Fujifilm FinePix X10 Serious Compact Review

Joshua Waller reviews the new Fujifilm FinePix X10, the most serious "serious compact" since the X100, with a large 2/3" EXR CMOS sensor.

Reviews

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

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The Fujifilm FinePix X10 is the latest serious compact camera from Fujifilm and is a more affordable version of the Fujifilm FinePix X100, but with a zoom lens and 2/3inch sensor, this means the sensor is smaller than the X100, but larger than the other serious compact cameras available. This means it is in competition with other serious compacts such as the Nikon Coolpix P7100, Olympus XZ-1, Canon Powershot G12, Panasonic Lumix LX5 and others.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Features

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The lens features a physical zoom that is also used as the on / off switch, with the lens compacting into the lens when off. The 28mm - 112mm equivalent 4x optical zoom lens with a bright f/2.0 to f/2.5 aperture is only slightly beaten by the f/1.8 - f/2.5 lens on the Olympus XZ-1.

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Fujifilm FinePix X10 On

Key Features

12mp EXR CMOS 2/3inch sensor
4x optical zoom lens - 28mm - 112mm, f/2.0 - f/2.8
2.8 inch screen, 460k dots
Flash Hot Shoe
Optical viewfinder with dioptre correction
Full HD Video mode, stereo sound
Optical (Lens based) Image Stabilisation
Burst Mode: 7fps full resolution 10fps at 6mp
Manual Control, RAW
ISO 100 - 12800 (6400 at 6mp, 12800 at 3mp)
1cm Macro mode

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Handling

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Handling - The camera has an excellent rubber thumb grip on the back and a stylish texture covering surrounding the camera and front hand grip. With an extremely solid metal body, dials and shutter button on top, the camera feels extremely well built.

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Fujifilm FinePix X10 Pop Up

The controls on the top of the camera are a mode dial with 2 custom positions, a shutter release, exposure compensation and function button (this defaults to ISO setting). The function button is used in conjunction with the control dial on the back that can be pressed in as well to select the option. The camera will be extremely popular with people who are a fan of physical controls, with a dial on the front to select the focusing mode.

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Fujifilm FinePix X10

Menus and display: The default display on the back of the camera is to show a status screen, much like you would find on a Digital SLR or Digital Rangefinder, with the camera being set so that you can use the optical viewfinder. This display can be quickly changed by using the display button, where you'll also find an electronic spirit level and customisable screen, as well as the ability to switch the screen off.

Highres Fujifilmfinepixx10display 1320765898 Info Display

Highres Fujifilmfinepixx10screen 1320765514 Standard View

The menus are like other Fujifilm menus, such as the X100 or F600EXR, so if you're familiar with Fuji menus then you should be able to find your way around quite quickly. Although there is no F / Finepix button. The majority of the photo settings are set in the shooting menu where you can alter colour strength, sharpness, highlight tone, shadow tone, noise reduction and more. Some of the more advanced photo options are found in the setup menu, where you can set the Fn button, AEL options, RAW mode and more.

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Battery life - The battery life is rated at 270 shots according to CIPA standards. The camera uses a small battery with a 1000mAh rating, although by switching off the LCD on the back and adjusting additional settings, Fujifilm say 640 shots should be possible. We were able to take 260 shots before the battery went flat.

Speed - We tested each camera's performance at focusing, shutter response, shot to shot time, continuous shooting etc, and have posted the results below. To test this we took 6 or more shots and calculated the average, so that consistent results were produced, we also made sure to test all the cameras at the same time to ensure the cameras were being tested under the same conditions.

