Why shouldn't I buy a Fuji X10?

[Don Vito Corleone]

I am a casual photographer and looking to get into the hobby in more depth. I currently have an old Olympus C-5060WZ (nice prosumer camera, but it's almost nine years old, only 5 MP, and rather slow in use) and a Canon SD800is pocket camera. I am thinking of selling the Olympus and my Olympus FL-40 flash and getting something new.

I like the idea of a high-quality compact camera rather than a DSLR because I think the bulk of an SLR setup will deter me from actually carrying and using the camera on vacation, etc.

I find the X10 sexy as hell, and it seems like a great combo of features, with great build quality and a very fast, high-quality zoom lens. I know about the "white disc" issue but am not all that concerned about it in application.

Is there any reason I shouldn't buy one of these cameras, or why I'd be better off considering something else?

 

[sygyzy]

I think the X10 is sexy as hell. I think you should buy it. However, you have to be willing to make style as part of your buying criteria. If it's just pure performance, there are m43's and similar cameras that probably perform better and are cheaper.

 

[mchammer187]

Fuji X10 sounds like a good choice. If you are looking for more versatility at a cost you can look at the Sony NEX-7 (APS-C sized $1100 w/o lens e) or Panasonic GF series ($400 no lens $500-600 with lens). The Fuji X100 ($1100) has an APS-C sized sensor as well but no interchangeable lens.

I don't find a DSLR all that cumbersome when paired with a good strap like the luma loop or blackrapid though so that could be an option. Wearing a traditional neck-strap than any camera becomes annoying IMO.

 

[Madwand1]

I am thinking of selling the Olympus and my Olympus FL-40 flash and getting something new.

An external flash is a good thing to have for stepping up. Maybe consider keeping it and getting an Olympus 4/3 camera? If not a DSLR, it'd be closer to one than the Fuji.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/fuji_x10_first_impressions.shtml

But there is a spanner in the works. Sony's NEX, and Panasonic and Olympus' Micro Four Thirds cameras challenge the X-10 in terms of body size, and have much larger sensors, along with available high resolution electronic viewfinders, touch screens and articulated LCDs. Add a kit lens to one of these and the bulk isn't even that much more. The price is higher, of course, but not that much higher. And the lure of single focal length pancake lenses for compactness, as well as higher image quality for a not too significant increase in bulk and cost, leaves one to ponder the challenges of camera marketing in today's rapidly evolving marketplace.

 

[RobDickinson]

X10 is sexy as hell. Except I opted for a canon s95. half the price 90% of the ability.

If it was my only camera I think I may have gone for it.

 

[CptObvious]

I'm ambivalent about the X10. It has the classic styling of a rangefinder camera which is definitely cooler than a normal point & shoot or DSLR. But its reduced sensor size (and resulting deeper DOF) makes it more like an ordinary P&S than a DSLR or rangefinder, because you can't take full advantage of its fast lens to blur backgrounds for portraits. It's image quality at everything else (including low light) is excellent, but I would probably not spend $600 on it. The X100 at 2x the cost is the camera that has the goods, but it's still overpriced IMO.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I have managed to reel in my lust - I think I will re-engage with my C-5060, and wait to see what is announced in the next few months. I might just haul off and move to a DSLR as well - we shall see. I get the sense that a D7000 replacement must be imminent.

 

[vbuggy]

Why shouldn't I buy a Fuji X10?

- You have unrealistic expectations of the sensor
- You have problems with framing on an offset viewfinder

That's about all I can think of.

Except I opted for a canon s95. half the price 90% of the ability.

In compact camera terms, more like <80%.

But a NEX-5N will take better looking pictures for the most part (if comparison with the photos output from my recently departed NEX-5 is anything to go by) - and while I don't have personal experience of the EVF, I'm sure it'll be more useful in terms of framing. Of course, despite the body being smaller the system setup with a similar-reach lens will be a whole lot less portable.