The Fujifilm X-S10 is a mid-range X-series camera that fits in-between the X-T30 and the X-T3/4 in terms of specifications and features, which means that it has what it takes to take quality stills and video. Where it really differs is in terms of size and control.
This means that you can now shoot with an APS-C sized sensor that has even less bulk than the already streamlined mirrorless cameras in the X-series, plus enjoy intuitive control that does not distract from the joy of taking photos or videos.
Small, compact body
The X-S10 has impressive build quality – just in a smaller body that weighs 456 g and only takes up 126 x 85 x 65 mm in your hands. This makes it about the same weight as the average, small block of cheese and slightly smaller (except for width, of course) than many new smartphones on the market.
A large handgrip makes it comfortable to hold, despite the tiny size, giving you plenty of grip to wrap three fingers around and reach with your right forefinger to operate the shutter button.
Remarkably, the small body even includes a built-in pop-up flash so that you can light your subjects in low-light conditions. Unfortunately, you’d have to upgrade to the X-T4 for weather sealing, but the X-S10 makes up for it in price (at end of article).
Front View: Mount Fujifilm X lenses.
Rear View: The vari-angle touchscreen flips around 180º to the front, perfect for vlogging.
Less complex controls
The X-S10 is much quicker to get used to than other X-series cameras. This is thanks to an intuitive control layout that is easy to understand from the start. Who has time to read the manual anyway?
In addition to the shutter button, the top right has a customisable Function dial, which also lets you toggle between the various film simulations. On the left, you’ll find the shooting mode dial. If you’re a beginner, leave it on AUTO(matic) and start creating the content your heart desires! If you wish, you can always start playing around with the other options in Manual Mode at a later time.
Top View: Simplified controls to get shooting right away.
Photo and video hybrid
With a 26MP sensor, the X-S10 takes high-quality photos. But, if you’re also into video, this is the perfect camera for you! It supports DCI/UHD 4K video at 30 fps that lets you record beautifully detailed and natural-looking footage in high quality. When switching to Full HD at 240 fps, you can even shoot 10x slow-motion effects to add more drama to your movies.
Complementing both stills and video is a 5 stop-effective sensor-shift image stabilisation system to reduce the appearance of camera shake with almost any mounted lens.
And then let’s not forget the 18 Film Simulation Modes! This is one of the X-S10’s best features as it simulates the look of classic colour and black-and-white films: Essentially, it’s a type of colour science that produces superb depth, saturation and tonality that need little-to-no enhancement, for true SOOC (straight out of camera) footage. This means more creative shooting and less post-production work!
And, with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, it’s easy to send images to your smartphone or upload them directly to social pages like Instagram. If you like the look, you can even get a compatible Instax Share printer* to print out a hard copy right away!
*Learn more about printing from a Fujifilm digital camera to an Instax printer.
Side View: A 3.5mm mic input for external mics above the USB-C port (doubles as a headphone port via an optional adaptor) and a microHDMI port, which lets you output 10-bit 4:2:2 video to an external recorder.
Side View: Large hand grip for comfortable handling even on a small camera body.
To commit or not to commit?
So, now that you know the basics that set this camera apart, can you start picturing yourself with it?
Overall, this camera has an incredible set of features and build quality, but is more suited to creatives who want to start shooting stills and movies right away thanks to its more intuitive handling and controls. It’s small enough to take with you on outings and discreet enough so that you can enjoy shooting without having all the attention on you. This makes it perfect for capturing natural, candid moments. And the Film Simulation Modes makes it easy to shoot movies with different colour effects from the start, which saves you time trying to figure out how to do it in Photoshop and lets you explore new, creative film styles. Who knows, you may even find a signature look?
If you’re a hobbyist photographer who is interested in switching from DSLR to mirrorless, this is truly a great option.
The price for this ultra-cool camera companion varies (depending on specials), but is typically R18,095. Right now, the camera body is on sale at Outdoorphoto for only R16,895 and comes with a free battery. The camera is also available as a kit, either with an 18-55mm lens or a 16-80mm lens, and each kit also includes a free battery.
Still curious, read this blog by Fujifilm. It explains all the features in a way that makes sense even if you’re not that clued up on camera speak.
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