Fujifilm FinePix X10 Impressions

General Introduction: I'm pleased to say that my friend Ken Tanaka plans to write a column for us on a regular basis, tentatively planned to publish in the middle Friday of each month. Ken has multiple areas of expertise within photography, especially (but not exclusively) having to do with his close connections to the museum world. I'll be very much looking forward to his contributions to TOP. —Mike

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By Ken Tanaka

Many camera aficionados will remember 2011 as the year that Fujifilm emerged as a new creative force in the somewhat moribund arena of enthusiast-class cameras. Fujifilm's X100 staked claim to new ground with its innovative amalgamation of new technologies and new old styling. Now just a few months later Fujifilm's introduction of the X100's smaller sibling, the Fujifilm X10, is establishing the high ground in compact enthusiast cameras.

I have now spent just over a week using this new and innovative camera daily. In briefest terms, I like the Fujifilm X10 very much, perhaps even more than I like its big brother. Here's why.

At-a-glance comparisons
Categorically the X10 is an advanced fixed-lens compact camera in the same family as the Canon G11/G12, Nikon P7000, Nikon J1, Panasonic DMC-LX5, et al. Like its larger sibling, the X10 is styled and finished to resemble a classic 35mm rangefinder camera. But styling is where the similarity ends; the X10 has nothing in common with a Leica M or a Zeiss Ikon.

Within its class the X10 is slightly larger, or at least differently proportioned, than many of its peers. I find it more comfortable to handle than the common compact body designs as exemplified by the Panasonic LX5. But more on this later.

Fujifilm X10 and Panasonic DMC-LX5

The X10 is nicely jacket-pocketable but not nearly as universally pocketable as the popular advanced sub-compact Canon S90/95/100.

Fujifilm X10 and Canon S90

After seeing the X10 called the X100's "little brother" so often in early reviews I was rather surprised to discover that it really is not that much smaller or lighter than the X100.

Fuifilm X10 and Fujifilm X100

Shooting with the X10
Right out of the box the X10 felt quite good in my hands. It has very solid metal construction with substantial heft, but it's not heavy. The textured leather-like covering, the front finger grip, and rear rubber thumb tab provide a secure in-hand feeling.

As shown above, the X10's controls are organized nearly identically to the X100's. The top dials, shutter button, and programmable function button are located exactly the same on both cameras. Note, though, that where the X100 features a shutter speed dial the X10 features a mode dial. The exposure compensation dial is perfectly placed for fast blind adjustment, although I wish it was not so tight.

The X10's unique power switch, which momentarily puzzled me, is a tiny bit of industrial design genius. To turn the camera on you simply twist the lens barrel counter-clockwise, the same motion required to zoom the lens. A collateral benefit of this design is that you cannot accidentally leave the lens cap on the lens. I like this design very much [me too —Ed.]. Note that you can also power-up the camera for image viewing by simply hold-pressing the Play button.

The X10's autofocusing system is generally quite quick in good-to-moderate light. (Much quicker than the X100's auto-focus.) But, characteristic of its contrast detection system, it becomes confused in any light when it doesn't see vertically-oriented edges or strong spots. The good news is that unlike the X100, which wobbles for a second before abandoning autofocus, the X10 immediately displays the dreaded Red Square of Focus Surrender, thus allowing you to adjust far more quickly.

The X10's Fujinon 7.1mm–28.4mm (35mm equivalence: 28mm–112mm) ƒ/2–2.8 lens is perhaps the real star of the camera. Composed of 11 glass elements, this lens is quite sharp, offers excellent contrast and color fidelity, and is quite fast. The design and coatings also seem extremely flare-resistant. Try as I might I was only able to induce really bad veiling glare once.

For those who insist on the camera-to-face meme the X10 does have an optical viewfinder. Yes, in fairness, it's a bright, sharp finder that can be very handy in bright conditions. I'm glad it's there. But it does only cover 85% of the frame (sometimes a bit less if you subtract the lower right corner blocked by the lens barrel at wide angles) and it's no match for the X100's super bionic Hybrid Viewfinder.

What about those 'white disks'?
Early X10 buyers reported a phenomenon whereby spots of blown exposure would appear as circular white disks. Having seen some examples posted online I was naturally very keen to quickly determine if my own camera had this problem. I am relieved to write that I have not been able to reproduce this problem at all.

