Feature Articles

Experience freestyle photography with the Casio Exilim EX-FR10

By Zachary Chan - 2 Sep 2014

Defining a freestyle camera

When we first heard of the Casio Exilim EX-FR10 (henceforth known simply as FR10), the initial thought that came to mind was “action camera”. And we weren’t the only ones too, with the exception of Casio themselves. In fact, they’re adamant that it’s not. The FR10 can be called many things, and we've been told it’s a freestyle camera, an outdoors camera; it’s for active people, for families, for fun picnics, for selfies, for all those hard to reach places…but it’s not an action camera. Not in the GoPro sense anyway.

You see, the GoPro and most action cams focus mostly on video. They’re meant to be strapped on and forgotten about as you go about accomplishing your death defying stunts. The Casio FR10 can be used the same way as a GoPro—it comes bundled with a range of straps and mounts—but it is supposed to be a camera first. Casio also points out that its versatility in shooting options open up many more possibilities. Here's how they envision the FR10 being used.

The FR10 in selfie mode. If you've taken a selfie with a smartphone before, you'll know what to do.

Here's something a little more interesting; using the FR10 as a live view mirror to make sure you've tucked in every stray strand.

If you're into sports, the FR10 comes with many accessories to let you strap, buckle and clip it into just about anywhere you want.

Such as the shoulder strap of your backpack.

Or on your bike.

Why take a boring group photo with your camera on the table when you can hang it on a tree and shoot from a really unique angle?


To prove their point, Casio invited us to Japan to try out the FR10 ourselves in a day filled with yukatas, oyakodon and a rickshaw ride around Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district. But before that, let’s take a closer look at the FR10 itself and how it feels in the hand.

At first glance, the FR10 may seem a little bulky, but it actually fits snugly in the hand. Notice that both the lens and LCD controller have physical power, shutter and record buttons. They are essentially separate devices and the lens unit can operate even without the LCD controller.

Snap the lens unit to the front, and you're ready for selfie time.

The main selling point of the FR10 is its detachable modular design, giving it better control and more flexibility than either the GoPro or Sony's similar QX10 lens camera.

The lens unit is connected to the LCD controller via this metal clip. When detached, it comes in handy to help place or position the lens. You can also attach it to a tripod via screw adapters if you so wish.

You can even detach the clip portion if you just want the bring the lens around or use your own harness the secure the lens.

Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.