One small step towards something big
When FUJIFILM called me and asked if I would like to produce a video for the new FUJIFILM X-S10 camera, I immediately agreed. As chance would have it, I was out with a film team at the time. We spent all day working on ideas for the video. We wanted it to offer exciting insights while at the same time taking full advantage of the functions of the new camera.
In this process, we realized that we all had our suits made by the same men’s outfitter and get our beards trimmed at the same barbershop. And so the idea was born. Together we then conceived a series of pictures for an editorial, in which we wanted to accompany our protagonist to interesting places throughout the day. Among them were of course the men’s outfitter and the barbershop. This allowed us to test the FUJIFILM X-S10 extensively at various locations and in demanding lighting situations, while at the same time shooting an exciting video.
My first impression
The camera arrived at my place only a few days before we had planned to shoot the video, so there wasn’t much time left for me to get familiar with the camera. But I wasn’t worried about that: as a long-time FUJIFILM user, I expected the X-S10 to fit seamlessly into the X Series. But to my surprise, it is completely different – and that is no coincidence. It is designed to meet the needs of newcomers and those changing from other cameras, for whom the operating concept of FUJIFILM cameras is sometimes a little unfamiliar at first. The FUJIFILM X-S10 has features familiar to users of other camera systems. For example, there is a mode dial for the different modes M, A, S and P. With just a few simple steps, the X-S10 can be adapted to your individual needs and workflow. FUJIFILM and newcomers to photography therefore find their way around quickly and can start shooting straight away.
The New Gentlemen’s Style
The editorial was entitled “The New Gentlemen’s Style”. We chose the locations and the protagonists accordingly. The men’s outfitter, the barbershop, and the bar are furnished with great attention to detail in the style of 1930s America. Leather furniture and dark wooden shelves are met by hand-woven carpets, design sketches of classic car models, and a quaint bar corner with a pool table. Our model Janni lives and embodies exactly this lifestyle and fits seamlessly into the environment and ambiance.
With the FUJIFILM X-S10 we first accompany Janni to the tailor, where he receives his new suit. Freshly dressed, we then carry on to the barbershop to have his hair and beard styled and then finish the evening in the bar. And for that, you want to look neat and tidy.
Small power pack
I am thrilled by the dedication and enthusiasm that FUJIFILM engineers put into the development of the cameras. At no time do they lose sight of what is really important: the photographers who work with the cameras. The X-S10 was developed especially for newcomers and those switching to FUJIFILM who have high demands on their equipment and image quality, as well as professionals and experienced FUJIFILM users. With the X-S10, photographers are given a great tool that will excite, inspire, and accompany them for a long time.
What surprised me most was how compact the camera is. It’s incredible how much technology fits into this small body. The fast autofocus is always accurate to the point, even in difficult lighting. Thanks to the built-in image stabilizer, I can expose five f-stops longer without blurring. Especially if you want to capture the existing light and ambiance in a dimly lit bar, this combination is unbeatable.
Despite its small size, the FUJIFILM X-S10 always fits firmly in the hand thanks to the deep grip. In combination with the vari-angle display, it is possible to take pictures from all imaginable angles.
The FUJINON XF23mmF2 R WR, the FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR, and the FUJINON XF50mmF2 R WR complement the FUJIFILM X-S10 perfectly. The total package consisting of the three lenses and the camera weighs just over one kilogram. That is really impressive. The result is a small, flexible camera system that is ideal for travel or photo reportage.
Great results without much effort
Apart from the joy of photography, the photos taken are of course the most important thing. The FUJIFILM X-S10 is in no way inferior to the other cameras in the X series. With the 26-megapixel X-Trans sensor you get detailed and brilliant images in all lighting scenarios.
Besides my favorites, “Classic Chrome” and “Acros”, the FUJIFILM X-S10 also offers “Classic Negative” and the new film simulation “Eterna Bleach Bypass”. This means that a total of 18 film simulations are now available, with which impressive shots can be created directly from the camera. This eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing. With the integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection, images can be easily transferred to a smartphone and shared directly with others.
My conclusion
The FUJIFILM X-S10 offers countless creative possibilities in a compact body. As a professional, I also had a lot of fun with the camera, and thanks to the easy handling and the first-class image quality, I was able to take pictures of an editorial section without much preparation time.
The X-S10 is a camera that allows photographers to develop their photography skills at every level and will be a source of joy for a long time.