Image quality
In brief, very good to excellent. The X10's oversized 2/3-inch EXR CMOS 12-MP sensor really seems to shine. Details are held nicely in all but the most extreme frames and, when given the mandate to do so, the X10 can nicely stretch its dynamic range, either through using the "EXR" mode or by using the automated bracketing in "Adv"anced mode. The camera's EXR processor is certainly to be credited for such quality. I've done nearly all of my X10 shooting to-date in large-fine JPG mode which (not to steal the thunder from my planned "The Joys of JPEGgin'" article) I believe is the best way to take fullest advantage of this camera's abilities. Just a few days before I finished this article, Adobe released an update to Camera Raw which could process X10 raw image files. Frankly, I was not impressed, and still prefer working in JPG with this camera. If you decide to try an X10 I strongly encourage you to devote your initial efforts toward exploring the camera's many internal processing options. I realize that if you're a die-hard Raw shooter you might have to be sedated to even consider such an excursion into consumer mode. But I absolutely guarantee that your excursion with the X10 will, more often than not, be amply rewarded by image quality that you'd be unlikely to achieve through desktop Raw cooking. Shoot Raw+JPG to see for yourself.

High ISO and noise
The sample images I've linked below speak to this aspect of performance. Most were recorded above ISO 400 and many at ISO 1600. Noise is just not an issue in this camera within any normal working range up to ISO 3200. Further, I get the best results when I don't try to outsmart the camera—that is, when I let it determine ISO. With regard to s/n processing, this camera is far, far smarter than I am.

I might add that "noise" is becoming a non-issue nearly across the range of these cameras. I plan an upcoming article that treats this, and related practice topics, soon, so stay tuned.

So what's wrong with the X10?
Not much, and nothing grievous. The lens could be 4mm wider (for which I'd gladly trade 4mm on the long end) but it's not a significant inconvenience for me.

The camera's menu system. like that of the X100, could benefit from a re-think. It's at least logical, organized into "Shooting" and "Set-Up" groups of settings. But each group is just too damn long. Mercifully, the camera's design keeps you out of the menus most of the time.

It would also be nice if the optical viewfinder covered much more of the actual frame and offered one or two status annunciators within the eye field, such as exposure compensation status.

And can't the X10 be taught to wake from sleep without having to recycle through power off?

But these are mostly nits. Your nits may vary.

Conclusion
The Fujifilm X10 is an outstanding new entry into the rather sleepy sameness of enthusiast compact cameras. In the same design spirit as the X100, the X10 amalgamates proven and practical older design features (which young folks call "retro") with some of today's most advanced imaging technologies to deliver a camera that feels and performs a bit beyond its class.

I have become fond, and familiar, enough with the X10 in the past week to say that I'm likely to adopt it as my primary casual pocket camera. Cameras tend to be very personal gadgets. Whether or not you would react similarly I cannot speculate. But I will risk predicting that, as a TOP reader, you would at least find the X10 an interesting and unique—perhaps even charming—camera.

Recommended detailed reviews and previews
The Internet is already brimming with reviews of the Fujifilm X10. You could easily spend most of a day reading through them. If you need more detailed information about the X10 here are the places where you'll find the most accurate information and useful assessments that I've encountered.

Fujifilm's X10 Product Pages

Fujifilm X10 Manual (PDF)

DPReview Preview

Luminous Landscape Review

Photography Blog Review

A three-part YouTube video series on the X10 by "The Fuji Guys" (Fujifilm employees). Informative and entertaining.

Sample Images
Offering online 72-dpi sRGB camera sample images is normally about as useful as offering online pie tasting. But I offer these samples because they do show what the X10's image oven is capable of producing mostly on its own. I also think they're worth glancing because they're not the usual daytime samples of flowers and scenics normally presented with camera reviews. My samples are mostly in evening street lighting or fading daylight. I have applied mild sharpening, some cropping, and some gentle hip-bump tonal adjustments to nearly all the images. But, except where noted, what you're seeing is essentially what I got from the X10.

Ken

Fuji X10 from Amazon.com

Fuji X10 from Amazon U.K.

Links to Amazon.ca and Amazon.de

Fuji X10 at B&H Photo (currently out of stock)

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Original contents copyright 2011 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved.

Featured Comment by David: "I have been using the X10 for about 6 weeks alongside an x100 and Leica M. You are absolutely right about the JPEG in-camera processing, it is superb. I have mainly used the X10 at night on the streets and it is exceptional.

