Fujifilm X-T10 vs. Panasonic Lumix G7

Today we're pitting two similarly priced mirrorless cameras against each other: the Fujifilm X-T10 and the Panasonic G7. They are quite different cameras technically speaking; the former uses an APS-C image sensor, the latter a Micro 4/3. Which will come out on top?

Specifications Sensor CMOS 16.3 Mpx, APS-C (x1.6) Lens NCx NC Stabilisation NC Viewfinder Electronic Screen 7.5 cm, Oled, 940000 dots, 3:2, Not touch-sensitive Sensitivity (ISO range) 100 - 51200 ISO Video mode 1920 x 1080 pixels, 60 fps Internal memory External memory SDHC SDXC Connections HDMI Flash hot-shoe Wi-Fi Power source Li-ion NP-W126 Waterproof no Shock resistant no Dimensions/Weight 82.8 x 118.4 x 40.8 mm / 381 g Specifications Sensor CMOS 16 Mpx, 4/3" , 7.11 Mpx/cm Lens 10x 14-42 mm f/3.5 -5.6 Stabilisation Optical Viewfinder Electronic Screen 7.6 cm, not TN, 1040000 dots, 3:2, Multitouch Sensitivity (ISO range) 200 - 25600 ISO Video mode 4K pixels, 30 fps , Stereo Internal memory External memory SDHC SDXC Connections USB Remote control HDMI Microphone Flash hot-shoe Wi-Fi Power source Li-Ion 7.2 V, 1200 mAh, 8.7 Wh Waterproof no Shock resistant no Dimensions/Weight 86.2 x 124.9 x 77.4 mm / 520 g     It's as though Panasonic and Fujifilm decided together to launch two mirrorless cameras at the same time, at the same price and targeting the same consumer base. Both are "miniature" variants of flagship cameras by their respective brands, the Panasonic Lumix GH4 and Fujifilm X-T1. Like its big brother, the retro X-T10 is equipped with an APS-C sensor and is all about image quality over handling and features. The rough-around-the-edges G7 boasts a Micro 4/3 sensor, 4K video, competitive picture quality and, yes, perhaps too many features.    

  

The Fujifilm X-T10 is a variant of the X-T1 that's simpler and more accessible, but also more compact. Its nearly unibody design is much lighter and less bulky than the G7's (520 g compared to 381 g). A very significant light after a report of the day. It's too bad Fujifilm didn't make it tropicalized like its big brother.

Fuji used a typically discreet, vintage design for the body, which is well built and easy to handle. It does, however, have a surprising PASM system that forces you to use the controls manually and independently, rather than using a simple mode dial.

The excellent OLED electronic viewfinder has 2,360,000 dots and faithful colors. Unfortunately, its magnification has dropped to 0.62x and could be a problem for users wearing glasses. The new OLED monitor is a huge step up, but it only tilts 180 degrees and isn't touch-sensitive.

The X-T10 has built-in Wi-Fi so you can wirelessly use a smartphone or tablet to remotely control the camera or transfer phot os. It doesn't feature NFC or GPS.

Like the GH4, the Panasonic Lumix G7's body is more functional than esthetic. It isn't eye-catching like the X-T10, but it has a much deeper grip for better handling (hence the greater weight).

Unlike the X-T10, Panasonic's engineers gave the G7 too many controls: five physical Fn buttons, six virtual Fn buttons and countless menus and submenus. It's a pretty ambitious vision for a device created for the general public. Fortunately, after using the G7, we've found very little to criticize; everything is customizable and the camera boasts all the latest technology: focus peaking, 1/16,000s electronic shutter, a wide dynamic range, creative filters and more.

The viewfinder has the same resolution as the X-T10, but greater magnification of 0.7x. Not only is the monitor high in resolution (1,040,000 dots), but it's a touchscreen that pivots 360 degrees. As an added plus, it stays functional while you're using the viewfinder so you can control the AF points.