	Fujifilm X10	Canon S100
Shutter Reponse	<0.05	0.05
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response	0.15	0.35
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response	0.20	0.40
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo	0.9	2.1
Shot to Shot (without flash)	0.9	1.8
Shot to Shot with Flash	1.0	3.0
Continuous Shooting (JPEG)	7fps (7 shots then 2fps)	Norm: 2fps 10fps (8shots)
Continuous Shooting (with Flash)	N/A	1.8s
Continuous Shooting (RAW)	6fps (6 shots then 1.4s between shots)	0.8s

Tested at full resolution the camera will shoot at 7fps using JPEG, or 6fps using RAW. A quicker 10fps mode is available with the image size reduced to Medium (6mp). Shutter response, when pre-focused, is practically instant, with virtually no measurable delay. Focusing is equally quick, with very fast focusing on wide and telephoto. Switch on time is good when you switch on "Quick start mode", and the On / Off switch around the lens makes it very easy to switch on without having to look at the camera, and shot to shot time is good.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Performance

We've taken a number of sample photos in a variety of settings to show you the image quality produced by this camera, you can view them full size by clicking the "High-Res" link. Additional sample photos can be seen here in the equipment database, where you can add your own images.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Sample Photos

Sample photos show good detail and colour in photos. EXR DR 1600% shows extended dynamic range. There is very little to no red-eye in the portrait photo and colours are good.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Lens test images

Purple fringing is visible in the shot of the trees, but low in other photos. Lens distortion - there is slight barrel distortion at the wide end, very little pincushion at the telephoto end. Very little vignette at the wide end with the lens wide open (f/2.0), and detail is good at the corners. Macro - excellent 1cm macro mode available at the wide end of the lens.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Scene modes

Scene modes - Two low-light modes: Advanced Pro Low Light Mode (above left) combines 4 photos for enhanced detail, and low noise, and also EXR SN: High ISO & Low Noise (above right), shoots at 6 megapixels for improved low light performance by combining neighboring pixels.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 ISO test images

ISO shots show low noise at ISO100 - 800, with ISO1600 producing usable results. At ISO3200 you can see the loss in image quality, but results are certainly impressive for a compact sensor camera. Colour levels are good right up to ISO6400, where the size is automatically decreased to 6 megapixels. At ISO12800 image detail is clearly lacking as the resolution is further decreased to 3 megapixels.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 White-balance test images

White Balance - Auto white balance under tungsten lighting gives warm results, however using the tungsten preset gives much better results. AWB under fluorescent lighting gives excellent results, with the fluorescent presets giving either a yellow or magenta cast.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Digital filters

Digital Filters - The X10 has a number of film simulation and colour options. On the Adv. mode dial position you have the choice of: 360 panoramic (choice of: 360° Vertical 11520 x 1624 Horizontal 11520 x 1080, 180° Vertical 5760 x 1624 Horizontal 5760 x 1080, or 120° Vertical 3840 x 1624 Horizontal 3840 x 1080), pro focus (blurs background), and Pro Low-Light (takes a number of shots and combines for low noise).

Video Example - The camera will record Full HD video at 1920x1080 at 30fps with stereo sound, and gives a number of high speed video modes, 70fps at 640x480, 120fps at 320x240, and 200fps at 320x112 - examples of high speed video can be seen on the ePHOTOzine youtube page. There is the choice of centre focus or continuous focus, as well as colour / film simulation options.

Value For Money

The Fujifilm FinePix X10 is available for around £529, this puts it at the top end of the market, although the build quality and design of the camera could help justify this additional cost. The majority of alternatives are cheaper, including mirrorless cameras, although to get such a bright lens on a mirrorless camera would likely cost more. Alternatives include the Nikon Coolpix P7100, Olympus XZ-1, Canon Powershot G12, Panasonic Lumix LX5, and others.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Verdict

This camera feels great in the hand, but more importantly it feels great as a camera to use, with extremely quick focusing and shutter response it's very easy to get candid street shots. It's also quick and easy to take shot after shot without being slowed down by the camera. The on/off switch that is part of extending the lens is genius, and the manual zoom control of the lens makes it feel like you're using a real camera. The optical viewfinder can be used with the rear screen switched off for enhanced battery life. The EXR sensor gives the option of enhanced performance in low light or can be used to extend dynamic range, and provides additional versatility. With lots of external controls, and great image quality this camera would make an excellent choice, as long as you can justify the price of the camera.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Serious Compact Review: The Fujifilm FinePix X10 is an excellent shooter, giving quick performance and high image quality.