"Gripes—the optical finder is useless with the lens hood on; wake up in EXR Mode is dire. The EXR mode at night is great by the way. But that is it—each day I am amazed by the quality, and the handling is superb. Add a bigger sensor, the X100 viewfinder, interchangable lenses and you have the new Fuji X to be launched next year—and then, would anyone like to but my X10, X100 and M9? Good review, Ken."

Featured Comment by Will Duquette: "What's your experience with battery life?"

Ken replies: Good question, as others have remarked that it's short. The X10 uses Fuji's NP-50 3.7V battery. I've been using both the official Fuji brand as well as the MaximalPower brand and have been impressed with their longevity, particularly in cold weather. On my first evening, which was fridgidly in the mid-20°F's, the Fuji battery level barely budged one click after two hours of nearly continuous-on and 200 frames. I had a similar experience last night in just slightly warmer temps after 90 minutes. So the X10's battery life seems at least no weaker than any of its peers and may be better than some. Plus, while the Fuji NP-50's run over $30, the MaximalPower replacements cost $5.75 at Amazon.

Featured Comment by Scott Baker: "It's official. I'm gonna have to buy one of these things."

Featured Comment by Arthur: "I have a huge crush on the X10, but the review sites have left me wanting. All the pixel-peeping comparison shots show the X10's full resolution images (which seem to look about the same as the competition). I'd really like to see the X10's low-noise EXR mode compared to resized images from say the S100 or what have you, as I see myself using a camera like this an awful lot in the 800–1600 ISO range. I don't mind 6MP images at all if the image quality is as good as the marketing materials say."

Ken replies: I have added several images to the samples gallery, from image 14 up, specifically to show ISO 3200 examples and the camera's EXR "Dynamic Range" optimization processing. These really are JPGs right from the chicken with basically no other cooking.

Featured Comment by emptyspaces: "One thing I like about the X10 is that you can view images without twisting the barrel to turn it on - just hold down the play button for 'one Mississippi' and it's on. Tap it again to turn it off. Cool. Auto ISO is great, you choose the limit (400, 800, 1600, or 3200). EXR pixel binning works. And you still get a 6MP image. Sweep panoramas are awesome, all the way to 360 degrees. It's a pretty good movie camera. 112mm ƒ/2.8 on a sensor 2X the size of the Canon S95—you can blur the backgrounds pretty well. Totally awesome 'super macro' mode.

"Here's one, shot at 1600 in jpg mode, with just a hint of luminance smoothing in LR3.

"The X10 rocks!"

Featured [partial] Comment by Josh Wand: "To me there's something missing in these images—there's a level of sharpness (microcontrast?) that's just not there in the full-res, which shows even when resized to screen resolution.

"I'd say it's a function of sensor size, except I get better sharpness and microcontrast from my new iPhone's camera! (The camera in the 4S is really pretty darn good.)

"This sense of definition in edges, the sense of the way the light is falling even on a surface, is missing from all the small-sensor cameras I see. Some shots with Micro 4/3 cameras have it, and many of the shots I see with the APS-C sized X100 have it. But in all the X10 images I've seen, everything just looks smudgy.

"This quality is pretty important to my work, and if the camera can't do it then I'm not buying it, no matter how much I want something small and unintimidating that I can put up to my eye. (I tried going back to film with my Canonet; sadly, reliable C-41 processing is no longer available in my city.)

"Maybe someone else can articulate this better? Or tell me the term I'm searching for?"

Mike replies: What you want is a Leica S2. Totally wonderful microcontrast and fine resolution; in my limited experience of the camera, it seems endless.

Featured Comment by Leigh Youdale: "Viewfinder? Better than the EVF on the GF1 I just sold, but more coverage than 85% would be nice to have, I agree.

"Battery? I'd never take 200 shots in a day anyway, but I bought and carry a spare battery.

"Image Quality? JPEGs are excellent. Not bothering with Raw. It's not a full frame DSLR and doesn't pretend to be.

"Handling? Great. I wanted a light, compact, versatile digital camera with an optical viewfinder and zoom for travel, family and other everyday use. The X10 delivers. The GF1 was very good but with the EVF attached and kit zoom it was not compact, plus the EVF was poor.

"Pocketable? Well, in a coat maybe, or a small belt mounted pouch like the Lowepro I use. The pouch also has a shoulder strap, so it can be carried in a couple of ways.

"I feel some people are too inclined to voice criticisms based on what they read or think or imagine, without having handled and used an X10. I like mine very much and it's a keeper, for sure.

"And I still have the M6 and the Rolleiflex for serious B&W work."

Comments

[Luc N.]

What about high ISO and noise?

