Fujifilm X10 review
Image quality
Fujifilm X10 review - Image quality
Tone and Exposure
The X10 employs a 256-zone metering system, with the choice of either Multi segment, Centre-weighted or spot metering modes.
The multi-segment metering coped well, delivering well-exposed shots under a range of lighting conditions, though there'll be times when you want to ride the easily-accessed exposure compensation dial to really pin-down the exposure.
Even without opting to use D-Range priority in the X10's EXR mode, the results displayed a wide tonal range. If you opt for the JPEG-only EXR mode, you'll notice an improvement in shadow and highlight detail, though that's not to say you can't get a better result with a converted Raw file.

White Balance and Colour
The X10's Auto White Balance delivered pleasing neutral results, but on top of that there's a host of White Balance presets: Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light and Underwater. For even more control, there're Custom and Colour temperature options.
There are a collection of Film Simulation modes that mimic the characteristics of Fujifilm's pro stock - expect to find Provia, Astia and Velvia modes, along with a couple of mono modes and a sepia setting too.

Sharpness and Detail
As mentioned previously, the 2/3in sensor is larger than that found among the competition. Performance is very good for a senor of this size - at low ISOs, detail is very impressive. A4 prints aren't a problem, while A3 reproductions are a realistic option.
The 28-112mm lens is sharp throughout the range - vignetting is kept well under control, while there's only a very minor hint of barrel distortion at 28mm.
ISO Quality
The X10 offers a standard ISO range from 100-3200 at 12MP, but can be pushed further to ISO 6400 at 6MP, and 12,800 at 3MP if required.
From ISO 100-800 both JPEG and Raw files deliver very good results. Above that, and as you'd expect, the quality of the image begins to deteriorate. The JPEG files have a bit too much image noise reduction applied, resulting in images that lack detail and look a touch waxy. The Raw files hold up better - image noise is present, but with some post-capture Raw conversion, this can be improved to deliver very useable results.
Raw/JPEG
The X10 comes bundled with Raw file Converter EX powered by Silkypix. This Raw converter software is very comprehensive, allowing plenty of control over your Raw files, giving you the opportunity to get the best from your shots.
As you'd expect compared to an unprocessed Raw file, the JPEG equivalents have had some processing applied to them - colours are more saturated, with sharpening and image noise reduction applied.
As yet, Adobe Camera Raw doesn't support the X10, though we expect this to be corrected with an update soon.




Have your say!
Latest comments
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?!?!
May 08 07:14
Susan
I bought one and returned it next day. It had loads of problems.