The Official Fuji X10/X20/X30/XF1/XQ1 Thread

[Ed Sutton]

The first three are right up my street, Pete. Not all photographs have to be works of art. Photography is always documentary, and looking back in 10, 20, 30 years time they provide a fine record of social history. That's one very good reason why prints should always be made. Someone is more likely to rummage through a box of prints when we pop our clogs than check every file on our last hard drive.

Mind you, it's not in the same league as Dave's ditches and drains which he can bend like a demented Uri Geller!

 

[robenroute]

Rob, I was being quizzical. Yes, I added the coins, though not to deceive, no more than say cloning out an annoyance.
I take your point though.

Rhodese.

It's just that I totally overlooked the coins in the first place. I don't mind people enhancing pictures. It's a very nice B&W you produced, Rhodese; I'd love to see more. Just think of it as a tongue-in-cheek comment.

 

[Rhodese]

Just think of it as a tongue-in-cheek comment.

 

[Rhodese]

Pete, luvin the skellington.
Rhodese.

 

[Piscator Pete]

...Not all photographs have to be works of art. Photography is always documentary, and looking back in 10, 20, 30 years time they provide a fine record of social history. That's one very good reason why prints should always be made. Someone is more likely to rummage through a box of prints when we pop our clogs than check every file on our last hard drive.

Thanks Dave. I agree with every word of that.

Pete

 

[Piscator Pete]

Pete, luvin the skellington.
Rhodese.

Thanks Rhodese. 'Tis a bit of fun.

Pete

 

[Rhodese]

Yes even more mono,
The last one is an if only, If only there was more space on the right hand side to give the second dog more space, ah well.

If I'm posting too many, tell me, I'm a big boy now.

Rhodese.

 

[Nod]

Yes even more mono,
The last one is an if only, If only there was more space on the right hand side to give the second dog more space, ah well.

Ah! What you needed was the extra 3mm of width the XF-1 offers! But then you'd miss out on the faster and longer far end that the X-10 has... Having both is the only answer!!!

 

[toadstool]

How does everyone have their x10 set? Just taken my first "getting a feel of it" shots and I'm not sure how I feel about the results. Shot in JPEG as I read the RAW files aren't great.

 

[Rhodese]

Good afternoon Nod, Yes if only. In the film years, I was never one for lugging huge bags of stuff around, and my favoured lens was 28mm. The amount of times I cursed myself for not bringing the 24mm, well countless. If it was a fixed still shot and I couldn’t move back to get more in, I would over lap two shots and blend them in the darkroom, much like we do now in PS. Stepping back a bit might have given me more width, but then I guess I would have missed the shot. So your solution is something to think about, but it’s the money and when she who must be obeyed comes into the equation, things get really complicated.

 

[Rhodese]

How does everyone have their x10 set? Just taken my first "getting a feel of it" shots and I'm not sure how I feel about the results. Shot in JPEG as I read the RAW files aren't great.

Toni, the jpegs from the X10 ar really quite good, in one of the auto modes why not take jpeg and raw, and see what you prefer. Make notes of the cameras settings, and start interpreting them to what you like. Remember to take pictures that please you and not someone else, unless, they are paying.

Rhodese.

 

[robenroute]

How does everyone have their x10 set? Just taken my first "getting a feel of it" shots and I'm not sure how I feel about the results. Shot in JPEG as I read the RAW files aren't great.

Toni, the jpegs from the X10 ar really quite good, in one of the auto modes why not take jpeg and raw, and see what you prefer. Make notes of the cameras settings, and start interpreting them to what you like. Remember to take pictures that please you and not someone else, unless, they are paying.

Rhodese.

Hi Toni, I can only concur with Rhodese's advice; what pleases you is most important. Personally, and after quite a bit of testing, mucking about, and otherwise trying different settings, I've come to the following preferences:

For general use, I tend to stick to P-mode (or any of the other PASM-modes), M-size, RAW+JPG, DR400, ISO Auto-1600. Unless I really need the full resolution of the 12M pixels (L-size), but that's not very often.

