Fuji Finepix HS10

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

10 megapixels
30x wide angle optical zoom lens
3inch LCD screen
1cm macro mode
High Definition movies

Image Quality Fuji Finepix HS10 test shots

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.

Picture Quality 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.

Shutter Lag and Recycling Times

This is the one area where I was disappointed with the Finepix HS10. Times certainly could have been quicker.

A single shot timed 0.45 seconds and five photos took 17.39 seconds. With flash turned on times increased to 1.68 seconds for a single shot and 19.54 seconds for five.

It took 2.72 seconds to turn on the Finepix HS10 and take the first photo.

You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.

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.

Dimensions

130.6 x 90.7 x 126mm

Weight

636g

Batteries

4 AA batteries.

Memory Cards

Fuji has built 45mb of storage into the Finepix HS10. This is enough for roughly 20 photos.

The camera is also compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards.

Click here to save money on SD cards..

Ease of Use Rating

Difficult. 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

Alternatives

If it is ultimate zoom you are after there is not a great deal of choice around. You could look at the Olympus SP-800UZ , but I found the Finepix HS10 to be far superior in my tests.