FujiFilm X10 Pro Reviews

Fujifilm makes no bones about the intended user base for the X10. If its high price doesn't scare off point and shooters, its massive array of dials and buttons will likely do the trick. Yet for those who desire quick and easy access to shooting modes and exposure parameters, the X10 offers a degree of manual control that rivals many entry-level DSLRs. While the X10 is not without a few oddities and questionable feature implementations - it is a Fujifilm camera after all - it is largely free of the types of behavior that plagued its big brother, the FinePix X100 upon its release. The question for anyone still on the fence about the X10 really comes down to priorities. If you're looking for a truly pocketable large-sensor compact, you may be better served by considering the surprisingly small Sony DSC-RX100. If you're set on a nearly APS-C sized sensor in a reasonably compact form factor, then the Canon PowerShot G1 X is very tempting.

Fujifilm has acknowledged that the white disc problem is a serious flaw. Although it's something that really should have been caught and corrected before the camera went into production, Fuji has shown commitment to resolving the problem, taking the unusual step of revisiting its sensor design to correct the problem. We've not yet had the opportunity to look at an updated camera, though. Given that it's possible the change that resolves the orbs problem could also potentially impact on other areas of the camera's performance, we have to review the camera we've actually seen. For now, that disqualifies the Fuji X10 as a Dave's Pick; hopefully we can revisit that decision in the future when the updated camera becomes available. Otherwise, I really did like the form factor, general handling, and the body style with the exception of the optical viewfinder. Anything that shows you merely 85 percent of the scene isn't doing the job. You can't nail composition with that level of inaccuracy. Fortunately, the LCD does do the job, so you aren't losing much.

Going to the X10 changes all that. For what's only occasionally a step down, you get a camera that covers many more situations, from the very close to the reasonably distant. Most of its output we'd still like to frame on our walls. Moreover, in some ways it's the reflection of several months or more of technology advancement that gives it a leg up on the X100. Video is certainly better, but we were happier too with the flash, the high-speed shooting, and just the overall priorities of the controls. It's even smaller, and easier to justify in a pocket.

Its videos are disappointing, but this stylish camera is a delight to use and takes exceptional photos – a class act

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.

If you’re in the market for a high-quality camera you can take anywhere, then the Fujifilm X10 is well worth its relatively high price-tag. Quality and attention to detail is evident throughout and if you’re prepared to spend some time working through the more complicated features it can reward you with some great shots. By the way, to turn the camera on you just twist the lens barrel to pop out the lens – easy when you know how.

Just like the X100 before it, the X10 is another lovely premium compact camera from Fujifilm. The understated, classic design looks the part, while the build-quality can't be faulted. The controls fall to the hand with ease and the inclusion of a useable optical viewfinder makes it a pleasure to shoot with. Image quality, considering this is a compact camera, is also very good - plenty of detail and (as long as you opt to shoot in Raw at higher ISOs) this pocket beauty is the perfect companion to have with you all the time. If you're looking for a premium, enthusiast-focused compact then the Fujifllm X10 has to be the pick of the bunch. It's a class act.

The Fujifilm X10 has one of the larger sensors in a compact, zooming camera, but doesn't control noise in low light as well as you'd expect. Its ergonomics make handling a bit awkward, but enthusiasts will be happy with the sharp images that this retro-styled camera captures.

The Fujifilm Finepix X10 follows in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the X100, by bringing a similar retro feel, quality build quality and photographer-friendly design to a wider audience. It may only be a humble compact camera at heart, but boy, what a well-realised compact camera it is, making the X10 a product that you'll love rather than simply use. Sure, the price is sky-high for a such a small-sensor camera that isn't actually that small in size, but the image quality from the 2/3-inch CMOS sensor is markedly better than virtually all other compacts. As with the X100, the new X10 delivers intuitive handling in spades, from the welcome inclusion of a true optical viewfinder to the manual zooming ring, not forgetting the exposure compensation and shooting mode dials, flash hotshoe, clever pop-up flash and even the traditional threaded cable release. The X10 is a compact camera flamboyantly dressed up in a pro-camera's clothing, with a snappy auto-focusing system and all-round responsiveness helping to reinforce the feeling that that is a premium product that cuts no corners.

The X10 defies category, so it doesn’t seem fair to lump it in with prosumer point-and-shoots. Whatever it is, this camera will easily become your go-to fixed-lens option, and many DSLR users will find themselves swayed by its smaller size and impressive results. In addition to its good looks and stunning images, what Fujifilm really got right with the X10 is its pricing. At $599, it’s not that much more than many higher-end, manual point-and-shoots from competitors (the Canon PowerShot S100 is $429). And you’re getting so much more: the hot-shoe, build quality, and manual lens really push its value. If you’re considering a high-end point-and-shoot, the X10 might seem like an unconventional and outside-the-box choice, but we’d encourage consumers to step outside the pocket cam comfort zone in this case.

