The Fuji FinePix HS10 is a superzoom bridge camera that is situated between point and shoot cameras and DSLRs. The Fuji HS10 is a larger form-factor than traditional compact point and shoot cameras, and is more along the size of shape of DSLRs. However, the Fuji HS10 is paired with a built-in 30x zoom lens, which offers a zoom range equivalent to 24-720mm.
The Fuji HS10 also features a 10MP CMOS sensor and is capable of capturing images at a speed of 10 frames per second for up to a 7 shot burst. The HS10 can capture 1080p HD video, and includes a high speed video function that captures 1000 frames per second for ultra slo-mo video.
The Fuji HS10 will be available in April 2010 at an initial retail price of $499.95.
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Fuji FinePix HS10 Press Release
Valhalla, NY, February 02, 2010 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced its most impressive line of high speed, high performance D-SLR-styled digital cameras with the introduction of the Fujifilm FinePix HS10. Serious photographers seeking the versatility and performance of a D-SLR system without the bulk or expense now have the perfect solution in the shape of the new Fujifilm FinePix HS10. The latest addition to Fujifilm’s award-winning range of big zoom ‘bridge’ cameras offers an unprecedented feature set that combines a powerful Fujinon 30x (24-720mm equivalent) manual optical zoom lens with sophisticated photographic controls, advanced functionality and D-SLR-like handling in a single compact, affordable unit.
“Utilizing Back Side Illuminated CMOS sensor technology capture married to class-leading Fujinon optical design, the FinePix HS10’s unique mix of advanced technologies brings several new features designed to make achieving professional-looking pictures easier than ever to the FinePix range,” said David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, “and all the while maintaining Fujifilm’s legendary image quality and low-light shooting performance.”
Powerful Lens
With a range that would require at least two or three bulky lenses on an SLR to capture the same zoom capabilities, the FinePix HS10’s built-in Fujinon 30x Wide-Telephoto zoom lens encompasses nearly every photographic requirement in a single compact unit. Furthermore, because the lens and body on the FinePix HS10 are built as a closed unit, it eliminates the possibility of dust on the image sensor.
The twist-barrel manual zoom control enables the photographer to make precision adjustments, and zooming is faster and more accurate than comparable powered zoom lenses in the same class of camera.
The class-leading Fujinon 30x optical zoom covers a uniquely versatile 24-720mm (equivalent on a 35mm camera) range from true wide-angle to ultra telephoto. From sweeping landscapes, interiors and large group shots to distant sports or wildlife action, the FinePix HS10 can handle nearly any photographic challenge. In addition to the impressive zoom capabilities, the Fujinon lens ensures optical quality across the entire range. Fujinon lenses are acclaimed by photographers, broadcasters (as the world’s leading manufacturer of television camera lenses) and industrial users across the globe. Fujinon lenses are also used in orbital satellites to capture high-resolution photos of the surface of the moon.
Triple Image Stabilization
Triple Image Stabilization combines a mechanically stabilized CMOS sensor with high ISO sensitivities and advanced multi-frame digital stabilization for total anti-blur protection. Together these technologies reduce the blurring effect of both handshake and subject movement to provide sharp, clean and clear results even at the longest zoom settings or in the most challenging lighting conditions.
High Speed, High Definition
Capturing action with the FinePix HS10 is so easy it feels like cheating. Whether you’re shooting stills or movie clips, the FinePix HS10’s cutting-edge sensor and processing technologies open up a range of high speed capture modes and unique shooting possibilities.
While shooting sports action or wildlife, or simply trying to keep up with fast-moving children, the FinePix HS10 will give users an edge with up to 10 frames-per-second of high speed continuous shooting1 at the maximum 10-MegaPixel setting. The FinePix HS10’s unique Best Frame Capture Mode means users don’t need the reactions of a pro sports photographer to get professional results either; in this mode the camera continuously records images from the moment the focus is activated, then saves up to seven shots captured before the shutter button is released.
