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Fujifilm X10 Black 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD and 4x Optical Zoom
Brand | Fujifilm |
Model Name | Fujifilm X10 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 2/3-inch |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Average, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Movie, Program, Advanced, Shutter priority, Manual, Aperture priority, Scene, EXR, Automatic |
Form Factor | Compact |
About this item
- Large 2/3-inch, 12-megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor and advanced EXR processor; RAW shooting and in-camera RAW processing
- f2.0 wide-angle and f2.8 telephoto, bright Fujinon 4x optical manual barrel zoom lens
- Diverse manual shooting modes that can be selected according to scene type (Program / Aperture Priority / Shutter Speed Priority / Manual); 1080p Full HD movie recording capabilities
- Motion Panorama 360 for seamless 360-degree panoramic shooting; manual pop-up flash with a range of 7 meters
- Capture images and video to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (not included)
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This Item Fujifilm X10 12 MP EXR CMOS Digital Camera with f2.0-f2.8 4x Optical Zoom Lens and 2.8-Inch LCD | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $499.99$499.99 | $697.99$697.99 | -7% $1,299.00$1,299.00 List: $1,399.95 | -6% $896.95$896.95 Typical: $956.95 | $999.00$999.00 | $1,699.00$1,699.00 |
Delivery | Get it Mar 25 - 27 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 22 | — | — | — | Get it Mar 22 - 26 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Image stabilization | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.9 |
Auto focus | 4.6 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
Picture quality | — | 4.1 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
Sold By | Replay Tech | Adorama | PORTABLE GUY | Beach Camera Same Day Shipping | PROCAM | True Modern Electronics |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 2.8 inches | 3 inches | — | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | Zoom | Wide Angle | Zoom | — | Wide Angle | Wide Angle |
zoom type | digital | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom | — | — | Digital Zoom |
shooting modes | Program | Manual, Shutter Priority, Sports | Bulb Mode,Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Automatic | Automatic | Shutter Priority |
connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, HDMI | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB |
video resolution | FHD 1080p | 2160p | 4K DCI 2160p | 4K UHD 2160p | 2160p | 4320p |
optical zoom | — | 15 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x |
What's in the box
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Introducing the Fujifilm X10
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Center, Tracking, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
Display Resolution Maximum | 460,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | 2/3-inch |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 12 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12 MP |
White balance settings | Flash torch |
Self Timer Duration | 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Fine |
Camera Flash | Built-In |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Supported Image Format | RAW |
Video Capture Format | AVC |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | AVI |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.52x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
Screen Size | 2.8 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Model Name | Fujifilm X10 |
---|---|
Brand | Fujifilm |
Model Number | Fujifilm X10 Digital Camera |
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #286,510 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #2,009 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
ASIN | B005KBB79C |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Battery Charger, Shoulder Strap, Lens Cap, Battery, USB Cable, Instruction Manual |
Assembly Required | No |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Processor Description | EXR |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.61 x 2.24 x 2.76 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 0.77 Pounds |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | Zoom |
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Aperture Modes | F2.0 |
Optical Zoom | 4 |
Digital Zoom | 2 |
Maximum Aperture | 2 f |
Minimum Aperture | 2.8 |
Zoom Type | digital |
Autofocus Points | 49 |
Compatible Mountings | Fujifilm X |
Focus Type | Autofocus & Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 112 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 28 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 3200 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Movie, Program, Advanced, Shutter priority, Manual, Aperture priority, Scene, EXR, Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Average, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Program |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium-Ion NP-50 rechargeable battery |
Battery Weight | 2 Grams |
Battery Life | 270 Photos |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 10 |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Memory Storage Capacity | 26 MB |
Special Feature | Lightweight |
Skill Level | Amateur |
Specific Uses For Product | Photography |
Form Factor | Compact |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Product Description
Product Description
The Fuji FinePix X10 12MP Compact Digital Camera with EXR Technology enables you to take your passion to the next level. The X10 demonstrates exceptional performance that will ignite your creativity. Explore X10's potential through its top quality components, intuitive controls and advanced operability while enjoying the precise fit and finish typically found in much more complicated, less approachable photographic products. The combination of a versatile and functional Fujnon 4x optical zoom lens and a bright viewfinder give a sensational shooting experience. It features a bright, high contrast, 2.8-inch LCD monitor which lets you comfortably compose and preview your shots. With its ultra-wide view angle, you can hold the camera high or low to frame your shot, and later let everyone gather around to enjoy the results. Finally, revel in the design that gives you that feeling of holding something special and unique. FUJIFILM'S X10 digital camera invites you to master its every possibility.What's in the box: Fujifilm X10 Digital Camera (Black),NP-50 Lithium-Ion Battery (3.7v 1000mAh),BC-45W Battery Charger,Shoulder Strap,Lens Cap,USB Cable,CD-ROM and Owner's Manual.
