Fujifilm X-S10 – What’s next?
The Fuji X-S10 was announced on 15 October 2020 and will be celebrating its second birthday very soon. Enthusiasts like us can estimate the time gap between each announcement or forecast the announcement of the new product based on the past announcements of the other X-series cameras. As for X-S10, we are unable to do so. So I will not discuss when the successor will arrive. Instead, I will share my thoughts or wishlists on what the successor of the X-S10 should improve on.
Something to note:
I do not own an X-S10, but I had the privilege to use one for various lens reviews, and thus my experience with the camera may not be as good as with long-term X-S10 photographers.
Right: Fuji X-S10 . Fuji XF18mm F1.4 R LM WR @18mm . F/5.6 . 1/350” . ISO 320 . Classic Neg
Design
It’s a modern design camera that does not appeal to us (at least to most Fuji fanboys and fangirls that I know of). It felt nothing like the retrospective style design the other X-series cameras have, nor does it not even inherit the design language Fujifilm has for the X-series.
Right: Fuji X-S10 . XF 23mm F1.4 WR @23mm . F/1.4 . 1/6000″ . ISO 160 . Classic Neg
But from Fujifilm’s standpoint, they attempt to appeal to other photographers outside the Fuji community, and I think this strategy works.
To be honest, it has a good ergonomic handgrip for a compact and sleek camera, and I love it. For someone who has small hands, this camera is the best to hold. For its successor, I do not mind seeing a very similar design language, because it’s a nice-looking design on its own.
Right: Fuji X-S10 . XF 23mm F1.4 WR @23mm . F/1.4 . 1/45″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg
This current model, however, has a very plasticky feel when holding it in my hands. While it is impossible for Fujifilm to release a magnesium alloy built for the X-S10 successor, I hope it will release a less plasticky-feel built.
Buttons and Dials
Basically, I am okay with the current overall layout, except for two things.
First, is the “Q” function. I use the “Q” function a lot. It allows me to access functions quickly, such as in-camera photo editing. Unfortunately, the chances for me to press the record button are much higher than the “ Q” function. I hope to see them relocate the “Q” function to the back of the camera, like the X-T4 and X-Pro3.
Second, make the front command dial pressable. At least, there is another possible command function for the photographers to set and use.
Right: Fuji X-S10 . XF 23mm f1.4 WR @23mm . F/5 . 1/420″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg
As for the function dial, I like the flexibility of setting it to many function settings such as film simulation, focus mode, AF mode, etc, depending on the photographers’ preferences.
As for the mode dial, I hope it can share the flexibility of setting function settings like the function dial, while it can set “mode” as default.
Right: Fuji X-S10 . Fuji XF18-120mm @98.8mm . F/4 . 1/240″ . ISO 160 . Classic Neg
EVF
The Electronic Viewfinder inside the X-H2S is awesome and on my wishlist is that the X-S10 successor could have this too. But frankly speaking, we all know it is not possible due to various reasons such as battery capacity, etc.
Right: Fuji X-S10 . XF 23mm f1.4 WR @23mm . F/1.4 . 1/45″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg
For practicality, I wish there will be an improvement of the EVF from the current 0.93x viewfinder magnification and 2.36 million dots resolution to somewhere slightly lower than the X-T4’s 1.125x viewfinder magnification and slightly lower than 3.69 million dots.
Rear Screen
I have always loved the rear screen of the X-T3, and not so much the flip-out screen. However, as I believe that the flip-out screen is more appealing to the masses, the successor should be keeping the flip-out screen design.
Right: Fuji X-S10 . Fuji XF18-120mm @120mm . F/4 . 1/680″ . ISO 160 . Classic Neg
Apart from that, I hope to see an improvement for the screen from 1.04 million dots to 1.62 million dots.
X-Trans
X-Trans 5 HS and X-Trans 5 HR are 2 new X-Trans 5 sensors made known to us by Fujifilm, and they are 26 megapixels stacked BSI and 40 megapixels, respectively.
