Some may think that all-in-one cameras like Fujifilm's HS10 are a moribund look by now. Indeed, the prices of DSLR cameras are still falling, small compact cameras are acquiring large built-in zoom, so the era of ultrazoom seems to be waning. But Fujifilm still offers compelling products in this category, so we can conclude that this market is still alive and well.
Fujifilm's latest offering is the 10.3-megapixel FinePix HS10, the Swiss army knife of cameras with a whopping 30x (24-720mm equivalent) optical manual zoom lens. Although it sells for a relatively hefty $ 500, the Fujifilm HS10 is well packed with features including a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. If you are not familiar with backside illumination (BSI) sensors, their chip is located on the back, which is not used to absorb light. This supposedly gives more room for the pixels on the light-sensitive side to collect light. How effective this technology is for shooting in low light remains open, but more and more cameras contain BSI chips, including, in particular, the 5MP sensors in the new iPhone 4.
To keep the optical parameters of the Fujifilm HS10 stable over the long (poorly said) zoom, the camera has a shift sensor stabilization system that compensates for hand shake. The camera also features an advanced low-light mode that captures four near-simultaneous shots and then combines them into one to reduce noise and blur in low light conditions. This is similar to technology that has already debuted in Sony cameras. The Fujifilm HS10 also features a Panorama motion mode - similar to the one Sony has introduced in its models - Sweep Panorama, which allows you to create panoramic shots stitched together into a single shared file.
For sports and fast action, Fuji offers high speed, ten frames per second, continuous mode along with the ability to pick the best shot so you don't miss a moment.
For the video lover, Fujifilm's HS10 can record 1080p HD video with stereo sound. The camera also has a Mini HDMI port, although like most manufacturers on the market, Fuji doesn't include an HDMI cable in the box. The high speed video modes allow you to record up to 1000 frames per second and then play the clips in slow motion.
Although it is designed like a digital SLR camera, the Fujifilm HS10 does not have a true optical viewfinder. There is, however, a small electronic viewfinder along with a 3-inch tilting LCD screen with 230,000 pixels of resolution. The sensor detects when the user is approaching the electronic viewfinder and then automatically switches between the viewfinder and LCD screen as needed.
Fujifilm HS10 uses four AA batteries. Like most of the male-oriented Fuji Prosumer models, it is available in one color: black.
User review
If you don't want to take the big step towards a DSLR, but still want the features and performance, the Fujifilm FinePix HS10 has all of these features. It also outperforms DSLRs by offering an extremely versatile built-in 30x optical zoom lens. Along with the ability to get close to the scene at a maximum 720mm equivalent focal length, the Fujifilm HS10 does not skimp on wide-angle, which allows it to capture quality landscape photos at 24mm (equivalent).
Plus, there are tons of automated features, including a low-light mode that combines four shots in one to reduce blur and noise; A back-illuminated CMOS sensor that absorbs more light and reduces image noise, a panoramic motion mode that automatically stitches images together, and a 1080p HD video mode with stereo sound. So you have a camera with more options than you probably know what to do with them. But it will be very interesting to try to learn and use them all!
Appearance and function. The all-black Fujifilm FinePix HS10 looks like a DSLR. With comfortable rubberized grips and a quiet manual zoom lens, sporty comfortable ribbed focus rings (also rubberized), Fuji manages to look and feel like a semi-professional. But like a DSLR, this isn't a camera you can put in your pocket and carry around all day.
The dimensions are 131 x 91 x 126 mm and the weight is 709 grams with the card and battery, which is about on par with a small DSLR such as the Nikon D3000. Like most entry-level DSLRs, the Fujifilm HS10's body is made primarily of polycarbonate, although it feels solid with good weight and balance in your hands.
