FujifilmX10 12 MP EXR CMOS Digital Camera with f2.0-f2.8 4x Optical Zoom Lens and 2.8-Inch LCD

This is supposed to be my wife 's X'mas gift and it doesn't seem to turn out that way as I have been spending more time than her with this camera. To give you some background, I myself have already owned a Canon EOS 7D DSLR and a Sigma DP2S compact camera. While the Sigma is compact and excels in image quality when light is sufficient, it remains sluggish. It 's like an old man. Compared to the Sigma, the Fuji X10 is like an energetic pretty young lady. Fuji really knows how to market this thing by capitalizing its success on the X100.I originally was considering getting the SONY NEX-5N for my wife, but there were a couple of issues swaying me from SONY to Fuji. First, there was this clicking noise thing with the NEX-5N during video recording. Unfortunately, SONY screwed up and released the camera too soon without thorough QA. Despite the fact that SONY has offered new NEX-5N owners with free repair, I didn't want to deal with the hassle. I wanted a camera that worked out of the box for my wife as it was supposed to be a surprise gift. Because of this hesitation, I had a little more time to look at other cameras including the Nikon 1 series and even Micro 4/3.From the beginning, I didn't really like the Nikon 1 series at all. When a camera company employed Ashton Kutcher for its commercials and introduced a new line of camera with a pink body option, I knew I would try to disassociate myself from it, although my wife might have thought otherwise. For the record, our first digicam was a Nikon. So no offense to Nikon fanboys. I did actually try out the J1 at my local Best Buy. The J1 's AF was screaming fast. However, it lacked a PASM mode dial and VR seemed to be not as effective as I had expected. After some pixel peeping at Fuji X10 's captured images, I would say its IQ is on par with Nikon 1 series'. Another important thing to consider is that Nikon J1 is made in China and is priced higher than Fuji X10, which is made in Japan. The metal material on Nikon J1 body does not seem to be made out of magnesium alloy. It has a color coating similar to my Yashica EZ-F521 Chinese knockoff. On the other hand, the Fuji X10 really feels substantial in my hands. Its body feels really solid similar to my Canon EOS 7D.As for Micro 4/3, here you have Panasonic GF series and its latest pricey GX1, apart from the confusing and constantly revised Olympus PEN series. I almost clicked the buy button when the Panny GF2 was selling at $299 a couple weeks ago. However, I resisted. While my wife might have been glad to settle with the GF2 since she had owned a Lumix point and shoot before and liked it, I felt that Panasonic had not really made much progress in CMOS sensor advancement. Quite a few online reviewers like Steve Huff were saying that the Fuji X10 and Nikon 1 were as good as micro 4/3 in terms of IQ. And don't forget their sensors are smaller than Micro 4/3's. On top of that, Fuji X10 has a secret recipe which is its EXR technology. By pixel binning and doubling up the pixels in each color channel while sacrificing the sensor resolution by half, the X10 could either increase dynamic range in high contrast situations or reduce high ISO noise without sacrificing details in low light conditions. In the former case, it is similar to shooting HDR without the use of a tripod. With the X10, you can now capture HDR-like images with subjects in motion without the need of exposure bracketing and morphing multiple frames into one image. How cool is that? But then you only get 6 megapixels out of it. So what? Are you going to make large prints out of this compact camera? In essence, the most important feature with the Fuji X10 is its EXR mode. It can be found in the PASM mode dial. EXR mode is similar to iAuto of Panasonic Lumix except that Fuji 's version is more intelligent. The camera would analyze the scene and determine for you whether to apply more dynamic range or more noise reduction using its proprietary EXR recipe. This is a truly brain dead point and shoot to get the best image out of the camera. And I 've found it performed consistently well in my first few days of use. Image stablization also works nicely indoor. I could get pretty good still images around 1/8s shutter speed consistently. Well, not having a mirror flapping up and down did help.Since I have an interchangeable lens system already, I didn't want my wife to become another lens snob like me as I have already owned a bunch of lenses for my EOS 7D. This is pretty much my biggest gripe if I were to go with SONY NEX. The Fuji X10 features a built-in fast zoom lens. Unlike other compact cameras with built-in zoom lens, the Fuji X10 tops off at F2.8 when you zoom out to the telephoto end. This is quite a bit of advantage in terms of capturing freeze motion of your subjects in the entire zoom range. Another advantage of the built-in lens is that the sensor would be less prone to dust. Even though my EOS 7D has anti-static coating and ultrasound vibration in its sensor, I still need to clean it from time to time as I change lenses a lot in the field.As far as AF is concern, the Fuji X10 is quite snappy. There is one cool feature in its face recognition. The X10 could register a few captured faces in its memory and allow the AF to prioritize its focus to these registered faces upon recognized by the camera. Although I have not tried it yet, I think this is a pretty cool feature. This would be extremely useful if you let some brain dead strangers to take pictures of yourself and your family among other background pedestrians.Regarding the video recording function of Fuji X10, it really