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April 16, 2009
[REVIEW—FUJIFILM F200EXR compact camera]
Price: $550
Different and better
The low-down: This 12 megapixel camera uses Fuji's own SuperCCD sensor, designated EXR in this camera, presumably meaning “extended range”. By using a novel technique for coupling photosites on the sensor it offers extended dynamic range and lower image noise. For instance the EXR low noise setting couples adjacent photosites to produce 6 million large pixels with an excellent signal to noise ratio. While this reduces the sensor resolution to 6 megapixels that is about right for a compact. In dynamic range extender mode the camera takes two 6 megapixel photos simultaneously at different exposures and then merges them into a single image. Everything else about the F200EXR is standard fare: five times zoom with 28mm wide angle; face recognition; CCD shift anti-shake, plus ISO boost when in dual anti-blur mode; both Program and Manual over- rides; movie mode and selectable aspect ratios. Construction quality is good. The 75mm LCD is low resolution and just adequate.
Like: The novel approach to fixing the two problems that bedevil compacts – image noise and poor dynamic range (the ability to capture detail in both shadows and highlights) – really works. As long as the camera is used intelligently, limiting ISO speeds to no more than 400, the results are exceptional. Exposure, focus and colour are excellent. We found that choosing the film type Astia lowered contrast and saturation, producing better results than the default setting.
Dislike: The LCD is totally black in bright sunlight, making it useless as a viewfinder. The full user's manual is on disc, which for a camera with such complex innovations is inexcusable.
Verdict: This is a wonderful little camera. Subjectively we feel that we had a much higher ratio of successful photos to duds than we usually expect in compact photographic testing. The F200EXR is different, but not in a gimmicky way. It is different and better. It sets new standards of image quality by employing clever technology. We hated to send it back.
There is a gallery of photos from the Fujifilm F200EXR here >>
Posted by terry at April 16, 2009 10:01 AM
Worth Checking Out
Digital Cameras SydneyComments
Hi Terry, Just wondering... I notice that there wasn't too much barrel distortion. Have the photos been edited at all? The Cathedral photo would show distortion of the verticals but here the vertical lines look very good. The CX1 also had pretty good verticals.
Posted by: Susan M at April 19, 2009 06:59 PM
Susan:
The cathedral shot was taken from the roof of a building across the street -- more or less half way up the height of the cathedral. That's why there is no converging vertical.
And barrel distortion is not a problem with either the Fuji or the Ricoh. They both have excellent wideangle behaviour.
The cathedral interiors taken with the Ricoh CX1 do have converging verticals which I corrected in Photoshop. Sorry if this is deceptive.
Terry
Posted by: dpexpert at April 19, 2009 10:04 PM