View Full Product Details

Portrait Photo with Flash 1/85 sec | f/2.5 | 14.8 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Underground Nap 1/100 sec | f/2.0 | 7.1 mm | ISO 200 | high res

1/850 sec | f/8.0 | 8.9 mm | ISO 400 | high res

DR 1600% (6mp) 1/850 sec | f/5.6 | 7.1 mm | ISO 400 | high res

1/900 sec | f/4.5 | 7.1 mm | ISO 400 | high res

1/950 sec | f/7.1 | 28.4 mm | ISO 400 | high res

1/300 sec | f/2.2 | 7.1 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Super Macro 1/4 sec | f/2.0 | 7.1 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Pro Low-light Mode (6mp) 1/58 sec | f/2.5 | 20.2 mm | ISO 3200 | high res

EXR - SN - High ISO, Low Noise (6mp) 1/30 sec | f/2.0 | 7.1 mm | ISO 400 | high res

1/42 sec | f/2.8 | 24.6 mm | ISO 100 | high res

1/50 sec | f/2.8 | 24.6 mm | ISO 200 | high res

1/100 sec | f/2.8 | 24.6 mm | ISO 400 | high res

1/200 sec | f/2.8 | 24.6 mm | ISO 800 | high res

1/250 sec | f/3.6 | 24.6 mm | ISO 1600 | high res

1/320 sec | f/4.5 | 24.6 mm | ISO 3200 | high res

6mp 1/600 sec | f/5.0 | 24.6 mm | ISO 6400 | high res

3mp 1/800 sec | f/6.4 | 24.6 mm | ISO 12800 | high res

AWB Tungsten - 1/90 sec | f/2.2 | 12.7 mm | ISO 200 | high res

Tungsten Preset - 1/75 sec | f/2.5 | 13.2 mm | ISO 200 | high res

AWB Fluorescent - 1/30 sec | f/2.5 | 13.2 mm | ISO 200 | high res

Fluorescent Preset 3 - 1/28 sec | f/2.5 | 13.2 mm | ISO 200 | high res

Standard 1/56 sec | f/2.5 | 13.7 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Velvia 1/56 sec | f/2.5 | 13.7 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Astia Soft 1/52 sec | f/2.5 | 13.7 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Monochrome 1/52 sec | f/2.5 | 13.7 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Mono and Yellow Filter - 1/52 sec | f/2.5 | 13.7 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Mono and Red Filter - 1/52 sec | f/2.5 | 13.7 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Mono and Green Filter - 1/52 sec | f/2.5 | 13.7 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Sepia 1/52 sec | f/2.5 | 13.7 mm | ISO 400 | high res

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Specifications

Manufacturer

Fujifilm

Lens

Max Aperture

f/2 - f/2.8

35mm equivalent

28mm - 112mm

Optical Zoom

Image Sensor

Pixels

12Mp (Megapixels)

Pixels (W)

4000

Pixels (H)

3000

Sensor Type

CMOS

Sensor Size

2/3 inch

Sensor Size (width)

8.8mm

Sensor Size (height)

6.6mm

Aspect Ratio

4:3
3:2
16:9
1:1

LCD Monitor

2.8in

Screen resolution

460,000 dots

Touch Screen

Focusing

Min Focus

1cm

Focusing modes

AF Tracking
Multi
Autofocus

Exposure Control

Shutter speeds shortest

1/4000sec

Shutter speeds longest

30sec

Bulb mode

Exp modes

Program
Aperture-Priority
Shutter-Priority
Manual

Metering

Spot
M
TTL

ISO sensitivity

100 - 12800

White balance

Manual
Outdoors/Daylight
Incandescent
Fluorescent
Shade
Auto

Exposure Comp

+/-2

Shooting Options

Continuous shooting

10fps

Video

Movie mode

Yes

Video Resolution

1920x1080 FullHD
1280x720 HD 720p
640x480 VGA

Video FPS

Stereo Sound

Yes

Optical Zoom with Video

Yes

Other Features

Image Stabilisation

Yes

Interface

HDMI

Yes

USB

USB 2

Wi-Fi

Storage

Card Type

SD
SDHC
SDXC

File Type

RAW
JPG
RAW + JPG

Power Source

Battery Type

NP-50 Li-ion battery

Battery Life (CIPA rating)