The G7 has the same wireless connectivity as the X-T10: Wi-Fi for transfers and remote control, but no GPS or NFC.                                            Even with its 77 AF points and eye detection, the Fuji X-T10 is similar in speed to the X-T1 with a slight improvement in the wide-angle AF. But it simply can't compete with the nimble Panasonic G7, which boasts DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology and overall swift speeds. Whether it's turning the camera on or using burst mode, the G7 blows the X-T10 out of the water.   

 

                                                      ISO sensitivity: X-T10                                                                                                                       ISO sensitivity: G7 

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 100                                                                                                                  f/5.6 1/4 ISO 100​ 

 

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 100                                                                                                                  f/5.6 1/4 ISO 100​ 15mm

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 100                                                                                                                  f/5.6 1/4 ISO 100​ 15mm

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 100                                                                                                                 f/5.6 1/4 ISO 100​ 

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 100                                                                                                                  f/5.6 1/4 ISO 100​ 

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 100                                                                                                                   f/5.6 1/4 ISO 100​

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 100                                                                                                                       f/5.6 1/4 ISO 100​

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 400                                                                                                                  f/5.6 1/4 ISO 400​

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 1600                                                                                                                 f/5.6 1/4 ISO 1600​

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 6400                                                                                                                f/5.6 1/4 ISO 6400​

f/5.6 1/3 ISO 25 600                                                                                                             f/5.6 1/4 ISO 25 600

The X-T10's APS-C sensor is larger than the G7's Micro 4/3 sensor, but it has the same resolution (16 Mpx). It also boasts Trans-X technology and  an EXR II image processor that allows it to produce images of very good quality up to 6400 ISO. It goes up to 51200 ISO, but you'll have to settle with 200 to 6400 ISO in RAW format, as the other ISO levels are accessible only in JPG. Note however that the X-T10 has a mechanical shutter, but also an electronic one able to shoot at 1/32000s. We also find the X-T10's color rendering much more accurate than the G7's.

We love the X-T10's in-house film simulations (Provia, Velvia, Astia, etc.), B&W filters and dual exposure. These add a lot of cachet and will be great for old-school film lovers.

The Panasonic G7 uses the same tech and algorithms as the GH4, along with a LiveMOS Micro Four Thirds sensor (16 Mpx). However, it incorporates a new Venus Engine processor that allows it to produce fine, detailed images, but also better colorimetry. It also has better ISO sensitivity, although it doesn't rival the Fujifilm's 51200 ISO, stopping one step before at 25600 ISO. Either way, the G7 produces very sharp images with highly detailed micro-contrast, as the basic kit lens (a G Vario 12-42mm f/3.5-5.6) provides better uniformity than the X-T10's (XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II).

The G7 doesn't have mechanical image stabilization, though, so you all you have is the optical stabilization found in the various kit and Micro 4/3 lenses.

 We could practically copy the video section from our GH4 vs. X-T1 duel and put it here, considering how much similarity there is. Once again, Panasonic is clearly the winner as the G7 is capable of shooting in Full HD at 60p, 50p, 24p and 25p. But without any actual exposure setting options during shooting on the X-T10, its video mode is fairly limited, with the exception of its exposure compensation. The G7, meanwhile, shoots in UHD 3840 x 2160 px at 100 Mbps in 30p, 25p or 24p, all in MP4. All with a completely customizable manual mode during shooting, as well as all the extra functions such as focus peaking, microphone settings, light management curves and so on.  VERDICT : PANASONIC LUMIX G7     Why you should get a Fujifilm X-T10

The Fujifilm X-T10's biggest advantage is the picture quality you can glean from its APS-C sensor and X-Trans technology. It's an excellent camera for people working with a tight budget, offering them a viewfinder, a tilt screen and Fuji's typical retro design.

Why you should get a Panasonic G7

The Panasonic G7 is a super-fast shooter with a great video function. And it has a particularly wide array of features and settings for a non-pro camera.

Source: Fujifilm X-T10 vs. Panasonic Lumix G7