3 MONTHS WITH THE FUJIFILM X-S10
When Fujifilm Middle East asked me to test the new Fujifilm X-S10, I was eager to do so. Although I was a little skeptical at the start, I must say that I did really enjoy using it!
With the X-S10, Fujifilm started a new line of cameras which at first sight is like a mini X-H1. Some people have seen it as the replacement for the X-T30 which I personally do not consider it as such...
Like its older and larger bother, it has a much more pronounced grip and has IBIS (In body Image Stabilization). Let's look at a few points which stood out to me when using the camera for over 3000 images, shot in a 3 month period.
ERGONOMICS
When it comes to ergonomics this camera is one of the better small cameras I've used to date. The grip of the X-S10, especially for such a small camera, is very pronounced and deep. Given the body is not very tall, your pinky will likely fall below the bottom of the camera which is no big deal.
Even when using larger glass like the XF50-140, your knuckles will not touch the lens barrel. One exception is when shooting the XF50-140 lens with the lens foot flipped to the top rather than the bottom; the friction adjustment knob will then be in the way. This is not the case with the even larger XF100-400 lens as this adjustment knob is mounted more forward.
Both are no showstoppers but just something to be aware about when shooting with larger lenses like the XF 50-140.
I also shot a fair bit with the recently announced XF 70-300 lens, which is really well suited for the X-S10.
TOP BUTTON LAYOUT
Virtually all buttons on the camera can be set up to your personal preference; even buttons that are labeled.
The biggest difference compared to previous X-series cameras. The top plate is actually very similar to the entry level X-T200 camera. There is no dedicated ISO dial, but a button labelled ISO just behind the shutter button. Just like most buttons it can be assigned to a different function. I personally dedicated it to my Photometry (Spot, Matrix, etc...) setting. The same holds true for the Q button which sits next to it but which I left as labelled. Users coming from DSLR or some other mirrorless cameras, will feel right at home with the PSAM dial, allowing for the choice between Program mode, Shutter speed and Aperture priority and full Manual mode. Although I'm very much used to the classic X-series layout with the Shutter speed dial and aperture ring on the lenses, it took me very little time to efficiently use the PSAM dial again.
What I really did appreciate, was the fact that the PSAM dial allows to select any of the 4 Custom settings (C1 to C4). Even better, is that a specific Custom setting is now much more useful now. One can for example program Custom Setting C1 to Black and White Street, using for example Acros + Yellow film simulation with a few highlights, shadows, a specific Monochromtic Colour setting, Dynamic range, etc... tweaks.
What is new is that items from the AF/MF and Camera settings can now also be saved. Want to include Face detection ON, Spot metering, Electronic Shutter, etc... it can all be saved under this one Custom mode. A thumbs up and certainly something. As I've just started testing the recently announced X-E4, I can tell you that my pre-production firmware has similar functionality like the X-S10 when it comes to Custom modes. I'm hoping to see on future updates on all newer X-series, although some of the items will not work if there is an actual button on the camera for it; e.g. Drive mode S, C, M.
I did not use the Filter, SP(Scene Position) and AUTO positions on the dial. Beginner photographers might find them handy. I can see the benefit of using AUTO, when handing the camera to a non-experienced photographer to make an image.
The right hand top dial is defaulted to the exposure compensation. Because there is no digits on the wheel one is able to use the full +/- 5EV rather than +/-3EV and then using the C setting like on some other X-series. At times I did however miss seeing the EV straight away on the dial... Some old habits die hard.
Top left is another dial with no markings. It defaults to changing the Film Simulations but can be changed to pretty much anything you want. I personally used it as my ISO dial as I deemed it to be much more functional for this.
BACK BUTTON LAYOUT
The camera has all of the usual buttons on the back of the camera, we are seeing on the other new X-series. No D-pad (4 way controller), which I do not miss anyway! For me the joystick and touchscreen is a good replacement for this. Yes, I know some still swear by the 4-way switch; I'm not one of them.