270shots

Box Contents

Li-ion battery NP-50, Battery charger BC-45W, Shoulder strap, Lens cap, USB cable, CD-ROM, Owner's manual

Dimensions

Weight

350g

Width

117mm

Height

69.6mm

Depth

56.8mm

Fujifilm FinePix X10 Verdict Fujifilm FinePix X10 Serious Compact Review: The Fujifilm FinePix X10 is an excellent shooter, giving quick performance and high image quality.

Features

Handling

Performance

Value for money

Verdict

Pros

Optical Viewfinder
Great on/off zoom control
Excellent handling and controls
Excellent shutter response, and focus speed
Printed manual included in box
EXR Dynamic Range works well
Bright saturated colour
Low noise

Cons

High Price
Larger than other "serious compacts"
EXR Low Noise / DR Modes reduce resolution to 6 megapixels

Comments

steeld

Nov 16, 2011 9:59am

I don't see that dropping to 6Mp for EXR Low Noise and DR Modes is necessarily a 'con'. If it means that you get a usable 6Mp image as opposed to an unusable 12Mp image in situations where most other cameras just give you the latter, then surely this feature must be a 'pro'. Mp isn't everything - the image quality retained by those pixels is. I have just purchased an X10 and feel it is by far the best small sensor camera out there. Though it can't do everything (and the laws of physics, manufacturing and pricing constraints means that no camera will ever do that), Fuji have nevetheless done an excellent job with the X10 as they did with the X100. As well as giving us excellent image quality they've also given us the tactile pleasure of something that, barring a couple of controls, feels like a precision instrument as cameras used to. So, not only does it deliver good images, if feels good to use too. What more could we ask from a camera (excluding the impossible of course!).

johnr6

Nov 26, 2011 9:31pm

steeld, sounds like you bought the X10 with just about the same goals in mind that I have! That is comforting to me. The menu structure really does not bother me since I will probably have very little use for the menus. With that said, how do you find the OVF? Sounds like it is an improvement over those of the G12 & P7000. Is there an "in-focus" light which can be seen via peripheral vision when looking through the OVF? Again, thanks for your comments.

salopian

12 3

Nov 16, 2011 10:50am

Oh dear! - all this praise sounds like bad news for my bank balance Wink Last modified by salopian on 16 Nov 2011 10:51AM

steeld

Nov 26, 2011 11:40pm

Though I am not familiar with the OVF used on the G12 and P7000, I understand from those who have used these that the OVF on the X10 is far superior. It zooms with the lens which is good but it has no shooting information which is a bit of a disappointment. There is a small LED on the back of the camera that indicates that focus has been achieved and can be seen out of the corner of one's eye but it's not as easy as having an indicator in the OVF itself. There isn't even a hairline marking the centre of the field of view if that's where your focus point happens to be fixed. So, I feel that Fuji could have improved the usefulness of the OVF enormously with a few minor enhancements. That said, I would probably use the LCD much of the time and only use the OVF when the LCD isn't usable. For low light work, the LCD is surprisingly bright and useful. Having a viewfinder like the X100 is likely to have significantly increased the cost of the camera and probably made it uncompetitive. That said, it's a compromise that I'm happy with and the build quality and image quality wins the day for me. It's all about compromise of one kind or another. If a good OVF is really important to you then maybe the X100 is a better choice for you but the compromise there is higher cost and a fixed focal length lens. Though I had considered an X100 and would live with its shortcomings, the X10 turns out to be a better compromise for my needs.

