X10 Replacement?

[twhitwell]

Hi, hope this is the right place to ask this question. I am looking for a replacement for my original X10 . This little guy is still one of my favorite go-to cameras for just-for-fun photos. Yes, I have all the big Nikon gear and MFT stuff but still love the way the X10 operates. Photos are good even with all the metal chunks I can see inside the lens. And the color, exceptional. To me this camera has the best ergonomics of any camera I've owned. Would appreciate any suggestions for a replacement/upgrade. T

 

[prime]

twhitwell wrote:

Would appreciate any suggestions for a replacement/upgrade.

Last year, following a burglary here, I was in your position.

The eventual resolution for me was to purchase a low mileage used X10 direct from Japan via eBay. (The seller's eBay name is "nice5e," and, although that was the only transaction I ever have had with him/her, the transaction was as smooth as any eBay transaction in which I have engaged, and the product arrived very promptly, exactly as described.)

If you follow the same route as I did, you want to be assured that you get an X10 from the later production runs, as (you probably recall) the early runs of X10 cameras had a relatively high incidence of the "orbs" problem. There is also suspicion, never authoritatively confirmed, that the revised "orbs"-free sensor that was incorporated into later production runs of the X10 is backside illuminated (BSI); the original X10's sensor was front-side illuminated (FSI).

Fujifilm never revealed an exact serial number from which production X10's had the new sensor, and it is tempting to speculate that the changeover took place when the first number in the serial number went from "1" to "2." However, the first digit alone appears to indicate the year of production, and there is no guarantee that the change of sensor coincided with the change of the calendar. It does seem that somewhere in the range of serial numbers beginning with "22" the sensors assuredly will be the new ones; an X10 with a serial number starting with "23" or later, then, will not be among the "orbs"-prone X10's. Perhaps not coincidentally, it appears that production of the XF1 (assembled in China) coincides roughly to the date when the X10 production (in Japan) was around the "22xxx" serial number. (The XF1 and the later X10's used the same sensors; it is because some of the promotional material from Fujifilm itself for the XF1 seemed to imply, without outright declaring, that the XF1 sensor is BSI that we speculate that later X10 sensors also were BSI.)

 

[twhitwell]

I guess I should have clearer of what I am really looking for. I still use my X10, no problems. I was hoping to find a newer, upgraded Fuji camera with similar ergonomics but maybe more MPs.

 

[prime]

twhitwell wrote:

I guess I should have clearer of what I am really looking for. I still use my X10, no problems. I was hoping to find a newer, upgraded Fuji camera with similar ergonomics but maybe more MPs.

There is no fixed lens Fujifilm camera that has more megapixels than the X10 that has anywhere near the dynamic range capability of the X10. In my personal experience, for the shooting that I do (very little use of the on-camera flash, and only limited use indoors), for “small” sensor digital cameras, an advantage in dynamic range beats a large percentage of pseudo-advantage in number of pixels per image.

Of course, in your own use of the X10 to date, you already either have agreed with the preceding sentence (you shoot at Medium — 6MP — size so that you can take advantage of the outstanding dynamic range that hardware EXR offers) or you have rejected that thesis (you shoot at maximum 12MP).

 

[tomhongkong]

The obvious replacement is the X30. It is better in almost every way, except that you lose the possible advantage of EXR and more DR, but gain a proper 12Mp.

It is also quite a bit bigger, but you get a really good EVF, tilting screen, front control ring and much more.

It's an enigma. It shouldn't be loved as much as it is, but those of us with bigger cameras just keep coming back to it for its feel and adequate performance. The decent, fast, lens compensates for having a smaller sensor. The controls just work and fit what I want. The IQ is more than adequate unless you insist on pixel peeping.

Give it a try, finding a new one is a challenge, but they are about

tom

 

[texasfz8]

I will second what Tom said. I had to replace my X10 due to a hair on the sensor. I was not planning to like the X30 so much, but I have been completely satisfied with the upgrade. It is an upgrade. Much better EVF, tilting rear LCD, same great lens and Fuji colors. The increase in size and weight is actually a bonus for me, as at times the X10 almost seemed a little small and hard to hold on to. The ergonomics of the X30 are outstanding. (and internet rumor has it better sealing to prevent a re occurrence of that dumb hair on my sensor!)

 

[DanFry]

If you follow the same route as I did, you want to be assured that you get an X10 from the later production runs, as (you probably recall) the early runs of X10 cameras had a relatively high incidence of the "orbs" problem. There is also suspicion, never authoritatively confirmed, that the revised "orbs"-free sensor that was incorporated into later production runs of the X10 is backside illuminated (BSI); the original X10's sensor was front-side illuminated (FSI).

Thanks. Checked the number on my used X10, and it starts with 24. However, regarding BSI, I just found this:

Loading…

digital-cameras.support.fujifilm.com

Looks pretty official.

Cheers Dan

 

[prime]

DJF65 wrote:

However, regarding BSI, I just found this:
http://digital-cameras.support.fuji...ujifilm-x10-exr-cmos-sensor-back-illuminated?

Looks pretty official.

I agree; and I shall consider that reference authoritative until proven otherwise. OTOH, I have seen in the past where a Fujifilm representative in one department will say one thing and a Fujifilm representative from a different department will say something that contradicts it, with both statements persisting on-line. I do not think that any representative intentionally puts out false information, but sometimes they may be reading from data sheets of different dates that contain information that has changed between those dates.

 

[twhitwell]

Looked into the X30 and dont think it would be much of an improvement for me plus I really am looking for newer camera. But, then I came across the new X100F out in March. This just might be what I'm looking for. Interested in your thoughts.

 

[prime]

twhitwell wrote:

But, then I came across the new X100F out in March. This just might be what I'm looking for. Interested in your thoughts.