The top row of buttons have a really nice pronounced feel to them. This is probably the X-series with one of the best positions for the AF ON button. If using back button AF, you will like this one!
The Menu and DISP/BACK button are completely flush. I can see that this was done to avoid involuntary button actuations, but finding the buttons without looking is not easy at all. I personally prefer how this was done on the recently announced X-E4 where they are ever so slightly sticking out!
At the front of the camera, I'm missing a dedicated Autofocus switch (S-C-M). Unfortunately this seems also missing on the brand-new X-E4! Yes, it can be set up to one of the function buttons, but personally like to see it as a separate button. Hope this is not a trend.
LCD SCREEN
The X-S10 has a fully articulating screen like the X-T4. Great for vloggers, selfie shooters and of course for video work. Not so great if you want to do a lot of Street Photography! While I love classic tilt screens (X-T3, X-T30, X-100V, X-E4) the X-S10 flipped out screen to the side makes the camera too wide for candid street photography using the LCD. The main reason I have not invested yet in the X-T4.
What I do like about this type of screen, is that you can hide it; both to protect it against scratches/damage and when wants to shoot like on a X-Pro3 with the hidden screen. When asked to delete the images from your memory card, you might even be able to talk your security guide into believing it is a film camera...
IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization)
Beside the great ergonomics and grip, this would be the most important purchase point for me. IBIS is obviously nice for video work (which I'm not doing), but it also has a purpose for still images! When one can't use a tripod, which seems to happen more and more, having a built in 5-axis, 6 stop image stabilization system is great; especially when using non-stabilised lenses. Needless to say, that IBIS will not help with moving subjects.
It also allows us to shoot at a lower ISO, optimizing image quality, when we are not dealing with moving objects. I was able to have consistently real life, sharp handheld images, at 1/3s using the XF35mm lens.
Lastly, non OIS (Optical Image Stabilized) lenses become much more useable in low light. Primes like the older XF35 f1.4, XF60 macro but also the XF90 come to mind. But also zooms like the very sharp XF16-50 f2.8 lens!
BATTERY
It would have been nice to have the newer X-T4 battery on the X-S10. Yes, it uses the same NP-W126S battery like the majority of the X-series cameras. Needless to say that the 5 axis IBIS systems needs electrical power to work! Work on a maximum of 300 shots for real life usage (mix of LCD and EVF) in Normal mode and about 200-250 when using Boost mode. If going out for the day I will take at least two additional batteries with me for a normal day of shooting. The camera can be charged through USB which of course is practical when one has some dead time and access to electrical power.
IMAGE QUALITY
The IQ is obviously in line with the other X-Trans 4 sensor cameras like the X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-Pro3,... Rather than going into detail here, I would rather share some images below. Click on the image to see it full size. All of them have been cropped to 4000px wide for faster loading. Minor editing has been done to the images as expected. This is not a pixel peeping contest.
CONCLUSION
So is this camera for you? Obviously only you can make that decision!
Personally I see the X-S10 especially marketed to vloggers and other travelling content creators.
A second segment is without a doubt those photographers who are still shooting DSLR's but want a much smaller and lighter camera for travel. For those people the layout of the dials will make the transition to the X-series system easier. Just be warned... You might like it so much that you'll eventually completely switch to Fujifilm like I personally did almost a decade ago!
As a travel camera, I would recommend the X-S10 to all new photographers. If the budget allows, investing in a X-S10 with both the XF 16-80 and the recently announced XF 70-300 lenses, will cover all of your travel needs. More limited on the budget? Get the X-S10 with the XF18-55 or XF 16-80 lens only.
At the time of publishing, the camera sells for 999,-USD body only (US MSRP); 1499-USD body + XF16-80; 1399,-USD body + XF18-55.
The great thing about Fujifilm, is that there is a large variety of different X-series and Medium format GFX camera models. Pick the camera that is right for you! They all have their specific target users!
This blogpost can be shared without prior permission. Just make sure to credit "Bjorn Moerman Photography".
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