Tradetalk

Nov 16, 2011 2:25pm

As a self-confessed camera addict (at last count I had some 30, ranging from Nikon D2's to Panasonic G's, Olympus Pens and Sony NEX 3 & 5) and photographer for some 45 years I've tried most camera's from a Zenit E, through Leica M's to the Panasonic GH2 . I received my X10 last week and I have to say that it's quite simply the best camera I've ever owned. OK so it hasn't got the flexibility of the DSLR or CSC's and the sensor size should mean that the quality is far removed from the APS-C or micro 4/3rds camera's. In practice the results are superb and I've printed up to A3. The lens range of 28-112mm is flexible enough for most situations, the colour rendition is superb and high ISO noise is very aceptable due to the clever EXR downsizing to 6mp (better in my opinion than my E-P2 or GF-1). This is the modern-day equivalent of the original Leica concept, a small, take anywhere street camera that offers excellent results and is a pleasure to use. The greatest compliment I can pay the X10 is that it will replace my oldest and best loved carry anywhere camera, the Panasonic LC1. Despite all of the other camera's I have (and the majority will be on eBay within the week as I need to cut right down!) the LC1 was the nicest to use but the X10 is so superior in image quality and just as pleasant to use that I don't think the LC1 will be out again. Can't wait for the Fuji CSC that is due next year and, if I do sell all my other camera's on eBay (with the exception of my S5 Pro and a couple of lenses), then maybe a s/h X100 will complement the X10 nicely! If you can find one anywhere then I can only suggest that you buy it; you will not be disappointed! Last modified by Tradetalk on 16 Nov 2011 2:31PM

johnr6

Nov 27, 2011 12:07am

It truly is incomprehensible that Fuji did not at least put some kind of marker in the OVF. My ancient Kodak DX7440 has a marker in the OVF. Next version hopefully if Fuji is listening. What it boils down to is that all the manufacturers give barely a thought to viewfinders in P&S cameras. Really a disgrace if you ask me. In any case, I would not want the X100 since it is bulkier & without zoom. I will probably order the X10 & return it if not happy! Thanks for comments.

bwman

14 8

Nov 16, 2011 5:14pm

Most helpful review and comments from Steeld and Salopian perhaps rogether with our bank managers we can get Mervyn King to revise his 'growth forecast' upwards. With an X10 metal bodied engineered modern classic for digital and my trusty Minox 35ML i'd feel well set up at 76 to continue with my future photographic horizons. 6mp in low light is fine by me and my 'street' photography. It is so easy with the capabilities of todays digitals to miss the importance of shot content over print perfect quality. However it looks as if the X10will meet the requirements of many.

johnr6

Nov 28, 2011 3:24pm

How does one compose a photo looking through the OVF - if one wants to focus on an object off-center? Since there is no marker in the OVF, does one just position the center of the OVF "window" over the object while pressing the shutter button half way down & then waiting for the indicator light (which the eye can see) to register green - and then recomposing the photo? Thanks for any feedback.

steeld

Nov 16, 2011 8:24pm

Tradetalk said: Quote:This is the modern-day equivalent of the original Leica concept, a small, take anywhere street camera that offers excellent results and is a pleasure to use. Funny you should say that - apart from not having interchangeable lenses, the X10 reminds me of my old Leica CL in terms of look, quality feel and satisfaction in use.

swa

Dec 6, 2011 4:38am

High price is definitely a con, but "larger than other 'serious compacts'" suits me fine. I get the impression camera manufacturers look forward to the day when their products will be no larger — or more interesting — than an old Zippo lighter and weigh one tenth as much. I don't. The kick-down to 6mp in some circumstances seems a reasonable compromise to gain greater shooting flexibility. After all, how many available-darkness images do I really want to have enlarged to billboard size? (Answer: none). As to pro's, bless Fuji for including an optical viewfinder. It's something that should be standard on all point 'n' shoot cameras.

motamanx

Nov 17, 2011 5:08am

Sensor size should be in a language that describes a size, such as x mm by y mm--not "2/3 inch". What language is that--1950 video sensors?

