Fuji’s new fixed-lens compact, the XF10, will appeal particularly to fans of the long-in-tooth Ricoh GR. The GR has been my standby for years. Whenever I travel, I can find a space for it in my camera bag; I see it as a backup in case the camera du jour gives up the ghost while I’m on the road. The Ricoh is the smallest APS-C prime-lens camera on the market and that’s its main attraction. It is capable of stunning results yet looks like a cheapo point-and-shoot.
Fuji addressed this market, complete with the 28mm fixed lens, with the X70 which I thought might just be the perfect street camera. The XF70 now fills the void left by the withdrawal of the X70 and has a lot going for it. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, just like the GR.
The first thing I checked was the size and weight. How does it compare with the GR? The Fuji measures 113 x 64 x 41mm compared with the Ricoh GR at 117 x 61 x 35. There’s not a lot in it, and from the pictures, I believe the XF10 will offer better controls, less fiddly than those on the GR. It is also competitive on price — $500 compared with around $575 for the Ricoh. Factor in the 24MP sensor (this time with a Bayer filter rather than Fuji’s signature X-Trans technology) and the XF10 seems much better value.
The camera is also commendably light, just 280g — which is 20g lighter than Sony’s RX100 but, surprisingly, 35g heavier than the GR.
The only disappointment, from my point of view, is the lack of a hot-shoe mount to accommodate a 28mm optical viewfinder. With a 28mm lens at the normal f/5.6-f/8.0 shooting range, depth of field is very wide and there’s no need to worry about spot-on-focus in quick street shots. Set zone focus and you’re ready to go. In such circumstances, an optical viewfinder does make life easier. We hope to get our hands on the new mini APS-C camera but, in the meantime, I will be keeping a close eye on in-depth reviews when they come online.
You can find full details of the XF70 here on DPReview.
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+1 for Mike´s comment. I put mine on B/W, square image: My pocket Rolleiflex!
…of course I talk about the GR here!
I’m not in the market for another camera although I admit this looks good. Unfortunately, as an alternative to the GR I don’t see it being likely. Looking at the controls layout, it lacks one of the GR’s main attractions. That being quick one-handed operation. The GR puts everything exactly where it should be so you can shoot and change settings with only the right hand. But I’m making this observation based on illustrations, not holding the actual camera. We’ll have to see when the real deal arrives.
From the X70 to the XF10, the upgraded 16MP to 24MP sensor probably won’t a huge factor either. I’ve been a Fuji X-Pro1 and X-T1 user for several years and recently added the X-Pro2. While the handling of the X-P2 is a significant improvement over the previous model, the supposed improved image quality with the 24MP sensor is negligible to my eyes. But I shoot Raw, mainly for B&W, so color improvements and film simulations mean little to me. I’m a fan of Fuji’s X-Tran Raw files when processed with Iridient X-Transformer but I’m also a fan of Ricoh’s GRII Raw files for B&W. It will be interesting to see what Ricoh does with their upgraded GRIII when it comes available. I only hope Ricoh doesn’t load the camera with features and hamper its excellent handling. In any event, I don’t see me buying either of the new cameras as long as my current GRII is still functioning. Once/If it stops working, I’m happy to see there will be alternatives.
I agree in general about the Ricoh handling. However, I do have one big gripe which hits me every time I use the camera — that strange vertical rocker switch for exposure compensation which is right at the top right edge of the camera and is always getting nudged.
I have an X70, and whilst I’m not bothered about tilting screens too much, I find composing on that camera with the screen difficult (specs, old age etc.), plus I like viewfinders, even if they’re dumb, and bringing the camera up to my eye, rather than peering at it, at arm’s length. The lack of hotshoe on the XF10 is a pain, but it looks as if there might be enough room between or behind the mic. apertures to bodge in a coldshoe of some sort for my X70 viewfinder.
Interesting camera.
Some people prefer Fuji’s Bayer sensors to their Xtrans sensors, and this one is presumably the same as the new ILC XT100 model.
Personally, I really like that it has the focus joystick. I’d rather a tilting LCD than touchscreen, and most of all I’d rather a VF.
But I will watch this camera closely. The Acros vs GR monochrome output could be interesting.
I know it’s no use hoping for a tiltable screen on a Leica, but for me that has become a deal-breaker for all other makes and models………….
Hmmm. I’m not fond of the colors the Ricoh produces – more post work required for me. But, for B&W I can’t think of a better digital camera. It’s earned my eternal love and admiration. I’d like to see the output on this one – I’m not particularly fond of my XEs (over) processing and color, or its size…
I agree. The Ricoh GR makes a good Monochrom substitute!