Pro Review: How the Fujifilm XF10 can be a documentarian’s best tool

Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan

I’ve had my eye on a super small, very portable camera like the FUJIFILM XF10 for quite some time. Everyday moments are what I love to photograph. I am working my way through the fourth year of my 365 project, and am used to having a camera attached to me at all times. But, to be honest, in the last year there have been many times that I really didn’t feel like hauling my big DSLR around in my purse. And on those days, it never fails, while we are out I inevitably see something that makes me think “Oh, I wish I had my camera!”

When I was asked if I wanted to check out the FUJIFILM XF10 I jumped at the chance! This lightweight camera, with its fixed 18mm FUJINON lens, has 24.2 megapixels, an APS-C sensor, touchscreen operation and wireless capabilities sounded too good to be true. I was really excited to see if a camera that could fit in my back pocket would capture the kind of photos I want to include in my 365 project.

The FUJIFILM XF10 lets me push the limits.

I love color, and I need a camera that makes it as simple as possible to capture the full dynamic range of any situation. I’m well known in my family for making random stops on the side of the road if I see a striking sky. I need my camera to be able to capture all of the details and range of that sky. The FUJIFILM XF10 did not disappoint! I was truly amazed at how well the camera captured the sky and was delighted to see that it had a function for Dynamic Range bracketing and HDR. With an 18.5mm lens with aperture from f/2.8 to f/16, my options were endless.

I was also impressed by the low light capabilities. After practicing a few low light self-portraits, I loved that I was able to push the ISO to 12800+. I really can take this camera anywhere and use it in a variety of lighting situations.

Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan
Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan
Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan

I’m able to capture my family in public without drawing attention.

As much as I love the images I create for my 365 project, I always fall short on taking pictures of my family in public. I really do not like attracting attention to myself. I feel self-conscious getting out my big DSLR because I feel like people are looking at me to see what I’m photographing. This means that I normally don’t take out my camera until I’m in a secluded area or passersby have left for the day. Because of this, I miss so many great photo opportunities.

When I saw the size of the FUJIFILM XF10 I was thrilled. It is not much bigger than my cell phone. I can fit it in one hand and easily take pictures without drawing attention to myself. Because of this, I found myself taking this camera out everywhere we went without any hesitation. This was a game changer for me! I loved the ease of its portability but I still had control of all my settings just like I do with my DSLR. The camera even has a histogram so I can make sure my exposure is right, just like my DSLR. The FUJIFILM XF10 really is the perfect combination or all the features I’ve grown to love in a tiny, easy-to-carry package.

Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan
Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan
Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan
Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan

The extra features on the FUJIFILM XF10 give me creative control.

I was really impressed with all the functions on this powerful little camera. It was a smooth transition between my DSLR and the FUJIFILM XF10 because I was able to personalize the dials to the settings I preferred. The camera also features a face recognition self-timer, which allowed me to set up and take self-portraits without even needing a remote. I just focused and the camera snapped photos until I pressed stop. I also love the FUJIFILM Film Simulation settings, which include some fun monochrome options.

Perhaps my favorite feature of all was the large touchscreen viewfinder. I loved that I could lock my focus, or even take the photo from a quick touch of the screen. This allowed me to easily capture my wiggly children.

Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan
Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan
Best new mirrorless camera - FUJIFILM XF10 - Pro review by Kristen Ryan

The FUJIFILM XF10 fully exceeded my expectations. I was easily able to keep my 365 project going and capture all the precious moments we encountered with no limitations. Plus, I didn’t have to lug a heavy camera around. This camera is a huge win in my book!

All photos by Kristen Ryan

This is a sponsored post, but opinions are those of the author. 

Are you a FUJIFILM fan, or trying to decide on your first FUJIFILM camera? Check out these other FUJIFILM reviews: Jackie Jean explores Montana with the FUJIFILM X-T100, Danielle Awwad shows us life on the farm with the FUJIFILM X-T100, Natalie Greenroyd shares how she captures her everyday with the FUJIFILM X-T100, or find your favorite FUJIFILM camera on our best mirrorless cameras list.

About the Author
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Kristen Ryan

Kristen Ryan is a hobbyist photographer who has a weakness for pretty light. She is a wife and a mother of two little ones. She strives to capture her everyday life and turn it into a little piece of art. Using her camera to document her kids childhood before they are grown has been a driving point in her photography. Photographing her everyday has made her slow down and look at the world around her.

9 thoughts on “Pro Review: How the Fujifilm XF10 can be a documentarian’s best tool”

  1. Hi, awesome photos! I have found your review while looking for information for this camera (Had my Ricoh GR broken and I am considering the XF-10 as a replacemen)

    I am impressed by the colour and tones, specially from the sunset and also the flowers in the video. Do you remember if they were all edited? Or are they ooc jpegs?

    Many thanks!

    1. Hello, thank you so much! All the photos in the video were edited in Lightroom. None were straight out of camera.

  2. Great shots. How do you feel about the autofocus (especially the speed)? Some other reviews I’ve seen have been less than complimentary of that particular aspect.

    1. Thank you! It wasn’t as fast as some of my dslr lens, but I was able to set up back button focusing on it, which I was impressed with. I could also toggle between my bbf and touch focus on the screen itself. In the end I was able to keep up with my fast moving children pretty easily.

      1. What’s your settings for back button focus? Usually I’d use the AEL button, but this camera doesn’t have one. So I’m struggling to get it working. Thanks.

    1. Hi Kristen. I’ve always been curious how clouds sometimes look cinematic in some photos. I read this article yesterday and saw your great photos but I was wondering how you shoot those photos with children and sky with gray clouds above them? Did you use any specific filter or something?

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