Excellent lens, new 24MP sensor (useful if you are printing mural-size prints).

Fixed focal length and no image stabilization (carry a tripod).

 

[tomhongkong]

The x100F get mostly glowing reviews from the early testers. I am sure it is a great camera, but for me too limited with a fixed 23mm lens-35mm equivalent- (even though it can be extended with digital tele to about 70mm equivalent and further with a 1.4 x teleconverter) There is also a WA adapter.

If you are considering X100F, there is also the XT20, and with the 27mm lens it's only a bit bigger, and has the option of longer lenses or zooms.

I am very tempted by both!

However, common sense may prevail. The images from my X30 are 'good enough' if I don't PP. The user interface, although different from x100F is just as attractive. It has the advantage of zoom.

I think you should at least try an X30. I have had x10, x20 and x30 and loved all of them, but the X30 just beats the lot (if you can get over being without EXR)

There is no perfect camera, you just have to choose the one which meets your critical expectations (I get round that by having Nikon V3, Panasonic GX8 as well as X30!)

tom

 

[captura]

twhitwell wrote:

Would appreciate any suggestions for a replacement/upgrade.

Last year, following a burglary here, I was in your position.

The eventual resolution for me was to purchase a low mileage used X10 direct from Japan via eBay. (The seller's eBay name is "nice5e," and, although that was the only transaction I ever have had with him/her, the transaction was as smooth as any eBay transaction in which I have engaged, and the product arrived very promptly, exactly as described.)

If you follow the same route as I did, you want to be assured that you get an X10 from the later production runs, as (you probably recall) the early runs of X10 cameras had a relatively high incidence of the "orbs" problem. There is also suspicion, never authoritatively confirmed, that the revised "orbs"-free sensor that was incorporated into later production runs of the X10 is backside illuminated (BSI); the original X10's sensor was front-side illuminated (FSI).

Thanks for this, interesting.

Fujifilm never revealed an exact serial number from which production X10's had the new sensor, and it is tempting to speculate that the changeover took place when the first number in the serial number went from "1" to "2." However, the first digit alone appears to indicate the year of production, and there is no guarantee that the change of sensor coincided with the change of the calendar. It does seem that somewhere in the range of serial numbers beginning with "22" the sensors assuredly will be the new ones; an X10 with a serial number starting with "23" or later, then, will not be among the "orbs"-prone X10's. Perhaps not coincidentally, it appears that production of the XF1 (assembled in China) coincides roughly to the date when the X10 production (in Japan) was around the "22xxx" serial number. (The XF1 and the later X10's used the same sensors; it is because some of the promotional material from Fujifilm itself for the XF1 seemed to imply, without outright declaring, that the XF1 sensor is BSI that we speculate that later X10 sensors also were BSI.)

The 'orbs' cameras had serial numbers starting with 14xxxxxx.

The revised-sensor cameras had serial numbers starting with 20xxxxxx.

This was never a secret.

 

[captura]

captura wrote:

The 'orbs' cameras had serial numbers starting with 14xxxxxx.

The revised-sensor cameras had serial numbers starting with 20xxxxxx.

This was never a secret.

Which no doubt will be a comfort to those who owned X10 cameras with serial numbers in the 20xxxxxx series that suffered from the “orbs” problem. The Fujifilm serial numbers are based on date of of the unit’s manufacture; when a new model or a new revision to an in-production model is introduced in the middle of a year, the first unit does not get a serial number ending in -0000000, but rather it gets a serial number based upon the date on which it was made.

There were no X10 cameras with serial numbers in the 20xxxxxx series that suffered from the “orbs” problem.

 

[captura]

I just got an email notice that KEH.com has a used X30 (EX+ condition) for $399. if anyone is interested.

So, shouldn't an X10 be 1/3 the price?

(X10/ X30) X $399 = $133.

 

[devo1d]

Another X10 lover here. I sold mine last year after almost ten trouble-free years thinking I was going to go with a X100V but I changed my mind and have been in limbo ever since. I'm wondering how people would reply to this in 2024. Is there anything out there now that anyone is happy with having previously owned a X10? By the way I didn't go with the X100 mainly because I couldn't live without a longer focal length (50mm equiv or greater) otherwise that's obviously a great camera albeit bigger in body and price!

 

[Miss tilly]

I think the X10 was a superb little camera. I was really upset when mine failed. It is so unique that a replacement suggestion would be simple, another X10. Sadly they are far too expensive at present, I saw one recently advertised at £495!

 

[HornOUBet]

I think the X10 was a superb little camera. I was really upset when mine failed. It is so unique that a replacement suggestion would be simple, another X10. Sadly they are far too expensive at present, I saw one recently advertised at £495!

I just bought an excellent condition x10 from MPB USA for $600 including tax..... that is twice what I paid for a new one in Dec 2013....you only live once and can you imagine what a 1957 Chevy costs these days??

 

[Rodolfo]

I'm still happy with my X10 -since 2012, and I know that the X20 and X30 never tempted me even on their respective releases. They may have been better in several ways, but they weren't as pretty nor did they feel as nice. Even Fuji never produced a worthy-enough-for-me replacement.

My FZ300 is the only camera I have enjoyed and value as much or more. As I think over X10 replacement prospects over the years, I'd say the Canon G5X Mark II is the only one I considered probably worthier, though I still didn't bite. I think that is still the one replacement I'd consider today, although my original Rebel and Ftb are my last and only Canons. I do browse eBay for one occasionally, but with the prices of cameras now -keeping used camera prices too high, I just haven't been tempted.

This is my one candidate: https://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/compacts/canon_g5xii

 

[Rodolfo]

Amazon.com has one "very good" used one for $518 today! Plus a few others for up to $748! Tempts one to offer theirs -a little.