Fuji Releases the XF-10. Some observations.

Fuji today announced a new compact camera, the XF-10. The XF-10 is an ultra lightweight compact camera, with a 28mm equivalent lens and an APS-C Beyer sensor. “The camera also includes enhanced Bluetooth capability.” It’s fairly inexpensive, retailing at $499. I’m not really a news site, so rather than go into every detail, here are a few of my observations, about the camera and the launch.

Based on the initial reviews it appears to be a capable and very small little camera. Some of the early reviewers are very happy with it. While it appears to be replacing the venerable X-70 in terms of configuration, the lack of a tilting screen and X-Trans sensor have some questioning whether it’s a true replacement or not, but I suspect it’s small size and sleekly designed body will gain a lot of fans. The “XF” name might get a bit confusing though, as that’s the prefix Fuji uses on its lenses.

This new camera also continues the trend of Fuji using Beyer sensors instead of the company’s X-Trans, a topic which has gotten some Fuji fans all riled up recently. I find it interesting though because when the X-T100 was released, the early reviewers went to great pains to point out that there was no appreciable difference in performance, something which doesn’t seem to be mentioned in any of the reviews of this camera, at least the ones I’ve read so far. (There’s a brief statement on one of them, that it’s a Beyer sensor, but that’s it) 

There’s also no mention of it in the press release, and I’m pretty sure they XT-100 did, which is interesting. Anyway, it’s not a big deal, but it is curious. In fact, the fact that it’s not a big deal is kind of a big deal in and of itself. Anyway….send your hate mail to….

I have to say, I really like the design of this, and I really like the size. I have to commend Fuji for squeezing all of the parts of this into such a small package. Some have stated that they wish it had a flip over screen, which I can see, but it’s pretty small, and that would have made it larger I’m sure. It’s available in champagne gold and black, but personally, I prefer the black version. 

It has 4K video too, but in the completely useless 15fps version that Fuji seems to think anyone would actually use. I really don’t understand why Fuji continues to add this. 

Overall, it looks like a nice and extremely pocketable camera. If I ever replaced my ageing X100, I would consider this for it. You can find some of the early reviews here and here. 

Here's the official press release, and product page. You can pre-order now at B&H Photo.