puts my Canon EOS 7D to shame. Besides full HD 1080p/30, the X10 supports dynamic auto focus, auto adjustment of exposure, and even auto adjustment of white balance, all without significant lag when you pan the camera around the scene. It performs just like my old Digital 8 SONY Camcorder. No more fiddling with exposure knob and focus ring. I am jealous at my wife now. I will update more about video recording once we get more experience with it.Another important feature worth mentioning is the super macro mode. Since the X10 sensor is relatively small, it allows you to capture a magnified image of your subject better than a DSLR with a non-macro lens. Your working distance can be about an inch away. The super macro mode works very well especially it gives you more depth of field on the subject with the relatively small sensor. I actually prefer this than using the macro lens on my EOS 7D where I would normally have to go F11 or beyond to achieve more depth of field and bring the whole subject body into focus. If the light condition is not good, I would have to use flash, which is not my preference.So there you have it. A nice compact camera with beautiful retro styling packed with Fuji 's advanced EXR technology. Have I mentioned the price yet? Oh $599 may be a bit steep for most people. One would argue that you could almost get an entry level DSLR for that kind of money. At first I agreed and thought this camera should have been priced slightly above the Oly XZ-1 or Canon G12. But then when you look at it closely and check the images posted on X10 Group under Flickr, you would find this little camera really stands up against the bigger Micro 4/3. I told myself why not give it a try as I am intrigued by Fuji EXR sensor, which in my opinion is still inferior to Sigma Foveon sensor in broad day light. I figured that the opportunity cost would be the loss of our enjoyment if I have waited for the X10 price to drop when competition catches up. Yes, people are willing to pay a premium for new cool stuff. There are also reasons why people want to buy a Lexus over a Toyota even though some of their models are the same cars.I think most reviewers have covered other technical stuff on the Fuji X10 and I don't want to re-iterate other highlights. There isn't really much low light worth mentioning from me unless I want to nitpick this thing to death. I want to offer potential buyers another perspective in terms of choosing the right camera for their needs. You have to decide what your priorities first. For instance, if I were a starter in serious photography, I would not have picked the Fuji X10. I could get an entry level DSLR or even SONY NEX with more bangs for the buck. I would say this Fuji X10 is a very good companion to any serious photographer who has already had another main camera body for serious work. The X10 is meant for fun and casual. Don't treat its image quality too seriously like your DSLR. Just get a Sigma or any latest DSLR if image quality is your top priority. The Fuji X10 is perfect for street photography. It 's discrete and quiet. It draws no attention in the crowd. You could switch it to silence mode and nobody would even notice you taking pictures of them. With the cool looking hood, you would draw conversation from fellow photographers. It could even be your pick up line. Without any commitment to an interchangeable lens system, you can almost view the Fuji X10 as a good one night stand. A very good one with a smile indeed.And one more thing. There have been some discussion in dpreview.com about white orbs appearing in blown out highlight areas. So far, touch wood, I have not encountered such problem in my first few days of use. I tried to shoot at some reflective surfaces and light sources. I did not find any white blobs or dots what-so-ever in my images. If I ever do, and hopefully not, I would update this review accordingly.Update 12/6/11:After spending a couple more days deliberately shooting at reflective surfaces and light sources, I think I 've found on one occasion where there was a cluster of white orbs. I didn't see these orbs on X'mas tree nor any shiny surfaces both indoor and outdoor. The orbs appeared when I shot directly at the sun. The center spot of the sun in the captured image was a cluster of orbs with radiating light rays, whereas my other cameras would normally show one circular radiating star. It 's not that bad, not a show stopper for me. Perhaps this could be a calibration issue with the camera's analog front end since a handful of users claimed they saw more orbs than usual. I 'll trust that Fuji would fix it in its next firmware upgrade. Remember, cameras like this requires very high precision engineering and manufacturing. I wouldn't be surprised that there are defect escapes when new model is first released. In the past, I have bought a lemon lens and a defective speedlight from Canon to give you an idea. This is no worse than the dreadful red dot issue when the Nikon D7000 and Canon 5D MK2 were first released. That 's why I don't pre-order, and I always purchase from Amazon, Adorama, J&R, or BH photo so that I can return for exchange or refund immediately.Update 12/14/11:The face recognition really works marvelously. You can register faces of your partner, family members, or friends and the camera would name those faces when you look into the LCD viewfinder while taking your shot. It would even recognize the same face with or without eye glasses. Wonderful handy feature. Also I have not seen any white orb after over two weeks of usage. I believe my copy is a keeper. I would be cautious about upgrading the firmware once Fuji has it available for fixing the white orb syndrome.

