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Fujifilm X10 vs Panasonic GF2

The Fujifilm X10 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2011 and November 2010. The X10 is a fixed lens compact, while the GF2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 2/3 (X10) and a Four Thirds (GF2) sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 12 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm X10
versus
Panasonic GF2
Fujifilm X10   Panasonic GF2
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
28-112mm f/2.0-2.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses
12 MP – Two Thirds sensor 12 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-3,200 (100 - 12,800) ISO 100-6,400
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
2.8" LCD – 460k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 2.6 shutter flaps per second
270 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
117 x 70 x 57 mm, 350 g 113 x 68 x 33 mm, 310 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X10 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X10 and the Panasonic GF2. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X10 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the GF2 is available in four color-versions (black, silver, red, white).

Size Fujifilm X10 vs Panasonic GF2
Compare X10 versus GF2 top
Comparison X10 or GF2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GF2 is notably smaller (6 percent) than the Fujifilm X10. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X10 nor the GF2 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X10 has a lens built in, whereas the GF2 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the GF2 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X10 gets 270 shots out of its Fujifilm NP-50 battery, while the GF2 can take 300 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLD10 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 599ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G12 112 mm 76 mm 48 mm 401 g 370 n Sep 2010 499ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X30 119 mm 72 mm 60 mm 423 g 470 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 599ebay.com
8.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 699ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X10 features a 2/3 sensor and the Panasonic GF2 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GF2 is 288 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 3.9 and 2.0. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Fujifilm X10 and Panasonic GF2 sensor measures

Even though the GF2 has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 12 megapixels. This implies that the GF2 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 4.33μm versus 2.20μm for the X10), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. It should, however, be noted that the X10 is a somewhat more recent model (by 9 months) than the GF2, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X10 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Fujifilm X10 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

X10 versus GF2 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the GF2 has a markedly higher DXO score than the X10 (overall score 4 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.7 bits higher color depth, 1 EV of lower dynamic range, and 1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
2.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
3.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
4.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
5.
 
Canon G12 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/24p20.411.216147
6.
 
Fujifilm X30 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.411.2-31249
7.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
8.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
9.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
10.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
11.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
12.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
13.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
14.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
15.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the GF2 provides a faster frame rate than the X10. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the X10 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the GF2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the GF2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the DMW-LVF1. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X10, the Panasonic GF2, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
3.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon G12optical n2.8 / 461 swivel n 1/4000s 1.1/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X302360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
15.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The GF2 has a touchscreen, while the X10 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X10 and the GF2 write their files to SDXC cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon G12Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Fujifilm X30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
8.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
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Both the X10 and the GF2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GF2 was replaced by the Panasonic GF3, while the X10 was followed by the Fujifilm X20. Further information on the features and operation of the X10 and GF2 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X10 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GF2 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Fujifilm X10 better than the Panasonic GF2 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X10:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1 EV of extra DR).
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 2.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the GF2 requires a separate lens.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 9 months after the GF2).

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Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.8") for image review and settings control.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (300 versus 270) out of a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in November 2010).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GF2 emerges as the winner of the match-up (9 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X10 07:09 GF2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X10 and the Panasonic GF2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X10 or the GF2 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 599ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G124/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 499ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X304/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 599ebay.com
8.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 699ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm X10 vs Panasonic GF2

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Fujifilm X10 Panasonic GF2
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 28-112mm f/2.0-2.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date September 2011 November 2010
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 549
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm X10 Panasonic GF2
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Two Thirds Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 8.8 x 6.6 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 58.08 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 11 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 3.9x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 4000 x 3000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.20 μm 4.33 μm
    Pixel Density 20.66 MP/cm2 5.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 12,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXR Processor II Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 50 54
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.5 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 245 506
    Screen Specs Fujifilm X10 Panasonic GF2
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 85%
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.8inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm X10 Panasonic GF2
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 2.6 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Fujifilm X10 Panasonic GF2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Fujifilm X10 Panasonic GF2
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-50 Panasonic DMW-BLD10
    Battery Life (CIPA)270 shots per charge300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 117 x 70 x 57 mm
    (4.6 x 2.8 x 2.2 in)
    113 x 68 x 33 mm
    (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 350 g (12.3 oz) 310 g (10.9 oz)
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