MAKING MOVIES
Fujifilm clearly also has videomakers in its sight as potential users of the X-S10 which offers plenty to keep them happy. In essence, it’s same suite of capabilities as the X-T30, but with extras such as proper 3.5mm stereo audio input and a supplied dongle to convert the USB-C port into a 3.5mm stereo audio output. More importantly perhaps, is the in-body image stabilisation that can be supplemented with electronic stabilisation which shifts the image on the sensor (resulting in a small 1.1x crop).
Again, it’s the value proposition that’s likely to win buyers over more than anything else, although many here will also like the less idiosyncratic control arrangement.
The X-S10 shoots 4K video in the cinematic 17:9 aspect ratio with the Cinema 4K resolution of 4096x2160 pixels (4K DCI) and at 30, 25 or 24fps. The compression is fixed at LongGOP (and interframe regime), but you can adjust the bit-rate to either 200 or 100 Mbps. UHD 4K clips can also be recorded at 30, 25 or 24fps and either 100 or 200 Mbps. Better still, the 4K video is oversampled at 6K by using the full width of the sensor (so there’s no additional focal length increase either) which gives enhanced image quality, especially detailing and definition.
Full HD footage can be recorded with either the 16:9 or 17:9 aspect ratio and at 60, 50, 30, 25 or 24fps with the bit rate set to 50, 100 or 200 Mbps. There’s also an increased choice of frame rates for high-speed Full HD recording – 100, 120, 200 or 240fps – giving more options for slow-mo effects.
The audio features include manually adjustable levels, an attenuator, a wind-cut filter and a low-cut filter. Additionally, like the X-T30, the X-S10 records 24bit sound at 48kHz, so both the audio dynamic range and definition are also enhanced. There’s also a headphones volume control.
As with the X-T30, 4K video with 10-bit 4:2:2 colour can be recorded externally via the HDMI output along with simultaneous 4K internal recording but with 8-bit 4:2:0 colour. The F-log gamma profile is available for both external and internal recording to give an extended dynamic range, and usefully, there’s an F-Log View Assist display option. Alternatively, there are the dedicated Eterna and Eterna Bleach By-Pass Film Simulation profiles that enable easier post-camera grading of exposure and colour. The clip lengths are pegged at just a fraction under 30 minutes, and Fujifilm says that the magnesium alloy front panel is designed to act as a heat sink… something that’s easier to do with a camera body that isn’t weather sealed.
The X-S10 also ticks the boxes for zebra patterns (with an adjustable brightness threshold), time-coding (either rec-run or freerun with a drop-frame correction) and Movie Silent Control that allows for a number of recording functions to be operated via the touchscreen. In terms of video functionality, there’s the full set of Film Simulation settings, all the adjustable picture parameters (including the B&W warm/cool adjustments), dynamic range expansion processing and high
ISO noise reduction. Continuous autofocusing is available with face/ eye tracking and the range limiter. Conveniently, the Quick Menu automatically switches to video mode, enabling direct access to the key recording functions.
In comparison with the X-T4, the X-S10 lacks 10-bit internal recording and the 50/60p frame rates for 4K, but otherwise it’s up there with Fujifilm’s X-mount video star, and it certainly matches it for performance. Given the sensor size isn’t an issue for video (it isn’t for photography either, but here it really doesn’t matter at all), the X-S10 is brilliant value, and more than capable of attracting new converts to Fujifilm’s X-mount system.