Photography News issue 21

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When Fujifilm announced the arrival of the new X-T10, who better to put it through its paces than wildlife and environmental photographer Ben Cherry and sports-mad shooter Jacky Ley? Photography News caught up with the experienced photographers in-between shoots to see how the X-T10 had managed to keep up with their demanding work life, and the results look encouraging… FujifilmX-T10 in action

JackyLey | sports photographer Jacky gets hands on with the new X-T10

more accessible to everyone’, especially with the full-auto and flash function. I tested it out on my daily work, at rallies, circuit races and the like, and I enjoyed the same results as with my usual camera but found that I could see better using the new autofocus system. Tell us more about using the new autofocusing system. The X-T10’s new autofocus system is much faster than those I’ve used before. I use the 3x3 area AF-C setting a lot as it allows me to concentrate on my composition and especially to place the subject where I want and not where the predetermined focus points are. My stories are thereby richer for the diversity of compositions. In addition, I have more choice thanks to the higher AF performance.

What’s your experience with Fujifilm cameras and this latest X-series model? I bought a Fujifilm X-E1 for personal use but I quickly saw the potential for business. The X-T1 completely swung it for me and I became a big fan of the X-series range, the ergonomics of the cameras are just an added bonus! With the X-T10, it’s easy to quickly find your way around; the rear and front command dials offer two levels of function selection which you can customise, something that helps save a lot of time when I’m out reporting. My initial reaction was ‘Wow, it’s smaller than the X-T1 and

BenCherry | wildlife shooter

Ben initially got to grips with the X-T10 out in Borneo

You describe your focus as on environmental photojournalism, why does that genre in particular interest you? I am just starting to carve out a career with photography and I am hugely passionate about the environment. My desire in life is to combine photographyandconservation, I hope that environmental photojournalism can be a way to do just that. Which camera do you usually shoot with and how did you find the transition to the X-T10? I have been using the Fujifilm X-series for over twoyearsnowandmycurrent go-to camera is the X-T1, so going from that to the X-T10 was a seamless experience. I have found that all the X-series cameras are very intuitive to use and the X-T10 is no different. The design is very well thought out and it

sits very well in the hand. Everything I need is at my fingertips and can be changed without having to take my eye away from the EVF. Who is the X-T10most suited to? This camera has a pretty wide appeal, but for me the X-T10 will really benefit those who travel a lot as it’s so small and discreet. Bulky, heavy equipment can sometimes take the joy out of travelling and draw unwanted attention, so the X-T10’s compact design gives you one less thing to worry about! It also features the latest specification improvements in the X-series, making this a very desirable camera to own. What were your first impressions when you got hold of the new FujifilmX-T10? ‘They’ve hit this one out of the park,

AGAIN!’ That was my initial reaction. It is yet another retro, functional Fujifilm camera that offers everything a photographer really needs and more. It is tiny compared to the X-T1 but doesn’t feel too small in my hands. Where did you try it out and how did it fare? The X-T10 came with me on a three- month trip to Malaysian Borneo. I spent my time photographing the incredible endemic nature of this island and also witnessing the threats, such as deforestation, that it faces first-hand. The camera was put through its paces, from being baked in the formidable heat and coping with tropical storms in the lowland rainforest, to photographing the tallest mountain in South East Asia – it never skipped a beat. It has everything you need to get great wildlife images.

The X-T10’s newautofocus system is much faster than those I’ve used before. I use the 3x3 areaAF-C a lot…

π To find out more, go to www.jackyley.com.

π To find out more, go to www.bencherryphotos.com.

Issue 21 | Photography News