From the Manufacturer
The Fujifilm X10 digital camera feature a new larger 2/3-inch 12-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and a bright, high-definition Fujinon F2.0 wide-angle to F2.8 telephoto, 4x manual zoom lens (28-112mm) with a proprietary Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) that produces superb image quality from edge to edge.
The sleek X10 is a sophisticated compact digital camera that follows in the footsteps of the multi- award winning Fujifilm X100, and it now combines a trim and refined blackout design, an easy-to-use manual barrel zoom lens and a traditional optical viewfinder with a wide 20-degree field of view for exceptional image composition.
The X10's stunning body is built from lightweight, yet ultra strong, die-cast magnesium alloy and has an upper control deck with mode dials and an aluminum milled, textured finish lens ring. The 4x manual zoom lens ring doubles as an on/off power switch, ensuring fast start times to capture even the most fleeting shooting scenario.
Fujifilm X10 Highlights
Exceptional Image Quality
The X10 features a newly-developed, larger 2/3-inch 12-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor that combines Fujifilm's proprietary EXR technology with CMOS technology to provide bright, sharp images in all shooting conditions. The intelligent EXR CMOS sensor automatically selects the optimum shooting mode from a total of 99 different variations to capture every type of scene perfectly, even in the most difficult photography situations.
The X10's EXR CMOS sensor selects the optimum shooting mode for any lighting situation:
- SN (Signal to Noise) High Sensitivity and Low Noise – produces clear and sharp high-sensitivity images while keeping noise levels low, which is ideal for capturing night scenes or indoor situations with poor lighting.
- DR (Dynamic Range) Wide Dynamic Range – delivers an increased dynamic range (up to 1600%) to deliver rich gradations and detail in both shadows and highlights.
- HR (High Resolution) – takes full advantage of the 12 megapixel resolution to reproduce the finest details in landscape and portrait scenes, perfect for use on bright clear days. The X10's fast EXR processor also delivers high-speed continuous shooting – up to 7 frames per second – at the full 12-megapixel resolution (L size), and 10 frames per second at the reduced resolution M size.
Bright Optical System
The X10 features a newly-developed high-definition FUJINON 4x manual zoom lens (28-112mm) with a Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) that achieves superb image clarity from edge to edge. By treating all of the lens elements with the multilayer Super EBC, the X10 expertly reduces ghosting and lens flare and delivers an impeccably sharp image.
The lens consists of 11 glass lens elements in 9 groups, including 3 aspherical glass lens elements (6 sides) and 2 extra-low dispersion lens elements. Together with its wide-angle maximum aperture of F2.0 to a maximum telephoto aperture of F2.8, the X10 delivers beautiful, bright images with outstanding clarity.
In its spacious glass optical viewfinder, the X10 uses an arrangement of 3 aspherical lenses plus a special 2 glass prism configuration to give the photographer a composition experience that is marked by superior brightness and superb field of view with its extra wide 20° viewing angle.
X10 Premium Shooting Experience
In less than one second, photographers can be ready to shoot in almost any situation thanks to the X10's power switch that has been aptly integrated into the manual zoom barrel. This smart and simple design feature allows faster photography response times and helps to avoid missed photo opportunities.
Once ready to shoot, the X10's all-metal lens barrel and smooth zoom rotation helps you compose photos quickly and easily, and its remarkably quick shutter-release lag time of approximately 0.01 seconds lets you capture even the most momentary of photography scenarios.
