Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm takes its design cues from the 1950s, but its technology is all 21st-century

By David Pierce on December 6, 2011 03:54 pm 36Comments

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.

Video Review

Hardware / design

Fujifilm X10 review pictures

View full Gallery

Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.

Did I mention the X10 is gorgeous? It nails the retro style, and it’s much more reminiscent of the Leica M3 than just about any other camera out there today. (Except the X100, obviously.) The camera’s black magnesium body is accented with synthetic leather, and it has a blocky, simplified look that I really like. It’s not small, though, and at 4.6 inches wide and 2.2 deep there’s nothing pocket-friendly about it. It’s heavy, too, but it’s 12.3 ounces is a little easier to hold thanks to a small grip on the right side.

Fujifilm makes good use of all that space, adding more switches, buttons, and dials than you’d think could fit on a camera this size. Up top there’s the pop-up flash, shutter button, mode dial, exposure dial, and function button. There’s also a hotshoe, so you can add a flash, electronic viewfinder, or any of a variety of other accessories — flexibility that masks a multitude of sins on a camera this expensive, like the relatively unimpressive flash. I’d need five hundred words to explain everything on the back of the camera, so suffice to say there are plenty more buttons and dials, along with an optical viewfinder off to the left side. I particularly liked the dedicated button for switching to RAW shooting, and the assignable Fn button that became my one-touch ISO control. The front remains nicely minimal, with the viewfinder window, lens, focusing toggle, and little else.

The LCD on the back is a relatively small 2.8 inches, but it’s packed with 460,000 dots and is pretty sharp for this size. There are plenty of less-expensive cameras with 921,000-dot LCDs, though, so I have a hard time justifying a $600 camera not having a best-in-class display. It can also be a little slow to recognize color changes, especially in white balance — I’d occasionally take a shot, correctly balanced, before the LCD would look right. Otherwise, it’s bright, crisp and accurate enough to work well.

One neat feature, which I quickly grew to love, is the lens’ control over the power of the camera. If you rotate it one stop past the 28mm spot on the lens, it actually turns the camera off. To turn it on again, just spin the lens out like you’re zooming in, and on goes the camera. It takes a few seconds to turn on, so it’s not quite as seamless as it could be, but it’s an awesome trick. (If you don’t want to extend the lens while you review photos, you can just press the Play button for about three seconds, and the LCD turns on.)

Viewfinder

Its most obvious tribute to Leica, other than the device’s look, is Fujifilm’s use of a rangefinder-style optical viewfinder instead of the through-the-lens mirror style of most DSLRs. There are plenty of advantages to a rangefinder, but one giant, game-changing disadvantage: you never know exactly what you’re getting from your shot.

My hunch is that the optical viewfinder is going to cause a lot of average users, seduced by the X10’s beauty, a lot of confusion and annoyance as they shoot. Since the viewfinder has a different point of view than the lens, any photo you frame through the viewfinder will look different in the actual photo unless you know how to compensate for the difference. If I framed a picture of my keys through the viewfinder, what I actually took a photo of was the bottom of the lanyard, out of focus, plus a nice shot of the background. It also has no center mark or indication of focus — it’s just a blank pane of glass, with no information whatsoever — which makes framing your shot even more difficult because everything always appears to be in perfect focus whether it actually is or not. You’ll see the lens in the corner of the viewfinder as well, and while that’s neither unique to this camera nor a problem in your actual photos, it’s jarring to look at. On the plus side, the viewfinder does zoom in with the lens. If you can handle a rangefinder-style viewfinder, this one works as well as any, but I’d wager most people can’t. The X100 has a super-useful hybrid viewfinder that works much better, and I’d like the X10 more if it used the same system.

The X10 is stunning, but form occasionally trumps function

Interface

Interface and controls

There's a dial for everything, and sometimes two or three

There’s a dial or button for everything you could possibly ever need to do on the X10, and probably two or three — I counted six things you can spin, one you can slide, and 14 you can press. Things are relatively well-marked, and most are fairly obvious, but there’s definitely a learning curve as you figure out where everything is, and which wheel you spin to do what. Once you get it, though, the camera’s as fast to navigate as any I’ve seen.

