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Fujifilm X-S10 first impressions

Started Oct 7, 2021 | User reviews thread
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markgv Regular Member • Posts: 391
Fujifilm X-S10 first impressions
10

I was able to get an almost like new X-S10 reasonably priced and have been using it for about a week. Here are some of my initial impressions. Note that I started with and keep a Pentax system, and am comparing the X-S10 to the excellent Pentax KP. I also have a Fujifilm X-T100, and while that has been fun and capable camera, some of its quirks are the reason why I was looking to move to the X-S10.

As for the X-S10...

PROS

  • I love the size, weight, build, and especially the hand grip. I like to use a wrist strap, and with the grip, it's a great walking combo. (One of my biggest issues with the X-T100 was the small hand grip.)
  • I wasn't sure that I would like the joystick, but I'm finding it works more efficiently than the buttons setup on the X-T100.
  • The IBIS works well. I'm used to IBIS on Pentax, so I have a bunch of old manual lenses that I can now happily use.
  • I like that the screen can be reversed and protected. The screen and touch functions also works so much better than the X-T100. (I ended up just turning off touch on the X-T100 since it was always doing something odd.)
  • I'm used to PASM, so this dial is very natural for me.
  • I'm quite happy with using the ISO and Q buttons. They get me to what I want quickly enough. Yes, a front Manual/Auto switch (like on my Pentax), but using Q button or custom setting is fine.
  • The custom dial settings are nice. I've set two of them for a couple manual focus primes, so I can quickly switch to manual focus and have IBIS set to proper focal length.
  • I tend to shoot RAW, but all those nice JPG film simulations will make it easy to just use those in many situations and skip processing later. Image quality is excellent, and I think any limitations are more a matter of my skill and the lenses I use. (I don't use video much, so I can't say much on that point.)
  • I got a XF 16-80 to go with the X-S10, and that is a good combination, though I have some mixed feelings about the XF 16-80. I do enjoy the XC 15-45 that came with the X-T100 (and I tend to shoot wide), so putting that on the X-S10 is a really nice, lightweight combination.
  • I find the menu system quite functional, but I do have to consult the manual sometimes to find what I want. (Scrolling down through 3/3 screens is a bit of a hassle. Pentax does better here.) I really like the "My Menu" option to set up some quick settings.
  • The EVF is good enough for my purposes, but I do like the eyecup on the Pentax better (though it is larger). (Of course the optical viewfinder on the Pentax really beats any EVF.)
  • I like the option to display horizontal/vertical orientation. (I left it on the button to the right of the eyecup.) I also like how it is displayed, in both the EVF and screen. (On the Pentax, one only gets horizontal display, and to get vertical, you 

MEH or CONS

  • The on/off switch: It needs to have a more pronounced ridge. I'm regularly fumbling trying to turn on/off and regularly accidentally snapping a picture trying to turn it off.
  • I am so used to having the aperture control wheel on the back (on both the Pentax and the X-T100), and I am ending up adjusting exposure with the back wheel instead of remembering to use the front wheel. (If there is a way to change the wheel functions, I can't find it in the manual. Is there a way?)
  • I actually like the flip out screen functioning on the X-T100 better than X-S10. My main use of the adjustable screen is to take shots from high or low angles. On the X-T100 (and the Pentax) that is very easy to do. On the X-S10, the screen has to be flipped out and then rotated. The screen has to be left out on the side which is awkward.
  • Yes, battery life is average, but I rarely go through a battery in a single day's outing, and I'm fine just carrying an extra battery.

OVERALL:

So far I'm very happy with X-S10. My Pentax KP DSLR is a wonderful camera, and it is a fully weather resistant combo with the 16-85 lens, but it is rather large. I wanted something lighter and smaller, and I went with the X-T100. That has been a fun little camera, but I found that I had to deal with a bunch of compromises. The X-S10 is a great size with great features and image quality.

 markgv's gear list:markgv's gear list
Pentax K-30 Pentax K-3 Pentax KP Fujifilm X-T100 Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM +20 more
Fujifilm X-S10
26 megapixels • 3 screen • APS-C sensor
Announced: Oct 15, 2020
markgv's score
4.5
Average community score
4.4
bad for good for
Kids / pets
great
Action / sports
great
Landscapes / scenery
excellent
Portraits
great
Low light (without flash)
great
Flash photography (social)
unrated
Studio / still life
great
= community average
Fujifilm X-S10 Pentax KP
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