For low-light shots of steady scenes, the Pro Low Light setting of the Adv (Advanced mode) can be rather useful (also in M-size).

Another interesting mode is the EXR-mode: I leave it mostly on EXR-Auto when using this mode, and quite often get impressive results (again, at M-size).

The JPGs are really impressive and offer lots of bandwidth to processing.

Hope this helps a bit, but like Rhodese said, your mileage may vary.

 

[Nod]

I always (on all my cameras [unless there's a very good reason to go smaller]) shoot in large, fine JPEG. There's no perfect way to add extra pixels or detail but easy enough to reduce both when necessary.

I'm also almost always in P mode and generally shifted away from the suggested setting. Depending on the histogram/review image, I'll reshoot if necessary.

Pretty sure that all the in camera processing options are set to 0 at the moment and they give me very pleasing prints SOOC at A3 size. I haven't yet played around with the settings but might have a play with the film simulations sometime soon.

Best way to decide what settings to use is to start at 0 and play to see what YOU like. Some people like HDR and colour popping...

 

[DayDreamer]

After being a member on this forum for a year or so and avidly reading this thread even though I don't qualify now (sold my X10) I have come to the conclusion that my eyes are sure not as discerning as many others. And thank goodness I say or it would cost me a fortune in chasing the perfect camera/lens/settings

Since being a member I have been on a long journey arriving at a point where I am reasonably happy with 'my' compact camera (Nikon P7700 to replace my X10 for key ergonomic reasons due to my health limitations - but still miss the X10). But the one thing I have realised is that I do fiddle around with my shots in PP a lot (mmm quite a lot in fact :nuts: ) probably because I am struggling to get out to take the shots so have settled for the hobby (photography) in the digital darkroom - my laptop.

The other realisation is I am more relaxed and far more open minded at what, to me, is a 'keeper' and many would think I was off my head if I were to show my number one keeper of the last year. Nod would guess why as it was taken from my hospital bed, one very dark day, last May. And my goodness it, as well as others taken in a 12 hour period, evokes such memories. So this taught me what photography can be, which for me, is/was to capture a 'moment in life' lest it be forgotten.

Long winded way of saying an X10 can even on full auto be a very capable tool for capturing those moments but make sure when looking for the 'keepers' and 'slingers' (not sure of the opposite of 'keepers') that you look deeply into ALL aspects and not just pixel peep. But those who want to pixel peep feel free as I'm sure it can give a lot of pleasure --- as well as pain in the wallet

Sorry I feel I have gone on but sermon over

 

[Piscator Pete]

...The other realisation is I am more relaxed and far more open minded at what, to me, is a 'keeper' and many would think I was off my head if I were to show my number one keeper of the last year. Nod would guess why as it was taken from my hospital bed, one very dark day, last May. And my goodness it, as well as others taken in a 12 hour period, evokes such memories. So this taught me what photography can be, which for me, is/was to capture a 'moment in life' lest it be forgotten...

...Sorry I feel I have gone on but sermon over

Not a sermon, John, but a poignant reminder to us all, and extension of what Dave pointed out at the top of this page.

As a sort of preface to each of his works, 'BB', author (inc. children's books), artist, keen angler, and countryman, said,

"The wonders of the world, the beauty and the power,
the shapes of things, their colours,
lights and shades; these I saw.
Look ye also while life lasts. "


DSCF3253 by wylyeangler, on Flickr

Pete

 

[robenroute]

After being a member on this forum for a year or so and avidly reading this thread even though I don't qualify now (sold my X10) I have come to the conclusion that my eyes are sure not as discerning as many others. And thank goodness I say or it would cost me a fortune in chasing the perfect camera/lens/settings

Since being a member I have been on a long journey arriving at a point where I am reasonably happy with 'my' compact camera (Nikon P7700 to replace my X10 for key ergonomic reasons due to my health limitations - but still miss the X10). But the one thing I have realised is that I do fiddle around with my shots in PP a lot (mmm quite a lot in fact :nuts: ) probably because I am struggling to get out to take the shots so have settled for the hobby (photography) in the digital darkroom - my laptop.