From my guess, the X-Trans 5 HR will be the likely candidate. Because I feel that the X-Trans 5 HS is reserved for specific unique models like X-H2S and possibly the X-Pro series.
On the other hand, the current X-Trans 4 sensor and processor is still a very good sensor for the mid-range camera category. If Fujifilm wants to gain more new photographers by having a lower price point, this could be another possible option.
IBIS
I have no problem using the IBIS, and it works beyond my expectation. In combination with the lightweight camera body, the In-Body Image Stabilization system in the X-S10 is an excellent and very usable stabilizer.
While I am not expecting the IBIS equipped in the successor will be on par with the flagship model, X-H2S, I hope to see at least a slight improvement from 6 stops to 6.5 stops of image stabilization.
*X-H2S offers up to 7 stops of image stabilization.
Others
Unless Fujifilm can do something about it, I think the current NP-126s battery pack is here to stay. We all know that NP-W235 is a much better battery juice for us to use, but I think the former one will still be there because of the compact size of the X-S series.
There are also missing the 4 ways selector buttons, but we all know that we are not going to see this in the mid-range cameras. But since this is my wishlist, I hope to see them.
It also comes with F-log support, and I hope to see more options for the videography department. Pardon me, I am not an expert in videography, so I cannot say much about it.
Conclusion
The X-S10 is a special product in the Fujifilm X-series lineup. It is a product with which Fujifilm tries to appeal to photographers who have always wanted to try Fuji’s camera and lenses, but have no preference for the retrospective style design cameras that Fujifilm is offering in the lineup. I believe this attempt was successful as it managed to strike popularity among photographers from other brands, and I think it surprised Fujifilm too.
I love this camera’s compactness and functionality but not the design itself (because I still prefer the retrospective style design like on the X-T3 and X-Pro3). Nevertheless, I am looking forward to seeing the successor of this X-S10 (let’s hope we can see it soon).
Thank you for reading.
Right: Fuji X-S10 . Fuji XF18-120mm @29.3mm . F/4 . 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Classic Neg
Right: Fuji X-S10 . Fuji XF18-120mm @120mm . F/4 . 1/480″ . ISO 160 . Classic Neg
Alwin is a 37 years old engineer, husband and Fujifilm fanboy from Singapore. His first encounter with Fujifilm was the launch of the X10 in 2012. It was love at first sight. It was a joyful compact camera and it also introduced film simulations to him. But what brought him deep into Fujifilm was the X-T2 and the love grows further. He loves to experience and discover many genres.
Albert Smith
September 3, 2022 @ 2:57 pm
My list of must haves: Mechanical dials for intuitive adjustments whether your looking through the finder or just looking down at the exterior.
Weather resistance for the true ability to use it in real world environments.
Some easy way to switch between focusing modes, maybe a three way knob on the front.
A timeless design that allows for concurrent use with previous generations without getting confused by the changes.
A moderate pixel count that gives great results without over resolving things for only bragging rights. 24 to 26 mp would be perfect.
Now that I think about it, I already have that camera. Never mind. 😀
Alwin Kok
September 6, 2022 @ 5:47 am
Glad you found your loves one! Cheers!
andrei
September 5, 2022 @ 1:09 pm
having used the x-s10 for over a year now, i have some opinions: firstly, this camera is absolutely NOT aimed at those wanting “traditional” dials (quotation marks because dials for ISO and SS were not present on any camera in the digital age, except leica and the nikon DF, so the PASM mode dial is more traditional in the sense that more photographers are used to this system, statistically). currently, i believe the X-S10 is the absolute best value for money body in the fuji system, offering the most amount of features for the least amount of money. as for improvements for the next generation: what i see as a must would be a better EVF, perhaps the one in the current X-T4, that would be nice, a faster SD card with a bigger buffer (i think CF express would be too much for this camera) and what i expect to see is the new 40mp sensor, since the new 26mp one is apparently reserved only for the X-H2s, according to rumors. other than these points, the camera is pretty much perfect, especially for the price
Alwin Kok
September 6, 2022 @ 5:50 am
I totally agree with you, Andrei.
