Fujifilm FinePix S100FS

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By Rich Trenholm, CNET.co.uk
May 21, 2008

There are dSLRs, and then there are cameras that look like a dSLR. The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS falls into the latter category, and a non-discerning eye probably won't be able to tell the difference. But for the advanced photographers, using this shooter shouldn't be much a problem, with extensive shooting modes and even an option to simulate the color quality of film. If you want to move up the ladder in photography but are not willing to plonk down large amounts for a dSLR, the S100FS could very well be a solution.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.co.uk. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Overview

dSLR or not? We were baffled initially, too.
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The S100FS is at the top of Fujifilm's FinePix tree. It's an 11-megapixel bridge camera with a 14x zoom. While many superzooms are closer to the compact end of things in terms of specifications and features, the S100FS is a true bridge camera. Its resemblance to a dSLR goes beyond the styling. In fact, several features are borrowed directly from its bigger brother, the FinePix S5 Pro. You get RAW shooting, a thumb dial for adjusting exposure and manual control over the lens--you turn it and it zooms.

Imaging is handled by a 1/2.3-inch CCD, which is certainly bigger than the average. Larger sensors have more space to collect light and images look better. Bigger sensors also tend to have a positive effect on controlling noise. The camera's body has plenty of heft, and although one-handed shooting is possible, we wouldn't do it for long. The rubberized grip is very comfortable, with a contour for your finger.

The "FS" in the S100's name stands for film simulation. These modes mimic the look and feel of four Fujifilm films. Film--how old school is that?

Fujifilm's clever face detection 2.0 will find and focus on up to 10 faces in a scene, even if they're in profile, and also corrects red eye. There are lots of modes and settings, including all the usual scene modes--landscape, portrait and so on--as well as four scenes for shooting nature.

Tilting screens are good for shooting low angle shots without bending yourself into an awkward position.
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Extending dynamic range to capture a greater spectrum of detail in darker and lighter areas is a popular feature at the moment. The S100FS can boost dynamic range, or bracket three frames at different settings. Other bracketing options include film simulation and exposure.

The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is available now for S$999.

Screen

The 2.5-inch tilting LCD screen hinges out of the back of the camera, similar to the system employed by the Sony Alpha series. Somehow this method doesn't feel as elegant as the camcorder-style, sideways-folding method employed by the Olympus E-3, but the angle of view is insanely good, with the contents of the screen visible right up until perspective cuts the screen off from view. The viewfinder is electronic.

Lens

14x zoom means you can get really close to your subjects.
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Check out that enormous Fujinon lens. It's a 14.3x zoom lens, with manual zoom and focus ring. It has a versatile 35mm-equivalent focal length of 28-400mm, which is plenty wide and long. The optics are also mechanically stabilized to keep the shakes from blurring pictures. Unusually, you can also use the zoom while filming video.

If you need an extra oomph for the zoom range, check out our Top 5 on megazoom cameras.