Preview: Fujifilm X10, a retro styled compact digital camera

First look

The latest addition to Fujifilm’s ever growing cradle of X-series advanced digital cameras vows to stand apart. Aimed at revamping photography enthusiasts’ experience in a retro style, the feature-loaded Fujifilm X10 gets wrapped in a compact, lightweight chassis with an amazing fixed focal length lens. The even more versatile device has been built upon the remarkable success of the company’s performance-oriented X100 digital camera. The new fabrication looks perfect for users seeking a blend of great style and stunning features in a condensed form factor.

Fujifilm X10

What’s new

Plopping down almost every feature of a DSLR in a neatly trimmed down framework, the Fujifilm X10 comes equipped with a new larger 12 megapixel 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor. Fitted with a Fujinon 4x optical zoom lens, the device captures moments with unprecedented clarity and brilliance. At the wide end, the camera houses F/2 whereas its tele end manages to accommodate an impressive F/2.8. Users will find the new X10 comparatively smaller than the bulky X100 with a significant upgrade in its performance level. You will also discover the advanced Optical Image Stabilization system from Fujifilm inside the camera’s barrel.

What’s been refreshed

The retro-styled model steps up with its massive 12 megapixel sensor and lens’s upgrade. The integration of a pop-up flash when in use also sounds exciting. Users may appreciate the flash’s range of around 23 feet and how well it complements the camera’s retro aesthetics. The looks department has certainly received an appealing makeover for users who enjoy carrying a unique-looking camera with a sensational shooting experience.

Features walkthrough

Design and style: Incorporated with a metal zoom ring and built-in power switch, the camera boasts of its distinctive metal cam-driven mechanism and special grease that ensures high precision functioning and zoom operation. The device sports a mode dial and an exposure compensation dial for an aesthetic feel while lens and viewfinder get covered in a small body that can comfortably rest in the palm of your hand. Crafted with strong die-cast magnesium, the device provides a leather-like finish for enhanced durability and supreme quality.

Lens x Finder: The high performance 4x optical zoom that ranges from 28mm wide angle to great 112mm telephoto leverages the whole shooting journey. For high image quality, the camera adopts lenses that are devised with better optical characteristics in 9-groups/11-elements configuration. The inclusion of three aspherical lenses further transform into an enriching user experience.

Professional quality: The camera brings beautiful moments captured in truly amazing distortion-free detail. By taking advantage of its high-end 12MP sensor, EXR processor and EXR Auto with new Motion Detection, users can now conveniently seize their moments in utmost clarity and exceptionally high resolution. Users can even record high definition videos naturally and beautifully.

Refined functions: The X10 makes it feasible to indulge in macro photography with its 1cm super macro functionality. By using its Film Simulation Mode, you can easily simulate the tonal and color qualities of your color reversal film types. There’s Expanded Dynamic Range as well to fend off ‘washout’ or ‘blackout’ of your subject during high contrast lighting.

What’s good

Though the model features a small body, the X10 surpasses many with its ability to get up to 7 FPS at full resolution. Utilizing the medium image quality setting, it can even get up to 10 FPS. The 2.8-inch LCD screen displays bright images with clarity and vividness while 49 point matrix contrast auto-focus system lends a supporting hand to RAW capture. Users can even enjoy its 1080p movie mode at 30fps. An optical viewfinder with an impressive 20 degree of viewing angle is another positive aspect.

What’s not so good

Users may however be disappointed with the absence of a hybrid viewfinder which covers nearly 85 percent of the frame. Also, users who like carrying an ultra-trendy camera to up their style quotient while capturing their good time may not appreciate the model’s vintage look.

Industry buzz

Greg Poole, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Imaging Products at Fujifilm Canada, shares,

We are very excited to launch the X10 following the huge success of the Fujifilm X100. The aesthetic appeal of this camera with its intuitive controls allows consumers to experience photography the way it was always meant to be.

Fujifilm X10 will be hitting shelves in early November with a price tag of $599.95.

Wrap-up

The new X10 from Fujifilm makes a perfect pick for users who are hanging onto their hats for a feature-rich and performance-oriented digital camera. With an affordable price point, the camera featuring a simple, retro look touts to revamp the entire interaction with photography for an experience that can never be forgotten.