[David]

I have been using the X10 for about 6 weeks alongside an x100 and Leica M.
You are absolutely right about the JPEG in camera processing, it is superb.
I have mainly used the X10 at night on the streets and it is exceptional.
Gripes-the optical finder is useless with the lens hood on, wake up in EXR Mode is dire. The EXR mode at night is great by the way.
But that is it, each day I am amazed by the quality and the handling is superb.
Ad a bigger sensor, the X100 viewfinder, interchangable lenses and you have the new Fuji X to be launched next year and then would anyone like to but my X10,X100 and M9.
Good review Ken
Regards
David

[David]

Sorry forgot there is a cute black tiny Thumbs Up that fits.
David

[Richard Rodgers]

Yes-for my subject matter/way of working, these -X100 and X10 fit in. See
http://rodgersphoto.blogspot.com/2011/11/photography-thetimes-are-changing.html

[Chaz L]

There's one other distinction, Ken, that makes your sample images more useful than online pie tasting-- you've thrown in some first-rate photography.

I probably won't be buying an X-10 anytime soon, but I did enjoy looking at your work. Well done.

[Mark K Lough]

Thank you, Mr. Tanaka, for the most illuminating review. You have commented on camera characteristics that a photographer would want to know.
The sample images you have provided are, at last, ones that illustrate the capabilities of the sensor and camera processing. The images show an extremely satisfying range of tones.
I look forward to your future contributions to TOP, and congratulations to Mike for posting your fine review.

[Will Duquette]

What's your experience with battery life?

[Scott Baker]

It's official. I'm gonna have to buy one of these things.

[Rod Graham]

Very interested to read your "Joys of JPEGgin" article! Looks like Fuji has another winner in this camera, though the price might be just a touch high when compared to some of the mirrorless options out there. The size looks about the same as my Oly EP-L2.

Rod

[Allan Ostling]

The photos comparing the size of the X10 to its competitors look like they were taken with a wide-angle. As a result the oblique views are distorted.

[Arthur]

I have a huge crush on the X10, but the review sites have left me wanting. All the pixel-peeping comparison shots show the X10's full resolution images (which seem to look about the same as the competition).

I'd really like to see the X10's low-noise EXR mode compared to resized images from say the S100 or what have you, as I see myself using a camera like this an awful lot in the 800-1600 ISO range don't mind at all 6mp images if the IQ is as good as the marketing materials say.

[pepeye]

I've had my X10 for a few weeks now and I agree with your observations. Especially regarding the high quality of the jpg's and the EXR functions of the sensor. It is built to do everything possible to get the shot even in tough conditions. I've only has the ability to process the RAW files in lightroom for a few days now, but its already clear that it will not be easy to beat the in-camera jpg's.

[John Camp]

I haven't handled or even seen a Fuji X-10, but noticed that Michael Reichmann on the Luminous Landscape also gave the camera an excellent review. He particularly noted the off-on switch on the zoom lens, which he called one of the cleverest camera innovations in ages, and which Ken and Mike also mention as a fine innovation. Having not ever touched the camera, I can't testify to either liking or disliking that feature, but have to say, of all the camera features I've dealt with, which is a lot -- I must have ten different cameras around right now, and god-only-knows how many in the past -- the off-on switch is one feature which has never given me a problem, and on which I never felt an urgent need for innovation. I have four cameras sitting around my desk right now (Nikon P7000, Nikon D3, Panny GX1 and Panny GF1) and they all have different styles of on-off switches. I found them all extremely easy to use, immediately comprehensible, and essentially fail-safe.

Tell me, on the X10, if you manually focus wide, is it possible to inadvertently turn the camera off?

[Mike Johnston]

"the off-on switch is one feature which has never given me a problem, and on which I never felt an urgent need for innovation."

Me neither, but I really liked the Fuji's on-off anyway. It feels great, puts your hand where it's going to end up anyway, and it makes it a matter of a glance to see if the camera's on or not. It may not be a needed innovation, but it's a great one anyway IMO.

"if you manually focus wide, is it possible to inadvertently turn the camera off?"

No. It's quite distinct and there's a big gap between 28mm and off, both physically and as a matter of feel.

Ken can add his comments, but that's my $.02.

Mike

[Paddy C]

I've fondled (yes this camera calls for a fondle) the X10 twice now. Very nicely made.

But, for me, still a small sensor camera that doesn't fit in any pocket of mine with a viewfinder that is just serviceable and nothing more.

