Fujifilm X10 review
Review Date : Mon, 28 Nov 2011
Author : Phil Hall
- Sample Photos: Fujifilm X10 review sample images gallery
The X100 put Fujifilm back on the map in the eyes of the enthusiast photographer. Can the X10 continue build on that success? Find out in the What Digital Camera Fuji X10 review...
| Pros: | Design and overall feel, viewfinder, results from 2/3in sensor and intuitive handling. |
|---|---|
| Cons: | A bit too much image processing at higher ISOs |
When the X100 was launched early last year, its arrival heralded a renaissance for Fujiflm in the eyes of the enthusiast photographer. Hoping to build on this is the arrival of the X100's baby brother, the Fujifilm X10. Sharing a similar retro design the X10 hopes to have even wider appeal, tempting people away from enthusiast compacts such as the excellent Canon PowerShot G12 and Olympus XZ-1.
Fujifilm X10 review - Features
The X10 features a 12MP 2/3in EXR CMOS chip - smaller than the 12MP APS-C sized sensor found in the X100, but with a physically larger surface area than most other compact cameras. This includes the current crop of enthusiast compacts, so in theory, with larger photosites (pixels) on offer, image quality should be stronger all round.
The sensor also features Fujifilm's EXR technology, so as well as using the 12MP resolution, the camera can be setup for high ISO capture, with the resolution dropping to 6MP. This works by combining neighbouring pairs of pixels to form six-million larger photosites (pixels) to increase the light gathering capabilities of the chip in low-light to deliver a cleaner image with less image noise. The EXR sensor can also be set to improve the dynamic range of the shot - half the pixels capture hightlight detail, while the others record shadow detail. This information is then combined to produce a 6MP image with a broader dynamic range than is possible with a standard shot.
The standard ISO range runs from 100-3200, but shooting in JPEG only and at a reduced resolution of 6MP, an ISO of 6400, while at 3MP, ISO 12,800 is possible.
Instead of a fixed focal length lens, the X10 features a 4x optical zoom, ranging from 28-112mm, with a variable maximum aperture of f/2-2.8. It offers the same focal range as the Olympus XZ-1, but due to the XZ-1's variable maximum aperture of f/1.8-2.5, the X10 is a touch slower. The Canon G12 offers a bit more reach, but only offers a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end.
The X10 also offers a new Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) system to reduce the risk of camera shake.
Click here for Fujifilm X10 review sample images gallery
As well as the 2.8in screen with a resolution of 460K dots, there's also a built-in optical viewfinder. It's not as groundbreaking as the hybrid viewfinder found on the X100, but displays the len's zoom and delivers 85% coverage. There's no shooting information overlaid over the display.
There's a 49-point selectable contrast-detect AF system with the option to opt for multi-area, tracking and face-detection. There's a choice of single, continuous and manual focus modes. For close-up photography, there's a Macro and Super Macro mode too.
The X10 also offers a host of drive modes. As well as single and self-timer (2sec and 10sec settings), there's the choice of continuous shooting speeds up to 7fps at full resolution (5fps if you're shooting in Raw), while 10fps is possible at a reduced resolution of 6MP. There's also the choice to shoot bracketed ISO, Exposure, Dynamic Range and Film Simulation modes too.
Hidden in the top plate is a little pop up flash, and thanks to the design of the leaf shutter, the flash can be synchronized at any shutter speed you wish - even up to 1/4000sec. The flash itself though doesn't kick out that much power and is only really suitable for close-range fill-in photography. There is a standard hotshoe though, so a dedicated Fujifilm flashgun can be attached if you need more power.
The X10 can shoot HD movie clips at 1080p and at a rate of 30fps. Footage is recorded using the H.264 codec and output as MOV files straight from camera.
Have your say!
Latest comments
February 24 20:09
Drew
Firmware update makes no diff - FUJI tech in NJ advises that in FUJI's opinion "the camera is not faulty, so there will be no recall." I think everyone who bought an X10 should submit a petition to FUJI demanding a recall to replace these faulty sensors. What does everyone else think?
March 23 01:49
Ben
I've been using my X10 for over 2 weeks shorting in all kinds of environment including shooting directly into the sun, I have not discovered the white orbs problem mentioned above. Am I the only lucky one?
April 15 20:13
Dirk
Stop wining and start shooting photos. i think all the people who are complaning about firmware don't care about making photo's. They will allways no matter what kind of camera there will be complaning about something.
April 18 06:28
Heshan
there's an excellent post on the x10 flickr group, where people share photos from all cameras, including the new canon 5D Mk III...and show how many of these cameras are also affected by the blooming 'orbs' problem. its not just the x10, and i dont know why people make such a big deal out of it. fuji is replacing the sensor anyway.. i dont own it yet, but im buying one asap..regardless of the sensor change. have u seen the photos this camera takes?!?!