Fuji X-S10 is the latest addition to the Japanese manufacturer’s family of mirrorless cameras. Breaking a tradition that had lasted for some years now, Fuji proposed it at the end of 2020 instead of a compact version of the X-T4, thus inaugurating an additional series to the main branch of its APS-C mirrorless family. We tested it thoroughly, discovering a compact and light machine, not too expensive but very capable. Combined with the right lenses (which in Fuji’s case almost never cost a fortune) it is a versatile machine, suitable for both beginner who wants to deepen their photographic passion both al professional who needs a support device, more compact, and perhaps capable of shooting professional quality videos.
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Fuji X-S10, things to know
The technical specifications of Fuji X-S10 are those of one good semi-professional end camera. The mirrorless inherits several features from its sisters X-T30 and X-T4 and combines them in a compact, lightweight and durable magnesium alloy body.
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Sensore X-Trans BSI-CMOS da 26MP
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Processor of X-Processor Pro 4 image
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5-axis stabilization on the machine body
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3 “180 ° swivel touchscreen (1.04 million dots)
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Viewfinder electronic 2.36M dots OLED
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Burst up to 30fps (with crop on the sensor) or up to 20fps
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ISO from 100 to 51200
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Video in 4K fino a 30p
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Removable flash
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Charging via USB-C cable
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Battery from 325 shots with LCD display always active
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Integrated Fuji film simulations
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Headphone ports e microphone external
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UHS-I type SD card port
Ergonomics and design
While retaining the distinctive features of Fuji design, the X-S10 inherits some aesthetic elements from models such as the X-H1. Compared to other compact models of the T series, moreover, the grip on the right is more pronounced and makes it easier for those with large hands to grip. Also excellent is the position of the dials and the joystick, which can now be used to select and confirm the focus point with the pressure of the thumb. And just the main bezel is the most obvious difference from other Fuji XT series, since it does not allow you to adjust the timing or exposure compensation, but instead serves to choose how to use the machine. It is a change that perhaps the purists of the brand will not like, but which in our opinion makes a lot of sense when considering the entry level target of the product.
The camera body is also sturdy, but quite light (465 grams with battery and card). The plastic parts are well integrated into the metal body and the beaten imitation leather upholstery is a pleasant aesthetic detail that contributes to the grip of the car. Despite the excellent build quality, the body is not tropicalized, so you have to be careful to use the machine in the rain.
Photo and video
Those arriving from other Fuji cameras will immediately find themselves at ease with the X-S10 too, despite the aforementioned changes to the controls and dials. In our test we mainly used it with the XF 18-55 F2.8 kit lens and then with two additional fixed lenses, the XF 56mm F1.2 (extraordinary for portraits) and then the XF 18mm F1.4 (perfect for street photography).
The quality of the images produced by the machine is excellent and exceeds in our opinion the level that could be expected from a product of this range. The RAWs produced by the X-S10 are of excellent quality and leave ample room for editing in post-production. The JPEGs processed directly by the camera processor are also very good, especially if you use the integrated profiles for the simulation of the film. As with other Fuji, also in this case we can confirm that the effects that emulate the films (Astia, Velvia, Provia, Achros and others) are not a toy, but a powerful creative tool available only on these cameras. If you are using Lightroom for RAW development, the profiles are also located within the Adobe software, ready to be applied.
How does the Fuji X-S10 take pictures
We tried the Japanese camera for a long time, an excellent choice for those who want to approach professional photography: here are some sample shots
Overall, the X-S10’s autofocus performs very well, but it sometimes struggles to recognize the subject’s faces or eye when there is more than one (the reference face can be selected with the joystick) or when the shot is rich in detail. This is a related problem, though, which is often solved by repositioning the focus area via the focus point selector lever. For the rest, the difference in the final quality is obviously made by the lenses used (our favorite is undoubtedly the 56mm F1.2), but you can be sure that already with the kit lens you will be able to take home shots to be proud of.
The video equipment is also very good, which we have tried less but which is confirmed as being at the height of its bigger sister X-T4. It is an element not to be underestimated if you are looking for a camera suitable for both photography and video production, especially for the web. The X-S10 can shoot 4K movies up to 30p (for up to 30 minutes), or Full HD movies up to 240p (for up to 3 minutes). Also noteworthy is the presence of professional options, such as the ability to shoot videos in F-Log or to use the external recording via HDMI in 4: 2: 2 at 10-Bit. In freehand recording, the stabilization in the 5-axis camera body and the presence of the display with full articulation, which can then be rotated forward and used as a monitor during the “selfie” shooting as a vlogger, are very useful.
Fuji X-S10: what we liked
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Weight, easy handling and machine ergonomics
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The look Fuji, which always stands out for a mix of vintage and contemporary lines
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The endowment of goals, wide and accessible
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It screen articulated, perfect for vloggers
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The stabilization image on the camera body
What can be improved
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The user experience and the interface of the menu. It is the typical Fuji one and would require a general redesign which, however, does not seem to be a priority for the company
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The connectivity wireless and the app work, but they are always slow and cumbersome
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The autofocus works well, but sometimes it struggles with the face recognition and the subject’s eyes
In conclusion
Fujifilm X-S10 is a new camera for Fuji in this price range. It may perhaps confuse a bit the lovers of the brand, accustomed to the compact versions of the larger models, but in our opinion it succeeds in open a new trend useful to conquer those who want to take a step beyond the photographic smartphone. All in all, at a low price (below, the complete price list) you buy a camera that can make from starting point for a complete Fuji system, thanks to the wide range of quality APS-C optics.
While it lacks the Pro controls of other Fuji’s, we find the X-S10 to be a camera model ideal for those who want to approach the photographic technique: the advanced settings are all there, but organized in a less difficult way for the beginner. The situation changes if, on the other hand, you are looking for a camera to be used mainly for making videos. In that case, in our opinion, X-S10 is an option to be considered also by those with semi-professional needs, given the technical equipment more or less on par with that of the X-T4 and X-T30.
Fuji X-S10: prices
The Fuji X-S10 camera body alone costs 975 euros; in kit with the XF 18-55mm 2.8 lens, the price is 1299 euros. It goes up to 1499 euros for the kit with the XF 16-80mm lens. The lenses used during our review are the XF 56mm F1.2 and the XF 18mm F1.4: the first is available at variable prices between 750 and 900 euros (depending on the retailers), the second starts from around 1000 euros.
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