Control. The controls on the Fujifilm FinePix HS10 are plentiful and well signed. Most important is the large silver metal shutter button on the top of the grip, surrounded by an on / off ring. This is similar to the design of DSLR cameras. While you might think that the lack of a motorized zoom would speed up the power cycle, it still takes a long time from power on to the first shot, about 2.5 seconds in our lab tests. As befits a camera that has many important features, the Fujifilm HS10 has nearly a dozen small, raised control buttons that control functions from ISO to burst.
The mode dial is knurled and tilted back a little, so you don't have to tilt the camera towards you to determine which shooting mode is currently set. There are many shooting modes available, as well as adjusting the basic camera settings - color settings, changing the dynamic range, etc. - all of this is available on the LCD screen after pressing the menu button. There are so many points, which is why it is so frustrating that camera manufacturers don't seem to offer paper versions of user manuals for anything other than DSLRs. With Fujifilm HS10 you get a PDF manual on CD. There is little chance of grabbing and mastering this camera's impressive functionality on the fly.
There is a black command bar next to the marked mode dial that will help you adjust some of the camera's various functions, such as aperture or shutter speed in manual modes. To start shooting video, simply press the red button on the back of the camera and wait a second for the automatic recording to begin. (It would be nice if this mode switch was a little faster.) Press the button again to stop recording. To access the built-in flash, simply press the button on the side of the Fujifilm HS10.
By default, the Fujifilm HS10 is in a mode called EVF / LCD auto switching, which uses a sensor to detect when you move your eyes closer to the electronic viewfinder or move them away. The camera will automatically switch between the viewfinder and LCD monitor to view and crop images as appropriate. We actually didn't really like this automatic switch - more on that later - we recommend turning it off in the menu. Once this is done, you can switch between EVF or LCD by simply pressing EVF / LCD next to the electronic viewfinder.
Lens. The lenses on the Fujifilm FinePix HS10 are coated. With its 30x capability, the lens provides an effective focal length of 4.2 to 126mm, which is equivalent to 24 to 720mm for a 35mm camera. This matches the giant lenses you see on professional football photographers.
The Fuji HS10 offers aperture range from f / 2.8 to f / 11 at wide angle, and 5.6 to f / 11 in telephoto. And of course, that's what separates the Fujifilm HS10 lens from the 70-200mm and 400mm monsters you see on the fields of sporting events. Those lenses offer a constant f / 2.8 aperture which is great for shooting in low light or keeping the player in focus when the background is blurry.
While sharpness was decent throughout the Fujifilm HS10's focal length range - especially at its widest angle and for macro photography - there was noticeable softness in the corners, which is not unusual for cameras in this class with such a long lens in a small package. Indeed, the Fujifilm HS10 lens is better than most cameras in this respect. In lower light and up to 720mm zoom, you get pretty mediocre sharpness even with the Fujifilm HS10 stabilization system, which shifts the sensor to combat hand shake.
Although the Fujifilm HS10 is relatively compact, when you manually extend the lens up to 720mm, its telescope protrudes 12cm from the body. Conveniently, both the actual and 35mm equivalent focal lengths are printed on the lens, which appear on the lens barrel when zoomed in. While you are quick to adapt to a manual lens - rather than a slow electronic one, zooming takes some practice and it is better to look through a 0.2 "EVF rather than a 3" LCD on the back. Close-ups are much easier with the LCD, and it doesn't fade in bright sunlight.
The Fujifilm HS10 lens is also surprisingly well suited for macro photography. (Some Superzoom lenses fail when trying to capture extreme close-ups.) The minimum focusing distance is 500mm wide and 5000mm in telephoto, but it drops to 90mm in macro mode at wide angle, or 2000mm in telephoto. Photo. The Fujifilm HS10 Super Macro Mode works even better, which locks the lens at an indefinite focal length, but allows you to focus on subjects up to 10mm. The beautiful flower close-up came out in the Super Macro mode, which rivals true macro lenses for DSLRs.