In order to achieve attractive price point, I believe CF express slot will not be present but I do hope to see better improvement on the EVF and the 40mp sensor.
Johan Otterdahl Edfeldt
September 9, 2022 @ 12:06 pm
I actually love this camera even though my XE1 and XT2 looks better. The grip/IBIS/AF & EVF frame rate is great.Looking forward to 5 months in NZ with this setup and the 35mm1.4, 18mm 2 and 55-200mm
Matango
September 26, 2022 @ 1:03 pm
I dont own this camera, even though I’m thinking of buying one. I was planning to buy the XT30, but I might buy the XS10, because of IBIS. One thing that is surprising to me is the talk about the “plascticky feel”. The issue I’m having is that I read in multiple reviews that buy is magnesium alloy, but the reviewer is claiming that he can’t even imaging the successor to have a magnesium alloy body. So either I’m wrong or the reviewer is wrong. Is the xs10 made of plastic or is it metal? It’s almost impossible to hold a metal camera in your hand and to feel like it’s plastic. So I’m probably the one that got the wrong information. Can someone answer this please? What is the body made of? Probably a combination of both.
Alwin Kok
September 26, 2022 @ 3:59 pm
Hi Matango, it is a combination of both but when you hold it, it feels plasticky. You should give it a try holding it and you know what I means.
What in my mind is thinking that in order to continue to attract more targeted photographers, fight inflation and lower down the price point; plastic body is highly the next best option.
David Gee
December 9, 2022 @ 10:42 am
It doesn’t feel plasticky to me – it is solid with obviously great build quality.
Johan Otterdahl Edfeldt
September 27, 2022 @ 12:14 am
I don’t think it feels plasticy at all. I bought it after trying XE4 and XT30 which I felt was more plasticy, especially the XE4. My plan was to buy the XE4 but the XS10 felt better in the hands and had IBIS for the same price.
I just wishes the XS10 had the XE4 screen.
Alwin Kok
September 27, 2022 @ 4:43 am
Right. I think it is based on individual’s feel towards the products. There is no right or wrong to our sense of touch. X-E4 has that Fujifilm retrospective design language and I agree that X-S10 has better handling design. I too do wish to see X-S10 to have X-E4 screen but I think practically it is not feasible because it has to go much higher than the EVF when doing selfie shot.
Alvin Bartolome
December 22, 2022 @ 8:00 am
I’d just received mine, although it was small and cheapish (for me), what I did is to put on a Gariz half case and voila! Problem solved, now my X-S10 looks and handles prefect (imho).
David Davidson
February 25, 2023 @ 12:44 am
I’d love to see what they’d come up with as successor to this odd bird. However first and foremost Fuji must completely reinvent (not update) their entire UI/UX. Don’t let poor engineers design menus and buttons (again!). No one expects Canon / Hasselblad level user friendliness, but for as long as I can remember it’s been the same clunky, unintuitive system and same annoyingly small and plasticky hard buttons. We’re now in 2023. A fresh start is badly needed. Had the X100V when it came out – and sold it after record setting 2 days(!). Never ever has a camera caused so much frustration in such a short time. Needless to say everything Fuji was written off my list. I am actually suspicious now of anyone living with these things day to day. Not even the 100Mp GFX escaped Fuji’s clunky design philosophy. No wonder Hasselblad can sell their stuff for 2x price. It’s actually mind boggling to see things to be this bad in the age of user centric design. Not to mention something DESIGNED IN JAPAN – not DPRK (apologies to Kim).
If this text finds Fujifilm, I hope it shrivels their balls enough to get their act together and bust out some radical changes. For all the ordinary users – stay sane – keep away.
PS. Sorry for rant had to get it out of the system 🤌😝
Carl S
March 6, 2023 @ 2:07 pm
I love this camera! It’s my first fuji camera (coming from Nikon DX line-up) and for me I’m extremely happy with it. The IBIS in particular opens up so much.
Alwin
March 9, 2023 @ 11:24 am
Welcome to Fuji community. I hope the camera will bring you joy in shooting. Cheers!