kodachrome

12 786

Feb 29, 2012 8:47am

Although there will be many occasions where this camera will be used as a point and shoot, its also an insult to the camera and Fuji philosophy if you don't use some of the manual settings. This camera is without doubt one of the best enthusiasts compacts out there. Its as some one said 'Fuji Magic'. If SLR's are dying slowly and being replaced by CSC's, it would be a difficult choice between all the makes but if Fuji launch a CSC that is affordable i'll be at the head of the cue. Peter

Scottishlandscapes

19 75

Nov 18, 2011 9:01am

Had this for a few weeks now and it produces great results straight from the camera, look forward to seeing how they look when Adobe gives us the raw converter access. The best of the compacts I've used and Id be happy to use it for a shoot, even though the wide angle end of the lens is only 28mm, a dream to use and the menus are petty easy to recall. Dougie

makitta

Mar 7, 2013 12:24pm

Wow! I'm impressed that Pentax MX-1 outperforms this one. Well, to be fare, MX-1 is a 2013 camera... but still I think I will get one above an X20. My next camera will probably be a Fuji... I will keep an eye on them Smile

Scottishlandscapes

19 75

Nov 18, 2011 9:03am

I should say that the one thing that bugs me is the over fiddly manual focus, the rest is Fuji magic for me.

Just Jas

22 26.4k

Jun 5, 2015 3:15pm

Quote:the manual zoom control of the lens makes it feel like you're using a real camera Like a film camera? Grin

steeld

Nov 18, 2011 9:13am

Quote:I should say that the one thing that bugs me is the over fiddly manual focus, the rest is Fuji magic for me. Manual focus doesn't bug me because I seldom, if ever, use manual focus even on my DSLR. I bought my X10 as fast-shooting, high-quality compact for street and travel use where it is mostly used in full auto mode apart from maybe dialling in a little exposure compensation from time to time.

Just Jas

22 26.4k

Jun 5, 2015 3:27pm

Seriously - anybody used the X20?

stuatom

Nov 18, 2011 12:06pm

The first review - great, can't wait to get my X10. A couple of observations on your review: 1) Of course the X10 is larger than other compacts - it doesn't have a retractable lens and the body isn't made of plastic 2) The 'alternative' cameras mentioned perhaps offer similar performance but as with the X100, surely the X10 is rather in a class of it's own with its 2/3 sensor and innovative design.

oneill

16 155

Nov 18, 2011 10:26pm

has any one on epz, that has the x10 posted any photos yet,

Paul Morgan

22 19.9k

Nov 18, 2011 11:26pm

has any one on epz, that has the x10 posted any photos yet Quote: Just a few, working long hours Sad Quote:the X10 is rather in a class of it's own with its 2/3 sensor and innovative design Quote: The x10 is a class of its own Smile

topsyrm

13 28

Nov 22, 2011 1:57pm

Ok, so I'm convinced. Mine arrived this morning (ordered 17.30 last night from Wex, arrived 08.35 this morning £4.99 delivery). so once battery was charged out I went to test it against my Canon G10, no contest, X10 wins on almost every front. Need to get used to the viewfinder further across to left which made me take sloping pictures at first but once used to it I was away. Video will re-focuss and zoom during recording plus take stills without stopping. High ISO is great, better I think than my Olympus E410, not as good as the Nikon D"x or D3 but it is a compact after all. The only thing I will miss from my G10 is the extra lens length at long end but I will not be suicidal. I have to agree it is a class of its own, easy to use excellent quality pictures and build. Grin

moose69

Nov 24, 2011 10:13pm

Hi. Yes this camera does look great. But what worries me are some of the sample pictures shown on here. The shot on the underground is fine, but the forest shot and especially the CA among the trees and the general softening around the edges. Its funny that after reading 4 different reviews from different web sites about this camera, everyone says its wonderful, only one site http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCF1176.jpg has shown anything that's really stunning. Have a look at the Olympus XZ1, really well handled CA https://www.ephotozine.com/articles/olympus-xz-1-15518/images/olympus_xz1_Chromatic.jpg. And some really great shots with a superior lens. https://www.ephotozine.com/articles/olympus-xz-1-15518/images/olympus_xz1_super_macro.jpg. Would someone please post some better x10 shots on here please.

