Fujifilm XF10 vs Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Large Sensor Compacts

When shopping for a large sensor compact camera, it's easy to get overwhelmed by options. Two popular contenders from 2018 - the Fujifilm XF10 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II - target enthusiasts who want serious image quality in a pocketable package. I’ve put both through extensive real-world use and technical evaluation. Here, I’ll break down how these two cameras stack up across the most important photographic disciplines and features, so you can decide which fits your style, budget, and needs best.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: The Feel in Your Hands

Size and comfort often decide what camera you carry all day. The Fujifilm XF10 is delightfully compact and lightweight at 279g with dimensions of 113 x 64 x 41 mm. Its flat-front fixed 28mm lens and minimalist design keep it slim, almost like a high-end point-and-shoot.

The Panasonic LX100 II, by contrast, weighs 392g and measures 115 x 66 x 64 mm, noticeably larger and chunkier. The bump exists partly because of its zoom lens (24-75 mm equivalent) and robust handling features, including a solid grip and dedicated control dials for shutter, aperture, and exposure compensation. These “clubs for thumbs” make manual control intuitive for seasoned users.

I’ve found the XF10 is a better fit if pocketability and quick snaps are your main priorities. The LX100 II feels more camera-like with the heft and controls that please enthusiasts who want manual operation at their fingertips. Ergonomically, the LX100 II wins hands down for controls; XF10 is minimalist and less ergonomic but easy enough for casual use.

Sensor and Image Quality: Read the Fine Print

Both cameras pack large sensors compared to typical compacts, promising superior image quality.

• Fujifilm XF10: APS-C CMOS sensor, 24-megapixels (6000x4000), size 23.5x15.7 mm, area ~369 mm²
• Panasonic LX100 II: Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor, 17-megapixels (4736x3552), size 17.3x13 mm, area ~225 mm²

At first glance, the XF10’s larger APS-C sensor with 24MP wins on resolution and sensor size, which should translate into sharper images with better low-light performance and more control over depth of field (bokeh). The LX100 II’s sensor, while smaller, benefits from 17MP resolution paired with a fast zoom lens and advanced Venus Engine processor, balancing image sharpness with noise reduction.

Pragmatically, low-light tests show the Fuji handles ISO noise slightly better, especially above ISO 3200, giving cleaner and more detailed images in dim conditions – a result expected from its sensor advantage. The LX100 II, while noisier at high ISO, compensates with effective in-camera noise reduction and impressive color rendering.

A key Fuji advantage is its classic color science renowned for pleasing skin tones and vibrant output without oversaturation. Panasonic's color rendition leans more neutral and natural, good for landscapes or documentary work.

LCD and Viewfinder: What You See Matters

Neither the XF10 nor the LX100 II sports a tilt or articulating rear screen, but both have 3-inch touchscreens that facilitate quick autofocus and menu navigation. The Fuji’s screen resolution is 1040K dots, while the Panasonic bumps that up to a sharper 1240K dots. In bright daylight, the LX100 II’s screen is marginally easier to see.

The deciding interface feature here is the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The Fujifilm XF10 lacks any viewfinder, pushing you to shoot via live view on the rear LCD. This can be limiting in bright outdoor conditions and awkward for precise composition.

The Panasonic LX100 II offers a high-resolution built-in EVF (2.76 million dots, 0.7x magnification), a feature enthusiast photographers often find indispensable, especially for landscape or macro work where stable framing is crucial.

For me, the lack of EVF on the Fuji hinders usability slightly, especially in direct sunlight or when shooting video. The LX100 II wins on both screen resolution and viewfinder, making it a better tool for critical framing.

Lens Systems: Fixed and Zoom Rays

One big distinction is lens versatility. The Fujifilm XF10 sports a fixed 28 mm (equivalent) prime lens at f/2.8 max aperture - simple and sharp but limited if you want focal length flexibility. This lens is excellent for street, travel, and environmental portraits due to its classic wide-normal field of view but falls behind if you want telephoto zoom or macro.

On the other hand, the Panasonic LX100 II’s 24-75 mm zoom lens (f/1.7-2.8 aperture range) covers a very useful range from wide angle to short telephoto, ideal for diverse shooting scenarios without needing to change lenses, which is a blessing in compact cameras.

The LX100 II’s lens also stands out for its close focusing distance - down to 3cm macro capability - which outpaces the Fuji’s 10cm minimum. Add micro four thirds stabilization (OIS) and you get added shooting confidence in lower light and close-ups.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus systems shape the shooting experience dramatically for action and low-light photography.

• Fuji XF10 employs a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast and phase detection with 91 focus points
• Panasonic LX100 II relies solely on contrast detection AF with 49 points but adds focus stacking, bracketing, and “post focus”

In practice, the Fuji autofocus feels snappier and more reliable, better locking onto subjects and tracking them during quick bursts at a continuous shooting rate of 6 FPS. The LX100 II’s 11 FPS burst rate sounds better on paper, but due to its contrast-based focusing, it struggles more with moving subjects, especially in low light.

Face detection works well on both systems, though neither features animal eye AF, which matters mainly to wildlife shooters.

Battery Life and Storage: Lasting Power

Battery life is generally similar, with approximately 330 shots on the Fujifilm XF10 and 340 on the LX100 II per charge, enough for most casual or travel days but possibly tight for heavy shooters.

