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Fujifilm Announces Modified Sensor for X10 Reduces 'Blooming' Effect in May 2012

2012-03-14 08:28
Average Camera Review Rating [12 reviews]
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).

However, there were reported issues concerning the so-called 'white disc' or 'blooming' occurrence, where exceptional highlights in the picture can appear as strongly delineated rounded shapes. Fujifilm claimed that this 'blooming' effect can occur with all digital cameras which use CMOS sensors, to varying degrees and it affects the X10 and X-S1 cameras. In February, there was a firmware upgrade for the X10 (version 1.03) which does reduce the white disc occurrence specifically in EXR mode. It works by identifying scenes that are likely to get 'white disc' blooming.  When the camera recognizes such a scene, it automatically increases the ISO and optimizes DR (dynamic range).  As the ISO increases, the white discs are less evident. In additions, Fujifilm is also develop a modified sensor (available late May 2012), which will more universally resolve the 'white disc' blooming effect in all modes. New firmware for the X-S1 will be available from March 21, 2012. Fujifilm also confirm that the 'phenomenon' does not affect its flagship X-Pro1 compact system camera. Check out the following Fujifilm statement for more details:


Show full Press Release

The FUJIFILM X10 and X-S1 digital cameras were made available by Fujifilm late last year, and have been generally very well received by customers, who admire the excellent picture quality, manual zoom lens and viewfinder.

However, we did receive some inquiries concerning the so-called 'white disc' or 'blooming' occurrence, where exceptional highlights in the picture can appear as strongly delineated rounded shapes. This 'blooming' effect can occur with all digital cameras which use CMOS sensors, to varying degrees.  It can also occur with the X10 and X-S1 when shooting in certain conditions, e.g. cars with front lights shining in dark night scene. The X10 and X-S1 are fitted with a very advanced sensor, which gives excellent picture quality and low noise, but which does give a different 'blooming' effect from other cameras. 

Fujifilm has a long-standing history of delivering top quality products to the market. In response to our customers' comments, we have worked hard to find an improvement to reduce the 'blooming' effect of the X10 and X-S1. Below are the actions we have undertaken.

  1. In February, we announced a firmware upgrade for the X10 (version 1.03) which does reduce the white disc occurrence specifically in EXR mode. It works by identifying scenes that are likely to get 'white disc' blooming.  When the camera recognizes such a scene, it automatically increases the ISO and optimizes DR (dynamic range).  As the ISO increases, the white discs are less evident. * New firmware for the X-S1 will be available from March 21, 2012.

  2. We will also develop a modified sensor, which will more universally resolve the 'white disc' blooming effect in all modes. We are working hard to make this new sensor available from late May 2012.

We encourage any customer with an X10 and X-S1 who has experienced the 'white disc' phenomenon to call their local authorized Fujifilm service centre.

Fujifilm is committed to delivering the highest quality products to the photographic community, and is happy to provide this improvement. 

Fuji Finepix X10 Sample Photos on Flickr



Fuji Finepix X10 Camera Reviews Roundup


TechRadar: "Just as it did with the FinePix X100, Fuji has managed to make a camera with the Fuji FinePix X10 that not only looks the part, but delivers on image quality and handling too. The well-constructed metal body is robust, easy to use and looks very smart too. Image quality is as good as any high-end compact camera can deliver at the moment, especially if the EXR modes are used to their strengths, although the zoom is l..." - Oct 12 2012 More »
Imaging Resource: "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..." - Jun 18 2012 More »
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Steve's Digicam: "Looking at our M&M ISO series we can see traces of luminous noise even at the lowest ISO 100 setting. However, the X10 controls noise levels well for a camera with a 2/3-inch sensor. As you increase the sensitivity, noise levels slowly rise. I personally felt that the camera produces excellent results up to ISO 2000, and even the maximum full resolution setting of 3200 looks usable. After 3200, resolution drops..." - Jun 13 2012 More »
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Phoblographer: "RAW images right out of the camera are more lackluster than others I've dealt with. However, the raw files from the X10 has an incredible latitude of editing abilities. I've read other blog posts talk about how terrible the red channel is, but I have yet to see what they're talking about. In fact, I found the red channel to be very good in my editing experience. Using Lightroom 4, I often opted to boost the contrast..." - Mar 28 2012 More »
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Fuji Finepix X10 Reviews Roundup [Total 30 Reviews] »



Fuji Finepix X10 Camera Recent User Reviews

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...


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