Similar to other brands, most of the FujiFilm Finepix compact cameras use relatively small 1/2.3 inch image sensors (with a few using 1/2 inch image sensors that are slightly larger). Premium models using 1/1.6 inch sensors (about 150 percent the size and performance of 1/2.3 inch sensors) are also available. These are not significantly larger than the 1/1.7 inch sensors used by premium Nikon and Canon cameras. It too helps in Commercial Photography.
Like Olympus, some of the FujiFilm cameras have an in-camera panorama photo mode that stitches together a few photos to create one large wide angle photo, without having to use a PC.
FujiFilm FinePix EXR Image Sensor
Where FujiFilm does stand out is their unique EXR image sensor that is used on some models. Instead of the software tricks used in other cameras, the EXR image sensors are hardwired to perform as three different types of image sensors:
- A conventional high resolution image sensor.
- A half resolution low-noise high ISO image sensor (for low light situations).
- A half resolution high dynamic range image sensor (for high contrast situations).
A review of the FinePix F200EXR by the Digital Photography Review website, concludes that the high dynamic range mode does perform well. However, the low-noise high ISO mode isn’t significantly better.
FujiFilm FinePix Entry Level Cameras
With a MSRP from $100 to $250, these entry level cameras provide good value for money with high resolution 720p HDTV movie recording. Some even have sensor-shift image stabilization (often lacking in entry level cameras).
The cheaper models use AA batteries. Which can be an advantage as alkaline AAs can be used in an emergency, with rechargeable NiMH AAs used as the main batteries.
The JZ300 has the best balance of price and specifications, with a wide angle 28mm lens and sensor-shift stabilization:
- AV100 1/2.3″ 12mp 3x 32-96mm f2.9-5.2 panorama AA
- AX200 1/2.3″ 12mp 5x 28-140mm f3.6-5.9 panorama AA
- JV100 1/2.3″ 12mp 3x 37-111mm f3.2-4.3 panorama Li-ion
- JZ300 1/2.3″ 12mp 10x 28-280mm f3.3-5.6 sensor-shift Li-ion
- JX250 1/2.3″ 14mp 5x 28-140mm f3.6-5.9 panorama Li-ion
- JZ500 1/2.3″ 14mp 10x 28-280mm f3.3-5.6 sensor-shift Li-ion
FujiFilm FinePix Mid-range Cameras
These mid-range cameras (MSRP from about $300 to $400) include high performance EXR and large 1/1.6 inch sensor models. All use sensor-shift image stabilization and Li-ion batteries. Unfortunately, non have the useful in-camera panorama mode, and many have lower DVD resolution 480p video:
- F70EXR 1/2″ 10mp 10x 27-270mm f3.3-5.6 480p
- F80EXR 1/2″ 12mp 10x 27-270mm f3.3-5.6 720p
- F60fd 1/1.6″ 12mp 3x 35-105mm f2.8-5.1 480p
- F100fd 1/1.6″ 12mp 5x 28-140mm f3.3-5.1 480p
- F200EXR 1/1.6″ 12mp 5x 28-140mm f3.3-5.1 480p
FujiFilm FinePix Ultracompact Cameras
These ultracompact cameras have small lenses that don’t stick out from the front. They are housed discreetly inside a small window in the camera. The price for such elegance is a smaller zoom ratio and no 28mm wide angle lenses. MSRP is from $150 to $300.
All use Li-ion batteries, and don’t have in-camera panorama:
- Z70 1/2.3″ 12mp 5x 36-180mm f4-4.8 720p
- Z37 1/2.3″ 10mp 3x 35-105mm f3.7-4.2 480p
- Z700EXR 1/2″ 12mp 5x 35-175mm f3.9-4.7 720p sensor-shift
- Z200fd 1/2.3″ 10mp 5x 33-165mm f3.8-4.8 480p sensor-shift
- XP10 1/2.3″ 12mp 5x 36-180mm f4-4.8 720p
The XP10 is comparable to the Olympus Stylus Touch series. It is waterproof to 10 feet, shock proof to 3.3 feet, and freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 Celsius).
FujiFilm Superzooms
These superzoom models have zoom ratios of 14.3x to 30x. All have sensor-shift image stabilization.
MSRP is from $230 to $600. Focal lengths above 200mm are more useful outdoors (sports, wildlife). For the casual family and friends snapshots, these relatively large mini-DSLRs aren’t necessary. In general, the larger the zoom ratio, the worse the image quality.
- S1800 1/2.3″ 12mp 18x 28-504mm f3.1-5.6 720p panorama AA
- S2550HD 1/2.3″ 12mp 18x 28-504mm f3.1-5.6 720p panorama AA
- S1500 1/2.3″ 10mp 12x 33-396mm f2.8-5.0 480p panorama AA
Double the price of the cameras above, the cameras below have a hotshoe for external flash units, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) in addition to a LCD display. An EVF is especially useful in direct sunlight, which can overpower the LCD display. The cameras also have have a larger zoom ratio (HS10) or larger 1/1.6 inch image sensor (S200EXR):
- HS10 1/2.3 10mp 30x 24-720mm f2.8-5.6 1080p panorama AA
- S200EXR 1/1.6 12mp 14.3x 30.5-436mm f2.8-5.3 480p Li-ion
The Best FujiFilm FinePix Camera
The major manufacturers such as Canon (PowerShot), Nikon (COOLPIX), Olympus (Stylus) and FujiFilm; have competitive cameras with comparable specifications. One reason to choose Olympus over the other brands would be the wide dynamic range of the EXR models. The Digital Photography Review website has a detailed review of the F200EXR, with emphasis on the performance of its EXR image sensor.