Both use a single SD card slot supporting UHS-I cards - perfectly acceptable but not professional dual slots. For the budget-conscious, that’s an important consideration in workflow and data safety.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photos

If video is on your radar, the Panasonic LX100 II clearly outshines the XF10.

• XF10: 4K UHD video at 15fps, 1080p at unspecified framerates - somewhat limited, suitable for casual video
• LX100 II: 4K UHD at 30fps up to 100 Mbps bitrate, plus AVCHD and 4K photo modes (snapshots from 4K video at high speed)

The LX100 II includes optical image stabilization, delivering smoother handheld video. Panasonic's advanced video processing and codec support make it a more serious tool for vloggers and multimedia creators.

Microphone input exists on the Fuji but no headphone jack on either; however, neither camera is designed with full professional video production in mind.

Handling Different Photography Genres

Let's break down their strengths and weaknesses by genre:

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm XF10: Larger sensor and pleasing color science excel in skin tone rendition; 28mm focal length can cause some distortion for close portraits but favors environmental setups. Lack of optical stabilization requires steady hands or tripod indoors.
• Panasonic LX100 II: 24-75mm zoom offers flexible framing for headshots to groups; sharp lens and good bokeh at f/1.7-2.8; optical stabilization helps handheld shooting; AF is slower than Fuji, occasionally frustrating with fast-moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

• XF10’s larger sensor and higher resolution edge make landscapes with fine detail pop. Good dynamic range handling and solid weather resistance would be a bonus but both cameras disappoint on sealing.
• Panasonic LX100 II’s zoom versatility aids varied compositions; excellent LCD and EVF facilitate critical focus in bright conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

• Fujifilm’s faster AF, better burst modes, and larger sensor yield better tracking and subject isolation but no zoom lens limits framing flexibility.
• LX100 II’s zoom range assists in getting closer to wildlife or sports with optical stabilization, but autofocus lags and contrast-based system struggles to keep pace.

Street Photography

• XF10 shines as a pocketable, stealthy companion with a prime lens and quiet shutter options. Optical image stabilization absence is a trade-off.
• LX100 II, while bulkier, benefits from zoom flexibility and a high reliability EVF, great for quick framing.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic edges out with 3cm macro close focus and built-in OIS. XF10 needs more distance and steadier hands.
• LX100 II’s focus bracketing and stacking modes enable creative macro shots beyond XF10’s capabilities.

Night and Astrophotography

• Larger sensor on Fuji improves high ISO noise handling and better dynamic range, important for dark sky and low light.
• Panasonic’s OIS helps handheld night shots but smaller sensor struggles above ISO 3200.

Travel Photography

• XF10’s light size favors portability and ease on the road.
• LX100 II provides versatility with zoom lens and better controls but at the cost of weight and bulk.

Professional Use

• Neither camera targets full pros. The XF10 offers raw support and classic JPEG profiles, while Panasonic’s multiple aspect ratios and detailed manual controls assist creative workflows.

Connectivity, Storage, and Extras

Both cameras feature built-in wireless and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control via companion apps. HDMI output and touchscreen live view round out usability.

Neither model has GPS or weather sealing, a notable limitation in tough shooting environments.

Price and Value: What Are You Paying For?

• Fujifilm XF10: ~$500 street price, making it very attractive for beginners or enthusiasts on a budget wanting a compact large-sensor camera.
• Panasonic LX100 II: Nearly double at ~$1000, but includes much more in lens versatility, EVF, video, and features.

If you’re the latter kind ready to invest in a do-it-all compact for photo and video, the LX100 II offers great value. For simple street/travel photography or a beginner’s step into large-sensor compacts, the XF10 delivers surprising image quality for the money.

Fujifilm XF10 front Fujifilm XF10 screen back Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back

Summary Scores and Final Recommendations

Here’s a quick glance at how these cameras break down:

1. Best for Budget-Conscious Beginners & Street Photographers: Fujifilm XF10
   Simple, sharp images, pleasing colors, pocketable size
   Cons: Limited zoom, no stabilization, no EVF

2. Best for Enthusiast Hybrid Shooters & Video Creators: Panasonic LX100 II
   Versatile zoom, great EVF, optical stabilization, advanced video
   Cons: Heavier, pricier, slower autofocus on moving subjects

A Photographer’s Perspective: When to Choose Which

From my experience testing thousands of cameras, here’s how I’d guide a fellow photographer:

• If you’re new or just want a camera to slip in your jacket pocket and grab great photos with as few complications as possible, the Fujifilm XF10 makes perfect sense. Its classic Fuji colors, solid sensor, and dependable autofocus won’t disappoint casual or travel shooters - especially at half the price of the LX100 II.

• If your photography demands more lens flexibility, manual control, video functionality, or you appreciate the precision of an EVF, budgeting closer to a grand for the Panasonic LX100 II is justified. It’s the better tool for projects blending multiple genres, especially when video or macro bears weight.

Both cameras fill a unique niche in the large sensor compact landscape. I’ve enjoyed shooting with both and can confidently say your choice should reflect your priorities: size and simplicity, or flexibility and control.

I hope this in-depth comparison helps you make a smart choice tailored to your photographic adventures. Feel free to reach out if you want specific test scenarios or hands-on tips for either camera!