I've been eyeing this camera since it was first announced. But then some of the negative reviews and tests started coming out and i almost forgot about and dismissed it.For background, i work as a photojournalist (over 25 years) using DSLR's on a daily basis. The only "point-and-shoot" i've owned was a now very dated Nikon Coolpix 5000. I used it for a few years for some snapshooting but was never happy with it, and hadn't thought much about getting another snapshooter camera until recently. Mostly wanted something small and light to shoot while on hikes, vacation, family snapshots. But wanted something that could be used with manual control and easy to do so. In contrast, although the newer 4/3's cameras with interchangeable lenses are nice, and getting on the level of higher image quality, i could care less. I own multiple higher-end DSLR bodies (starting with a D1) with dozens of lenses from 8mm fisheye to 300/2.8. I personally did not want to pay for another entire system. Plus that defeats the purpose of having a small carry-anywhere camera with one integral lens. If you are not in my situation, i can understand if you want a system to begin with, but the way i look at it, no matter how good the smaller cameras get, the bigger ones with bigger sensors are always going to have better image quality. Plus many of the small system's lenses are still pricey and don't have a good range yet, and they are not that fast. They are not going to compete with a full-frame 85 f/1.4 for sharpness, resolution, bokeh.So, after much careful study of various models and the assurance that Fuji would either fix the sensor issue (highlight orbs) or i could possibly be lucky enough to get a newer one with the new sensor, i made the plunge. Luckily so far i've found no highlight orbs in my photos! For reference, my copy is #22AD---- (purchased from Amazon Sept2012), which i've read may possibly be a second quarter 2012 manufacture. Can't substantiate that, but i think Fuji should just go ahead and make a note which copies have a newer sensor (for their own good even)at point of sale, with the box. If you do have an older version, from what i've heard Fuji is being very good about fixing it and returning it to customers in a timely manner. It's a shame they didn't R&D the problem before initial manufacture/release, because i think this has really tarnished the reputation of a great little camera. And i think the problem may have been exaggerated a bit, beyond all the good qualities of the camera:It seems well-made. Mostly metal. Solid with good button control and tactile feel, zoom ring has very smooth action. Personally i LOVE the on/off on the zoom ring and think it's a great idea. Not sure why some reveiwers dont like it. Amazing nice exposure compensation dial right at your thumb with good resistance--shouldn't ever move accidently. Great main control dial with options that can be accessed fast and smooth without going into those horrid menu systems! In fact, most functions that you want to use regularly do not need to be menu-accessed (Yaaaah!) Even the video mode can just be set on the main dial and you just use the shutter button to shoot. I've read complaints of people wanting separate buttons for video functions, and i just think that is not user-friendly. This is a well thought-out camera.Another reason i chose this camera is for the optical viewfinder. Most P/S's are ditching them. I'm over 40 and my eyesight isn't as good close-up now ;)Also, i don't want to always hold the camera out in front of me. First of all, after shooting pictures professionally for many years, it just aint intuitive, you dont have as good a hold on the camera, it does not steady the camera with a three-point system for slower shutter speeds. Also, it bright sunlight you cannot see that screen so good. Granted, the viewfinder suffers from parallax, isnt quite 100% coverage, and doesnt have info inside. But it still HAS IT when i want to use it.Love that is has a flash shoe. Havent used it much as of yet, but i can pop a manual radio slave on top of it and fire multiple strobes and studio lights if i want to. AND the camera's flash sync is an amazing 1/4000 sec.