Same goes for the menu system, which is once again incredibly useful but also hard to figure out at first. Pressing the Menu button once brings up a list of common settings you might want to change, specific to the mode you’re shooting in. Pressing up on the five-way directional pad takes you to even more shooting options, and the AE and AF buttons control exposure and focusing options, respectively. Everything’s only a click or two away, but it’s a bit of a journey learning which clicks matter.

Features

Fujifilm fancies the X10 much too classy for shooting gimmicks, so it mostly keeps things simple. Every feature is geared toward getting the best image quality out of the camera, and they’re mostly just tweaks to the shooting settings — like a dynamic range priority mode, or a high ISO / low noise image that’s basically the same as every other camera’s Night mode, just with more impressive language.

The omnipresent scene modes are here, as well as a few simple filters for both photos and video that are particularly adept at giving video a vintage, film-like quality. Otherwise, there’s a really cool mode for shooting 360-degree panoramic photos all in one shot, and not much else. The feature I wound up using most was just a simple level, which helps keep the horizon in your photos consistent.

Performance

Performance and quality

I have zero complaints about the X10's image quality

Fujifilm X10 sample pictures

View full Gallery

Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
ISO 100, Super Macro mode

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
ISO 400

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
ISO 1600

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
ISO 1600

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
ISO 3200

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
ISO 6400

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
ISO 12800

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
What happens when you frame a shot through the viewfinder

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Super Macro mode

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Sepia filter

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.
Fujifilm X10 review

Fujifilm seems to believe cameras stopped getting better in about 1954, and it might be right: its high-end X-series takes its cues from the Leica cameras of decades ago, and the results have been beautiful. The X10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly (read: less expensive) model than the previously released X100, costing $599 instead of the X100’s $1,199. The look is still the same, and although the specs aren’t as impressive as the X100 they’re still high-end: f/2.0 lens, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, and all the manual control you could need. But even at the low, low price of $599, the X10 has to compete with Micro Four Thirds and Sony’s NEX cameras, which don’t look quite as cool but shoot images and video that are hard to beat. Does the X10 measure up with the best of its competitors, and is its beauty more than skin deep? Read on for our full review.

The X10 takes fantastic pictures, in almost any situation. Its ⅔-inch CMOS sensor may be closer in size to a point-and-shoot than a DSLR, but the photos it takes are definitely closer to DSLR-quality, even though they’re not quite on that level. Much of that is due to the Fujinon lens, which ranges from f/2.0 to f/2.8 — that’s incredibly fast, especially at the most zoomed-in angle; typically, zooming makes for darker photos, but that’s barely the case with the X10. The X10 can go from 28-112mm, which is 4x zoom, and that it zooms at all is an upgrade over the X100’s fixed lens.

Even in low light, the X10 continues to take impressive pictures. Since the lens is so fast, it doesn’t need low shutter speeds or ridiculously high ISOs to take in a lot of light, so the blurry-or-soft problem you run into with a camera like the Nikon J1 doesn’t really exist. I was able to shoot up to ISO 1600 without much problem, though that was the point when I started to notice significant noise in the image. Photos at ISO 3200 and even occasionally 6400 were still usable, but only at small sizes. Some of the awesome noise performance is thanks to Fujifilm’s dual-core EXR processor — there’s an EXR mode on the camera, and when you’re in it the camera will automatically switch its settings so that in low light it’s only shooting 6-megapixel photos, combining pixels so that there’s less noise in the photo. It’s a smart idea, and it clearly works.

The autofocus is insanely fast, taking virtually no time to lock on to a subject, and typically getting it right, though its face detection performance wasn’t great. There are 49 available points of autofocus, so you can easily choose where you want the camera to lock. Manual focusing is done through the camera itself rather than on the lens, and you actually use the scroll wheel on the back of the camera to focus it; it feels funny at first, but works fine once you get used to it. The one issue, and this is common with rangefinder-style cameras, is close-up focus. The X10 doesn’t do a very good job focusing on close subjects — I spent a lot of time trying to get close-up photos looking right, and was rarely closer than about a foot. There’s an awesome Super Macro mode, which lets you focus as close as 1cm away, but you have to remember to switch into the mode before you try and shoot; it’s an great feature, but one that requires some work and training on your part.