The FinePix HS10 also features a full HD movie mode (1080p) with stereo sound, and the camera’s mini HDMI portallows users to easily display ultra clear high definition photographs and movies on high definition televisions. A new Super High Speed Movie function can freeze action and capture breathtaking movies at up to 1000 frames per second for amazing slow-motion movies that reveal the hidden world of events that normally occur in the blink of an eye.
Advanced Modes, Limitless Expression
The FinePix HS10 boasts several unique features and modes designed to expand shooting possibilities and to take the work out of creating genuinely eye-catching images.
• Motion Panorama Mode
Captures an ultra-wide panoramic view in a single sweeping shot. As the camera pans across the scene (left/right or up/down), the FinePix HS10 captures a series of shots in rapid succession. The shots are then stitched in-camera to produce a seamless panorama.
• Motion Remover Mode
Remove moving subjects from your shots. This mode captures 5 images of a scene in quick succession; the five images are then analyzed and combined in-camera to produce a single image2 where anything moving in the scene is removed.
• Multi-Motion Capture Mode
Previously only possible with highly specialized equipment, this mode captures 5 images of a moving subject in rapid succession and combines them into a single composite image** containing multiple sharply-captured views of the subject motion.
• Multi-Frame Image Stabilization
Combines high and low ISO exposures of the scene being photographed to reduce blur caused by camera shake without significantly increasing image noise. The FinePix HS10 also sports the remarkable ‘Pro Low Light’ mode, first seen on the FinePix S200EXR and F70EXR, which combines several exposures into a single image for ultra-low noise output in low light.
Low Light Performance
Thanks to Fujifilm’s award-winning sensor and processing technologies FinePix cameras have become market leaders in low-light performance, setting the standard for high sensitivity, low noise results in the most challenging shooting conditions. The FinePix HS10’s BSI-CMOS sensor continues this tradition with an innovative new design that significantly increases the light gathering ability of every pixel, resulting in a 200% increase in sensitivity over a conventional CMOS sensor. Combined with Fujifilm’s image processing expertise the new sensor produces stunning richly detailed low noise images, even when shooting in very low light.
The improved sensitivity isn’t just for taking noise-free photographs at night: it also allows the use of high shutter speeds in daylight required when shooting at telephoto end of the FinePix HS10’s 30x optical zoom, or when attempting to capture fast-moving subjects. Photographers no longer need to worry about blurred pictures with such a long telephoto as they can rely on the FinePix HS10 to produce clear, sharp output even at higher ISO settings.
A True Photographer’s Camera
As well as a range of advanced automatic functions – including Fujifilm’s acclaimed SR Auto mode – and scene modes designed to produce perfect ‘point and shoot’ results, the FinePix HS10 sports a full complement of sophisticated manual and semi-automatic shooting modes and photographic controls. The extensive external controls give the more advanced photographer direct access to virtually every control they will need for uninterrupted shooting, and the body includes dedicated command buttons for quick and easy key functions such as ISO, white balance, focus and metering.
The large command dial, manual focus ring, twist and zoom lens barrel, bright, clear electronic viewfinder, high quality tilting LCD screen and deep hand grip ensure the FinePix HS10 handles at least as well as a digital SLR, despite its compact dimensions. AA batteries (ships with alkaline) provide excellent performance (up to 300 shots with Alkaline batteries) combined with the convenience of a universally available format when shooting for extended periods away from main power.
The FinePix HS10 also offers these additional features:
• 3.0” High-Contrast Tilting LCD and Electronic View Finder: The FinePix HS10 is fitted with a high contrast 230K-pixel 3.0” LCD and Electronic View Finder. To improve user interaction with the camera, Fujifilm for the first time has included a clever sensor to the side of the EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) that automatically switches the picture between the EVF and the LCD screen when the eye is withdrawn.
• Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal: To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the FinePix HS10 is fitted with Fujifilm’s latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 10 faces simultaneously, at almost any angle to the camera. The system instantly corrects red-eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.
• Combined RAW/JPEG shooting: The FinePix HS10 has the ability to shoot both a RAW and JPEG shot simultaneously. RAW is for ultimate quality shots via post processing, JPEG is for great quality with no need for further post-production work.
