With technology evolving at lightspeed, it's hard to imagine buying a gadget you would treat as a long-term companion. That said, we believe the Fujifilm X10 is a keeper -- the kind of camera you'll get to know slowly, take home to meet the parents and will want on your arm, or in your camera bag, for a long time to come.
Good-looking and serious, the X10 is coated in black leather which gives it a luxurious feel and a classic, timeless appearance -- you certainly wouldn't be ashamed to be seen out and about with it. The body has been crafted from smooth and sturdy magnesium alloy and is dotted with buttons and switches, which make a refreshing change to the dip-in menu systems seen on most digital compact cameras.
In terms of specs, the X10 measures up well, with a 4x optical zoom and the ability to shoot 1080p video. There's an optical viewfinder that zooms in sync with the 28-112mm (35mm equivalent) lens as well as a 2.8-inch rear LCD.
There's no power button on the X10, instead you just remove and replace the velvet-lined lens cap to switch it on and off. While the auto settings are a pleasure to use, it's worth weaning yourself off them in order to get familiar with the more advanced controls. Using the camera feels incredibly natural -- a result of the the elegant build and thoughtful design.
Although the X10 may look and feel like a smooth operator, what really matters when you're buying a camera, particularly for professional use, is whether it delivers quality pictures. In the case of this snapper, we're pleased to say that the images it produces are as much works of art as the camera itself -- colours were realistic and detail highly rendered.
It might be a tad on the pricey side, but if you choose this camera, it's likely the two of you will be in it for the long haul, so we reckon it's worth the investment.
Are you hoping to become fond friends with the X10? Hit play on the video above to take a closer look and let us know what you think in the comments below or over on our Facebook page.
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Comments 3
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anonymous 24 January, 2012 14:31
"There's no power button on the X10, instead you just remove and replace the velvet-lined lens cap to switch it on and off."
So, whoever wrote the copy above has never actually turned on a Fujifilm X10. Doesn't inspire confidence in the quality of the review, does it?
Go check out some of the more professional reviews elsewhere to work out how to switch it on and off.
anonymous 6 March, 2012 14:56
Why do all of you new cnet guys talk the same its like,,
da da da da du du du du du daaaah ,,,,,, annoying pause
dum dum dum dooo daaahhhh,,,,, annoying pause
di di di di do do do do daaaaaaah annoying pause
anonymous 9 January, 2013 09:41
This is a truly remarkable camera. I delayed purchasing one because I was worried about the elusive 'white discs' reported from a few users of the initial batch but have been unable to replicate this under any lighting with mine(.Software version 2.0 is loaded in my X10)
You review states 'There's no power button on the X10, instead you just remove and replace the velvet-lined lens cap to switch it on and off.' That is nonsence. It switches on by turning the lens (zoom).
However, the handling is absolutely great (if you are right handed) with everything (except the on/off switch) where you instinctively go to.
It does look good and attracts much attention in use regularly getting passed around and generating mostly positive comments. A few say it's too big but I like something to get hold of especially if shoting video.
Results are outstanding. I am really impressed with the colur accuracy and detail in both highlight and shadow areas. Control over depth of field (via the aperture) actually makes a visible difference on this camera where most compacts fail completely.
This is a great reportage camera and the CNET review is right when it says 'it's a keeper'.