The important things happen really fast on the X10, but it’s got its share of lag as well. As mentioned before, there is virtually zero shutter lag, which is fantastic, and it can shoot up to seven frames per second (ten if you’re shooting at the smaller 6-megapixel setting). Other parts of the camera don’t really keep up, though. The X10 takes two or three seconds to turn on when you rotate the lens, and if the camera’s sleeping it can take even longer to wake up; sometimes it was just faster to turn it off and back on than to hold the shutter for five seconds to get it to wake up again.

You can shoot video at 1080p at 30 frames per second, and it looks really good even in low light. As with still photos, accurate and clear colors are everywhere, and video looks crisp and clean. The camera can autofocus and zoom while recording video, without making any noise that I could hear. Often, cameras that can shoot 1080p30 can also shoot 720p60, a combination I personally love, but this one’s 30 fps at both resolutions. The camera has a stereo microphone, which sounds pretty great — a taxi’s sound moved from my left to my right as the cab did, and the two mics seem to do a decent job of eliminating background noise (though not a perfect one).

There’s a whole lot of good stuff inside the X10, but you won’t get to make use of it for very long — its battery life is really, really bad. I took all of 169 photos and one 40-second video before the battery died, so plan to buy an extra if you’re doing some serious shooting. It did get better after charging a few times, but it’s still not enough for a heavy shooter.

Wrap-up

If you’re willing to put in the time to really get acquainted with the X10, the reward is huge

As much as I like the Fujifilm X10, it’s not a camera I’d recommend to most average camera buyers. It’s drop-dead gorgeous and it works really well, but it’s quite complicated to use, and there’s a fairly steep learning curve if you want to make the most out of the camera. With no interchangeable lenses it’s not versatile enough to be a primary camera for serious shooters, and it’s potentially too much for hobbyists to make use of its best features.

If you’re willing to put in the time to really get acquainted with the X10, the reward is huge — it takes excellent photos and video, and will get more than a few envious looks while you shoot with it in public. But at $599.99, I’d wager most people will be more comfortable with the Sony NEX-5N, or the Olympus E-PL3, both of which have larger sensors, multiple lenses, and a much smaller learning curve. Or, you could save $170 and drop down to the Canon PowerShot S100, which doesn’t offer quite the same image quality pictures, but is small and dead simple to use.

Want to see more? Compare the X10 to the Sony NEX-5N, Fujifilm X100, Canon PowerShot S100, and more using our product comparison tool!

Compare It

Fujifilm X10

8.3 Verge Score Write Review

Good Stuff

Incredibly good-looking
Excellent picture and video quality
Fast focusing performance

Bad Stuff

Complicated to use effectively
No interchangeable lenses
Poor battery life

The Breakdown

More times than not, the Verge score is based on the average of the subscores below. However, since this is a non-weighted average, we reserve the right to tweak the overall score if we feel it doesn't reflect our overall assessment and price of the product. Read more about how we test and rate products.

Design 9
Image quality 9
Video quality 9
Interface / controls 7
Features 6
Performance 7

There are 36 Comments. Add yours.

Cool Matty says:

The video review is horribly corrupted on WebM. Might want to fix that, Verge-techies. Tested via Firefox and also downloading and playing in VLC/other media players. MP4 version is fine.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 4:14 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

David Pierce's reply:

We’re working on this, sorry about that! Should be fixed shortly.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 4:16 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

youtube10's reply:

Why are our voices slightly raised?

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 4:41 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions

bradjw says:

If not for poor poor battery, I would get this no question.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 4:21 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

ks.yeoh's reply:

Ya, but I think spare batteries are dirt cheap nowadays right?

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 1:37 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

sglewis's reply:

Fuji’s NP-50 battery is $30 at Amazon. OEM batteries were as cheap as 79 cents plus $3 shipping also on Amazon. Fuji batteries are always cheap – my X100 shares a battery with a Casio camera, and the Casio charger and batteries are much cheaper than the Fuji branded ones. The X10 seems to use the same battery as a Kodak and Pentax P&S.

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 9:13 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

DanJ01 says:

While the sample pictures do look great, this really seems like it is in no-man’s-land in terms of price and size.

Similar price and size to interchangeable lens cameras, but does not offer that versatility. Much more expensive, and not pocketable like the S100. Seems like most people would really want one or the other of those things.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 4:46 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions

uhIforgot says:

Looks like someone forgot to close a bold tag!