Though the novelty of the power-on ring wears off pretty quickly, the X10 is fast and pretty enjoyable to shoot. But to get the best photo quality you have to shoot in the automatic modes, which runs counter to the idea of an enthusiast camera, and yet even in auto it's too complicated to recommend to snapshooters who just want better photo quality. Plus, the photo quality and autofocus are a bit too inconsistent for its relatively high price.

While people interested in getting into serious photography would do better to pick up a DSLR and a nice starter prime lens, the X10 is a charming and fairly powerful camera that anyone, photographer or not, will have fun using. A larger sensor for low-light sensitivity would have been welcome, and manual focus is still not as good as the rest of the camera, but overall it’s both practical and lovable. It’s a camera with personality. Compared with high-end point and shoots it is more complicated and more suited for specialized photography, and compared with its larger brethren, the G12 and P7000 among others, it falls behind in some features (LCD, sensor size) but excels in others (the lens and zooming viewfinder). As always, hold all your options in your hand before putting down the money. But if you’re looking to spend more than $500 but less than $800 on a camera, the X10 should definitely be one you check out.

In many ways the X10 is the best advanced compact we’ve ever laid our hands on. Not only does it look super stylish, it also handles fantastically while offering a rich feature-set that’ll appeal as much to casual photographers as it will to enthusiasts. The manual zoom control, large optical viewfinder and DSLR-like handling are the X10’s undoubted highlights. And while general image quality is some of the best we’ve yet seen in an advanced compact, the white discs issue does present a problem. For this reason we’ve docked a point from the overall score. However, if Fuji makes good on its promise to fix this with an upcoming firmware update then we’ll happily adjust our score upwards, as in just about every other aspect the X10 is a 10/10 camera.

Enthusiasts and even beginners who are in the market for a high-quality compact camera shouldn't be disappointed by what the Fuji FinePix X10 has to offer. Although it is priced a little high when compared to cameras like the Canon Powershot G12 or Nikon P7100, it look, feel and handles like a premium product, and is priced accordingly.

The X10’s retro styling looks chic and is matched with impressive performance. This is a compact camera at its best and leaves little to be desired. It outperforms all its nearest rivals, has an excellent lens, bags of hands-on controls and will fit the bill for the more discerning snapper. The 85% field-of-view optical viewfinder does lack any form of feedback in its display, but is otherwise miles ahead of the competition. But, and it’s something that can’t be overlooked, there is a processing issue that causes specular highlights to morph into white orbs. This shouldn’t happen at such a level and, as a result, night photographs and high contrast shots taken in bright light are at risk. Shots won’t be ruined, as such, but this oddity has cost the X10 Pocket-Lint’s esteemed ‘Hot Product’ award and may mean it won’t live up to customers’ high expectations. If this issue is fixed via firmware then we’d have no reservations calling the X10 the best compact camera with a zoom lens that money can buy. Though at £500 you’ll need deep pockets.

Both cameras have excellent image quality, with subtle but noticeable differences and strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Both cameras provide image quality that would be suitable for high quality work, however it's in their actual operation that the most noticeable differences are found, in areas such as handling and speed, as well as battery life. The Fujifilm FinePix X10 is for someone who wants speed and physical controls and the X10 is a gorgeous camera to use, quick to switch on, fast at focusing and has instant shutter response. It's physical controls and tactile feedback begin when you switch the camera on by turning the zoom control around the lens and from there the good handling continues with an excellent design and sturdy camera body. With an optical viewfinder and lots of external controls this would make an excellent street photographers camera. While we gave the X10 a recommended award in our review, as the X10 is currently one of the most expensive serious compacts available, if you have the money available, then the X10 makes an excellent choice and deserves an Editor's Choice award.

This camera feels great in the hand, but more importantly it feels great as a camera to use, with extremely quick focusing and shutter response it's very easy to get candid street shots. It's also quick and easy to take shot after shot without being slowed down by the camera. The on/off switch that is part of extending the lens is genius, and the manual zoom control of the lens makes it feel like you're using a real camera. The optical viewfinder can be used with the rear screen switched off for enhanced battery life. The EXR sensor gives the option of enhanced performance in low light or can be used to extend dynamic range, and provides additional versatility. With lots of external controls, and great image quality this camera would make an excellent choice, as long as you can justify the price of the camera.