Fujifilm X10, a high end "P&S" camera
The new Fujifilm X10 sits clearly at the high end of what might be called "P&S" cameras. It would better be described as a digital camera with a fixed zoom lens, though the sensor isn't appreciably larger than that found in more modest "Point and Shoot" bodies. The sensor in the X10 is a 2/3" size, which to most people is a pretty meaningless number. Actually that means it's about 8.8mm x 6.6mm (don't ask why...). More common P&S sensor sizes are 1/2.5" (5.76mm x 4.29mm) and 1/1.8" (7.18mm x 5.32mm), so it is larger than average but it's still only 1/2 the (linear) size (and 1/4 the area) of a 4/3 sensor.
If you want a full size APS-C sensor in a similar body, Fuji have the
Fujifilm Finepix X100
The Fujifilm X10 can play a number of tricks with the sensor. It can operate as a normal 12MP sensor, or it can lower exposure on half the pixels to form a higher dynamic range 6MP image, or it can combine the signals from adjacent pixels in a high sensitivity 6MP mode. Maximum frame rate is 7fps at 12MP or 10fps with 6MP images.
The lens is a Fujinon 28-112mm (35mm equivalent) zoom but it differs from most P&S cameras in its speed, which is f2.0 at the 28mm setting to f2.8 at the 112mm setting. The lens is a manual zoom, just like on a DSLR, with a ring on the lens that you turn to change focal length. Unlike many current P&S cameras (including some higher end models), in addition to the LCD screen it has an optically zooming viewfinder.
The Fujifilm X10 looks like it would make a great backup camera for a DSLR, or a nice small camera for candid work (with it's fast lens and inconspicuous design). Fuji say that it should be available this fall (November?) but no price has yet been announced. I'd probably expect something in the $600 range (+/- $100)
Here's the press release from Fujifilm:
September 1, 2011
FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO: Shigetaka Komori) is proud to announce the
addition of a new premium compact camera to its digital camera line up for Autumn 2011.
The X10 features a large 2/3" 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and a high-definition F2.0
wide-angle and F2.8 telephoto FUJINON 4x manual zoom lens (28-112mm)[*1]
that is characterised by its brightness and superb picture quality right up to the edge of
an image.
The X10 is a highly advanced compact camera with specifications that follow in the
footsteps of the sought after multi award-winning FinePix X100 (released in March 2011):
the ultimate in refined design, components, functions and specification. Featuring a
bright optical zoom viewfinder with a wide viewing angle, the X10 allows users to enjoy
the pleasure of photography via a traditional viewfinder, providing all the benefits and
ease of composition that this brings.
Thorough attention to detail is evident as soon as you take hold of the X10's stunning
body. With its upper control deck and base manufactured from lightweight, yet ultra
strong, die-cast magnesium alloy; and mode dials and lens ring featuring their quality,
aluminum milled, textured finish. The intuitive operability of the various dials and
shutter-release button is also apparent with the manual zoom lens doubling up as an on/off
power switch, ensuring you can react quickly to potential photo shooting scenarios as they
occur.
Main features
- (1) Newly-developed F2.0 wide-angle and F2.8 telephoto, bright, FUJINON 4x optical,
manual barrel zoom lens
- The X10 features a newly-developed high-definition Super EBC FUJINON[*2]
lens which achieves superb image clarity over the whole of the image. The lens consists of
11 glass lens elements in 9 groups, including 3 aspherical glass lens elements (6 sides)
and 2 extra-low dispersion lens elements. The result is an ultra bright lens with a
wide-angle maximum aperture of 2.0 and telephoto maximum aperture of 2.8.
- With its all-metal lens barrel you are guaranteed a smooth zoom action which helps you
compose your photos quickly and easily. In addition the camera's power switch has been
deftly built into the manual barrel zoom to facilitate fast responses and to help you
avoid missed photo opportunities. The lenses are designed by R&D of FUJINON who has a
long-term experience to supply a majority of professional broadcasting lenses.
- Featuring a newly developed Optical Image Stabilisation mechanism, you can rest assured
that any lens aberration is kept to an absolute minimum and image resolution is maximised
making the most of the sensor performance and delivering high quality images.
- The lens is capable of taking super-macro shots as close up as 1cm. This function can
also be combined with 7-blade aperture to deliver a stunning soft-focus bokeh
effect perfect for shooting portraits using the telephoto zoom.
- (2) Combining a bright optical viewfinder with a wide viewing-angle and a manual barrel
zoom lens
- Fujifilm's engineers have used an arrangement of 3 aspherical lenses plus a special dach
prism configuration to deliver a viewfinder with superior brightness and a superb field of
view with its extra wide viewing angle, and all whilst still maintaining a compact camera
size. This, combined with the Manual Barrel Zoom functionality, makes a real difference
and brings a welcome old-style photographic feel to the X10.
- (3) Newly-developed large 2/3" 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and advanced EXR
Processor
- The X10 features a newly-developed large 2/3" 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor with
approximately twice the sensor area, and approximately 2.5times the pixel area, compared
to existing Fujifilm camera models[*3].
- This bespoke EXR CMOS sensor combines Fujifilm's proprietary EXR technology (which can
select the optimum shooting mode from the three options below SN / DR / HR), with CMOS
technology to provide bright, sharp images in all shooting conditions.
- SN High Sensitivity and Low Noise mode - produces clear and sharp
high-sensitivity images whilst keeping the noise levels low, and is an ideal choice for
capturing night scenes or indoor situations with poor lighting.
