Fujifilm has announced an entirely new addition to its camera range, the Fujifilm X-S10.
Designed to tempt DSLR users over to the wonderful world of mirrorless, the X-S10 embraces a more conventional mirrorless camera aesthetic. Despite its compact and simple looks, the X-S10 features 5-axis in-body image stabilisation and the same proven 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor housed inside the award-winning Fujifilm X-T4.
Fujifilm X-S10 Key Specs
- 26.1 X-Trans CMOS APS-C Sensor
- X-Trans CMOS 4 and X-Processor 4
- 5-Axis IBIS for 6-stops of stabilisation
- New style ergonomics
- Up to 30fps E-Shutter, 8fps Mechanical
- NP-W126S battery
Fujifilm X-S10 Design and Build Quality
Gone are the typical Fujifilm design elements, like manual exposure dials and shallow grip. Instead, the X-S10 sports a PASM mode dial on the right of the top plate, as well as a filter mode dial and pop-up flash lever on the left.
Measuring 126mm x 85.1mm x 65.4mm and weighing 465g, the X-S10 has a relatively deep grip that will feel familiar to DSLR shooters, albeit noticeably smaller. The button configuration is straightforward and uncluttered. There’s also two dials at the front and back of the grip for controlling exposure settings. There’s no control wheel on the rear, but instead there’s an 8-way knob, which can be used to navigate settings and select AF points.
The body is made from a tough polycarbonate plastic, but there’s no weather-sealing here so you’ll want to keep it out of harsh environments. As this is a medium-level camera, it only has a single UHS-I SD card slot that sits inside the same door as the camera’s NP-W126S battery. The camera’s 3-inch touch screen LCD is fully articulated and is responsive to touch in both menu navigation and for AF touch-to-focus functionality. The X-S10 has a 0.39-inch OLED EVF with a resolution of 2.39-million dots, it’s handy to have but I found myself more inclined to use the LCD.
Fujifilm X-S10 Performance and Image Quality
I’ve only had some brief time with a pre-production sample of the X-S10 so your performance may differ. With that said, my initial impressions of this camera are very positive. The X-S10’s photographic capabilities are as solid as expected. It uses the same sensor as the X-T4 and X-T30, two of the finest APS-C cameras currently on the market.
I don’t like the placement of its dedicated video record button when self-shooting though, accessing it feels a little unstable while held in my life hand. The record button can only be awkwardly pressed with either the index finger or thumb, which I found awkward. Positioned just behind and to the side of the shutter button it’s well placed for shooting occasions when you may be switching between taking photos and recording video regularly though.
It can capture full resolution images at up to 8fps with mechanical shutter or up to 30fps when using electronic shutter only. E-shutter burst mode shooting incurs a 1.25x crop though. In use, I found focusing quick and consistent. It also has face recognition AF, which located and tracked me well in a vlogging scenario. I’d like to spend more time testing this particular use case, but early impressions suggest it could be a decent vlogging option. It has a dedicated microphone input and audio can be monitored using a USB-C – 3.5mm headphone input dongle.
Otherwise, the X-S10 is intuitive to use and its IBIS makes it easy to shoot content handheld, whether stills at lower shutter speeds or video. In my brief testing I was able to get steady shots handheld as slow as 1/25s, and found video clips smooth and reasonably steady while panning and walking without external stabilisation assistance. Video quality maxes out at 4K/30p 4:2:0 8-bit video, which is decent at this price point. It can also capture Full HD at up to 240fps.
Fujifilm X-S10 First Impressions Verdict
One of the main reasons I recommend Fujifilm cameras is the access to the huge range of quality APS-C glass available for the Fujifilm X-series system. The second reason is because Fujifilm cameras produce some of the most eye-pleasing JPEGs right out of the camera. The X-S10 is no exception in this regard. On the surface it’s a departure from the look that Fujifilm has become known for, but it’s a smart choice. It opens this system up to a wider base of photographers who may have been on the fence before.
Fujifilm X-S10 Availability
The X-S10 will begin shipping after mid-November and will be available starting at £949 Body Only. There will be three kit lens options too; XC15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 (£999), XC18-55mm f/2.8-4 (£1299) and XF16-80mm f/4 (£1399).