The other realisation is I am more relaxed and far more open minded at what, to me, is a 'keeper' and many would think I was off my head if I were to show my number one keeper of the last year. Nod would guess why as it was taken from my hospital bed, one very dark day, last May. And my goodness it, as well as others taken in a 12 hour period, evokes such memories. So this taught me what photography can be, which for me, is/was to capture a 'moment in life' lest it be forgotten.

Long winded way of saying an X10 can even on full auto be a very capable tool for capturing those moments but make sure when looking for the 'keepers' and 'slingers' (not sure of the opposite of 'keepers') that you look deeply into ALL aspects and not just pixel peep. But those who want to pixel peep feel free as I'm sure it can give a lot of pleasure --- as well as pain in the wallet

Sorry I feel I have gone on but sermon over

Very true, John. And I like your term "slingers" (better than the first word that popped into my twisted mind: "t0553rs").

In the end, it's all about personal taste. And that's great, because it makes the world a wonderful and colourful place.

 

[petercastleton]

agree with most of the above posts, shoot what you like and like what you shoot, an X10 is quite capable and portable in most situations - just use it!

 

[PJ S]

Rejects or rejected would be the opposite of keepers.

 

[Spiritflier]

Apologies if this has been mentioned previously but I couldn't be arsed to check back through the thread!

I've been looking at one of the 'thumb up' grips for ages but I've always been put off by the price (which seems to vary between expensive and extortionate). I finally found one on Ebay that fits the bill and is far more reasonably priced (although still expensive for what is essentially a bit of machined aluminium with a grub screw).

Click HERE to see what I'm on about... I've just ordered one and the delivery estimate seems fairly quick and I'll post a picture when it arrives.

 

[robenroute]

Apologies if this has been mentioned previously but I couldn't be arsed to check back through the thread!

I've been looking at one of the 'thumb up' grips for ages but I've always been put off by the price (which seems to vary between expensive and extortionate). I finally found one on Ebay that fits the bill and is far more reasonably priced (although still expensive for what is essentially a bit of machined aluminium with a grub screw).

Click HERE to see what I'm on about... I've just ordered one and the delivery estimate seems fairly quick and I'll post a picture when it arrives.

Still a staunch amount, Si. Perhaps I would first need to try one to feel what it does.

 

[Spiritflier]

Still a staunch amount, Si. Perhaps I would first need to try one to feel what it does.

I know what you mean Rob... It's all relative I guess! :shrug:

The X10 lends itself so well to being 'pimped' up though.

 

[toadstool]

Thanks for the replies about settings earlier everyone. I was just struggling to get anything above "outright bad" quality wise; I'm having a far harder time getting to grips with the x10 than I did with the x100. I was out and about tonight and had the camera on EXR auto.. haven't looked at what I've got yet!

 

[Blank_Canvas]

Thumb Grips and the new Sensor

I think the X10 does take a while to get used to. I have just had my sensor replaced and it's like starting again with a new camera. It is quite hard trying to predict the outcome using the EXR and programme modes which normally give quite good results.

If you have large hands like me then I initially found the handling of the X10 a little fiddley after using a DSLR but I have found the addition of a thumb grip which I picked up on ebay a real benefit. I think I payed about £26 but it definitely pays to shop around they can be as much as £75 at the upper end of the scale.

Please excuse the poor quality nut it was taken with an iPhone:

Although I keep my camera in a small Lowpro case. I often go out with my X10 just stuffed in my coat pocket, I have quite a decent Tog 24 jacket and the pocket linings are very soft which doesn't scratch the camera.

I'm still quite pleased with the camera but i'm not convinced the new X10 sensor quality is as good as the original Mk 1. As I say i'm still getting used to it. Here's a picture I took last weekend:-

HMS Illustrious - Pier Head, Liverpool

Has anyone got any strong view on the new sensor ?

