Fuji Digital Camera

Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR Review

We have received a preproduction sample right before the official introduction of the Fujifilm F200 EXR. However, due to the non-final status of the model, it is not yet possible to bring you a full Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR review. The new Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR has the Super CCD EXR sensor onboard. Fuji's primary aim with the Super CCD image sensor is to improve the image quality, which depends on a number of things. High quality pictures in badly lit circumstances require a high light sensitivity, while contrast-rich subjects need a large dynamic range and, detailed pictures will obtain the best results with the availability of high resolution. In short, quite a challenge for Fujifilm!

The Fujifilm F200EXR has a housing that feels quite solid and a weight of 175 grams to offer the camera a stable hand-fit. There's no handgrip on the F200EXR and the front is fairly smooth. The flash is positioned next to the shutter release, which presents a risk of accidentally blocking the flash light with a finger. A small edge on the front underneath the flash would perhaps prevent this.

It takes approximately one or two seconds for the 5x zoom lens to take its position after turning the camera on. The large 3” inch monitor offers a clear reproduction, thanks to the soft colors used for the menu. The large screen also provides an excellent wide viewing angle from all sides. The multi-control button allows you to quickly navigate through all the setting possibilities, and the command dial on the back of the camera offers direct access to the main programs of the Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR, among which the EXR.

The EXR program offers access to all of the possibilities offered by the new image sensor. It is possible to use the sensor in various ways, and it allows the photographer to dedicate priorities to it. For instance, if the circumstances are ideal, the highest resolution of 12 Megapixels can be used.

And in case a high ISO setting is required, which should of course not affect the signal/noise ratio, the resolution will be halved and two pixels will be combined to obtain a larger photo diode. This adds positively to the pixel sensitivity without it causing more noticeable noise. Furthermore, a mode is available to obtain the widest dynamic range possible by taking two pictures, each of which will be made with 6 Megapixels of resolution.

When it comes to operation, the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is straightforward. Despite the camera's popular design, a large amount of possibilities are available. Many automated functions and manual functions for the creative photographer through the P/M modes, at which the M mode offers the possibility to set the shutter speed as well as the aperture manually. The aperture range is slightly restricted and offers just minimum or maximum aperture. In addition, the Fujifilm F200EXR camera offers various preset scenes to obtain the best possible setting.

The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR even includes some nostalgia. If you are familiar with a 35mm Fujifilm, you can continue this experience with the F200EXR. Specific features such as the Velvia, Provia and Astia are included in the menu, each of which offers the typical image of ancient times.

As for its video functions, Fujifilm have renewed hardly anything; if even anything at all. It's clear that photography is the first priority of the Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR, also when looking at the video resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.

Fujifililm seems to have bid farewell to the xD Picture card with the introduction of the new FinePix digital camera series. In addition to the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR, two other new FinePix cameras also feature an SD / SDHC card slot offering an optional memory capacity of 32GB at the maximum. Fujifilm makes a statement with this gesture, which is important in these turbulent times for the camera market. Question remains how long Olympus, Fujifilm's former companion of the xD card, will keep supporting this medium type. I can't image they will carry on forever. Unless there are other interests involved.

The new Fuji FinePix F200EXR is a typical compact camera of the Fujifilm brand. Fujifilm continues on the path they have walked on for the last decennium. The corporation continues to focus on image and quality while cameras such as the FinePix F200EXR, in combination with innovative sensor solutions, e.g. the Super CCD EXR, are able to continuously bring the compact camera to a higher level. The final test result will still take a while.