Convincing enthusiasts to abandon their smartphones and adopt a dedicated compact camera is no easy task. There can be huge successes and mistakes that are hard to understand, but the most important thing is that the final balance is positive, at the right price. The Fujifilm XF10 tries to balance that equation with a larger APS-C sensor than we usually find in this format, which translates into excellent image quality, but it leaves aside some essential aspects that not all users will be willing to negotiate.
Our return to the territory of ultracompact cameras forces us to solve a curious puzzle. In general, the public demands three things from a point-and-shoot: good performance in images and video, ease of use, and a competitive price. Now, what happens when a manufacturer struggles against itself to achieve those three goals? That's what happened to Fujifilm with its Fujifilm XF10. At first glance, the camera is everything we could hope for: lightweight, with a classic touch, and very attractive, especially if we talk about the gold model. The star of its specs is its huge APS-C sensor, and it has a more than acceptable battery life, but what did it have to give up in exchange? Let's see:
Fujifilm XF10: Aim, Shoot… and Shoot Again
Announced originally in July 2018, the Fujifilm XF10 delivers a 24.2-megapixel effective APS-C CMOS sensor. Its ISO sensitivity extends from 200 to 12,800 with a Boost in both directions of 100-51200, while its shutter speed goes from 1/4000 to 30 seconds, or 1/16000 with the electronic shutter. The screen has a standard size of three inches at 1.04 million dots, and it has touch support, but Fujifilm decided to make the first cut here, with a fixed configuration instead of a tilting one. The Fujifilm XF10 lacks a viewfinder, so our dependence on the screen is absolute.
Despite its lack of stabilization, the Fujifilm XF10 manages to produce very good quality images, as long as you accept more direct manual intervention, especially if you reduce the shutter speed. Its priority is on casual shots, the quick-access 1:1 square mode screams "Instagrammer" in all directions, the instant focus function that sets a predetermined distance (5 meters at f/5.6 or 2 meters at f/8) so you don't wait for autofocus gives excellent results, and both resources can be assigned to dedicated buttons (or a "swipe" on the touch screen), which reduces activation and access time.
This adjustability is important for one reason: the Fujifilm XF10 carries a certain reputation of being a slow camera, both in the general menus and in its autofocus. Every potential user should do two things: download and install the latest firmware update, and activate high-performance mode. Technically, the autofocus is based on 91 points with contrast detection, but it still needs a little cooperation. Most likely you'll cut to the chase and make the most of the aforementioned instant focus function, backed by shutter priority, and let the auto ISO chew up the rest. The maximum Burst of the Fujifilm XF10 is 6 FPS, but in no way should we think it's a camera optimized for sports or extreme action.
Fortunately, the Fujifilm XF10 didn't get the scalpel on the interface level. Three dials and a ring around the lens define the general control of the camera, with two physical Fn buttons, four digital buttons (T-Fn1 to T-Fn4, which are activated with swipes in different directions on the screen) and a quick menu button (identified with the letter Q). The mode dial is quite populated, but that doesn't make it less intuitive. We have "SR+" as the equivalent of Full Auto, Programmed Auto "P", Aperture Priority "A", Shutter Priority "S", Manual "M", Panorama, Advanced Filters under the "Adv." option, and the Scene half-moon with "SP" (sub-scenes), Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night. The manual for the Fujifilm XF10 has all the additional details, with a solid translation into Spanish.
Without a doubt, video is the main weak point of the Fujifilm XF10, and that's because there are almost no differences compared to the Fujifilm X-T100. That means 4K recording suffers from an anemic 15 frames per second, and its 1080p60 is mediocre at best. The contrast between images and video on the Fujifilm XF10 is very striking, and it makes us think a lot about the strategy the manufacturer will apply in the future on its ultracompacts. Video is definitely a pending subject for the entire low-end line of Fujifilm, and personally I prefer a more polished 1080p60 over a 4K at a trickle. At least there are no surprises in terms of connectivity, thanks to WiFi n support with Bluetooth Low Energy, but I recommend waiting for version 4.0 of the official app.
Accessories for Fujifilm XF10
460 euros for the traditional black edition, and 475 euros for its gold variant. If aesthetics are important to you, there's nothing to negotiate here: pay the extra 15 euros. However… it's not enough. Given its limitations, the Fujifilm XF10 needs to compete more strongly through its price. The good news is that accessories for the entire Fujifilm family are very affordable, which will allow you to complete your kit with a reasonable investment.
Batteries and Power
With an average of 330 shots, the battery performance of the Fujifilm XF10 is not terrible, and its USB recharging is very convenient, but if the plan is to fully adopt the traveler/Instagrammer profile that the manufacturer suggests, energy can't be missing. That's where the Gloxy battery compatible with the NP-95 format comes in, with virtually identical operation to the original module, and the classic Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger for home and car, thus doubling our resources. The set (SKU: "DI525,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-4045") is a great value.
Tripods and Supports
The absence of stabilization and the natural challenges in low-light situations make it a priority to get a tripod for the Fujifilm XF10. Fortunately, that's one of the easiest aspects in our accessories guide. On one hand, the Manfrotto Pixi will have no problem handling the 279 grams of the camera (with battery and card), and there's always the possibility of using it as a selfie stick. On the other hand, I admit that the Clampod Takeway T1 is a bit "overkill" in terms of capacity, but once you try its flexibility, you'll take it everywhere. (SKU: "MI11474,TakewayT1+G1")
Bags and Cases
Another easy selection. Cases for a camera like the Fujifilm XF10 can be cheap and quick access, or reinforced with greater emphasis on security. The first option takes us straight to the Lowepro Dashpoint 30, which for less than 15 euros provides ample space, padded interior, and the option to use it attached to your belt. The second case is the Pacsafe Camsafe ZP, made with a cut-resistant material, steel-wire reinforced strap, and security hooks on the buckles to protect access to its interior.
Memory Cards
The fact that its video support is weak doesn't eliminate the need for a card with good read and write speed for the Fujifilm XF10. With that in mind, our suggestions remain intact. For less than 30 euros, the Sony SF-64UY3 64 GB will comfortably cover the general storage requirements, and if you want the fastest writing, then you can't go wrong with the Transcend 128GB SDXC card. A bit expensive, it's true, but those 60 MB/s are worth it. (SKU: "IM712002182,IM712518125")
Special Kits
To finish, our last section is dedicated to miscellaneous kits, which go beyond the Fujifilm XF10 itself, and could help you save a couple of extra euros. For example, it's not a bad idea to buy the Clampod Takeway T1 together with a Gloxy Power Blade. Both make an excellent team, holding your camera in unusual positions and creating much more personalized and precise light sources. Another interesting case is product photography, and if you plan to sell some things in the near future, why not take higher quality photos using a mini photo studio? It measures 40 centimeters per side, comes with two auxiliary lights, is easy to assemble, completely portable, and costs just 80 euros.
If we look at the Fujifilm XF10 through its insufficient video modes and the details affecting its autofocus, the truth is we're facing a difficult model to recommend. On the contrary, if you just want a great sensor and good image quality in a compact format to carry around, its situation improves a lot. At the end of the day, the only factor that will define the success or failure of the XF10 is price. Even if it drops to the line of 400 euros, it will face tough competition. I just hope Fujifilm picks up the gauntlet. Good luck!
