Canon G15, or Fuji X10?

[Peter Blake]

been asked to recommend a compact with manual capability, for one of my students. we are going back to basics, learning exposure, dof, etc. she doesn't want a dslr. looking at the Fuji X10. or Canon G15.

anything else we should look at, or comments on the above. thanks

 

[Pat Reehal]

Peter

The exact two cameras I researched with almost the same requirements.

Took numerous photos with each, sat looking at the results until the cows came home and decided that image quality wise there was a fag paper between the two. Or, if I am totally honest, the Canon was a tad sharper over most ranges but the Fuji colours were just gorgeous. JPEGs straight out of the camera looked beautiful and did not require further PP. Both looked wonderful on my monitor but I preferred the Fuji tones and shadows.

It then came down to looks, ergonomics and price as both had similar manual control.

Looks were a no-brainer. The X10 is a beautiful retro camera, with an exceptional finish and a high quality metal body. The Canon too is very well made using high quality plastics but it is a big old lump which looks ( to me ) a bit Fisher Price in design. The one I tried had a sticking lens cover ( plastic blades which open on turning on ) and according to the salesman, it wasn't the first he had seen. Mind you the Fuji lens cap is a metal one which needs taking off and storing in a pocket though I do not use it and have a Marumi filter as a lens protector.

Ergonomics wise the Fuji just felt better in my hands though its control wheel was not as precise as the Canon. The viewfinders on both have no information but the Fuji one is larger and brighter and I could see the focus green light easier.

I preferred the Fuji manual zoom lens and it better range of focal lengths.

Price wise I bought the X10 as a refurb from Fuji UK and it was the latest serial number and brand new. It cost £262 delivered. The Canon was a lot more though prices are coming down. The introduction of the new Fuji X20 will probably affect X10 prices and though the spec looks very interesting, the X20 price is being quoted as £469 so I all wait until it joins the refurb list and spend the £200 difference on a Nikon V1 as I am intrigued by its fast focus speed.

(Note the creative accounting I use, save money on a camera I don't intend to buy and ask my beloved if I may spend that saving on a different camera. Works every time.)

Choice is a subjective, and very personal thing, but I have been delighted at the little X10 and it brings a smile to my face every time I get it out of its lovely leather case. It is a jewel of a camera which looks gorgeous and it is made to a precision and quality that belies its current low price.

Oh and it takes some lovely photos too which, for a real looker, is a bonus!

 

[Kev Pugh]

Haven't used the Canon but own the X10, have had since they first came on the market, goes everywhere with me, many of my posts have been from it, (I do PP though) my biggest issue is no info in OVF and AF can be a tad slow if you are shooting fast moving subjects, something that has been addressed in the X20 I believe which if you are considering latest model, is where I would go, but he X10 still is my go everywhere camera..

 

[Peter Blake]

thanks for your opinions. musing this last night and the Fuji also seemed to have a couple of advantages - the student had previously used a p&s digital and had somehow managed to scratch the lens, so I thought that having a filter thread could certainly be beneficial. the twist on the lens barrel also helping to train better holding technique. and it's made in Japan, just flying the flag really but I do see that as a psychological plus.

one more plus. the ovf is decidedly to the left side of the body, meaning that she can practice the 'both eyes open' way of shooting.