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 4:50 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

uhIforgot's reply:

Fixed now.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 4:51 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

kyeungbum's reply:

No it’s not.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 5:07 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions

C-c-c-combo breaker says:

EVERYTHING IS BOLD

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 5:14 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

C-c-c-combo breaker's reply:

oh.. its fixed now

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 5:15 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

Allegrotechie says:

Why is everything in bold?

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 5:14 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

ssjsid says:

The comments section has a bold new look.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 5:16 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

ssjsid's reply:

*had
(dammit!)

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 5:17 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

jdoscher says:

I’m also in for the free bold font. Seriously though- I agree with DanJ01 and that the price/features seem to be off. While not as stylish, the G12 does quite a bit more- and indeed the S100 does almost everything better too… except that dang battery life.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 5:23 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

laoh says:

LOOKS LIKE THE CAPS LOCK IS ON TOO.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 5:25 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions

Captain Megaton says:

This review is another of the “camera reviews for people with no clue about cameras, by people who have no clue about cameras” series. Which is okay for something like the NEX, GF, or lower end PEN cameras, but comes over as a little odd with the Fuji X10. This is a camera designed by camera-freaks, made by camera-freaks, for camera-freaks. To complain that it is too complicated missing the point.

Still David hit the main points: great looks, great lens, great image quality. Found the main lows: frequent lags in odd places, confusing interface, battery life. Missed the point about the optical viewfinder completely though:

The viewfinder is far and away the brightest, sharpest, largest optical viewfinder in a camera of its class. It’s an amazing big of engineering all by itself, and quite unique. There are no information displayed, no focus indicator, but it’s purpose is composition, pure and simple.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 6:12 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions

lhl's reply:

While I’d agree that The Verge’s target audience isn’t the same as say, dpreview’s, I think you’re being unfair to David – as you mentioned he did hit the main points. I think that for the audience, David’s warning about parallax vs TTL and lack of focal screen, etc is perfected suited. While the OVF zoom is a neat trick, considering it’s 85% coverage and w/o frame guides, even for the purpose of composition, the OVF is a big adjustment. It’s not something that you’d want to order online w/o actually checking out IMO.It’s too bad Fuji didn’t have a variation of their superimposed framelines (couldn’t live without them on my X100).

While I think the X10 is a great camera, compares very well vs direct competition like the G12/P7100, and has some great things going for it (especially physical button layout – they even fix some niggles from the X100 like the AF-C position and the EV dial looseness) it definitely has it’s work cut out for it, especially at the price. As good as it’s 2/3" (58mm2) EXR sensor might be, pricewise as David mentions it’s competing w/ 220mm2 m4/3s (although most people tend to ignore the additional costs for decent lenses).

There are also a plethora of great options in that P&S space, and they all have their own pros and cons, so a lot of it will just depend on the options you need (for a pure shooter, I’d really have to look hard at the XZ-1+VF2 combo, for video+reach the HX9v, or for pure responsiveness, the new ZR200).

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 8:03 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions

Captain Megaton's reply:

The review is what it is, and as you describe it. I wasn’t trying to be unkind. Actually I normally find them interesting as the perspective is quite different from what I’m usually used to. I found this one interesting too, but there were just too many sections that did a disservice to the camera by being inaccurate/ill-informed to let it go without comment.

Not that the X10 is perfect or for everyone, but you have to put the viewfinder front and center when talking about the camera and how it might typically be used, which is first and foremost a compact travel companion for the enthusiast photographer, an up-sell from the Canon G series or Lumix LX.. Viewed in that light the X10 is quite superb.

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 11:11 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

MACEINYOURFACE's reply:

"camera reviews for people with no clue about cameras, by people who have no clue about cameras."

You’re saying that the camera reviewer has no clue about cameras. If I was the reviewer I’d find that a little insulting don’t you think?

It’s an “up-sell” from your typical enthusiast compacts. It’s also $599. Which makes it priced in ILC territory, without matching their IQ or useability.

The fact that it has a optical viewfinder doesn’t mean it automatically gets a recommendation. If the parallax disparity is severe enough to mislead your composition, then WTF is the point?

Your comment just sounds like you’re predisposed to like the X10, and you’re simply trying to discredit an opposing view. In fact, your first comment reads like straight-up advertisement.