Modes. Modes abound in the multifunctional Fujifilm HS10, with presets for beginners, those wishing to get creative, and more experienced photographers looking for manual control. Of course, there is a basic Auto mode - a red camera icon on the mode dial - which will do everything for you - and a software mode that allows you to override basic settings such as ISO adjustment - but there is also a SRAuto mode that automatically analyzes scenes and selects the appropriate mode from group, which includes: portrait, landscape, night, close-up, night portrait, backlit portrait and auto.
Automated Scene Recognition Modes are suitable for those who are in too much of a hurry to fiddle with the camera and need to quickly select the appropriate option. But be careful, they are not always accurate. On a couple of occasions the SRAuto's Fuji HS10 mode chose macro when shooting landscape photography. He also often chooses just auto by default when he cannot distinguish the scene.
Use Pro Low Light mode when shooting in mixed conditions or low light if you want to shoot sharp images without noise. The camera will automatically capture four consecutive frames and then combine them into one. The result is a sharper and cleaner shot than simply raising the ISO and trying to keep the Fujifilm HS10 steady in low light. On the other hand, everything cannot be perfect, upon closer examination of these images there are the same remarks as for the similar mode of the Sony camera. Also, the HS10 doesn't seem to use micro-image alignment, so it sometimes takes a few tries to get a clear shot. The mode is also not very suitable for action scenes. However, the mode can still produce surprisingly good photos in low light or when zoomed in from long distances.
Multi-Motion Capture mode is used more for fun, but no less interesting. It captures a moving object and combines it into one image. The rotating dial allows you to choose the shooting time: for slow-moving objects, choose a longer interval.The Moving Object Removal mode can be used when you want to capture a cityscape without all the cars, buses, motorcycles and pedestrians in the foreground and background. In this mode, which can also overlay multiple images, moving objects magically disappear, so you can shoot architectural photographs of the Louvre or the pyramids without the hustle and bustle of human life.
The SP1 and SP2 mode options are for special scenes in the preset modes. There are 15 of them: Nature + flash (for backlit subjects: saves two photos - with and without flash); Natural Light, Portrait, Heightened Portrait (provides smooth skin tones for softer portraits); Landscape, Sports, Night, Night (tripod); Fireworks; Sunset, Snow, Beach, Party, Flower, Text. All 15 modes are available in SP1 and SP2, but each position can assign a parameter to a different scene if, for example, you want to quickly switch between portrait and landscape modes.
Panorama. Not as good as some cameras, but the Fujifilm HS10 does a very wide panorama nonetheless. The resolution is 3840x720, but you can make the images even wider. Some doubling of elements in these images is noticeable, especially fragments of deciduous trees (despite the absence of wind).
Setting the panorama on the mode dial switches the Fujifilm HS10 to movable panorama mode, which allows you to create ultra-wide shots stitched together in a single file. Here you can select four panning directions: right, left, up or down. Press the shutter button down and move the camera to the desired direction. Shooting ends automatically when your panorama is complete.
Along with all the camera's "smart" modes, the Fuji H10 has the tried and true manual modes preferred by more experienced photographers, such as shutter priority (S), aperture priority (A), and full manual (M).
Menu. Fuji's menu system needs an update, especially for cameras with such rich features. While the Fujifilm HS10 has many buttons to access basic functions, if you want to dig deeper, you'll have to do a lot of scrolling. It's time consuming and a little annoying, but after a day of shooting, you get used to it. In shooting mode, the Fujifilm menu button opens two tabs: camera settings and internal changes.
The shooting parameters table gives you many options, some of which you can change using the Fujifilm HS10 buttons. The Fuji fonts and icons used for the menus have barely changed over the past decade, and they also need updating, especially since the camera's 3-inch LCD screen (230,000 pixels resolution) is really good.
On the first page of the shooting menu (there are four!) Options include ISO settings, image size, image quality, dynamic range (the options for the degree of mixing are listed as 100%, 200% and 400%, more are for scenes with high contrast), and FinepixColor (standard, Fuji Chrome that brightens up colors, B&W, and sepia).
