The Fujifilm FinePix HS10 is a new super-zoom digital compact camera with a long list of headline-grabbing features. The Fuji offers 10 fps full resolution continuous shooting with AF Tracking and high speed movie recording at 1000 fps.This camera includes both an electronic viewfinder and a 3.0-inch LCD panel.
One of the key features of cameras that use BSI sensors is panorama capture mode, and this Fujifilm has it, too. We just had to pan the camera across the scene to take a panoramic shot, though the HS10 took quite a while to process and record the photo. The stitching is done quite seamlessly, with no visible traces of misalignment as long as you pan the snapper smoothly.
The HS10 handles like a dSLR, and at 636g (without memory card and battery), it weighs as much as one. It is definitely not a camera suited for everyday use unless you have strong shoulders to haul this camera around for extended periods. However, the well-placed buttons make operating the Fujifilm easy. Enthusiasts familiar with dSLRs will feel right at home with the HS10, but new users will find the multitude of controls daunting.
The Fujifilm HS10 features a full HD movie mode (1080p/30fps) with stereo sound, and the camera’s mini HDMI output allows you to easily display ultra clear high definition photographs and movies on high definition televisions. A new Super High Speed Movie function allows you to freeze action and capture breathtaking movies at up to 1000 frames per second for amazing slow-motion movies that reveal the hidden world of events that normally occur in the blink of an eye.
The FinePix HS10’s unique Best Frame Capture Mode means you don’t need the reactions of a pro sports photographer to get professional results either; in this mode the camera continuously records images from the moment you focus, then saves up to 7 shots before or after you press the shutter release. Capturing action with the FinePix HS10 is so easy it feels like cheating.
The HS10 utilises a sensor-shift image stabiliser system to counter blur in photos caused by hand shake, but even this implementation has its limit. At the longest end of the optics, you have to use a very fast shutter speed (1/250 second and above) to get a sharp shot. If you are taking pictures in low-light environments, you’ll have to use a tripod to support the camera or boost up the ISO sensitivity settings.
The Finepix HS10 can record full-HD (1920×1080-pixel) videos, and we were very satisfied with the results. Plenty of fine details were rendered in our clips, and it looked sharp, too. The file sizes generated are reasonable for a camera that can capture full-HD movies: 63MB for a 34-second video.
With a zippy 7fps burst mode, the HS10 is suitable for capturing fast action shots. Better still, the images are recorded at full resolution, unlike most compacts which reduce the megapixel count for speedier capture.
The Fujifilm Finepix HS10 looks ke a mid-range DSLR, with a weight and solid build quality that should withstand a few glancing knocks in the heat of the action. The moulded curves of the body and matt black finish deliver a purposeful look that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is practical, with nice chunky controls, an ergonomic control layout that allows both quick and easy access to functions, and a deep hand-grip with a well-thought-out indentation into which a middle finger slots comfortably.
The FinePix is oriented toward enthusiasts who want a camera that offers a dSLR-like shooting experience without the hassle of switching lenses. However, the image quality is compromised due to the smaller sensor. Still, the HS10 delivers decent images we’ve come to expect from a Fujifilm camera and is packed to the brim with features that advanced shutterbugs will appreciate.
Key features:
- High Resolution super wide Fujinon 30x optical zoom (24-720mm) with manual (mechanical) zoom
- True wide-angle and extreme telephoto capture in a single compact unit
- Triple image stabilisation (sensor shift IS, high ISO IS, Digital IS)
- 10 MP BSI CMOS sensor with advanced shooting modes and high image quality
- 3.0” High Resolution tilting LCD
- Electronic Viewfinder with eye-sensor for automatic switching
- High speed 10 fps continuous shooting at full resolution and new motion-tracking auto focus
- Full HD (1080p) movie capture with stereo sound
- Super High Speed movie capture at 1000 fps
- Motion Panorama mode for ‘one shot’ sweeping panoramas
- Advanced capture modes including unique Motion Remover mode that removes tourists and other moving objects from your photographs
- Direct Shooting Command buttons and Command dial put advanced photographic features at your fingertips
- RAW and JPEG capture modes
Reviews
InfoSync writes:
“All of the Finepix cameras produce impressive images this year, and the Fujifilm Finepix HS10 is no exception. Colors were natural, aberrations and noise were minimal, and the camera offered plenty of control in order to finagle a result that was right for our vision.“
Rating: N/A
PhotographyBlog writes:
“The HS10 is Fujifilm’s most advanced and most well-realised attempt at a do-it-all, Swiss Army knife camera, offering an awful lot of bang for your buck with not many compromises to dampen the overall experience, making it a well-deserved recipient of our Highly Recommended award..”