It's nice. It's hard to resist. And I can see why it's going to work for a range of people. I'll take a pass, however.

[aizan]

just a little midday musing here.

because of the smaller, more limited viewfinder, the x10 reminds me of screwmount leicas instead of m-mount leicas. looks more like them, too.

i wonder if anyone is going to do a comparison with older bridge cameras with 2/3" sensors, e.g., konica minolta a2, olympus c-8080, sony f-828, etc.

is the high iso really all that great? files look chalky above iso 400, but people are impressed with iso 3200.

[Bambang]

where am I ? Oh... in a split of a second I thought I was in dpreview.... ;o)

[Sven W]

Thanks for review and the excellent images.

Another mini-review plus very good images can be found on Jim Radcliffe's site:

http://www.boxedlight.com/x10/index.htm

So Ken, is it goodbye to the Canon S90?

[Burt]

I've had the x10 for about a month and am really enjoying it. Still trying to wrap my head around the nuances of the EXR function, and am still trying to determine which settings work best for me. I figured once ACR supported this camera I'd switch to full time RAW, but like the reviewer I find I'm keeping JPEG+RAW as my standard setting. The jpegs are good, and require minimal touch up in Lightroom. I do like the high ISO performance, but I would caution folks to realize you're not going to get DSLR results here. ISO 3200 is, in my opinion, a bit rough for anything but web or smaller prints, when shooting indoors. For some reason it's better outside at night.

A really cool little camera. Don't be afraid to try it out.

[Dave S]

Ken & Mike -

This review just put me over the top. I've been reading others' assessments and reviews and was very close to pulling the trigger; this positive review from someone who's work I enjoy (I had worked my way through the last of Ken's online portfolio just a few hours ago. Kismet?) was the icing on the cake. Even better, Amazon has the X-10 in stock. 11 left after my purchase... and I'll have it in time for Christmas. Yay!!!

Thanks again, Ken. I'll be looking forward to future articles.

[Harold GLIT]

Well, well that is a new one...
Honestly I would be interested to see if Michael would share Ken's opinions if he spent time USING the camera . Yes ,the camera feels nice but it is has , contrary to what Ken writes , MANY annoying quirks . Like for instance being the only camera that does not write the files on your card in the order they were taken if you alternate between single and continuous mode. Not to mention the iso change when you change modes .
I have several other contrast based AF cameras and while the X10 AF is pretty fast , it is also the camera that refuse to lock focus in situations where all other cameras I have have no problem focusing

Using the jpegs only would be easier if the X10 offered an option of "NO " noise reduction

Maybe I am being spoiled with some of the other cameras I have used over the last 10 years but I cannot remember another digital camera with such a poorly designed user interface

Harold

[Kenneth Tanaka]

@ John Camp: "Tell me, on the X10, if you manually focus wide, is it possible to inadvertently turn the camera off? "

Possible...yes. I've done it twice so far in the heat of pulling the lens back very quickly. (But because the power-on is so darn fast recovery is very fast.) I suspect that with practice will come the "feel" that will prevent me from ever doing this again.

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I have added several images to the samples gallery, from image 14 up, specifically to show ISO 3200 examples and the camera's EXR "Dynamic Range" optimization processing. These really are JPGs right from the chicken with basically no other cooking.

[Juan Rizzo]

Great post. Ken Tanaka surely is a great addition to TOP's (already) stellar writing staff.

***
I'm not sure about the appropriateness of this [Mike, you be the judge], but Thom Hogan just posted a quite useful guide to help JPG shooters tame the endless options provided by today's in-camera image processing. [BTW, spelling 'appropriateness' appropriately is no easy task for us non-native speakers, had to look it up, twice!]
http://www.bythom.com/jpeg.htm

[Josh Wand]

To me there's something missing in these images--there's a level of sharpness (microcontrast?) that's just not there in the full-res, which shows even when resized to screen resolution.

I'd say it's a function of sensor size, except I get better sharpness and microcontrast from my new iPhone's camera! (the camera in the 4S is really pretty darn good)

This sense of definition in edges, the sense of the way the light is falling even on a surface, is missing from all the small-sensor cameras I see. Some shots with m43 cameras have it, and *many* of the shots I see with the APS-C sized X100 have it. But in all the X10 images I've seen, everything just looks smudgy.

This quality is pretty important to my work, and if the camera can't do it then I'm not buying it, no matter how much I want something small and unintimidating that I can put up to my eye. (I tried going back to film with my Canonet; sadly, reliable C41 processing is no longer available in my city)

Maybe someone else can articulate this better? Or tell me the term I'm searching for?

