Fuji x10 vs Nikon 1 V1

[lordherald]

I have decided that I will eventually buy the x100s when it hits the stores but need a camera for a trip. This camera will end up belonging to my kid (nearly adult) who takes pictures of her crazy friends. I have read a number of positive comments about the Fuji X10 but was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about it compared to the Nikon 1 V1.

I want a camera that has an optical viewfinder of some type which both of these do. The Nikon comes with two lenses whereas the Fuji of course only has the one. I can get both new for about $500.

The Fuji comes with a Fuji brand leather carrying case with a strap the Nikon does not. Both are form reputable dealers and each comes with a 1 year warranty.

I need the viewfinder because most of the pictures I will take will be outdoors often in the desert.

I want digital because 300-400 pics a day is not unusual.

I am open for other suggestions but would prefer new as I can write it off on taxes that way.

 

[kyonthinh]

Dont buy V1 or J1, that's my 2 cents.

 

[lordherald]

i haven't had a chance to actually put my hands on a V1 i did look at the J1 but was instantly turned off by the fact that it only had a screen.

 

[fortynine]

I would buy the V1 cos it is very responsive and suits a young almost adult. The camera technology seems to be aimed mainly at people pics

 

[kdemas]

The V1 has a bigger sensor, much faster autofocus. The Fuji feels nicer in hand IMO. I have a V1 as a fun camera, it's an excellent performer, especially at the price you can snag it for now.

 

[Johnhw]

If u think your kid is into video get the v1
If u get the x10 check the serial number and make sure u have the new sensor to correct the orb issue that was going on... Should start with at least a 22xxxxxxx

 

[thegman]

If it's being passed onto a non-photographer, I'd get the X10, smaller and more flexible with the zoom lens. Built in flash vs. V1 is good too. I'd personally rather the X10 I think too, just for the pretty build.

 

[Spicy]

don't buy a v1/j1. it'll only encourage nikon to make more garbage.

 

[jsrockit]

I'd go for the Nikon V1 and the 10mm lens.

 

[VF101]

I've had to make the same decision, was not sure wether to buy the X10 or the V1. Yesterday I ordered the Nikon V1 kit. One of the main reasons has been that the X10 viewfinder shows no information, there's not even an LED for AF confirmation. And the V1 should be great for landscape photography with the double zoom kit while on my hiking tours. The DSLR is too big and the X10 lacks the telephoto range.

OTOH though, the X10 has a builtin flash and the lens is way faster than the Nikon 1 kit lens.

 

[PatrickT]

I haven't owned (or even used) an X10, but my Dad has a V1 + 10mm that I've used quite a bit.

Contrary to what some other people say, it is fantastic. Great images, fantastic AF and EVF, nicely built (it feels SOLID). I loved it. Paired with the 10mm/2.8 pancake it makes a great compact package.

I expected to not like it but was very pleasantly surprised.

EDIT: We bought the V1 at Samy's Camera when they had the camera + kit lens for $299, and also half off the 10mm about a month ago. It was a fantastic deal. I think these can still be found for this price.

 

[nlubis]

I don't own an X10. But the V1 is great, fast AF. I used it more for surveys/site visit. But have used it for snaps on the company's holiday party of my co-worker in a very low light. It works great.
I agree with jsrockit, if your son eventually uses fix lenses, it'll be a great combo.

 

[Rob-F]

I have the X10. The viewfinder only shows 80% of the scene the lens covers, and has no info at all. No telling if or what you focused on. I never use the finder. You have to rotate the lens though its zoom range to turn it on or off, less convenient than if it had a switch on the top. The zoom range is great; 28 to 112mm. You control the zoom with a zoom ring on the lens, just like an SLR. Image quality is great! High-ISO noise performance is great! Aperture won't convert X10 RAW files. X10 JPEGS are great, you almost don't need RAW.

On a September trip to NYC I had Leicasonic D-Lux 4; X10; X100. I used the X10 the most. I used the D-Lux 4 mostly for shots where 24mm was needed. The X100 got very little use. It has a great viewfinder, but the lack of a zoom lens limited its usefulness.

 

[btgc]

The Fuji comes with a Fuji brand leather carrying case with a strap the Nikon does not.

It's like deciding on a car because dealer throws in floormats. Well, they matter, but for me aren't decision factors.

 

[ath]

I have the X10. The viewfinder has no lag and shows action right away, even in the brightest sunlight. I rarely use the finder but when I use it, it's invaluable.
You rotate the lens through its zoom range to turn it on or off which is a natural movement for me and directly sets the zoom to midrange (or whatever else you prefer). The zoom range is great; 28 to 112mm. You control the zoom with a zoom ring on the lens, just like an SLR. Image quality is great! High-ISO noise performance is great! X10 JPEGS are great, you almost don't need RAW.

On my last vacation the X10 had to step in for my 5D and I took 3000 pictures with it. Coming from a SLR two things bothered me: AF performance (speed and reliability) and turn on time.
Otherwise a great camera and the X20 looks evern better (on paper).

Rob, I hope you don't mind I took your text as basis. It shows how much is personal preference...

 

[zeljko_x10]

I have both, X10 and 1V1. Also I have Fujifilm X-S1 and Nikon D7000 with several lenses.
In my opinion , Fujifilms are easier to use, better and faster lenses than kit lens that comes wit 1V1 and a lot more of manual exposure control at your fingers.
Nikon 1V1 is very nice and quality camera as well. Fast focus, excellent movies, long battery life and funky shots and clips (specialy attractive for young ones) are some of the highlights.
However, I wouldn't buy it if it wasn't for the ability to use all Nikon lenses with an adaptor which with the crop factor of x2.7 puts it in the league of its own. Imagine Nikon 60 mm F 2.8 Macro becoming 162 mm F2.8 Macro or 55-300 mm turning into 148-810 mm or even cheap 50 mm F1.8 D becomes fast 135 mm F1.8. Very impressive. Also shares the same batter as Nikon D7000. Very handy.
But if you don't have an Nikon DSLR, in my opinion it is more P&S camera with great movie capability and interchangeable lenses then the camera that put you in the driving seat and let you take control. In that case I would go for X10. If you do have an Nikon DSLR and some lenses, then it is worlh investing into 1V1, FT-1 adaptor and some 1 series fast prime lenses.

 

[lordherald]

I read the reviews of both cameras on dpreview, read the comments here and on other forums and finally decided on ordering the x10 new. I did buy the one that came with the free case and although it was not the deciding factor it was an accessory that I would have ordered immediately. The camera will end up getting tossed into a backpack alot and a good case will be a necessity. The main reason that i chose the x10 over the V1 is the fact that I will not have to worry about the lens that is not attached to the camera. In march I will be going back out into the desert (west Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) and will be living out of a tent fora week. If the weather was anything like it was last year it will by dry and extremely dusty and the wind will not stop blowing.

Rob-F said "The viewfinder only shows 80% of the scene the lens covers, and has no info at all. No telling if or what you focused on" this is okay as most of the pictures will be taken within 10 feet and with my old canon I used last year I was using a vintage lens with an adapter that rendered all of the cameras auto functions dead.

Thanks eveyone for the replies