The X10 also features a newly developed Optical Image Stabilization mechanism that all but eliminates motion blur by maximizing sensor performance, and its 49-point matrix contrast auto focus provides high-speed and high-precision focusing thanks to the fast CMOS capabilities and the advanced EXR Processor system.
The X10's lens is capable of taking super-macro shots as close up as 1cm, and combined with its 7-blade aperture, the X10 generates a stunning soft-focus “bokeh” effect that makes it the ideal choice for shooting perfect portraits.
The X10 is proudly manufactured in Japan, and as a mark of true quality, it prominently features the words “made in Japan” along the rear of the chassis near the viewfinder.
X10 Key Features- 4x manual optical zoom featuring Fujifilm's new Intelligent Digital Zoom technology that doubles telephoto capabilities and provides up to 8x zoom
- Fast power start-up; the X10 is fully ready to shoot in approximately 0.8 seconds using the on/off power switch built into the lens ring (must be in Quick Start mode)
- High-contrast and wide viewing-angle 2.8" 460K dot high contrast LCD screen that provides excellent viewing even outdoors and in bright sunlight
- Diverse manual shooting modes that can be selected according to scene type (Program / Aperture Priority / Shutter Speed Priority / Manual)
- Four diverse auto bracketing functions for exposure, ISO sensitivity, dynamic range and film simulation
- RAW shooting and in-camera RAW processing (SilkyPix RAW conversion software supplied in-box)
- Best-in-class3 1080p Full HD movie recording capabilities
- Film Simulation Modes (eight setting are available, including Velvia / PROVIA / ASTIA)
- Manual pop-up flash with a range of 7 meters (approximately 23 feet)
- Electronic horizon leveling gauge to ensure that the camera is being held level, and histogram display to check image gradation
- Motion Panorama 360° for seamless 360-degree panoramic shooting
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, portability, and ease of use of the digital camera. They mention that it produces great photos, is well built, and easy to use. They appreciate the fast lens and the ability to shoot 1080p videos at 30fps. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the camera. They mention that it produces great photos, the design, performance, and image quality output are top notch. It is an attractive looking camera that shoots well with 1080p quality at 30fps and retains good quality Audio without an external recorder. The X10 jpegs are among the best out there, and using some of the advanced options, it allows you to capture a magnified image of your subject better than a regular camera. It's good for street photography and pro low-light works, and it impresses with its Leica looks, build quality, and compact.
"...And lastly, although I swore I wouldn't mention this, yes, it is stylish, metal, made in Japan and even the box is pure Steve Jobs; it's black..." Read more
"...It yields wonderful photos, althought a bit noisy. What makes you think the X10 should be treated differently?..." Read more
"...Also, I found that the high speed picture taking provides for less blurry shots as the fast autofocus is very accurate...." Read more
"...be slightly warm and perhaps a bit over-saturated, with wonderful skin tones for portraits, although the built-in flash is a bit cool by comparison...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the digital camera. They say that it is well built, has a top quality lens, and is ideal for high quality quick-shooting. They also say that the noise is both low and well handled. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.
"...very respectable 8 x10 prints, noise that is both low and well handled, very good image quality at ISO 400 and usable image quality at ISO 800...." Read more
"...Who cares that it looks like a Leica and its really well built. It's meant to be shot in auto mode and it does have awesome auto modes...." Read more
"...Bottom line is the X10 is better built, resolves detail better, is cleaner at higher ISO settings, manual zoom, focuses much faster, great skin..." Read more
"...Underneath the camera is a solid tripod mount, and there's a direct HDMI output so you can connect the camera to a TV or monitor...." Read more
Customers like the video performance of the camera. They say the lens is super fast throughout the entire zoom range, and the shutter lag is really excellent for a camera in this league. The camera is very quick from shot to shot, and its focus is immediate. The shutter response is immediate, and 30 FPS video is pretty good. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality of pictures.