 

[ChrisR]

I've taken some shots with the new sensor that had every bit of the in-your-face boldness of the camera when I first got it! Not noticed any difference...

 

[toadstool]

I don't see any of the "in your face boldness" I'd read about with the camera. Nor sharpness. I see a weird "smoothness" in photos.. I'm not sure if I'm just utilising the wrong settings or what... trial and error, I guess. I've been looking for a good quality starter set up (in terms of file size, sharpness, colours, shadow and highlight variations etc) that I can then adjust to my taste but not having too much luck. Fooling around myself is just providing very.. £20 point and shoot results in terms of quality; again, with the smoothness to the files and really flat colours.

 

[DayDreamer]

£20 point and shoot results in terms of quality; again, with the smoothness to the files and really flat colours.

Not sure if I am reading this right but if there is a£20 P&S that takes pics as good as these on the thread I'll buy one

On a serious note surely all shots deserve a little tweaking, in PP, which should get you where you want to be. I have been fiddling with shots from a number of differing cameras (travel zooms, high end compacts, DLSR's), taken over the past couple of years, and as my PP has improved I find I am making something out of (what I thought) were very lacklustre shots.

I am also guilty of being very impatient with any technology - cameras, PC's, mobile phones, etc and I don't expect to learn from the manual on how to use but I did find with the X!0 this thread was the answer to many of my questions.

 

[robenroute]

Thumb Grips and the new Sensor

I'm still quite pleased with the camera but i'm not convinced the new X10 sensor quality is as good as the original Mk 1. As I say i'm still getting used to it. Here's a picture I took last weekend:-

HMS Illustrious - Pier Head, Liverpool

Has anyone got any strong view on the new sensor ?

My personal jury is still out on the verdict I can't put my finger on it, but there's a noticeable difference. I'm not unhappy with the new sensor; I just need to get used to it I guess.

Your ship shot (sorry) looks fab to me. Excellent shot with great colours! Well done.

 

[toadstool]

Not sure if I am reading this right but if there is a£20 P&S that takes pics as good as these on the thread I'll buy one

Yes, I meant the quality of photos I'm getting are the equivalent of a cheapy P&S. I looked for original files but I haven't kept any purely because they weren't worth it. But like I said, it's probably because the combination of the basic settings (like file size, shadow tone, highlight, sharpness and colour options in the menu) aren't working together. The photos in this thread are fantastic but they're also from people who have figured the camera out and know how to use it to its best. I don't.

On a serious note surely all shots deserve a little tweaking, in PP, which should get you where you want to be. I have been fiddling with shots from a number of differing cameras (travel zooms, high end compacts, DLSR's), taken over the past couple of years, and as my PP has improved I find I am making something out of (what I thought) were very lacklustre shots.

Of course! I always PP to some degree, whether it's a lot creatively or just small adjustments but the qualities I was getting from photos weren't things that could be fixed with PP. For example, when I attempted to adjust the clarity and sharpness on the very smooth looking base image, it looked processed and unnatural no matter how little I added. Like trying to polish a turd But again, this is probably down to the combination of settings I was trying out not working together. Earlier, I mentioned I was looking for an idea of the best basics to produce a good quality such as the file size, shadow tones, highlight, colours, sharpness etc features that are available in the cameras menu that I could then tweak and adjust to my liking. I'm not used to using settings like this within the camera.

I am also guilty of being very impatient with any technology - cameras, PC's, mobile phones, etc and I don't expect to learn from the manual on how to use but I did find with the X10 this thread was the answer to many of my questions.

And that's why I'm here, asking questions to possibly get the answers that weren't provided in the manual

 

[thelaughingcow]

Evening,

New to the forum, but have been reading this thread over the last few days. Just got myself an X10 for £295 and been loving it, just wanted to share some shots

I found that reading this forum thread is much better than reading the manual!