The FinePix HS10 will be available in April 2010 at a retail price of $499.95.
110 fps up to 7 shots
2 M or S resolution output image
I probably wouldn’t buy another bridge camera now that I use a DSLR, but this one looks great with a broad zoom range. I’m interested to see if it performs well optically and how it does in low light.
– I am sceptical about the optical output of a 30x zoom. Considering that it inevitably means a substantial compromise on image quality to me especially the tele end is too much – who needs 720mm? this will require relatively long focusing times and very fast shutter speeds, even with the provided sensor shift image stabilisation, while higher ISO settings are only a limited option due to increased noise.
– The back-lit sensor with the relatively moderate 10 MPixels (more pixels will most likely just show more diffraction and other lens artefacts) appears to really improve on light sensitivity, which should make noise somewhat less of an issue (roughly a 1 stop advantage?) -> Sounds very promising!
– Zoom ring and even a manual focus ring are provided, PASM exposure modes and RAW available -> Excellent!
– The specification (see http://www.fujifilm.com) indicates that LCD screen and viewfinder both show only 97% of the image – this is to me a clear design fault, as 100% coverage could easily be implemented and is obviously best
-> may be corrected for production or later in firmware?
Overall this is to me a really interesting camera, depending on how much the 30x zoom compromises image quality -> my next camera?
Greetings from Switzerland
body samller than s200exr
i think it is not a upgrade to s200exr? it is a new series
The marketing for this camera will get a lot of attention but as for performance… i’ll wait until other sites get a test model. Realistically though, what do you expect for $500? Everything!? If you want the best you need to SPEND MONEY. lost of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Very interesting object) By the way I HAVE A QUESTION: how fast startup time this camera has? I mean the time from switching on to full readiness; cause i often have a lot of important moments requiring instant photographing.
Big thanks for the answer)))
It doesn’t have spot metering? Why???!!
I’m keeping an eye on this one, manual control, raw, nice super-macro range of 1cm, but again, where is my spot metering?
It DOES hav spot metering!
Check this link quote from Fujifilm’s home page (http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_hs10/features/page_04.html):
? AE button
Change AE to Spot AE for a perfectly exposed subject.
This camera seems to have “everything” I am looking for in a camera, including Full HD stereo video! I can’t wait to see some tests of the camera and the image/video quality, but at the moment this lokks like my next camera..
Talked to a Fuji rep and I’m still unclear about the inclusion or exclusion of a dedicated lens hood for this thing. It would need one, since it zooms out to 24 mm, and without a hood, you’d get all kinds of lens flare. He didn’t know! This is kind of important…a deal-breaker, really.
I agree that it needs a dedicated hood, (not that it will be a deal breaker).
I am looking for a remarkable bridge camera for those times I dont want to lug all the DSLR gear. The HS10 is by no means a replacement for DSLR but it seems like it will be a competitive tool. Has nice features, a CMOS, and compact. If it lives up to the image quality claims, even within reason, Im sold!
Hi all,
Pardon my ignorance on this one but a quick question. How is the sensor in the HS10 expected to perform relative to the EXR sensor in my S200? It’s smaller, is it not? And has a slightly lower resolution. Not that ultimate MPs are the be-all and end-all of photography by a long way.
So can some one fill me in on the advantages of CMOS vs CCD?
To me HD video is irrelevant, but otherwise as above if IQ is good, I’m sold.
Ed.
TO BUY A DSLR AND LENS TO GET THIS ZOOM RANGE YOU ARE LOOKING AT OVER $3000. I’VE GOT THE S200EXR, IF THE IMAGE QUALITY IS ON A PAR WITH THE 200 I WILL BE BUYING ONE. 30X ZOOM WILL BE GREAT FOR THOSE SHOTS. WHERE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GET CLOSER.
Camera is impressive at first sight, but not a “True Photographer’s” camera as marketed. Lowest exposure is 1/4 second, and with no bulb setting. Sorry, not for me.
