Fujifilm X10: Long Term Review

Fuji at Amazon - amzn.to/3DgfFn6 (USA/Can/Europe)
In 2011 Fuji released the X10 premium compact camera. At the time this was aimed at enthusiasts who wanted a better quality compact, with a nod to retro styling, a fast 28-112mm zoom lens, an optical viewfinder, and lots of on body controls.
Over 10 years later, I re-evaluate the Fujifilm X10, share some of my thoughts using this camera, and point out the weaker and stronger points. Is the Fuji X10 still worth buying? I find out
If you find the reviews useful please consider supporting the channel via Patreon - / mrbazreviews
Or by using the affiliate links
Timestamp:
00:00 - Start
00:17 - Key Features
00:28 - Body Tour/Controls
02:33 - Battery
02:50 - EXR Modes/Examples
03:55 - Optical Viewfinder
04:54 - High ISO Samples
05:30 - Autofocus
05:50 - Image Samples/Thoughts
07:25 - Pros/Cons Summary
#fuji #fujifilm #fuji x #vintage #photogear #camerareview

[@MrBazReviews]

Fuji at Amazon USA/Can/Europe - amzn.to/3DgfFn6 If you find the reviews useful please consider supporting the channel via Patreon - www.patreon.com/mrbazreviews Or by using the affiliate links

[@camkimbrough6103]

Recently just received an x10, its good for what it is, surprisingly good for the cost. Great little camera if you're patient with it!

[@MrBazReviews]

It has a certain charm to it, and the images - I paid far less than the original price about £200, back in the day when cameras dropped in price and quite a lot!

[@yamakawa511]

I have an X10 bought new when they were released. I have always been impressed by the image quality a lot of which must be attributable to the quality of the lens. I really like the focal length and fast aperture. AF can be slow especially n poor light and dynamic range is limited by the small sensor size. The body is solid and well made, battery life is ok but I always take the spare and a charger with me. It's a nice camera to use and I find the controls well placed. I'm very happy with my X10, good job Fujifilm. Y

[@MrBazReviews]

For the day it was quite an interesting camera. I did have the larger X-S1, which had the same sensor. So yes, the X10 lens is clearly very good, I could see the difference. Also, pretty fast speed which helps in low light. I felt the OVF needed more work, and that sort of let things down a bit. The X series never really got the attention it deserved, and Fuji abandoned it sadly to do the X mount. There was more to do!

[@berniecoderre3935]

Might be my favorite camera, love the wide angle lens, color and image quality! Super fun to shoot with!💚

[@MrBazReviews]

It does have some charm, I admit I always found the images to be very pleasing from the Fuji I liked the EXR sensor, despite it's drawbacks it was a good performer. I really did not like the X20 Xtrans sensor output, completely different. I have no idea why these compacts are selling for such high prices in 2023, it's crazy! I paid £200 new for this in 2014!

[@39exposures]

that's a very detailed review. thanks!

[@MrBazReviews]

Glad it was helpful! I try to keep it on point but cover as much as I can.

[@simon0yeung]

Thanks. I recently also reconnected with my good old x20. Now that I have learned how to make interesting recipes. I found out that configuring C1 and C2 with a bright vs moody recipe, and then program the Aperture mode for black & white gives me pretty much all I need, and allowing super fast switching just via the dial. I’m quite happy with it and bring it everywhere I go

[@MrBazReviews]

Yes that old X20 has quite a different look to images, I liked some of the improvements they made, but not a fan of the Xtrans sensor myself. It's a shame Fuji didn't continue to develop this type of camera, because it's still relevant today.

[@MelikAlperen]

Amazing camera for street photography actually. If you live or you need to go to dangerous place, i dont wanna bring my Fujifilm x100v, or my sony. I bring my x10. Because its a £100 camera, i dont afraid.

[@MrBazReviews]

It's an interesting camera, I still like it despite being a bit dated. I do wish Fuji had pushed the concept more though, perhaps a 1" sensor, it seems a waste to have abandoned the concept. Perhaps they think people will buy one of their X mount cameras and a small prime - not quite the same though

[@BF4pawntard]

I absolutely loved this camera and it went everywhere with me . Was absolutely gutted when the lens mechanism broke but by then it had taken probably close to 500k photos and most of the paint worn off . The lens is superb and tack sharp from about f4 on my copy . Replaced it with an XE-1 and a 35mm 1.4 but it doesn’t have the same charm as the x10 even if gives superior results

[@MrBazReviews]

I like it a lot too, I did hear about the lens mechanism causing problems. Honestly, I never saw the point in the zoom to power on, and a few times it did play up. Seemed to sort itself out though. I had an XE-1 and liked it quite a lot, however the EVF lag in low light drove me crazy, so sadly I ended up passing that along. There is probably still a market for some premium compacts, shame Fuji doesn't seem to think so. I don't think X Mount is the solution for everyone

[@lim9571]

Thank you for the review I was kicking myself for missing out on one Ebay, However I think I may be better served by keeping my Canon S120 and Lumix TZ90. You have done a good balanced review and it's made me realize it's probably not the camera for me.

