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.

Click here for Fujifilm X10 review sample images gallery

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.

Click here for Fujifilm X10 review sample images gallery

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.

Click here for Fujifilm X10 review sample images gallery

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.