The second page of the shooting menu offers options for fine-tuning white balance, color, tone, sharpness, face detection, and high quality video. The third and fourth pages include adjustments for video speed, AE bracketing, flash, external flash, high speed shooting, and custom settings.
When browsing photos, the Fujifilm HS10 playback menu offers options to delete image, start slideshow, remove red-eye, protect, crop, resize, rotate, copy, voice memos and print. If you are playing a video, there are also options for trimming clips and joining two clips together to make a longer one.
Menu setting for Fujifilm HS10 includes date and time, time difference, language, silent mode (on or off), reset, display aspect ratio, numbering frame, prompt volume, shutter volume, shutter sound, playback volume, LCD brightness, EVF / LCD mode (30fps for longer battery life, 60fps for better quality), automatic EVF / LCD switch and auto power off. You can also customize the Fujifilm HS10 Image Stabilization Mode, Red-Eye Removal, Autofocus (AF), Backlight, AE / AF-Lock Mode, AE / AF-Lock Button, RAW (RAW + JPG or RAW only), Auto Rotate for Portrait Photos during playback, background color, display guide, and other camera settings.
Data storage and battery. The Fujifilm HS10 accepts SD and SDHC memory cards that fit into the slot on the right side of the camera grip. The slot is closed with a plastic sliding cover. (Unlike some earlier models, the Fujifilm HS10 does not use an XD-Picture Card.) There is also 46 MB of internal memory. When shooting at 10MP (3648 x 2736) resolution, the 4GB memory card in the HS10 can record up to 1590 JPEG files. In RAW mode, the 4GB card can record 250 image files. The 4GB card can also record a 39-minute clip at full quality (1080p HD). In high-speed video mode, it can hold a 52-minute movie.
The Fujifilm HS10 is powered by four AA batteries that fit into the grip from the bottom of the camera. Using alkaline batteries (included with the camera), the Fujifilm HS10 can shoot about 300 frames, according to CIPA estimates. With NiMH batteries, the HS10 can record 400 shots, and with lithium batteries, it can take 700 shots.
Shooting with Fujifilm HS10
If you like to travel light and want to carry only one camera without extra lenses on your overseas vacation or weekend getaway, the Fujifilm FinePix HS10 has it all for you. And while the image quality and responsiveness of this camera may not be on par with entry-level DSLRs like the Nikon D5000, Canon 550D or Pentax Kx, the Fujifilm HS10 is a couple hundred dollars cheaper than these models and boasts 30x (24mm-720mm ) lens and many sophisticated functions.
First, it must be said that if you've shot with a good quality DSLR, the Fujifilm HS10 will initially disappoint somewhat. The main reason for this is the overall speed of this digital camera, which cannot match the performance of a true DSLR. First, the image quality on the camera's 3-inch LCD screen or grainy electronic viewfinder is not at all the same as the real optical viewfinder of DSLR cameras.
Particularly annoying about the Fujifilm HS10 is the default EVF / LCD auto-switching mode, which uses a sensor to detect when you bring your eyes close to the electronic viewfinder. It will automatically switch between the viewfinder and LCD monitor to view and crop images as appropriate. Although the sensor worked (mostly) normally, it took a fraction of a second to respond. This gets in the way if you're trying to focus on fast-moving subjects such as wildlife, for which the Fujifilm HS10 30x lens is ideal. Several great bird shots were missed while watching a dark screen pending a switch.
Of course, you can also take your pictures with the Fujifilm HS10's good 3-inch LCD screen, but if something moves when framing, the hand or even the camera strap, the sensor will trigger to switch to the electronic viewfinder. Very annoying. While the concept sounded good in theory, it's best to turn off the EVF / LCD auto toggle and do it manually with a button.
In terms of handheld shooting, the 700g Fujifilm HS10 feels as balanced as a light DSLR. While the market for these types of Prosumer cameras is mainly aimed at men, women are amazed at how the Fujifilm HS10 feels in their hands when shooting.