 

[Lindsay D]

I know what you mean Rob, when my new sensor arrived I did notice a difference. The images appeared slightly more "conventional" and I wasn't too sure immediately how I felt. I noticed a very slight difference in colour rendition, slightly less warm. However I subsequently grew to prefer it because the images were a bit more natural and a bit kinder on highlights. And also perhaps even slightly better on noise.

 

[Spiritflier]

Out of curiosity, how many users haven't sent their X10 back to have the sensor replaced? (Apart from me that is!)

 

[ggwildlife]

I havent sent mine back, until reading this I didnt realise there was a new sensor, im loving my X10 as it is, but going to look into it.

 

[robenroute]

Out of curiosity, how many users haven't sent their X10 back to have the sensor replaced? (Apart from me that is!)

Hope you don't mind the personal note, Si, but how's the little one doing? Are all doing well? You got still time to shoot pictures and hang around forums?

 

[Spiritflier]

Hope you don't mind the personal note, Si, but how's the little one doing? Are all doing well? You got still time to shoot pictures and hang around forums?

Hi Rob,

I don't mind at all.

Callie's getting bigger every day... I can't believe she'll be 8 months old on Tuesday! Time flies eh? I'm not doing as much with the X10 as I used to but it still spends a lot of time out with me. To be honest, I'm having far too much fun with the 5DMKIII!

Here's a quick snap of her from yesterday... I was going to post one of the shots from the 5D but figured I'd better stick to the X10!

 

[Ed Sutton]

Out of curiosity, how many users haven't sent their X10 back to have the sensor replaced? (Apart from me that is!)

Add me to the list.

 

[DayDreamer]

And they sent me back a quality control checklist.

And gave me a new neck strap as I managed to b****r the original one up

And they replaced the LCD which was a bit marked but which I had originally accepted as part and parcel of buying a refurb.

So again very very impressed at their after sales.

But I never spotted any difference with the pics but I am a bit of an anti pixel peeper.

 

[Rhodese]

Evening,

New to the forum, but have been reading this thread over the last few days. Just got myself an X10 for £295 and been loving it, just wanted to share some shots

I found that reading this forum thread is much better than reading the manual!

Only red Xs showing here for the pictures, look in, Help, FAQ for how to share your pictures.
Looking at the set on Flickr there are some stonkers, if any one is doubt about the ability of the X10 then have a look at this lot. The street picture taken from a low angle with an advertising board in the foreground is a bit strange, why would the top two words be out of focus and the bottom in focus? Have you PPd for effect? I love the mono shots, and the needle and thread, and the plectrum, and the Bentley, and the, and the, and the.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

Rhodese.

 

[Nod]

Good to "see" you, John.

My only hospital shots were self portraits, mainly to see how the shiners were developing then fading! It would have been nice to get a shot or 2 of the nursing teams but there's a time and place and IMO, during their very busy working hours wasn't the time!

Hoping to get down your way once the conservatory's finished - will communicate via PM when I have more time.

 

[robfol]

Hi all
Very pleased to have discovered this X10 forum
Just to et you know I tried the X20 out at CES Vegas show and was very impressed
Just like my X10, but faster, even better sensor and info in finder
No brainer upgrade as soon as I save up (-:
Cheers Robert

 

[ChrisR]

I don't see any of the "in your face boldness" I'd read about with the camera. Nor sharpness. I see a weird "smoothness" in photos.. I'm not sure if I'm just utilising the wrong settings or what... trial and error, I guess. I've been looking for a good quality starter set up (in terms of file size, sharpness, colours, shadow and highlight variations etc) that I can then adjust to my taste but not having too much luck. Fooling around myself is just providing very.. £20 point and shoot results in terms of quality; again, with the smoothness to the files and really flat colours.

I was thinking of the pics I posted at http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=5290568&postcount=5622, which seem pretty bold to me. As far as I know my X10 is on bog standard settings (P mode, M, DR400, Auto ISO 1600, everything else standard).