Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

Features

The highlight of the F200EXR is the Super CCD EXR technology which fervent Fujifilm fans are curious to find out if it can supersede the performance of the almost legendary F31fd. In Super CCD EXR mode, the 12-megapixel sensor changes the way its pixels work according to the lighting conditions. You have a choice between High Resolution, High ISO/Low Noise and D-Range Priority modes, or you could set it to auto and leave the shooter to decide.

In High ISO/Low Noise setting, two pixels will act as one in order to allow more surface area for light to fall onto. According to Fujifilm, this also reduces the noise levels at high ISO sensitivities.

For D-Range Priority, adjacent pixels will each take a shot of the same scene in different exposure settings. The camera will then combine the images into one that has higher dynamic range. This means details in highlight and shadow regions are better preserved. The only limitation for these two modes is that the image resolution is capped at 6 megapixels.

What really impressed us was the Automatic EXR mode. This option accurately switches the EXR settings according to different lighting conditions the camera was pointed in. In fact, after a few shots in this mode, we were so convinced that we left it in this setting, so that all we had to do was literally point and shoot.

The optics on the F200EXR remain the same as the F100fd. There is a 28mm lens with 5x optical zoom. However, we noticed there was significant barrel distortion at the widest end of the lens in our shots. Also, there were a few instances where we detected hints of minor chromatic aberrations, but you probably won't notice these unless you scrutinize the files at 100 percent on a PC screen.

The FinePix camera comes with a manual exposure option which is aimed at enthusiasts. While there is a wide range of shutter speeds to choose from, there are only two aperture settings. Also, the user manual states that the snapper uses a neutral density filter to reduce the intensity of the light coming into the camera, which means you won't be able to achieve different depth-of-field effects.

Video-wise, the F200EXR can record in only VGA (640 x 480-pixel) resolution. Compared to some other high-end shooters which can capture HD (1,280 x 720-pixel) clips, the Fujifilm camera is at a slight disadvantage here since consumers are looking out for point-and-shoots that can record higher-resolution movies. However, when recording video in dark environments, the autofocus (AF) illuminator for the F200EXR will turn on automatically to light up nearby subjects and make them more visible. This is a nice touch which we seldom come across on other point-and-shoots.

There is also the usual package of face detection, sensor-shift image stabilizer and scene modes for amateurs to use. But one new feature is the Film Simulation mode which mimics the colors and tones of Fujifilm's film, such as Provia, Velvia and Astia.

The F200EXR has 48MB of internal memory, and the memory card slot can accept either an SD/SDHC media or xD-Picture Card. The shooter is powered by the NP-50 rechargeable lithium-ion battery which is the same as the F100fd's.

Tags: Lens, Sony Corp., Camera, scroll wheel, LCD

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