[@MrBazReviews]

Fair enough! I suppose it depends what you were looking for in the camera. It has a certain charm for many in the design/feel of the body. I was always happy enough with the images, lens did a nice enough job too. I didn't really use it as an optical viewfinder camera much, and for me that was the main problem. As I said in the video, it did not live up to the promise in some ways. Had Fuji done a few more tweaks, it might have. The X20 is entirely different, it fixes a few things, but how a sensor that is not nearly as nice in my view. I did not warm to that camera at all, despite some improvements. The X30 had the same X20 sensor, and an EVF, again not really the same thing at all as the X10 It's surprised me how popular this still is

[@vince1987]

I bought this camera in 2011 and loved using it until 2016 when my cousin broke it. I still miss using this camera. It's really good for street photography, and you can basically carry this in your pocket, take it out, shoot, and put it back it. I can't seem to find one from where i live in the middle east and I tried to have it fixed by the fuji center here but no bueno. Still looking for a 2nd hand one of these.

[@MrBazReviews]

I see some at used camera stores online and in person. Also try eBay if that' an option for you, they are around. It's a nice camera in many ways, always liked the output from this and the feel is quite good. I don't think the optical viewfinder part, is as well thought out as it might be, though it is usable.

[@andrewtedlow6552]

I bought the X10 for Newport Folk Festival, which just wrapped up this past Sunday. I found once I had a chance to view my photos that a large number were out of focus, while others were sharp. I did fool around with focus settings from time to time while shooting (maybe not such a good idea, in retrospect), but I can’t say if there was a particular setting that was best for the extremely bright conditions and significant backlighting at times. Has anyone else experienced similar focusing issues with this camera?

[@MrBazReviews]

You can adjust the AF point size, that can make an obvious difference. I usually make a mid sized point for general shooting. For moving subjects the contrast AF isn't great, I hardly used it for any action/movement much

[@geofflongford2008]

That's the thing I don't like about my camera. Lots of out of focus shots.

[@frankartale1026]

I have the XF1 which has the same sensor. I also have the XQ1 which has the xtrans ii like the x20. The pictures from the XF1 are way nicer. This is a great sensor. I never bought the x10 because i was able to pick up the X100 for the same price on ebay

[@MrBazReviews]

You did well on the X100 have to say. I'd like to try that one but never got around to it. Something about the sensor that is more appealing, the X20 was not a patch on the X10 in terms of the look and appeal, it was desaturated colours in shadows, just nowhere near as nice to my eyes. So I sold the X20 and I also passed on the X30 which was an EVF Xtrans model. Shame Fuji didn't continue with this line, it had potential

[@frankartale1026]

@@MrBazReviews yep. Its a shame. The X100 is great but the lens is to soft ,even stopped down. You would love an XE1with the 1st xtrans sensor. Its amazing. Great jpegs. Made me retire my X100.

[@MrBazReviews]

@@frankartale1026 I had an XE-1, and I like it. However I do a lot of low light shooting and the EVF lag was too much for me! These days I'm mostly using optical viewfinder cameras, I got bored of EVF's even if that is the future, for me I like using OVF's. It is interesting Fuji are the only MILC maker to have an OVF option, with the XPro series. I spend far too many hours looking at a screen, using an optical finder is so much nicer overall I think.

[@frankartale1026]

@@MrBazReviews i like the ovf but i dont like that the frame moves and you have to recompose . Its annoying. I got rid of my xpro1 in favor of the XE1. I also have an XT1 and that evf is great

[@MrBazReviews]

@@frankartale1026 fair enough I might try another Fuji at some point, they do have some interesting ideas

[@zkamerawpolsce5151]

Sorry that recently I haven't written or given views but I didn't have time. Anyway, the movie is nice, and the cameras used to have that something.

[@MrBazReviews]

Not a problem, good to see you again. I will try to do more photo videos, this camera seems to be popular still Perhaps it is something different. Polska biało-czerwoni!

[@dog4mike]

A big regret is when I sold my X10. I used it as a backup/pocket camera mostly for travel 9-10 years ago. Once I got my X-E3 for the same purpose I sold the X10. But 8 years ago I printed some A1 size prints shot on the X10, and they're still hanging on my wall today. Might hunt for a second-hand one...

[@MrBazReviews]

The camera has a certain charm, I have always been fond of the results and look of the images. For me the disappointment, was largely down to the poor implementation of the optical finder. That's mostly in relation to the lack of parallax markings, and some basic information. That was half the reason for getting it, others might feel differently. The image quality is absolutely fine, clearly for its day a cut above many other compacts. Fast forward, and well phones seem to be the new every day carry for many people, even those who have larger ILC type cameras. There might have been a place for a new concept on this type of premium compact, with a bigger sensor, and some tweaks to the design. Sad to see Fuji just give up and not continue to do more with it. Prices are on the up for used gear, including this one.

[@user-vk7si7ks9x]

yes the x10 is still the no. 1

[@MrBazReviews]

It's good, shame Fuji didn't run with the concept more though.