"...It's perfect for kids. It's fast too, provided you use the single focus spot in the center. Just focus and recompose...." Read more
"...Also, since the camera is very quick from shot to shot, the bracketing function allows you to make good use of Dynamic range and film simulation..." Read more
"...It's fast starting up and to autofocus, and shutter lag is really excellent for a camera in this league...." Read more
"...Well built, full featured, great photos, 4x optical zoom, fast lens, and small enough to carry anywhere...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the digital camera. They say it is the perfect mix of ease of using and advanced features, simple, and delightful to use. They also say the interface is nicer and self-explanatory. Customers also like the excellent instruction manual and the fun to use features.
"...It's perfect for kids. It's fast too, provided you use the single focus spot in the center. Just focus and recompose...." Read more
"...the stuff you use a lot - lens controls, exposure, etc - are all easy to use without really thinking about it...." Read more
"...It's simply a joy to use. It destroys the PowerShot S90...." Read more
"...There some small quirks to the menu. But they are easy to overcome. The menus are easier than the Nikon and Canon P&S series if not just as good...." Read more
Customers like the portability of the camera. They say it's small enough to fit in their pocket, has beautiful retro styling, and is perfect in size and weight. Some say that it'll be great for macro pictures and is easy to carry and handle.
"...Ignore them.This is the hottest, most sensible purchase, compact, extremely well built Point and shoot...." Read more
"...colors accuracy appears equal but with a bit more saturation, is pocketable, has the same amount of battery life as X10, has a retractable lens cap,..." Read more
"...You won't be able to put it in your shirt pocket, but it fits nicely in a coat pocket or purse. Secondly, it has both an LCD and optical viewfinder...." Read more
"...So there you have it. A nice compact camera with beautiful retro styling packed with Fuji 's advanced EXR technology. Have I mentioned the price yet?..." Read more
Customers like the zoom of the digital camera. They say that the autofocus and zooming are present and accounted for. They like the manual zoom, which offers precise control for framing pictures. They also appreciate the zoom turn on function, which is one less step. The zoom works just like an SLR lens and has a pretty wide range.
"...built, resolves detail better, is cleaner at higher ISO settings, manual zoom, focuses much faster, great skin tones and has a very good viewfinder...." Read more
"...It's fast starting up and to autofocus, and shutter lag is really excellent for a camera in this league...." Read more
"...The viewfinder comes in handy on sunny days. The AF focus is much faster than the X100.....not quite as fast as the Panasonic GF1, but still pretty..." Read more
"...Then it is a simple matter to fine tune the focus (if needed) with the focus wheel..." Read more
Customers like the controls of the camera. They say it has lots of options and manual controls, including hardware controls for adjusting parameters. The menus and controls all seem well conceived, with superb easy control buttons. The scene and auto modes allow you to fine-tune settings to your heart's content. Overall, customers are satisfied with the controls and features of the product.
"...Use it as intended.Yes, it has lots of options and manual controls. Yes you will get the Orbs if you,shoot after 6pm...." Read more
"...Still, the menus and controls all seem well conceived and although there's a lot of settings in there, the camera isn't at all difficult to use...." Read more
"Many things about this camera are great: Looks great; nice controls; great lens.But I sold mine because of two reasons:1...." Read more
"...One of my favorite features is how the MENU button is context-sensitive... therefore, if, say, you press the pop-up flash button, and then want to..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the accuracy of the camera. For example some mention it has an excellent description of features, uses, and limitations. They also say it has a wonderful handy feature and great especially Panorama. However, others say that the viewfinder provides no information and the level meter in the camera is not too informative or accurate.
"...There is a very useful exp. compensation dial next to your thumb for when it doesn't.Portrait and natural light modes:..." Read more
"...Bottom line is the X10 is better built, resolves detail better, is cleaner at higher ISO settings, manual zoom, focuses much faster, great skin..." Read more
"...True, the optical viewfinder has its limitations and isn't anywhere approaching the wonderful electronic/optical viewfinder on the X100, BUT it is..." Read more
"...Wonderful handy feature. Also I have not seen any white orb after over two weeks of usage. I believe my copy is a keeper...." Read more
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For one thing, it's rugged and doesn't feel like a toy. It feels like a camera in your hands - a tool to take great pictures with, not something that you might confuse with your iPod. The controls are logical and well-placed, and the stuff you use a lot - lens controls, exposure, etc - are all easy to use without really thinking about it. Like all great cameras, it doesn't get in the way of making great photographs.