Leo,
The 1/4 second shutter speed is only in the auto setting. In all others the shutter speed is 30sec. to 1/4000sec.
See “shutter speed” at http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_hs10/specifications/index.html
This looks like an amazing camera to me.
Does anyone pay attention to the sensor size? Would it be crucial ultimately for the IQ and performance? I bought cameras with 1/2.3 sensor, including the recent and well reviewed Canon SD3500 and Panasonic ZS3. Unfortunately their low light AF and IQ are not as good as the ones with larger sensors, like my Panasonic LX2. No matter how many good stuffs are designed into a camera, they all have to be delivered through that tiny piece of glass called sensor, don’t they?
It seems that the HS10 has caused quite a stir, and thats no mean feat for a bridge camera!
Of course, picture quality is paramount, and until some serious testing has been done, I think most will be sitting on the fence, it sure looks too good to be true on paper, lets hope it performs as stated!!
Personally, if picture quality betters my ageing Minolta A200 (8MP, 28-200mm), then I’m sold!
I’m a very keen traveler/photographer, so a compact, lightweight, do-it-all, single package works best for me, and when I think back on some situations I had with the A200, I’m sure the HS10 would have performed much better, like when I saw a Sea Eagle soaring over Queenstown in New Zealand, just couldn’t get a decent picture with the Minolta, which is a shame, as it could have been proof of the first ever sighting of one in NZ!
Another special close encounter with a Platypus in Tasmania, I videoed in 800×600, the highest available in the A200, HD would have been awesome!
Only a few years ago, there was talk about bridge cameras being a dying breed, if this is anything to go by, they are far from it, lets hope Fuji thinks so too!
If this is a testbed for future models, then maybe we are not far from the ultimate traveling camera, DSLR size sensors, with picture quality to match, higher LCD & viewfinder resolution, inbuilt Geo-tagging, swiveling LCD screen for better protection (can be folded screen side towards camera), and maybe even a wider and larger manual zoom lens, with superior anti-shake of course!
Until then, the HS10 is the closest yet!
Long live bridge cameras!
I currently use a modest Canon S3, had it from new 5/6 years ago, has done me well & still takes tasty photos & movies, but, I contracted the dslr bug couple of years ago. There seems to be no cure & felt my pain would only cease with the purchase of said dslr, unfortunately too much choice for a beginner & too much expense just complicated my symptoms. So, you can imagine what this HS10 represents to someone like me who is passionate about wildlife & family, 30X zoom & HD movie ticks all box’s. I am of a cautious nature so will wait for the rich kids to get their hands on them first & wait for a variety of reviews before I sell a kidney & get me one. It does sound & look like a fair bit of kit.
I wonder if a teleconverter can be attached to the front of the lens, as can be done with some Olympus megazoom cameras?
WTF
I have added a pro-low light test to HS10 here:
http://www.pbase.com/middlehill/hs10_pro_low_light
Do you only publish favorable comments?
I own and use the HS10 and have been very favorably impressed with it. I shoot a lot of sports, and the camera handles low light very well with minimal noise. I was able to shoot baseball late at night, lit only by field lights, at 1/1000 of a second with very usable results.
It also produces extremely sharp images in more normal lighting situations.
And in answer to previous question, I have a Raynox 2.2 tele-extender that screws onto the front of the lens, giving an effective length in the range of 1500 mm.
Try before you buy. On paper this looks like a fantastic camera, and I was looking to replace my Canon SX10 with one of these, mainly for the longer lens and HD Video. Then I went to a camera shop and tried one out. In less than 2 minutes I decided NOT to buy this camera. It has THE WORST Electronic View Finder (EVF) I have ever used. What a shame. The rest of the camera is good. OK, it’s got a small sensor and it’s not going to match a DSLR, but if you look at it as a Super Compact, it would make a fantastic travel camera. Fuji have produced good EVFs before – I had a 9600 and that was fine. This one is too small, recessed and poor quality. Otherwise it would have been a great purchase.
Seems like a lot nonsense talking about how good/bad this camera is compared to a DSLR..