The 24mm Fujifilm HS10 was perfect for taking landscape shots, while the 720mm telephoto did a great job of enlarging images in the wild. It is especially worth noting how the camera reproduces green and blue, especially when shooting in Fuji Chrome, which mimics the rich look of its classic Velvia and Provia films.
In low light, the Fujifilm HS10's camera shoots pretty decently, although its 1 / 2.3 image sensor is significantly smaller than the APS-C sensors on consumer DSLRs. This is in part because the sensor in the Fujifilm HS10 has just 10 megapixels - compared to other cameras that put 14MP on tiny chips - and also likely thanks to BSI technology, which increases light collection space by moving circuit elements to the other side.
The ISO range of 100-6400 is very convenient for shooting the Fujifilm HS10 in low light conditions, especially up to 1600, where noise is relatively low, although ISO values up to 400 are best for clear images. For difficult shooting in difficult lighting conditions, it is better to use the Pro Low Light mode. ...
The Fujifilm HS10 can't keep up with the DSLR, stopping for a few seconds between image captures. If you're shooting fast-moving wildlife - or children - try the 10fps high-speed mode. This 10fps specification is a bit misleading as the camera can only handle seven frames in this mode. speeds of 7, 5 and 3 frames per second can also be selected.
The 1080p HD shooting mode is pretty good, capturing 1080p video, although at full zoom the results can be a little low quality. In addition, the built-in stereo microphone records good sound.
Thus, the Fujifilm Finepix HS10 is a great alternative to DSLRs with a long 30x zoom that allows you to get closer to your subject than you need to, all with a small and lightweight camera.
Fujifilm HS10 lens quality
Magnification: Optical Zoom The Fujifilm HS10 offers a very impressive 30x optical zoom, which is equivalent to 24-720mm for 35mm cameras. Shooting at full wide angle is pretty good for ultrazoom, albeit with some blur and distortion in the corners even at f / 8, and moderate chromatic aberration at the edges of the frame. With full telephoto, the performance is decent in the center, less chromatic aberration, but the corners are a little soft. However, performance is generally above average for a lens with this range.
Sharpness: The Fujifilm FinePix HS10 lens produces only slight blur in the corners at wide angle and telephoto, with strong blur in the lower corners in both positions. However, softening does not extend far into the frame.
Geometric distortion: there is very little distortion in JPEG, both wide angle and telephoto, about 0.06% concave distortion (about 1-2 pixels). There is very little drop in the target line, although not strong enough to distract from the image as a whole.
Not surprisingly, the uncorrected RAW file showed a lot of geometric distortion. We measured 2.4% convex distortion at wide angle, and 2% concave distortion in telephoto. RAW converters that fully support the HS10 should correct these distortions automatically.
Chromatic aberration: chromatic aberration at wide angle is moderate and slightly bright, with noticeable magenta pixels and some bright cyan blotches. On a telephoto, the effect is about the same intensity.
As expected, uncorrected RAW files have much higher amounts of aberration, so the camera does a very good job of removing most of the fringing in JPEG files.
Macro: Fujifilm FinePix's normal macro mode captures an overall sharp image with good detail. The minimum coverage area on the larger side is 105 x 79 mm. The flash is hampered by the long lens, which creates a strong shadow at the bottom of the frame. In Super Macro mode, the minimum coverage area is 43 x 32 mm.
Fujifilm HS10 image quality
Color: all colors look pretty good, although bright yellows are somewhat muted.Light blues and reds are only slightly oversaturated, which is much better than average, green is almost accurate. Only a few color shifts are noticeable, such as cyan to blue and a very slight shift from yellow to green. Dark skin tones are good, and lighter skin tones have a pinkish-reddish undertone.
Flash: the built-in flash should be sufficient for medium close-up shots, although in tele-range the functions may be a little weak.
Low illumination: The CMOS sensor does its job very well in low light conditions, and the camera's 30 second maximum shutter speed in manual exposure mode can capture bright images in very low light at a reasonable ISO.
The noise level is good enough for such a digital camera with a tiny sensor.
