Check this tips on EXR mode: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9060476058/fuji-x10-exr-camera-suggestions-for-optimum-performance
The X10 is endowed with lens shifted stabilization and a sharp and fast Fujinon lens coated with Electron Beam Coating. Technically, a fast lens @ F2 - F2.8, loaded with Aspherical lenses, Extra Low Dispersion lenses and high-refractive index lenses. In short the array of lens combo lets in more light, is well corrected for distortions , less color fringing, less lens flare and is capable of extraordinary macro capability. The super macro mode even takes you as close as 1 cm ! If you are lusting for more dramatic macro shots, go and get the great looking Fuji lens hood (LH-X10). The outer hood diameter accepts 52mm filter and you can snap the Raynox DCR150 (a snap-on universal mount suitable for 52mm to 67mm filter) to it. Of course there are third party hood available at a fraction of the cost.
I believed that this setup can extend your macro shooting possibilities. Set the focusing mode to macro, zoom the lens to 100mm, set to force flash and you're ready (don't forget the flash diffuser) to capture the critters and bugs at close proximity. However. flash output compensation is limited @+/- 2/3 stops. It was said that Fuji flash system is smarter than Nikon, so maybe this is not an issue.
Check out the macro shots with and without the Raynox attachment @ http://raylay-raylay-macro.blogspot.com/
Other great features that I would highlight is the manual zoom lens (28-112mm; 35mm equivalent) operation which brings back the nostalgic feel of real world photography. The back to the old days of analog-touch operation bringing a sense of sureness and reality. Noise control department (ISO800 or even 1600) is also enviable and much better than the Lumix GF-1. The built-in motion panorama feature is fun to use and it successfully took me through a joy ride of photography.
Check this motion panorama shot @ http://raylay-raylay-landscape.blogspot.com/
The BSI EXR CMOS sensor can handle challenging photographic situations with an analog film like grain. Under the EXR mode (High Resolution , Dynamic Range and Hi ISO, Low Noise SN mode), Fuji camera takes control and it does drain the battery. I would strongly recommend that you buy a spare battery and avoid the EXR or PRO mode if you could. The JPEG images straight out from the camera looks great too! Punchy color (especially RED) and good contrast, thanks to Film simulation mode such as Velvia (vivid). A gentle reminder, EXR mode reduced the image size to 'medium quality' to improve dynamic range and SNR.
Conclusions
You have all these goodies and shooting potentials at your finger tips to enjoy the camera and your passion. Go out, look and shoot!
So what are the let down? The annoying white ORB problem (Fuji Spore folks call it sensor blooming) can be quite a sore. How could Fujifilm release such a defective product with a useless patch 1.03! It is a now understood that it is a sensor flaw that needs replacement. Call your local Fujifilm service center to check this out and leave them your contact. The replacement sensor should be in by end of the May but Fujifilm still need instruction from HQ on the replacement program.
Well I come from the DSLR world and so I have other little complains about the X10 including;
a) slow AFC response and wired operation. Unlike a regular press the shutter to focus track, operationally it work the other way round. Press shutter button to stop tracking.
b) awkward manual focus implementation. You need to dial the main dial with your thumb to do manual focus. Very electronic and not design for human.
c) slow memory write speed. No brainer.
d) Flash is disabled at super macro mode. Fuji engineers might have thought that it does not make sense as the camera is too near the subject and the flash will be obstructed by the lens anyway. Hey, photographers always find a way to the solution and a diffuser is one one them.
e) visible distortion when zoomed to wide.
f) purple fringing is a serious problem.
I know I asked for too much and I must say that at the current price point (or S$800) the X10 is so close to a perfect compact camera but yet so far. But if Fuji made it perfect with no new camera for the next two years you might crave to buy something else from other brand.
Update on replacement model: Fuji updated this gem with X20. Instead of EXR sensor Fuji uses their flagship X-Tran technology (without the AA filter). In addition to more than a couple pf dozen of improvement , I must say that most of the design flaws were eliminated. Nevertheless, the X10 is no slouge and remain as one of the best photographic tools I'd used to date.
Update on ORB issue: I'd contacted Fujifilm Singapore for a solution and I'm expecting the ORB problem to be fixed by them via a sensor replacement. Not that I cannot use the camera with a blooming sensor but rather it limited my shooting opportunity.That is bad for the money invested.
BTW: I had a lemon set, the electronic level meter is also not level. LOL but don't forget to check it by pressing the DISP/BACK button. Select the CUST LCD display mode and you see the electronic level meter. I plead that you check it before you bring it home as love is blind!
Update on X10 accessory: Thumbrest for X10 (www.lensmate.com)
Update: Firmware update is ready and tested. Good to go.
Upgrading version 2.00, adding the following features:
1. "Advanced filter" function same as XF1 ( 6 filters in 11 patterns)
2. "Q(Quick) Menu" function
http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/x10/download.html
Update: Fuji released the EF-X20 Flash (retail at S$310). Looks retro and gorgeous with flash TTL, wireless flash trigger and manual flash power control! But you can't tilt it upwards for bounce flash but you can do wireless flash (but I doubt that you can have TTL flash metering). This is probably a slave flash implementation that can ignore a pre-flash from the main camera body. Practically, the EF-20 (retail S$160) is a better choice. However, if you want to look cool, the EF-X20 is a no brainer. Trade vanity with additional S$150.
Update: Fuji released the new X10 sensor in Singapore. I got this news from Fuji on the 14 June. If you'd make a report to Fuji Singapore in March 2012 or earlier , you should be getting a call from them. I'd make a report in May and so now in the queue.
Update: Finally the ORB is gone after the sensor replacement by Fujifilm Singapore. Good to go.
Update: The X10 has a tendency to blow up highlight. A work around is set the DR permanently to DR400%.You may check out more about EXR
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3785306838/summary-of-fujifilm-x10s-functions-and-issues
Update: External flash mode setting on X10: use this when a non-Fujifilm external flash is attached; if the built-in flash is popped-up, it will fire once to signal a remote slave flash. Also for remote flash you can use the Canon OC-3 remote cable or pocket wizard. :-)
