Fujifilm XF10 Review

Last Updated on January 13, 2019

Fujifilm XF10 Introduction Video

Video credit: Fuji Guys Channel

Fujifilm XF10 Overview

The XF10 from Fujifilm is another addition to the list of premium compacts for those who want to upgrade from their smartphone camera. Those familiar with the X70 will find a rather similar model but with features geared towards casual photographers.

Fujifilm XF10 Design & Features

The X70 was geared towards professionals who needed a more pocket-friendly version of the X100T. Likewise, the XF10 seems to address the need of casual users who need pro-level features in an affordable package.

Like the X70 that came before it, the XF10 sports the same APS-C sensor with fixed 18.5mm F2.8 lens but this time offering 24 megapixels instead of 16. With more preserved detail, you can create better cropped photos and print out more vivid images.

The XF10 is aimed at casual photographers, and this is demonstrated in the control changes made. For instance, the lens of the camera doesn’t have an aperture ring nor does it have a hotshoe for a flash.

Although some advanced features are missing, the XF10 does feature a new autofocus joystick that makes it easier to choose a focus point. Sticking true to their aim of making the XF10 friendly for those upgrading from smartphone cameras, Fujifilm has included a “square mode” feature that crops pictures into an Instagram-friendly format.

Fujifilm Film Simulations

The XF10 also offers opportunities for enhancing creativity. It comes with 11 unique Fujifilm Film Simulations and 19 Advanced Filters. It also introduces two new Advanced Filters: Rich & Fine and Monochrome [NIR].

Rich & Fine emphasizes the subject by providing colors that are brighter and more vivid at the center while adding slight shadows in the corner. This filter is great for food and tabletop photography. On the other hand, the Monochrome [NIR] filter simulates the monochrome effect of near-infrared cameras.

The XF10 supports ISO 200-12800 (expandable to 100-51200). It can capture JPEG and RAW images.

With this being an age of instant sharing, the XF10 provides Bluetooth technology for easy transfer of media to smartphones for uploading to favorite social media sites.

While the XF10 features functions that make it easier for smartphone users to transition to compact cameras, it misses out on providing for another popular segment: the vloggers. Unlike the X70, this model doesn’t feature a tilting screen and opts for a fixed 3-inch touchscreen instead. This can be rather inconvenient for those who like making videos.

However, this doesn’t mean that the XF10 isn’t brilliant when it comes to producing videos. It can shoot 1080p at 60fps, which is rather impressive. However, its 4K offering is rather limited at 15fps. It records MPEG-4 videos and supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Also, the continued use of the older and smaller NP-95 battery is a bit worrying.

For all its flaws, the XF10 is an affordable alternative to other compact cameras in the Fujifilm family. It is definitely more pocket-friendly than the more recent X-T100 and is easier on the wallet compared to the X70.

Pros & Cons

 Pros

• It is an affordable premium compact camera for those who want to upgrade from using a smartphone camera.
• It delivers impressive images and produces decent video.
• It is light and compact, making it perfect for carrying around for random snaps and actual documentation.
• It has a new “square mode” for 1:1 format, making it easier to snap Instagram-friendly photos.

Cons

• It doesn’t have a tilting screen like the Fujifilm X70, which it shares a lot of specifications with, thus making it a bit inconvenient for vloggers.
• It still uses the older and smaller NP-95 li-on battery.
• It is only capable of 4K video at 15fps.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an affordable compact camera that you can take around for spur-of-the-moment snaps and for actual documentation, the Fujifilm XF10 is worth considering. It offers impressive specifications: it is small enough to not be a burden, it delivers high-quality images, and it produces decent video.

The camera may have certain shortcomings but it serves perfectly well as an upgrade from using a smartphone camera. Instant sharing is also possible thanks to Bluetooth technology that allows the transfer of media to smartphones for uploading to favorite social media sites. It may not be the ideal compact camera for a certain segment of users, but if you’re looking for a camera that can deliver in terms of images and video but not be a burden for the wallet, the XF10 is worth the shot.

Fuji XF10 Availability and Price

The Fujifilm XF10 will be available in August 2018 for around $500.

Video credit: bigheadtaco