- DR Wide Dynamic Range mode - delivers a much increased dynamic range (up to
1600%) delivering rich gradations and detail in both the shadows and highlights
- HR High Resolution mode - takes full advantage of the 12 megapixel resolution
to reproduce the finest details in landscape and portrait scenes, perfect for use on
bright clear days
- In addition the X10 features a high-speed EXR CMOS and EXR processor which
facilitate high-speed continuous shooting at up to 7 frames per second at the full 12
megapixel resolution (L size), and 10 frames per second at the reduced resolution M size.
- Plus a 49-point matrix contrast AF which provides high-speed and high-precision
auto focusing thanks to the fast CMOS capabilities and the advanced EXR Processor's AF
system.
- With its super speedy shutter-release time lag of approx. 0.01 seconds, the X10 can
capture even the most fleeting of photo opportunities. And it's also worth mentioning that
it features best-in-class [*4] 1080p Full HD movie recording capabilities.
- (4) The X10's elegant design that has inherited the look and feel of the X100, and the
made in Japan seal of quality
- Manufactured from strong, yet lightweight, die-cast magnesium alloy, the X10's upper
control deck and camera base are perfectly designed and add a real sense of style and
glamour to the camera. On top of this the exquisite notches of the exposure compensation
dial and the satisfying torque feedback produced by the hidden metal ball in the
click-stop mechanism ensure the quality of craftsmanship is truly apparent.
- (5) Fujifilm's unique functions for adjusting image quality
- EXR Auto - for the automatic optimisation of the sensor and the camera settings
The X10 not only offers "EXR Auto" intelligent scene recognition (which adjusts
camera settings to suit sunsets, blue skies, greenery, beaches, snow, etc.), and also
detects people and identifies difficult to photograph backlight conditions, but now, it
even has the ability to detect subject movements. The intelligent EXR CMOS Sensor
automatically selects the optimum shooting mode from of a total of 99 different
variations, this enables it to capture any kind of scene perfectly in even the most
difficult shooting conditions.
- In terms of ISO settings, the X10 can capture shots between ISO 100 for well
lit conditions and top picture quality, and ultra-high ISO 12800 [*5]
for the most minimal of lighting conditions. If the correct exposure cannot be obtained
with the selected ISO setting, the ISO Auto Setting function adjusts it automatically
between 100 and 3200.
- For those of you that like to experiment, the X10 offers Fujifilm's unique Film
Simulation modes, reflecting the company's background in photographic films. Eight
setting are available, including Velvia / PROVIA / ASTIA which allow you to reproduce the
well-known tones of highly popular color reversal films, as well as X10 expands the scope
of photo expression with Monochrome Mode that can be fine-tuned with R/Y/G filter
settings.
In addition to Auto White Balance, the X10 provides a choice of 9 white balance
presets to compensate for the color of different light sources. Users can also set a
Custom White Balance using a grey card or other surface, or select the optimum Kelvin
value.
- The X10 also features detailed image adjustability settings with options
including Color to adjust color strength, Highlight Tone /
Shadow Tone to adjust contrast in highlight / shadow sections, and
Sharpness to sharpen or soften pixel edges.
- Finally there is a Noise Reduction Adjustment function to set the strength of
noise reduction at five different levels according to the users' emphasis on whether to
prioritise high resolution or low noise.
- (6) Other notable features on the X10
- 4x optical zoom featuring Fujifilm's new Intelligent Digital 2x Telephoto zoom
technology, doubling the telephoto capabilities and providing up to an 8x zoom
- Diverse manual shooting modes that can be selected according to scene type
(Program / Aperture Priority / Shutter Speed Priority / Manual)
- Power start-up within approx. 0.8 seconds using on/off switch built into lens ring (must
be in Quick Start mode) perfect for capturing any unexpected photo opportunities
- 360° Motion Panorama for seamless 360-degree panoramic shooting
- Manual pop-up flash with a range of 7 metres
- High-contrast and wide viewing-angle 2.8" 460K dot High contrast LCD monitor
that provides excellent view-ability even if you're outdoors in bright sunlight
- Electronic horizon leveling gauge to check the camera is being held on the
level, and histogram display to check image gradation
- Four diverse auto bracketing functions for exposure, ISO sensitivity, dynamic
range and film simulation
- RAW shooting and in-camera RAW processing (plus SilkyPix RAW conversion
software is supplied in-box)
- (7) Premium Accessory Line-up
- CASE (LC-X10)
To perfectly compliment the look and premium quality feel of the X10 camera body, a retro
leather quick shot case with matching strap has been designed which fits the
X10 like a glove. Made out of luxurious leather it has been thought out with
uncompromising attention to detail, ensuring the ultimate ease of use and practicality.
- LENS HOOD (LH-X10)
Precision milled from metal, the lens hood with adapter ring will be available. The
adapter ring is also compatible with commercially sold 52mm filters and lens caps.
- TTL FLASH
EF-20 (Guide Number:20) and EF-42 (Guide Number:42) are compatible with the X10.
- *1 35mm equivalent
- *2 High quality FUJINON lenses are used widely in the broadcasting industry
worldwide. For more information please visit:
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/fujinon/
- *3 Compared to the FinePix F550EXR
- *4 Digital cameras equipped with a 2/3" image sensor
- *5 The recording resolution is the resolution defined in the Image Size [S]
setting