Postscript: anyone have experience with both EVFs like the olympus AND the optical/semi-optical viewfinders of the X100, X10, and film RF finders? I grew up holding cameras to my eye and I really don't want to give up on it now.

[Roy]

Utterly crap OVF, in common with all the rest of its ilk.
No sale.
Roy

[Lith]

I played with both of these in a shop today. I must admit, there needs to be some sort of "Seriously, Why Didn't Someone Do This Sooner?" prize for the X100's finder. It's the best of both worlds; a triumph of imagination. Bet Nikon, Canon, and especially Leica, et al, are kicking themselves. It's in a package that really should have been done long ago, too.
But what I most like about the X10 is that it shows Fuji's humility: they're not afraid of using the same branding for a more affordable, more versatile camera, without some of the luxuries of the X100. It's still an excellent-feeling camera, but despite placing a lot into "luxury good" aspect of the X100's marketing, Fuji were kind enough to give mortals like me a chance to own something similar, rather than risk "tarnishing the brand".

[Lith]

John Camp: "Tell me, on the X10, if you manually focus wide, is it possible to inadvertently turn the camera off?"

Not unless you're REALLY ham-fisted with the zooming. The "off" sits in a rather firm détente, and then winding it out to 28mm will hit another stop. It feels very firm, reassuring and VERY well-made. There is definite tactile feedback coming from the switch (that was just after my little fiddle with the camera today.)

[Joe]

Finally — looks like a camera that offers everything my wife, an old-school photographer, has been looking for:

Small and light.
Decent turn-on time and shutter lag.
All the good exposure modes.
Optical viewfinder. Yay!
Fast lens (not just fast for a zoom lens, but even for primes).

I've been keeping my eyes open for a couple years for a camera with those features. Finally!

Plus, other features I love:

Manual zoom ring. Yay!
Manual focus.
Great high-ISO quality for its size and price.
Very usable zoom range.
Handy auto-ISO feature.

And I haven't read about any cons that would kill the deal for her.

I just ordered one for under the Xmas tree.

-=-Joe

[Don Bryant]

The Fuji X10 seems like a logical choice to replace my Canon G10. However I am disappointed that there is no electronic cable release to enable hands off exposures for vibration free shooting.

The Fuji EF 42 flash also leaves me under-whelmed compared to the Canon 430 EXII which I often use in eTTL mode with excellent bounce flash results. Having a GN of 42 pales to the 430s GN 0f 141. Of course the 430 could be pressed into service via manual mode but I've been spoiled with eTTL flash control.

Even with those complaints the X10 seems like a very appealing camera.

[Kenneth Tanaka]

@ Sven W: "So Ken, is it goodbye to the Canon S90?"

It may be, but it won't be due to the X10. I have absolutely loved my S90 as a high-performance go-anywhere pocket camera. In fact it recently went to Japan as my "can't carry a camera today" camera.

But I've had my eye on the S100. (Given its scarcity, my eyes are about the only body part I can plant on it.) But I'm not yet sold on it's real added value over my beloved S90.

@ Juan: Thanks for that ByThom article link. Good general guidance.

@ Will: "What's your experience with battery life?
Good question, as others have remarked that it's short. The X10 uses Fuji's NP-50 3.7V battery. I've been using both the official Fuji brand as well as the MaximalPower brand and have been impressed with their longevity, particularly in cold weather. On my first evening, which was fridgidly in the mid-20F's, the Fuji battery level barely budged one click after two hours of nearly continuous-on and 200 frames. I had a similar experience last night in just slightly warmer temps after 90 minutes.

So the X10's battery life seems at least no weaker than any of its peers and may be better than some. Plus, while the Fuji NP-50's run over $30, the MaximalPower replacements run about $6 at amazon.

@ Luc N: In your defense, you posted this question about high ISO and noise before we posted the paragraph specifically addressing that topic. In fact, it was your first-poster question that prompted Mike to prompt me to write it. So thank you, Luc!

[Jon Schick]

Very nice review and good sample shots too - thanks for posting them and I look forward to reading more from Ken. Also worth a look at LL and Outback Photo, two other X10 reviews that are great if you want to concentrate a litte less on all the technical stuff and more on what the camera is acutally like to use.

