Fujifilm FinePix HS10 review

A standout superzoom, but does it warrant the price tag?

Like the mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein, Fujifilm has taken all the best parts from recent models and sewn them together to create a superzoom like no other. Its advanced specs supersede the competition, being one of only two bridge cameras in the world to boast a non-interchangeable 30x optical zoom. Not surprisingly, the creator is pitching it as a ‘Jack of all trades’ kind of camera, but does this consequently mean ‘master of none’?

It’s certainly built to impress. Superzooms are often just slightly bigger than a compact, but the HS10 resembles an entry-level DSLR. It’s assuredly weighty, appearing like it could withstand a few knocks in the line of action. The design is ergonomically friendly too, with a large enough grip to satisfy both genders and a rubberised texture to aid comfort whilst shooting.

The controls reinforce the DSLR looks, with a ridged mode dial that sports the P, A, S, M modes that caters for all ability levels. Next door to this is a smaller command dial, which DSLR users will be familiar with. It enables you to flick through menu options, as well as images in Playback mode, which incidentally has its own dedicated button next to the D-pad. Both of these dials are slanted so that the photographer’s thumb can easily make adjustments whilst shooting.

The user’s other hand can be just as snug too, with the twist-barrel manual focus and zoom controls. Once newbie’s experience this style of shooting, they won’t want to return to rocker zoom switches. The tilting LCD, which could be further enhanced by making it fully rotational, is nevertheless a useful feature. It opens up possibilities of capturing daring angles; crowd shots at festivals will be easily attainable, as are candid images taken from inconspicuous low-angles.

Macro and landscape aficionados alike will adore the scope of the focal range. From 24-720mm, the user receives good wide-angle coverage as well as being able to lock onto your subject at a close 1cm. The image stabilisation performs admirably at the telephoto end of the zoom range and whilst recording video, which is HD at 1080p with stereo sound. This is rare for a superzoom and will undoubtedly be a bonus for anyone looking to take advantage of audio as well as visual opportunities.

The HS10 also possesses the ability to shoot RAW in addition to JPEG; however, the processing time is noticeably slower, taking a lengthy 30 seconds in total. The lens, on the other hand, is quick at either end and the features are easily accessible. Fujifilm has borrowed Sony’s panorama function and included it on the mode dial for speedy selection. However, it hasn’t been polished to Sony’s standard just yet. The process is simple enough with the user having to choose which direction they wish to begin sweeping from, and hold down the shutter release whilst panning the camera. This feature proved more suited to landscapes, as subjects in motion were recorded as ghostly entities. Also, the photographer must ensure not to pan too rapidly to avoid blurring.

Other features of note are the Multi Motion Capture, which steals up to five images of a subject in action and compiles them to create one image featuring the subject multiple times. This is great for sports or fast moving children and animals but if you’d rather eliminate moving objects from a frame, then the HS10 can tackle that too. The Motion Remover is an innovative function; ideal for holiday snaps of tourist attractions, minus the tourists.

Image quality is, as you would expect, not as detailed and sharp as a DSLR. Colours are true to life though, and chromatic aberrations are well controlled in high contrast scenarios. Noise holds out until ISO 800, which is suitable for low light fans. With its wide focal range, set of features, and a zoom so big you don’t need to change the lens, the HS10 could make a viable, cheaper alternative to a DSLR.