Fujifilm popped into the WDC office to give us a first look of their enthusiast-focused X10. Here are our initial impressions of the Fujifilm X10

When Fujifilm announced the X100 earlier this year, it put them back on the map in the eyes of the photo enthusiast. Its been an unprecedented success for the company, only recently coming off back-order, with demand outstripping supply.

Fujifilm’s now followed this up with its baby brother, the X10, and we’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on a sample before release.

While the X10 shares a similar classic rangefinder-style design to the X100, it differs in quite a few areas. First up is the sensor. Whereas the X100 sported an APS-C chip, the X10 features a 12MP 2/3″ CMOS sensor more in keeping with its compact size. It features Fujifilm’s EXR pixel arrangement, so as well as using the full 12MP resolution, the camera can be set up for improved dynamic range or high ISO capture, with the resolution dropping to 6MP

Unlike the X100’s fixed 35mm lens, the X10 employs a 4x optical zoom, running from 28-112mm, with a fast variable maximum aperture of f/2-2.8. Composition is either carried out via the 2.8in, 460k-dot screen at the rear or a optical viewfinder which zooms in as you twist the zoom.First

Impressions of the Fujifilm X10

We loved the X100 here at WDC, and the X10 looks like Fujifilm could have another winner. It may not have the headline-grabbing spec that its bigger brother has, but in many ways it’s the better proposition of the two. Its noticeably smaller for a start, making the X10 less of an issue to cart around with you. The 4x optical zoom may seem conservative when compared with some rivals, but the 28-112mm coverage should suit most situations. While the optical viewfinder may not be quite as clever as the X100’s hybrid EVF/OVF, it’s still very good.

Overall, the X10 looks like it could be a very nice enthusiast compact camera, with its creative, manual controls bound to appeal to existing DSLRs shooters looking for a more compact second body.

The X10 will be priced at £529, and will be available by the end of October. Will give you a full review as soon as we get our hands on a full production sample.