I've never used Fuji cameras before, and it took me a while to get used to the cameras menus and user interface. Yes, everything you want is there - I've just been spoiled over the years because I use mostly Nikon equipment, and there's a sense of familiarity from the smallest subcompacts to the mighty DSLRs. Still, the menus and controls all seem well conceived and although there's a lot of settings in there, the camera isn't at all difficult to use.
Image quality is the best I've seen from a camera this size. I tend to shoot RAW, and pictures taken in bright light at medium focal lengths aren't all that different than what I get from my Nikon D3. To my eye, JPEGs are also quite good...certainly good enough for online use and for prints up to about 8x10. I find images to be slightly warm and perhaps a bit over-saturated, with wonderful skin tones for portraits, although the built-in flash is a bit cool by comparison. In low light, the X10 does better than any compact cameras I've used, although here's where the size advantage of my DSLR helps...the X10 is good up to about ISO 800 - above that the DSLR is coming out.
The X10 also has a few special modes that improve dynamic range (think HDR) or help you take wide panoramas by stitching multiple shots together. If you're accustomed to film, the X10 even has emulation modes for most of the Fuji classic films...Velvia, Provia, etc. While some of these are unique to Fuji, I tend to do this sort of thing afterwards in the computer, so most of these features aren't that important to me.
The high-quality lens takes filters, hoods and other accessories and is quite sharp and contrasty edge-to-edge, even wide open. For close-ups, it focuses down to about half an inch. Bokeh or out of focus areas are pleasant without a lot of the harshness you sometimes see in small cameras. Indeed, I find myself shooting in Aperture Priority mode quite a bit so that I can use the f/2 end of the lens for nice out-of-focus backgrounds.
There's an accessory hot-shoe on top for use with outboard flash. While the built-in flash is reasonably powerful and useful for daylight fill-flash, it's really too close to the lens axis, so you get the dreaded red-eye on nearly every shot. An outboard flash unit is the answer, since it sits further from the lens and minimizes any chance of red-eye. I tried it with my pro Quantum flash (which is several times bigger than the camera itself!) and got very good results. Unfortunately, there's not an off-camera flash system built in, similar to Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS). You can use various types of radio triggers or slave units to get this result, but it would have been great to have something built-in.
The X10 includes all the other goodies you expect from a serious camera these days, from image stabilization and an optical viewfinder to auto-bracketing and the ability to program various shooting parameters for quick reuse. Underneath the camera is a solid tripod mount, and there's a direct HDMI output so you can connect the camera to a TV or monitor. It's fast starting up and to autofocus, and shutter lag is really excellent for a camera in this league. It will do 7 frames a second in burst mode, and the X10 can also take 1080p video, although to be honest, I have camcorders for video, so other than to verify that it works properly, I haven't done much with video yet.
I do have a few minor complaints. For one, unlike the X10's big brother (the X100), there's no built-in GPS. I've grown accustomed to having my photos automatically geotagged, but this isn't possible with the X10. The other thing is battery life, which tends to be only about 200-300 shots per charge (depending on how much you use the flash).
Overall, the X10 does everything I expect in a camera and takes photographs I'm proud of. It's not always the tool of choice, but for a majority of day-to-day shots, it's a wonderful performer, and for the price, it can't be beat. Fuji definitely has a winner here.
Definitely recommended!
I originally was considering getting the SONY NEX-5N for my wife, but there were a couple of issues swaying me from SONY to Fuji. First, there was this clicking noise thing with the NEX-5N during video recording. Unfortunately, SONY screwed up and released the camera too soon without thorough QA. Despite the fact that SONY has offered new NEX-5N owners with free repair, I didn't want to deal with the hassle. I wanted a camera that worked out of the box for my wife as it was supposed to be a surprise gift. Because of this hesitation, I had a little more time to look at other cameras including the Nikon 1 series and even Micro 4/3.
