Fujifilm FinePix X10

Category:	Type:	Image Sensor	:
Point-and-Shoot	Compact	Optical Zoom	:
Beginner	Ultra Compact	Viewfinder	:
Serious	Ultra Zoom	Image Stabilization	:
Advanced	DSLR	Display	:
Pro	DIL	Shooting Mode	:
	Large Sensor	Movie	:
		Price check…	:

Prosumer compact redefined. The Fujifilm FinePix X10 is Fujifilm’s entry into the prosumer compact category with a beautifully designed model that uses the 2/3-in. image sensor. In fact, that sensor used to be in all prosumer cameras a number of years back but was abandoned for the smaller 1/1.7-in. (or 1/1.8-in.) sensor, probably for economic reasons. It is therefore good to see the return of the larger 2/3-in. sensor in compact digicams. The larger the image sensor, the better its high ISO low noise capability. The FinePix X10 features a 12MP resolution on an EXR CMOS image sensor and a fixed F2.0 4x wide-angle optical manual zoom lens (28-112mm, equiv.) in a magnesium-alloy body.

Because there is inevitably going to be comparison between the X10 and its bigger award-winning brother, the X100, we’ll cover the X10’s features while pointing out the differences from the X100.

As on the X100, The lens on the X10 is also fixed, i.e. not interchangeable. While the X100 lens is also of fixed focal length, the X10 has a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens. The manual zoom is fly-by-wire.

The zoom ring also functions as the Power switch. When in the OFF position, the lens is retracted and the camera is turned OFF. Turn the ring to the 28mm position and the lens extends to that focal length and the camera turns ON. This retractable design makes the X10 smaller and easier to carry when powered OFF. The lens has optical image stabilization and can take macro shots as close as 1 cm. It has a reasonably fast F2.0 max. aperture at wide angle and F2.8 max aperture at telephoto that should help obtain nice background defocus (or bokeh).

The X10 design also bears some resemblance to the X100 retro design that garnered much accolade. It should however be pointed out that the X10 does not have the shutter speed dial and aperture ring that give the X100 its enduring appeal. Instead, the dial you see on top is the Mode Dial and you use the Command Dial and Subcommand Dial on the back of the camera to set shutter speed and aperture. There is also an exposure compensation dial that makes it easy to quickly adjust exposure.

Like the X100, the viewfinder on the X10 is optical, but it is not hybrid like on the X100, i.e it does not have an EVF capability and overlay. Fujififilm claims the X10 viewfinder provides a wide field of view and a bright image. As expected, the optical viewfinder zooms in tandem with the lens. For those who prefer the LCD, it is 2.8-in. (460K-dot).

The Fujifilm X10 boasts a shutter-release time lag of approx. 0.01 sec. and a high-speed and high-precision contrast-detect AF. Continuous Shooting is at a fast 7fps at full resolution.

The FinePix X10 also offers the EXR Mode and Film Simulation Mode popularized in its compact digital cameras. Advanced photographers can use PASM modes and RAW for full control over exposure and image creation. Other practical features include an Electronic Horizon Leveling Gauge, built-in popup flash, a hot shoe to attach an external flash, 360° Motion Panorama, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 pixels at 30fps with stereo sound.

The Fujifilm FinePix X10 seems ready to set a new standard for digital cameras in the prosumer compact category.

For a size comparison of the different image sensors, read our article: 2/3-in. image sensorWhat Is… Noise?

From fujiguys