Posted on Dec 09, 2011 | 8:45 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

plaak's reply:

I cross-shopped the X10 against directly against the m4/3 cameras and ended up buying the X10 instead.

I truly love it and I’m not sure I’d buy a m4/3rds camera even though I’m a camera freak with some money to burn. I’ve used the G12 and own an S90 and I don’t think any of these really compare either. This is basically a sweet spot for me, right here and right now— the quality is good enough for much of my shooting and it’s generally a pleasure to use.

The thing is that I already own a full frame (D700) and DX nikon DSLR with a decent collection of lenses. My reason for looking at these smaller entusiast-oriented cameras is portability and convenience. The better 4/3rds bodies don’t seem that much smaller than my APS-C/DX camera and the lens selection still seems pretty limited (plus the flexibility of these designs is a liability of sorts: more clutter/decisions). By the time you attach a fast lens, EVF, on a m4/3rds with good manual controls, etc— the bulk and clutter is quite comparable to APS-C/DX, plus this drives up the cost quite a bit (vs X10)

Longer term I wouldn’t be surprised if m/4rds takes over the DSLR market, once quality of lenses matches, EVFs truly match DSLR (lag & graininess is still kind of intrusive) and these sensors mature enough to make the quality differences academic, but right now I’m not sure I see a place in my collection…

In short, I think X10 fills and interesting and largely underserved niche right now. I would be surprised if it doesn’t become something of a cult hit.

Posted on Dec 11, 2011 | 12:02 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions

Thanasis says:

Is this gallery link broken? http://www.theverge.com/2011/12/6/2597183/fujifilm-x10-sample-pictures

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 6:54 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

Joanna Stern's reply:

Works for me, but we were having site issues before.

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 9:30 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

james dot heck says:

i love the plethora of dials, nothing beats analog controls

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 9:44 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions

Bharat Justa says:

It is pricey!

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 10:04 PM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions

Bharat Justa says:

Is the text red?
Yes

No

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 10:13 PM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions

danielolness says:

Amazing video work on the review. Super good stuff going on at The Verge!

Posted on Dec 06, 2011 | 10:52 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions

TheMilkWars says:

Clean up the ui and button layout and I’d totally buy this. That and maybe 60 frames per second.

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 12:50 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

jaan says:

This is special piece of hardware, no doubt about it. I bought Fuji X100 for $1200 (I could get a better DSLR or m4/3) and I loved it! When you get to know the camera, its superb. Its not for fast action scenes, just like X10, but output is just great. Camera looks amazing, images are great and did I already say that camera looks amazing?

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 2:30 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

Captain Megaton's reply:

With all respect to the excellent design crew at Fuji, buying a camera for its appearance strikes me as vain.

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 11:16 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

andremueller says:

“…There’s also a hotshoe, so you can add a flash, electronic viewfinder…”
Are you sure about the EVF? It’s the first time a hear that. Maybe you meant optical viewfinder instead?

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 5:37 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

kylesaric says:

wow… just wow. I want one…

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 9:14 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

atomicsolar says:

It’s no good, I am in love. It’s like it was made for me… Price hurts, but I will definitely be keeping an eye on this, it’s just beautiful, it looks like in terms of digital cameras, I either just stick with my mobile, or go with a DSLR, this, or the Sony NEX… Or all 3. Used to be into photography with my Pentax K1000 (before film and developing got too expensive for my wallet), so the looks of the Fuji are singing to me.

Posted on Dec 07, 2011 | 9:55 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

thwap says:

lol @ video sample footage!

Posted on Dec 08, 2011 | 11:04 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

sugarbone says:

Very cute! I have an entry-level DSLR but I’m thinking about selling it and my lenses (just kit lens and a nifty fifty) and downgrading to this camera. The DSLR is lovely but I basically only use my 50mm lens because it’s fast, and find the camera itself is large enough that it is inhibiting for the kind of shooting I do (very casual, fun stuff – I am not more than a hobbyist and find myself leaving the brick at home when I go out).

My only qualms from reviews I’ve read is the battery life and wrapping my head around using a rangefinder rather than through the lens. However, I’m hoping what I give up viewfinding will be made up for in size, convenience, and cuteness!

Posted on Dec 17, 2011 | 6:51 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions

Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.

↑ Top of comments
↑ Top of page
↑ The Verge