Fujifilm X-S10 Puts IBIS Into Compact, Affordable Body

Fujifilm has already released its best camera to date in 2020 (the X-T4), but it isn't resting on its laurels. The company's latest, the X-S10, promises to be almost as capable a camera, but for a lot less money—it costs around $1,000 to the X-T4's $1,700. That's a pretty significant delta, money you can put toward a quality lens. And there's not a lot in the X-T4 that isn't also included in the X-S10.

The X-S10 uses Fujifilm's current-generation 26.2MP X-Trans image sensor, mounted on a 5-axis stabilizer. It's not quite as powerful as the IBIS system in the X-T4, but it promises to deliver six stops of correction with most lenses. 

The autofocus is just as capable, too. The camera supports face and eye detection, and can track subjects at 8fps using its mechanical shutter, or up to 30fps using its silent electronic shutter.

Controls are a little bit different than your typical Fujifilm X camera. Instead of a dedicated shutter speed dial on top, the X-S10 has a traditional PASM Mode dial. Fujifilm says it should help users new to the system settle in—you'll still have the option to use the aperture ring on lenses, if you prefer.

Manual control is there when you need it—there are dials at the front and rear for exposure control, and a small eight-way joystick to set focus and navigate menus. You can set the camera to capture Raw or JPG photos.

Its fully automatic mode does a couple of things other Fujifilm models can't—for one, you can work in Raw format when the camera is set to auto. For JPG capture, the X-S10 will automatically select the best film simulation, and apply color chrome and dynamic range adjustment based on the content of your image.

You can also work in semi-automatic modes, like aperture and shutter priority, and select from a number of built-in film simulations to change the colors and contrast of your image. The camera includes on-screen guidance to let you know what each does, so you don't have to remember that Velvia is Vivid and Eterna is a motion picture look.

The electronic viewfinder is the same quality and magnification as you get with the X-T30. It's typical for a midrange mirrorless model, with a 0.62x magnification rating that's a bit smaller than what you find on premium models. The rear LCD is a 3-inch touch screen; it's mounted on a vari-angle hinge, so it can face forward for selfies and vlogs.

As a video camera, the X-S10 is very capable. It records 4K at up to 30fps at 8-bit 4:2:0 quality internally, and can output clean 10-bit 4:2:2 signal over micro HDMI. Slow motion is an option too, with 120 and 240fps support at 1080p. In addition to film simulations, the flat F-Log profile is included.

The body is magnesium alloy, but the camera isn't sealed against dust or splashes—you can use an X-T4 in a monsoon, but stick to clear skies with this one. Cutting the weather protection helps reduce weight, too—the body comes in at just a hair over a pound.

The body itself is fairly slim, but it has a deep handgrip, a plus if you plan on using larger lenses. It's not just an ergonomic decision—the grip houses the NP-W126S battery and SDXC memory card slot.

We'll have a closer look at the Fujifilm X-S10 soon—it's set to ship to customers in mid-November. You can buy it as a body only for $999.95, or kitted with a zoom lens. An XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 kit is $1,399.95 and an XF 16-80mm F4 OIS WR costs $1,499.95.

In addition to the camera, Fujifilm is adding a new lens to the mix. The XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR sports the same optics as the older XF 10-24mm, but adds weather sealing and a locking aperture ring to the mix. It's priced at $999.95 and will ship in November.

There are also two new lenses on the company's XF development roadmap. Expect an XF 18mm F1.4 and a 70-300mm F4-5.6 OIS to go on sale next year.

Posted in: Camera