This is definetely NOT comparable to an even entry level DSLR camera period.
Its’ 30x optics, no matter how well designed, will lead to less than average results, especially at the telephoto lenghts. This is not questionable.
The extra gadgets are there just to make this camera worth being marketed.
It’s a bridge and expect it to give you great bridge class image results.
Do you want better. Buy a DSLR entry body and great lens.
I own a Canon EOS 7D and 15-85mm, 10-22mm and a 70-200mm F4 IS lenses and love this kit.
While travelling within Australia I can take this bulky kit as my mode of transport is car and usually I need about 1/4 of the boot for my camera gear including Tripods and pano head etc.
The aim is not to compare the FUJIFILM HS10 with dslrs. Last week bought a HS10 from Ted’s for $500 as I wanted to travel light with overseas air travel. Tested hand held with all the marked focal lengths on the lens and very impressed with the image quality (Still tested only on a sunny day) Not done any testing with low light yet.
Now I can travel light and 30x zoom is a gem. I think FujiFilm set a new standard with big zooms and the most favourite thing in this camera is the manual zoom as I hate the hard to control motorised zoom. (Previously used Olympus and Nikon motorised zooms)
I agree with the comments on EVF which was not my favorite in this camera. However, most of the other aspects are appealing as a travel mate.
Well,
Is there anyone who is using this camera(Hs10)?
If there is someone using it,how is its performance?
I would like the comments on all the main aspects of this camera coz my father plans to buy it,most probably we would so, before that we would like a bit more details from the users.
Thanks for all others who had commented on this.
And not just that.We had 1st planned to buy Nikon D90.
Well I know that we cannot compare D90 with HS10.
Still,for the time being, will it suffice instead of a D90?
I know it is again foolish to ask, but while we thought to buy D90 with a high zoom lens, the price was high, Though we were ready to buy it.But suddenly we saw this one (HS10)and its zoom range was so interesting which left us a doubt which one to buy? Because we are nikon users since we came to this feild.Still we have read about fujifilm cameras and own a panasonic lumix one.
I own the HS10 for about a month now. I bought my 1st digital in 1998 snd since then I buy an upgraded one every 2-3 years. Mostly Olympus. My last camera before the Fujifilm hs10 was the Olympus 570UZ. So far I am very pleased with my last purchase. It will not produce a DSLR quality pictures but close enough and good enough for printing.
Pros –
1. zoom – good quality even at maximal zoom.
2. Low light conditions. By far it is the best digital I ever used when it comes to low light conditions.
3. HD video. In contrary to Olympus you can zoom and record sound at the same time. Video quality is very good.
4. Video recording by a single push of the record button. No need to to look at the command dial and turn it prior to recording. In short, the camera is always ready for a video recording.
5. When you turn the command dial it shows on the the LCD screen. No need to look at the dial while turning it. Very convinient.
6. While using the EVF or when the sensor is covered the LCD screen turns off. I guess that will save some battery power.
Cons –
1. Its heavier than my previous cameras.
2. Movement of the zoom lens isn’t smooth and it shows when recording videos. maybe it will get smoother when more used.
3. My impression that I need to replace batteries more often than before.
4. While using sophisticated features it takes the camera quiet a time to process.
There are two features that I still need more practice before making up my mind:
1. Panoramic pictures
2. motion remover
I have posted two short movies on YouTube about the HS10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxujYGcMTwg
and
The images produced by this camera turn out to be slightly disappointed.
The imagea are full of visible noise under ISO100 or ISO 200. Especially where the images with solid color back ground such as blue sky or stucco wall, grainy and visible uneven color pigments shown.
The manual zoom feature is great but not smooth enough and focus is a little lag. Image processing speed is a little slow in larger format chosen from from one multiple frames shooting to another, what you sold but not what you get.
Wish-lists on next version HSxx:
mentioned above need to improve badly.
Slightly Wider angle 30X lens
Larger internal memory
Hybrid Auto focus system option,
15 mega-pixel CMOS sensor