III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the X-T1 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X-T1 was succeeded by the Fujifilm X-T2.

Review summary: Fujifilm X-T1 vs Sony RX10 III

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X-T1 or the Sony RX10 III – has the upper hand? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Fujifilm X-T1:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: Larger pixels generate images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Capable of capturing a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can be used in poorly lit environments and still produce good images.
• Better video autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident movie autofocus.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (4000/sec vs 2000/sec) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2014).

Reasons to prefer the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 16MP), which boosts linear resolution by 12%.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the X-T1 necessitates an extra lens.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (420 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology build-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a build-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 2 months of technical progress since the X-T1 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the RX10 III is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 10 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.

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 handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-T1 or the RX10 III. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). You can find the full text of the reviews by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-T1»	HiRec	84/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2014	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Sony RX10 III«	Rec	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2016	1,499			Sony RX10 III
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	HiRec	88/100	5/5	-	5/5	Sep 2018	1,499			Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	Rec	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	HiRec	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-A2« »	-	-	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	399	-		Fujifilm X-A2
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	HiRec	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-E2« »	-	80/100	4.5/5	-	5/5	Oct 2013	999	-		Fujifilm X-E2
	Fujifilm X-M1« »	Rec	77/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jun 2013	699	-		Fujifilm X-M1
	Fujifilm X-Pro1« »	HiRec	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Leica T« »	-	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2014	1,850	-		Leica T
	Sony RX10 IV« »	Rec	84/100	4.5/5	-	5/5	Sep 2017	1,699			Sony RX10 IV
	Sony RX100 V« »	HiRec	83/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	999			Sony RX100 V
	Sony RX10 II« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	1,299	-		Sony RX10 II
	Sony RX100 IV« »	HiRec	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony RX10« »	Rec	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,299	-		Sony RX10

The above review scores should be interpreted 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

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