--much better than the newest Nikon DSLR (D600) at 1/200th! The tiny pop-up flash actually works quite well with decent coverage and color balance, more importantly it seems to provide very accurate exposure without blowing out the scene. You can even set the exposure compensation for the flash.Really like that it includes a full 1080p video mode with built-in stereo mics, the panorama mode works quite well (as long as you dont have moving subjects in frames) and the Pro-Focus mode does do something (creates multiple images at various focus points to achieve a better bokeh supposedly) but not terribly well. Coming from someone that uses very fast prime lenses on a daily basis, it doesnt compare, but at least its a good idea and i like that Fuji was thinking about it, and it does help some with a stationary subjects.MACRO. The good and the bad: It has amazing macro-focus capability, 1cm in front of the lens in fact. And you can achieve a nice soft out-of-focus look in the background. But unfortunately, the MFD (minimum focus distance) is only possible at the wide-angle setting of the lens, not at the long (112mm)end. You can still get relatively close with the longer focal length, but if you could at 85mm or so, this camera would be utterly awesome (Too bad). I still think it does a good job, but macro works better with a longer focal lens. You will be touching a bug, flower, or whatever. Your light source then gets blocked by the lens, casting shadow on the subject. And has distortion (wide angle warp) of the lens. So love that it can focus so close with good bokeh, but could be sooo much better if you could use the longer end of the zoom lens.AF is usually pretty responsive and accurate. Better than i thought it would be in fact. The camera starts up immediately and the shutter is instantaneous.The lens focal range is around 28mm to 112mm (compared to 35mm). Wish it was a little wider especially (24 at least) and it could be longer too, but it still has a decent range. The good thing is that it is FAST f/2 to f/2.8--thats much better than most small P/S's and probably the MAIN REASON i bought this camera. You can shoot with lower light at lower ISO's, keep the background soft, etc. This is a very good quality of this lens, and it is SHARP even wide-open at ANY focal length!The images are pretty sharp, detail/resolution is quite decent for this small sensor size. Color and white balance is generally good. I like the film simulation modes, esp. the B/W with sepia and "filters"(green, yellow, red). Yes this is a twist on old-school and if you dont know what it does, look it up. I understand you can just convert the images to grayscale in Photoshop, but i still like it, and it makes the camera fun to use like film days. I'm not so sure the color film simulations are that accurate (i've shot my own bulk-loaded 100' rolls of Fujichrome too), but its still a good idea. It makes you feel like you are shooting film again, and THINK differently.The camera can shoot infrared images. Another selling point as i had an old (expensive) B+W infrared filter that i wanted to use on this camera. (You can determine with a P/S if you point your TV's remote into the lens and push a button--you can see the light in the LCD monitor).Which brings us to one of the things i DO NOT like about the camera, the stupid filter diameter size. I bought the knock-off step-up (52mm) ring/hood. It works good, looks even better, but the holes in the back let in dust (and light--that wouldnt work for infrared) and block even more of the image when looking thru viewfinder. So i finally found what i wanted-- a 40-46mm step-up ring. I then put a standard 46mm UV filter on that. It is almost perfectly flush with the rest of the zoom ring/lens, is solid and doesn't let dust in. I can screw my infrared filter into it too, and it works great. The lens cap doesn't fit well, but i don't care cause i never use one since i have a protector filter on the front of every lens. THe included cap is metal and nice, but i put it back in the box.I do have a cheap protective film for the back LCD, and i have a "soft" screw-in shutter release button attached. Other than that it's a very nice self-contained camera for great street-shooting, hiking, etc. It is quite small--smaller than thought from the photos even--will fit in a larger coat pocket though.I'm very happy with this little point and shoot camera. It's capable of getting good images, and most importantly, i ENJOY shooting with it!!The look is retro too, and its very sharp-looking, but it also makes you FEEL like you are using a "real" vintage camera, and you WANT to be CREATIVE using it. Well done, FujiFilm.UPDATES-- (I'll try to add to this section as i use the camera more)Battery life. It's OK, not great but i haven't found it to be terribly bad either as some have alluded to. It has a pretty small battery rated at 1000mAh. That said, you can find third-party batteries that fit, easily and cheaply. I've bought 4 here on Amazon, two are rated at 1100mAh, 2 are rated at 1400mAh--i don't really believe the manufacturer/seller's rated amperages, but they all work fine in the camera though, as well as the Fuji-branded one (and they only cost a couple of bucks a piece!)The BAD thing is that the battery level meter in the camera is not too informative and/or accurate...seems to die almost immediately after it first shows a lower level. But it does seem to work strong until that point at least. Just make sure you buy extra (cheap) batteries and keep them with you and the camera. I'd think this was something that could easily be corrected with a firmware update.