From the beginning, I didn't really like the Nikon 1 series at all. When a camera company employed Ashton Kutcher for its commercials and introduced a new line of camera with a pink body option, I knew I would try to disassociate myself from it, although my wife might have thought otherwise. For the record, our first digicam was a Nikon. So no offense to Nikon fanboys. I did actually try out the J1 at my local Best Buy. The J1 's AF was screaming fast. However, it lacked a PASM mode dial and VR seemed to be not as effective as I had expected. After some pixel peeping at Fuji X10 's captured images, I would say its IQ is on par with Nikon 1 series'. Another important thing to consider is that Nikon J1 is made in China and is priced higher than Fuji X10, which is made in Japan. The metal material on Nikon J1 body does not seem to be made out of magnesium alloy. It has a color coating similar to my Yashica EZ-F521 Chinese knockoff. On the other hand, the Fuji X10 really feels substantial in my hands. Its body feels really solid similar to my Canon EOS 7D.
As for Micro 4/3, here you have Panasonic GF series and its latest pricey GX1, apart from the confusing and constantly revised Olympus PEN series. I almost clicked the buy button when the Panny GF2 was selling at $299 a couple weeks ago. However, I resisted. While my wife might have been glad to settle with the GF2 since she had owned a Lumix point and shoot before and liked it, I felt that Panasonic had not really made much progress in CMOS sensor advancement. Quite a few online reviewers like Steve Huff were saying that the Fuji X10 and Nikon 1 were as good as micro 4/3 in terms of IQ. And don't forget their sensors are smaller than Micro 4/3's. On top of that, Fuji X10 has a secret recipe which is its EXR technology. By pixel binning and doubling up the pixels in each color channel while sacrificing the sensor resolution by half, the X10 could either increase dynamic range in high contrast situations or reduce high ISO noise without sacrificing details in low light conditions. In the former case, it is similar to shooting HDR without the use of a tripod. With the X10, you can now capture HDR-like images with subjects in motion without the need of exposure bracketing and morphing multiple frames into one image. How cool is that? But then you only get 6 megapixels out of it. So what? Are you going to make large prints out of this compact camera? In essence, the most important feature with the Fuji X10 is its EXR mode. It can be found in the PASM mode dial. EXR mode is similar to iAuto of Panasonic Lumix except that Fuji 's version is more intelligent. The camera would analyze the scene and determine for you whether to apply more dynamic range or more noise reduction using its proprietary EXR recipe. This is a truly brain dead point and shoot to get the best image out of the camera. And I 've found it performed consistently well in my first few days of use. Image stablization also works nicely indoor. I could get pretty good still images around 1/8s shutter speed consistently. Well, not having a mirror flapping up and down did help.
Since I have an interchangeable lens system already, I didn't want my wife to become another lens snob like me as I have already owned a bunch of lenses for my EOS 7D. This is pretty much my biggest gripe if I were to go with SONY NEX. The Fuji X10 features a built-in fast zoom lens. Unlike other compact cameras with built-in zoom lens, the Fuji X10 tops off at F2.8 when you zoom out to the telephoto end. This is quite a bit of advantage in terms of capturing freeze motion of your subjects in the entire zoom range. Another advantage of the built-in lens is that the sensor would be less prone to dust. Even though my EOS 7D has anti-static coating and ultrasound vibration in its sensor, I still need to clean it from time to time as I change lenses a lot in the field.
As far as AF is concern, the Fuji X10 is quite snappy. There is one cool feature in its face recognition. The X10 could register a few captured faces in its memory and allow the AF to prioritize its focus to these registered faces upon recognized by the camera. Although I have not tried it yet, I think this is a pretty cool feature. This would be extremely useful if you let some brain dead strangers to take pictures of yourself and your family among other background pedestrians.
Regarding the video recording function of Fuji X10, it really puts my Canon EOS 7D to shame. Besides full HD 1080p/30, the X10 supports dynamic auto focus, auto adjustment of exposure, and even auto adjustment of white balance, all without significant lag when you pan the camera around the scene. It performs just like my old Digital 8 SONY Camcorder. No more fiddling with exposure knob and focus ring. I am jealous at my wife now. I will update more about video recording once we get more experience with it.