Dynamic range: The Fuji HS10 has an extended dynamic range with three settings: 100% (default), 200% and 400%.
ISO
Noise and details: The shot remains good in terms of noise and sharpness up to ISO 200, with more softening starting at ISO 400. At ISO 800, details are fuzzy, although still quite distinguishable when viewed. From ISO 1600 to 6400, color balance becomes subdued and details are significantly washed out, like a watercolor image.
Printing: While 100% on-screen shots don't look super sharp, the Fujifilm HS10's printed results look pretty good. Starting at 13x19 inches, ISO 100 shots looked good, if slightly soft. 11x14 prints look much better.
ISO 200 shots are best at 11x14 inches, but larger sizes can be tried.
ISO 400 shots looked surprisingly well printed at 11x14 inches.
ISO 800 shots showed good results at 8x10, although they had low contrast.
ISO 1600 images looked decent on 5x7-inch prints, although again the low-contrast areas were lost.
Fujifilm HS10 performance
Shutter lag: Shutter lag is slightly slower than average, 0.90 seconds wide and 0.93 seconds full telephoto. Turning on the flash raised the shutter lag to 1.15 seconds.
Cycle time: cycle times are also slow, with the Fujifilm HS10 capturing a frame every 3.43 seconds in a single JPEG mode. When shooting RAW files, the cycle time increases to 4.59 seconds and RAW + JPEG increases the cycle time to 5.74 seconds. However, the 10fps continuous mode is quite punchy, capturing frames at 13.64 frames per second for 7 frames. There are options for 7, 5 and 3 frames per second.
Flash recharge: The Fujifilm FinePix HS10 flash charges in 7.6 seconds to full discharge.
USB baud rate: connection to a computer or printer with USB 2.0 Fujifilm HS10 is fast enough. We measured 5585 KB / sec.
Conclusion
Pros:
Unique versatile 30x (24mm to 720mm) optical superzoom;
Manual zoom ring;
Image sensor stabilization by shift method;
Easy;
Lots of sophisticated automated features;
Excellent 1080p HD video mode with stereo sound;
10fps continuous shooting mode;
High speed video modes up to 1000 fps;
CMOS sensor has relatively low noise at high ISO;
3-inch LCD screen does not fade in the sun;
Good energy efficiency;
Works on simple AA batteries;
RAW + JPEG modes;
HDR modes;
Interesting features such as Multi-Motion Capture, Moving Object Removal Mode, Low Light Pro, etc .;
Good print results.
Minuses:
Long cycle time between shots;
Slow autofocus;
Switching modes and UI can be sluggish;
EVF / LCD Auto switch is slow and may cause missed shot;
Image quality is not on par with similarly priced DSLRs;
High frame rate 10 frames allows only 7 frames JPEG, 6 frames in RAW mode;
Outdated menu system
Video recording starts slowly;
Large amount of geometric distortion and CA in uncorrected RAW files
No printed manual (only PDF on CD);
Panorama mode leaves a lot of mistakes when gluing;
Flash recycle time is long.
Is the time for ultrasounds over? No matter how it is! Fuji makes this clear with a high-quality, highly functional FinePix HS10 with a 30x (24-720mm) zoom lens in a small, lightweight body that rivals digital SLR cameras. If you're the type of person who can't choose between cameras that use interchangeable lenses or one omnivore, the Fujifilm HS10 might just make you ditch the latter. Along with an extremely versatile lens, the Fujifilm FinePix HS10 is packed full of useful features including Pro Low Light Mode, Panorama Mode, and Best Shot Selector. On the other hand, if you are someone who has tried and loved DSLRs, you may find the Fujifilm HS10 too slow for your needs, with image quality that may be lower than what you are used to. The Fujifilm HS10 is not one we can recommend to everyone, but if you really like having a wide focal length range available but still strive for decent optical quality - and are willing to put up with the HS10's downsides - then the Fujifilm HS10 is an excellent choice.