Pete

22 18.8k

Nov 24, 2011 10:45pm

Hi Moose69...check out the members on our site who've created the Fuji X10 group...they're posting photos in their portfolios with this cameras. The group was only formed today so it's going to be a while before it's in full swing but you can ask those who've bought one what they think

steeld

Nov 24, 2011 11:08pm

Quote:Its funny that after reading 4 different reviews from different web sites about this camera, everyone says its wonderful, only one site has shown anything that's really stunning. I work Mon-Fri and am busy most weekends so although I have satisfied myself that the camera is superior to every other small sensor compact I have owned, it's difficult to find the time right now to go out and take 'stunning photographs'. I am serious about my photography so I don't post any old image just to get something up online quick. I bought the camera for my personal photography and am constantly pushed for time to do that let alone take a series of demo shots to convince other people that it's a good camera. I am, however, happy to share my thoughts and opinions from time-to-time since that only takes a minute or two.

Paul Morgan

22 19.9k

Nov 26, 2011 2:39pm

Quote:But what worries me are some of the sample pictures shown on here. The shot on the underground is fine, but the forest shot and especially the CA among the trees and the general softening around the edges There`s an interesting blog/article here and some lovely pictures. http://www.boxedlight.com/x10/index.htm

johnr6

Nov 26, 2011 7:03pm

I have read that this camera is geared more towards users who want to use manual controls & that the menus are not very user-friendly. All that aside, I have been looking for a camera which absolutely has to have a viewfinder & which I can use mainly in AUTO mode. I have looked at the Canon G12 & the Nikon P7000. I was not impressed with their OVFs. So, the first question is whether I would see a difference with the Fuji X10 OVF (cannot find it in stores). Second question is whether I would be OK using the camera on AUTO most of the time (I would use bracketing & ISO when appropriate) and would take advantage of any other simple features (e.g. panoramic). The HD video is also a very important feature for my purposes. The price of the camera is not an issue! I would use the camera mainly for photos & videos of grandchildren & when on vacation. Given the camera's features, it is still small enough to use with wrist strap or to carry in coat pocket. I guess it all boils down to the following: while the features I need are there with the X10, would I be getting in over my head with this camera? BTW, I currently use a Kodak DX7440 which has been a great camera (for what it is). Thanks in advance for any & all comments. Last modified by johnr6 on 26 Nov 2011 7:08PM

steeld

Nov 26, 2011 7:41pm

johnr6, I bought mine essentially as a quality P&S with a viewfinder so that it is usable in bright sunlight and in snow in the mountains on ski trips. I also like street photography and like low-light photography but hate tripods or feeling that I have to carry my DSLR everywhere. So, I use mine with a wrist strap (see my earlier post) and I'll probably use it in full auto (EXR) mode most of the time. This mode automatically decides whether it will use some of its inbuilt clever features to deliver the best possible shot under almost any conditions. I might occasionally use the movie mode and I have already had fun with the panoramic mode. So, for street photography, I want something discreet and something that will get me a shot without too much fiddling about - if I had to adjust too much then any spontaneity is going to be lost. Manual controls are a definite plus because it means you don't have to fiddle with menus and buttons but having said that the manual control that will get most use (for me at least) is the zoom ring on the lens barrel. 95% of my photography will be switch on, zoom, compose and press the button (in EXR mode) with the odd shot having a little exposure compensation dialled by the dial on the top of the camera (much quicker than pressing buttons). As for the "not very user-friendly menus", I have not found them worse than any other camera. Just because the camera has lots of features, it doesn't mean that you have to understand them all and use them all in order to get good shots. My motivation in buying this camera was to have a small camera that I could happily carry about all day and could deliver high image quality even at low light levels. I certainly didn't buy it for the long feature list. The lovely build quality and classic looks are a bonus to me.