I've been using the X10 for around a month and now and enjoy it very much - lots of control if you want it, and mostly implemented in a sensible way that doesn't get in the way so you can concentrate on the image. I've been impressed with the dynamic range and high ISO ability too, and agree with others that it's not easy to improve on the JPEGs (once you've set them up with less noise reduction than the default setting).

My gripes are that the VF is useless when using the lens hood, reds in JPEG files under tungsten light seem to clip easily and go a very nasty shade of pink (not in the raw file though) and the histrogram in M mode is utterly useless - it actually doesn't function at all, which is apparently a trait shared with other Fuji cameras.

All that said, I think the colours from this camera give my E-1 a run for its money - and it's difficult to get E-1 owners to admit that!

[Simon Griffee]

Such a tempting camera, but why doesn't anyone else other than Ricoh have a 'snap focus' setting so you can pre-set a focus distance for instant response in street photography?

[Kenneth Tanaka]

@ Simon Griffee: "...but why doesn't anyone else other than Ricoh have a 'snap focus' setting so you can pre-set a focus distance for instant response in street photography?"

As a Ricoh owner I know the feature, Simon. But your wish is basically granted in the X10. To eliminate focus lag I set the camera to manual focus (switch is on front) and then pre-set focus on a target by simply pressing the AEF/AEL button with my thumb. Works even more quickly than the Ricoh, as it's quicker to blindly reset. Basically, it's identical to similar press-to-focus features on DSLRs.

[Simon Griffee]

@ Kenneth Takanaka: Does the camera remember the set focus distance when turned off?

I think I would still prefer the ability to choose between and set a distance (1, 1.5, 2.5, 5 meters and infinity) like in the Ricoh, but the AEF/AEL trick sounds good — I will go look for and try this camera now — thanks!

[Steve Hoffmann]

I wonder whether Fuji will put the innards of the X10 also in a smaller camera, to compete with the likes of Canon S90/95/100? For me the X10 is too big, but a small camera of the size of the Fuji F10/11/30/31fd would be great!

[Will Whitaker]

I got to use an X10 for a week and was concerned with how exposed the front glass is. I don't usually keep a UV filter on my lenses, but I sure wanted to on this one. Unfortunately the X10's 40mm filter thread is non-standard, being only half a silly millimeter away from the next standard size up. It's not much, but it's enough that 40.5mm filters won't fit.

The only solution it seems is to buy the accessory filter adapter/lens hood. That would allow mounting a 52mm filter and would provide the further protection of the hood as a bumper guard. But then that would require finding an after-market lens cap to fit over the lens hood, assuming I wanted a cap (which I would). The filter adapter is slotted in the back, presumably so that it does not block the already sketchy OVF, so dust can still get on the lens. And the case won't fit over the lens hood, so that means a lot of fussing and fiddling with fine-pitched threads while I'm trying to use a camera that's supposed to be quick and intuitive.

To me, that was a real turn-off. Call me prissy if you like, but I like to keep my lenses clean and safe. And that's all the more important when that lens is firmly welded to the camera and can't be replaced.

Fuji's on the right track, to be sure, just not quite yet to the station.

[Jeff Smith]

I have also been using a Fuji X10 since the beginning of November and find it to be lovely camera. The build quality is very good indeed , as is the lens and the availability of direct controls. I have not had any issues with white discs nor have I found the battery life to be too short (though I did buy a spare battery based upon the quoted battery life). The X10 replaces an Olympus XZ-1, which replaced a Canon s90, which replaced a Panasonic LX3. All of these were pretty decent pocket cameras with perhaps the S90 being the best of the three; however, I think the range of control and imagine quality of the X10 has them all beat. The only real negative I have experienced so far with my X10 is the manual focus is poorly implemented and as such is better avoided ( it seems that a simple firmware fix to reduce the number of scrolls could fix this). Also I got a nice leather case off eBay for $19.95, and it is of pretty decent quality too. In fact I have switched the strap that came with the case for the one that came with the camera, as it is much more supple and of better quality.

[Gary Nylander]

So far I have really enjoyed using the X10, being a long time Nikon user, this is my first non-Nikon digital camera that I have owned, the image quality is quite good for the size of the sensor, I have added a Thumbs Up for added "grip"

[Arthur]

Wow, thanks Ken! Once again, TOP, it's contributors and readers are the best.

[Kenneth Tanaka]

@ Simon Griffee: "Does the camera remember the set focus distance when turned off?"

That's actually impossible due to the camera's power-on/off mechanism. But it's so fast to snap focus in manual focus mode (with the AEL/AEF button) that it's not an issue for me.

