Fujifilm 12 Megapixels FinePix X10 Camera Review by ImagingResource

On September 1 2011, Fujifilm announced the X10, a step-down version of the X100 in terms of both price and features. It features a 2/3-inch 12 Megapixels EXR CMOS image sensor, f/2 Fujinon 4x optical zoom lens, manual exposure controls, full 1080p HD video support, 7fps full resolution shooting (or 10fps at reduced resolution) and 2.8-inch 460k-dot LCD. The X10 also comes with a standard optical viewfinder instead of the hybrid EVF/OVF of the X100. In shooting mode, users can select one of the three modes for any lighting situation: SN Signal to Noise High Sensitivity and Low Noise (ideal for night scenes or indoor), DR Wide Dynamic Range (increased dynamic range up to 1600%), HR High Resolution (12 megapixel resolution to reproduce the finest details in landscape and portrait scenes).

With that EXR imaging system comes a manually-operated 4x manual zoom lens covering the 28-112mm equivalent range. The comes with a Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) that achieves superb image clarity from edge to edge. The lens consists of 11 glass lens elements in 9 groups, including 3 aspherical glass lens elements (6 sides) and 2 extra-low dispersion lens elements. Together with its wide-angle maximum aperture of F2.0 to a maximum telephoto aperture of F2.8, the X10 delivers bright images with outstanding clarity. The X10 is currently selling at around $550. Here's the summary of review by ImagingResource:

"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. The X10's shooting modes had it all for me, from Program mode's options through a real Manual mode to helpful Scene modes and Fujifilm's EXR equivalent of intelligent auto. I especially liked having quick access to the Advanced modes; this sort of thing is missing on some competing cameras. Fujifilm knows what to do with a Mode dial.

Focus was rather maddening. First, it often took too long. Second, the shutter would fire even if focus hadn't been found. Image quality was very good, if not the best. There was some softness in the corners at telephoto, but otherwise the X10 is optically impressive, especially given its bright maximum aperture across the zoom range. Auto white balance was generally pretty accurate, and colors pleasing if a little muted. That's not to say it was perfect; as well as the orb problem we also noted some strange artifacts in raw files on our res target, and images seemed just slightly soft overall, strange given the above-average corner sharpness. I feel a little about the X10 versus Compact System Cameras as I do about CSCs versus dSLRs. The dropoff in quality and control is outweighed by the convenience. Although you could argue that you get more control on the X10 than you do with a typical CSC. In sum, I felt genuine unmitigated ambivalence about the X10. A pleasure to shoot with for the most part, and capable of very pleasing images, if perhaps with more blown shots than I'd expect. Unfortunately, the white disc problem means that--for now--I won't be adding it to my arsenal. When I have the chance to try an X10 with the updated sensor, that decision might well change."

Do NOT get this camera!, JTA - Apr 26 2013
I have really tried and tried to like this camera. I bought this after my backup DSLR was stolen our of my checked baggage at the airport. Wanted something that was small and portable and had plenty of manual functions. But my gosh... this camera is THE WORST. 1. Focus: the thing will only focus correctly half the time. You hold the shutter down half way, the green box appears, you h...

Replaced my DSLR 90% of the time, MC Fisher - Apr 11 2013
I like this camera, a lot. I can't decide whether it is the convenience of its size, the quality of the pictures or the picture options (HDR, low light, extra bokeh) but it is my go to camera most the time. I owned a Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens and D200 just recently got rid of the D200. I still use my D7000 for...

Replaced my DSLR 90% of the time, Mark C Fisher - Apr 11 2013
I like this camera, a lot. I can't decide whether it is the convenience of its size, the quality of the pictures or the picture options (HDR, low light, extra bokeh) but it is my go to camera most the time. I owned a Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens and D200 just recently got rid of the D200. I still use my D7000 for...

Not just the X10, Fuji Sucks!, Rao-Birds - Mar 25 2013
I have been a fuji loyalist forever now but not any longer. Bought myself a X10 in Sep 2012. Always had issues turning it ON. Took me 1-3 attempts to rotate the lens dial to get the thing ON. It never bothered me until 2 weeks back when the lens rotatory got very hard and I wasn't even able to turn it ON. So I called the Fuji repair center in NJ and was told to ship it...