The F10 has two modes, auto and M. In M some of the shooting parameters are selectable, such as ISO, exposure compensation and white balance.

The F10 won the European Pocket Camera of the Year award and also a similar prize from the Digital Imaging Websites Association and both citations mention the excellent sensor performance. It is very rare -- perhaps unique -- for a camera in this class to have an ISO range from 80 to 1600. What is astonishing about the F10 is that even at ISO 800 there is no objectionable noise. At 1600 noise becomes a problem, but it is still useable.

The image quality -- exposure, focus and white balance -- is outstanding. There is something about this camera that makes it stand out in a crowded field and it may be Fuji’s Super CCD sensor that is a cut above the rest.

Like this: The beautifully detailed, accurately coloured and smooth images would be applauded coming from a digital single lens reflex. To get this output from a go-anywhere, point and shoot little camera makes a chap reach for superlatives.

We like the fact that the aspect ratio can be varied from 4:3 to 3:2 -- the correct proportions for standard prints.

Dislike that: It is such a pity that this wonderful camera is let down by being bereft of an optical viewfinder. As always with LCD screens we found ourselves in situations where we were shooting blind. The LCD screen is large and high resolution, but it doesn’t work in bright sunlight and is utterly useless when the subject is brightly backlit.

Parting shot: The Fujifilm Finepix F10 almost perfectly fulfils its function and promise. It would merit 5 stars if it were not for the viewfinder issue. As it is the camera is highly recommended. We were sorry when the time came to send it back.