[Josh Wand]

Mike: What you want is a Leica S2. Totally wonderful microcontrast and fine resolution; in my limited experience of the camera, it seems endless.

Hahahahahahahahahaha! Not exactly "pocketable". And a wee bit out of my price range. For my primary work camera I'll stick to my 5D.

My goal, as is common for many old-school pros (can't believe at 30 I'm old-school!), is for an inexpensive, walkaround camera with high image quality and a good OVF. The X100, along with the M43+EVF combos, fall just on the wrong side of inexpensive, and the X10 just isn't cutting it IQ-wise.

(And, as an aside, black vs chrome actually matters in the field when dealing with human subjects! Chrome just draws too much attention).

If only the X100 were just a bit smaller, cheaper, and black. And they let you adjust the brightness of the OVF overlay--way too bright, at least in the camera-store lighting I tested in.

[Ed Waring]

I've been adding this to blog comments all over the internetz but I would say that the way to get the most out of any EXR sensor is to shoot it in M size and set DR400. You get all the benefits of of the pixel binning EXR modes (enchanced Dynamic Range at low ISO, reduced noise at high ISO) but you can shoot in whichever PASM mode you wish. Tests have shown that the camera resolves more detail in M size than it does in L, even when upsized. There's more info here:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9060476058/fuji-x10-exr-camera-suggestions-for-optimum-performance

I'd also set auto ISO up to 3200 but then I'm less fussy about noise than some...

From my experiences with EXR point and shoots the sensor becomes an absolute joy when the camera is shot like this. It also removes a lot of the fiddling meaning that you can concentrate on shooting, not fiddling. I highly recommend trying this!

[John Caruso]

Thanks, Ken, for the great review. I've been on the fence about picking one of these up...and you may have humpty-dumptied me toward the "yes" side of the wall. And as per your instruction, I may have to try a sedative of choice prior to shooting...gasp...jpg.

And I'm delighted to hear you'll be contributing a regular column. I've always loved your insight and acumen!

[Josh Wand]

Finally managed to track down a demo model at the airport in Hong Kong (living in a non-major city in China, all the big electronics stores have the fake display models on display, but no working models).

I was *very* disappointed in the OVF! It suffers from internal reflection problems in bright light and is very intolerant of being off-axis, or too close to the eyepiece. To not have any fringing I had to have my eye a good 1/2" away and perfectly on-axis.

I understand the compromise involved here--in order to have room for the pop-up flash they had to do fancy footwork with the prism to route around it, losing coverage and optical quality in the process. I wish they'd gone the route of the X100 and had a straight-through, 100%+ finder and a flash elsewhere (or not at all!).

Definitely a won't-buy for me.

[Simon Griffee]

@ Kenneth Tanaka: Many thanks for your review and responses. I look forward to getting my hands on one of these chickens and seeing what kind of omelettes I can make!

[Tjalpics]

Dear Ken/Mike,

I read this grumpy review on Pentaxforums where the writer claims that "due to the characteristics of the sensor resolution drops to 6 MP at ISO 6,400 and 3 MP at ISO 12,800" (http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/fuji-x10-review/night-photography.html), and that a lot of settings are only available in EXR-mode.
What is your experience?

[Pam Burdett]

I bought one and loved the few test videos and photos I took in the first 24 hours EXCEPT for an orange band running across all images (which was clearly visible on photos of white objects). I returned the defective camera, and am toying with the idea of ordering another, but a bit gun shy now, especially with the additional widespread problem of white dots. Anybody else have similar problems?

[Joe]

I realize I'm posting this late enough that it won't get much notice, but I had to add this comment to the topic:

Why I'm Sending the Fuji X10 Back to the Dealer.

I love many things about the Fuji X10 I got for my wife: the look, the feel, the twist-lens on/off, the manual zoom, the nice zoom range. But it ultimately didn't work out for us:

1. The optical viewfinder is less than useful because there are no indicators of important details like where the focus point is. So though I really want an optical viewfinder, I end up using the X10's LCD screen.

2. It may not have the smallest sensor around, but there's still significant noise at ISO 800. (Though I may be spoiled by my D700.)

3. The lens is indeed fast at f/2.0 and the sensor is larger than many compacts, but the sensor is still so small that I can't really get a shallow depth of field even with the lens wide open. There is a special mode that seems to combine several shots to make a shallow DOF image, but from the artifacts I sometimes see, it appears to be faking it.

Back it goes. The search continues (though my expectations for shallow DOF in any compact camera are now dialed down).