The S10 module is considered an upgrade to the GX200 (rumours have it that the next module will be a telephoto version). So, we'll speak of the S10 in the GX200 context.
The specifications have not spelled out any difference in the lens unit as compared with the GX200's lens. The new 24-72mm f/2.5-4.4 lens is suffixed by VC, meaning vibration correction. Fact is, a shake correction mechanism is also provided to the GX200.
While the GX200 uses the Smooth Imaging Engine III, the S10 employs the upgraded Smooth Imaging Engine IV, same as the CX2's imaging algorithm.
A quick look at the MTF curve graph suggests that on paper, the new lens unit does a bit better than the old mate in image quality. For your comparison between the quality of images by the S10 and GX200, some full-size photos taken at the same scene have been uploaded here. It should be noted that instead of starting from ISO64 to ISO 1600 as the GX200, the sensitivity of S10 starts at ISO 100 but ends at ISO 3200.
For high ISO shots by S10, the improvements are obvious overall. I have no compliant about images up to ISO 400. However, the ISO 800 images on hand show that details are visibly smudged if you really pixel-peep. S10's ISO 1600 image feels like GX200's ISO 800 image, which are the thresholds to what is bearable to a reasonable human brain (unless the photos are taken in black and white so that the chorma noise is not much of a problem). All in all, chroma noise is generally more controlled in the S10's high ISO images.
As an aside, we shall see if the CX3 will outdo the S10 in high ISO IQ performance given the fact that the CX3 uses GRDIII's noise reduction algorithm.
^From top left clockwise: Vivid, natural, soft and black and white.
The colour in the image is visibly milder than the A12's but stronger than the Gx200's.
The GX200 and S10 boost the same macro capability of doing a minimum focusing distance of 1 cm in wide angle and 4 cm in telephoto.
In addition to the aspect ration settings previously available in GX200 (4:3, 3:2 and 1:1), the S10 adds in the 16:9 setting as the A12.
The lens cap LC-2 is of a sturdier built. The curved planes closes tighter as compared with the LC-1's which have concerned some users for they believe dusts may get in through the tiny cracks.
Next we'll take the GXR S10 to hang gai gai (walk around).
Comments