Another feature that is hard to find elsewhere is a Pro Focus mode. This throws the background of a photo out of focus, highlighting the main subject of the photo. This can make a big difference to portrait and close up shots.
Other more standard features include image stabilisation and a 2.7 inch LCD screen. I found the screen very easy to see when composing photos. There are also manual exposure and aperture priority modes available.
Why Buy the Fuji Finepix F70EXR?
These features would be of little use if picture quality was poor. The opposite is true and I was delighted with the photos I took with this camera. This is especially true for outdoor scenic type shots and portraits.
Image Quality Fuji Finepix F70EXR test shots
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
The definition shown in this photo is outstanding. I put this down to the fact that in EXR mode I am only using 6 megapixels and although I may not be able to make super sized prints, the quality of those I am able to make is excellent. Using EXR mode does also bring out a modest amount of extra detail in shady areas.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
With this more distant scene the camera does not quite match the heights of the first test shot. Even so it is a good effort. Wide angle lenses usually take the edge off the sharpness of this shot. Taking this into account I am happy with my result.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
This is another photo where the Finepix F70EXR handles the entire scene really well. There is a crispness about the shot that few cameras manage. The level of detail and definition is again impressive.
Outdoor 4 (Building)
It is very interesting to see the difference taking photos using only 6 megapixels can make. Once again this picture has great resolution. There is very little fall off in detail or sharpness as you move out towards the edges of the pictures.
Outdoor Portrait
This is another shot that works well for me. I have switched back to full resolution, but the camera still does well. I really like the way the camera has used the light and this effort is up there with my better outdoor portrait tests.
Indoor Portrait with Flash
I think this photo works very well. There is plenty of brightness in the shot and the light is evenly spread. On top of this there is virtually no shine on the face caused by flash. This is a really good effort.
Indoor Portrait without Flash
With this picture I have again switched the Finepix F70EXR into EXR mode. The idea is that it should decrease the amount of noise showing in the shot. That is not really the case here though and some of the other cameras I tested at the same time produced lower noise levels.
Colours
Although I have talked about definition I have to say the saturation of the colours is striking too. I think the Finepix F70EXR handles colour contrast very well too.
Macro
If there is an area where I feel Fuji digital cameras could improve in general it is with macro shots. Although not a bad effort, I would like to have seen a step up in overall quality.
ISO 400 and ISO 1600
I am not convinced that Fuji has taken that much of a step forward when it comes to noise at higher ISO settings. I can still see a fair degree of noise once ISO is pushed up and like most digital cameras the Finepix F70EXR really appreciates plenty of light for picture taking. There is also a Pro Lowlight mode worth checking out and experimenting with.
Overall
The EXR Dynamic Range setting not only increases the detail in the more shady and brighter areas of the shot, but by reducing the resolution the Finepix F70EXR delivers some cracking outdoor scenic shots. I am very happy with my test shots.
Shutter Lag and Recycling Times
Shutter delay times are speedy. The camera slows a little after you have taken three or four shots, but the first three are reeled off in rapid succession. It is one of the fastest cameras I can recall for a single shot taken using flash. My times were 0.24 seconds for a single shot and 11.28 seconds for five. With flash times were 0.3 seconds for a single shot and 13.36 seconds for five.
To turn the camera on and take the first shot took 2.58 seconds. This is a very respectable time.
You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
Style
The Finepix F70EXR is an attractive looking camera. It is available in gunmetal grey and silver.
Dimensions
99.3 x 58.9 x 27mm
Weight
180g
Batteries
Lithium ion (NP-50).
Memory Cards
The Finepix F70EXR is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. Fuji has built 47mb of storage into the camera and this should be enough for around 20 shots. This is a handy backup if something goes wrong with a memory card.
Click here to save money on SD cards..
Ease of Use Rating
Good. With a few extra features available it will take a while longer to get the most out of this camera compared to more basic models. It is well worth the extra effort.
Points I Like
General features - picture quality - shutter lag times - colours and brightness of photos
Where it Could Improve
A great macro mode would top this camera off
Alternatives
As the Finepix F70EXR clearly offers something different to the majority of digital cameras with a similar basic specification it is difficult to come up with direct alternatives. For a similar length lens and basic features, but with a High Definition movie mode try looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7.
Verdict
As you can see I have really taken a shine to the Fuji Finepix F70EXR. The picture quality is outstanding in most instances and it has an impressive set of features. Highly recommended.
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