STEP UP CAM

Fujifilm’s X-S10 is an attractive mid-tier shooter with image stabilization

- SHAWN CHUNG

One of the historic quirks about Fujifilm in the digital photography era was that until the X-H1 came out three years ago, the brand was not known for consumer video recording. Since the X-H1, though, video performance in Fujifilm cameras has improved across its X-series APS-C mirrorless model range, though there seemed to be a mid-tier product missing between the beginner-level X-A7 and the advanced X-T4. The X-S10, which hit stores in late 2020, is meant to fill the need for a mid-tier ‘step-up’ camera with better features for photography, and videography.

Fujifilm have stated that the X-S10 is basically the capabilities of an X-H1 and X-T30 combined into a smaller package, but that’s not all, for while the X-S10 uses the same 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 high-speed imageprocessor that’s featured throughout the current X Series range, but it does have its own traits, starting of with its body, which is not only smaller than the X-T30 with a deeper hand grip for better hold, it also has a revised control layout with unmarked dials, which are a big change compared to the manual-focus of Fujifilm’s more advanced shooters, and the menu system is easy to learn, with the ability to customise the controls to your preference.

Considering how simple Fujifilm have made it to access and switch its Film Simulation modes, it’s pretty obvious that it has videography in mind, but that also lends itself well to enthusiast photographers seeking to add an emotive touch to their photos by adding Velvia or ETERNA Bleach Bypass.