Rating: ★★★★½
PhotographyBay writes:
“In good light, the HS10 does fine. You can shoot up to about ISO 800 without worrying too much about noise. Once you hit ISO 800 and beyond though, you need to understand that your image noise will limit your acceptable printing and display sizes….If you are in the market for a superzoom camera, the Fuji HS10 deserves a spot high up on your list.”
Rating: N/A
CNET.asia writes:
“Although the HS10 looks like a dSLR, the picture quality it delivered did not reflect that. The camera has an ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 6,400, but we’d advise users not to venture beyond ISO 400 for most shots.”
Rating: ★★★★☆
Steve’sDigicams writes:
“While it can capture some nice 10-megapixel photos, they can not be compared to even entry-level dSLRs as far as quality is concerned. I feel that the FujiFilm FinePix HS10 will make a great camera for the hobbyist that is looking for a vast zoom range, and plenty of useful exposure options; not to mention a usable 1080p HD video option. “
Rating: N/A
Our Rating (4/5)
Videos
Specifications
General:
Camera Type: EVF
Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.6 x 5.0 in.(131 x 91 x 126 mm)
Weight: 22.4 oz (636 g)Image Capture:
Sensor Type: CMOS; 1/2.3″ (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal); 10.30 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions:
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1728 (4.5 megapixels)
2592 x 1440 (3.7 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
2048 x 1360 (2.8 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
Capture Speed: Continuous: 10.0 frames per second for 7 framesImage Preview / Review:
Viewfinder: Yes, EVF; 0.2-inch, 200K dot FLCD; Approx. 97% coverage
LCD: 3.0 in. diagonal; 230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)Lens:
Lens Type: Fujinon; 30x optical zoom; 58mm lens thread
Image Stabilization: Yes
Focal Length: 4.2 – 126.0mm (actual); 24 – 720mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range: f/2.8 (wide) / f/5.6 (tele) – f/11
Focusing System: Contrast Detect AF: (Area, Multi, Center,Tracking) / Continuous AF / Manual focus; Has AF assist lampp; Manual focus possible
Focusing Range: Normal: 20″ – infinity (50 cm – infinity); Macro: 0.4″ – 41″ (1 cm – 100 cm)Exposure:
ISO S nsitivity: Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
Shutter Speed: 4 – 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes: Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes: 256-zone multi
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance: Image Sensor – Auto, Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light, Custom
Internal Flash: Modes: Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction Auto, Red-eye Reduction & Forced Flash, Red-eye Reduction & Slow Synchro
Range: ISO 800: Wide: Approx. 30cm – 8.0m / 1ft. – 26.2ft.;Telephoto: Approx. 2.0m – 4.0m / 6.5ft. – 13.1ft.Creative:
Scene Modes: Portrait, Portrait Enhancer, Landscape, Sport, Night, Night (Tripod), Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Flower, Text, Natural Light, Natural Light & Flash
Digital Zoom: Up to 2.0x
Self Timer: Yes, 2 or 10 secondsStorage:
Recording Medium: SD/MMC including SDHC, Built-in
File System: FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format: RAW (.RAF), RAW+JPEG, JPEG (EXIF 2.2)Connectivity:
Video: High definition: Yes (HDMI); Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer: USB 2.0 High Speed
Other: Mini HDMIPower:
Battery Type: Alkaline, Lithium disposable or NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor: 4 x AAProduct Bundle:
Battery / Charger: 4 x AA Alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory: 45.0MB InternalOther:
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant: Yes
Internal Microphone: Yes
Internal Speaker: Yes
Tripod Mount: Yes
Notes: Back Side Illuminated CMOS Sensor, Triple Image Stabilization (CMOS-shift, Multi-frame, High ISO), Full HD movies (1920×1080), High-Speed Movies (up to 1000fps), Motion Panorama, Motion Remover, Multi-Motion Capture, Tilting LCD, RAW Support.
