Overview
The Fuji Finepix HS10 has a multitude of features including a 30x wide angle lens. It also has a number of manual controls. At the time of the review this is the longest lens available on a compact digital camera. As well as the long lens Fuji has equipped the Finepix HS10 with a number of features that will appeal to the photo enthusiast. This includes manual exposure controls and focusing
Zoom is controlled by twisting the lens barrel rather than using buttons on the back of the camera. As you would expect with this type of camera image stabilisation is included. There is also a sweep panorama mode, plus the ability to shoot up to 7 frames at a top speed of 10 frames per second.
Movie mode is impressive too. High Definition 1080p movies can be captured. You can zoom in and out while shooting a movie and sound can be recorded in stereo. You can also shoot movies that can be played back in slow motion.
Compared to other cameras in this category, the Finepix HS10 more than holds its own when it comes to picture quality. In fact this is an area where the camera outperforms many of its rivals.
If I was in the market for this type of camera I would be happy to own the Finepix HS10.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
30x
3 inches
130.6 x 90.7 x 126mm
636g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
1cm
Yes
Yes
AA
SD / SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
I like the look of all my outdoor test shots. There is a pleasing sharpness to the shots. The only time I noticed any slippage of focus is when the lens was zoomed all the way out. Even then I do not see the amount lost as a problem.
Common problems such as sun glare and purple fringing are handled very well, especially when taking the length of the lens into account. The definition showing when the lens is fully zoomed in is very good indeed.
It is the clarity of the shots that impresses me the most. This is a combination of sharpness and the level of detail the Finepix HS10 is able to capture. I also like the brightness of the photos and the vivid colours.
The camera performs very well when the lens is zoomed right in as in my third test shot. Even when pushed to its limits the camera performs admirably.
Portraits
My portrait test shots are a success. They are all bright and in sharp focus. You should have no problems producing pleasing portraits outdoors when lighting is good.
Fuji has incorporated a powerful flash unit. It produces plenty of light and should brighten up most scenes when you are within the range of the flash unit. The Finepix HS10 also has a hot shoe for adding an external flashlight for when you need more power.
It is the indoor portrait taken without flash that impresses me the most. The level of detail and clarity of the shot far surpasses the results I am used to seeing from most other digital cameras. I prefer the warmer colours showing in this shot than when flash is required.
Macro, Colours and Noise
The macro shot is outstanding. The level of detail showing leaves the vast majority of other cameras in the shade. I am sure the physically larger size of the lens helps a lot with this.
The colours produced by the Finepix HS10 suit me to a tee. There is plenty of depth and this helps to bring the photos to life.
Rounding off, noise levels are kept to a minimum. This is another area where I have been very impressed by the Finepix HS10.
Summary
My test shots show that this is a high quality digital camera. If picture quality is very important to you then this camera is worth adding to your shortlist. You can see a noticeable difference between the photos taken with the Finepix HS10 and with smaller digital cameras. This is one of the best compact digital cameras I have tested in some time based purely on picture quality.
Style
The Finepix HS10 is one of the largest, if not the largest, compact digital camera currently available. A lot of this is down to the lens unit. The design of the camera is based around a Digital SLR.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.45 seconds
17.39 seconds
1.68 seconds
19.58 seconds
2.72 seconds
Ease of Use
With this level of features on offer it will take time to master the Finepix HS10. To get started there is a fully automatic mode that lets you use the camera as a more straightforward point and shoot model.
Points I Like
Picture quality - twisting lens barrel for zooming - features - handling - movie mode
Where it Could Improve
Shutter delay times could be quicker
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Panasonic DMC FZ100 Rating 87/100
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ100 is an outstanding digital camera. It offers plenty of shooting options for both stills and videos and is one of the most powerful digital cameras you will find. The combination of picture quality and features is very hard to beat. The specification includes 14 megapixels and a 24x zoom lens. Recommended.
Read Review: Panasonic DMC FZ100 Review
Panasonic DMC FZ45 Rating 87/100
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ45 has a lot going for it. I thought picture quality compared very well against digital cameras with a similar specification. There is a wide range of features to get to grips with too. In my view this is one of the best super zoom digital cameras and offers good value for money.
Read Review: Panasonic DMC FZ45 Review
Fuji Finepix HS10 Rating 87/100
This is a high class digital camera. If you are looking for ultimate zoom power it is very hard to beat. Picture quality is up there with the best and there is a great range of features on offer. I enjoyed using the twisting lens barrel to zoom in and out.
Read Review: Fuji Finepix HS10 Review
Related Pages
Fuji Finepix HS10 Review Fuji Finepix HS10 Specification Fuji Finepix HS10 Sample Images Fuji Finepix HS10 Features Fuji Finepix HS10 vs Panasonic DMC FZ45
Review Date
July 2010