Another important feature worth mentioning is the super macro mode. Since the X10 sensor is relatively small, it allows you to capture a magnified image of your subject better than a DSLR with a non-macro lens. Your working distance can be about an inch away. The super macro mode works very well especially it gives you more depth of field on the subject with the relatively small sensor. I actually prefer this than using the macro lens on my EOS 7D where I would normally have to go F11 or beyond to achieve more depth of field and bring the whole subject body into focus. If the light condition is not good, I would have to use flash, which is not my preference.
So there you have it. A nice compact camera with beautiful retro styling packed with Fuji 's advanced EXR technology. Have I mentioned the price yet? Oh $599 may be a bit steep for most people. One would argue that you could almost get an entry level DSLR for that kind of money. At first I agreed and thought this camera should have been priced slightly above the Oly XZ-1 or Canon G12. But then when you look at it closely and check the images posted on X10 Group under Flickr, you would find this little camera really stands up against the bigger Micro 4/3. I told myself why not give it a try as I am intrigued by Fuji EXR sensor, which in my opinion is still inferior to Sigma Foveon sensor in broad day light. I figured that the opportunity cost would be the loss of our enjoyment if I have waited for the X10 price to drop when competition catches up. Yes, people are willing to pay a premium for new cool stuff. There are also reasons why people want to buy a Lexus over a Toyota even though some of their models are the same cars.
I think most reviewers have covered other technical stuff on the Fuji X10 and I don't want to re-iterate other highlights. There isn't really much low light worth mentioning from me unless I want to nitpick this thing to death. I want to offer potential buyers another perspective in terms of choosing the right camera for their needs. You have to decide what your priorities first. For instance, if I were a starter in serious photography, I would not have picked the Fuji X10. I could get an entry level DSLR or even SONY NEX with more bangs for the buck. I would say this Fuji X10 is a very good companion to any serious photographer who has already had another main camera body for serious work. The X10 is meant for fun and casual. Don't treat its image quality too seriously like your DSLR. Just get a Sigma or any latest DSLR if image quality is your top priority. The Fuji X10 is perfect for street photography. It 's discrete and quiet. It draws no attention in the crowd. You could switch it to silence mode and nobody would even notice you taking pictures of them. With the cool looking hood, you would draw conversation from fellow photographers. It could even be your pick up line. Without any commitment to an interchangeable lens system, you can almost view the Fuji X10 as a good one night stand. A very good one with a smile indeed.
And one more thing. There have been some discussion in dpreview.com about white orbs appearing in blown out highlight areas. So far, touch wood, I have not encountered such problem in my first few days of use. I tried to shoot at some reflective surfaces and light sources. I did not find any white blobs or dots what-so-ever in my images. If I ever do, and hopefully not, I would update this review accordingly.
Update 12/6/11:
After spending a couple more days deliberately shooting at reflective surfaces and light sources, I think I 've found on one occasion where there was a cluster of white orbs. I didn't see these orbs on X'mas tree nor any shiny surfaces both indoor and outdoor. The orbs appeared when I shot directly at the sun. The center spot of the sun in the captured image was a cluster of orbs with radiating light rays, whereas my other cameras would normally show one circular radiating star. It 's not that bad, not a show stopper for me. Perhaps this could be a calibration issue with the camera's analog front end since a handful of users claimed they saw more orbs than usual. I 'll trust that Fuji would fix it in its next firmware upgrade. Remember, cameras like this requires very high precision engineering and manufacturing. I wouldn't be surprised that there are defect escapes when new model is first released. In the past, I have bought a lemon lens and a defective speedlight from Canon to give you an idea. This is no worse than the dreadful red dot issue when the Nikon D7000 and Canon 5D MK2 were first released. That 's why I don't pre-order, and I always purchase from Amazon, Adorama, J&R, or BH photo so that I can return for exchange or refund immediately.
Update 12/14/11:
The face recognition really works marvelously. You can register faces of your partner, family members, or friends and the camera would name those faces when you look into the LCD viewfinder while taking your shot. It would even recognize the same face with or without eye glasses. Wonderful handy feature. Also I have not seen any white orb after over two weeks of usage. I believe my copy is a keeper. I would be cautious about upgrading the firmware once Fuji has it available for fixing the white orb syndrome.