When it comes to handling there are a number of similarities between the Finepix S200EXR and a Digital SLR. Zoom is controlled by a twisting lens barrel and manual focus is set in the same manner. There are a number of quick access buttons on the top, back and side of the camera. These are used in conjunction with a selection wheel to speed up the process of changing key settings.
The EXR part of the camera name relates to further technology that marks the Finepix S200EXR out as something different to the competition. The EXR mode gives you access to functions that help to increase the amount of detail shown in light and dark areas of a photo. Other settings can help to decrease noise. You also need to be aware that for these features to work the resolution you shoot at is halved. There is also a Pro Focus setting that throws the background of a shot out of focus in order to highlight the main subject of a picture.
Why Buy the Fuji Finepix S200EXR?
As you will see from my review, picture quality is hard to beat, especially if you enjoy shooting outdoor scenes. I also thoroughly enjoyed using the camera. The way it is set up works a treat.
Image Quality Fuji Finepix S200EXR test shots
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
Usually as I enlarge this test shot I can see degree of softness in the trees and towards the edges of the shot. The Finepix S200EXR has managed to produce a striking shot with none of those problems. Sharpness really is from edge to edge and the level of detail showing in the shot is eye catching.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
I reckon this is my best ever test shot of this scene. The level of detail and overall sharpness is at a different level to that achieved by many other cameras. This proves to me that the EXR mode really is able to bring out far more detail, especially in lighter areas such as the boats here. The colours and lighting are pretty close to perfect too.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
Perhaps it is down to the physical size of the lens or to the EXR mode or a combination of both, but the level of detail the Finepix S200EXR manages to pack into a shot is outstanding. This is another example of a very sharp photo with colour tones that are spot on.
Outdoor 4 (Building)
I really am delighted with the quality of my four outdoor shots. Having reviewed upwards for 500 digital cameras over the years it is not often that I look at a set of test shots and am really taken aback.
Outdoor Portrait
This is a natural looking shot where I really like the brightness of the shot. This is taken at full resolution and the level of detail is very good once again.
Indoor Portrait with Flash
The flash unit pops up away from the camera. The burst of light it provided for my test shot was just right. This leads to good colour levels again. The light is evenly spread, creating a photo that almost looks naturally lit. There is virtually no bounce back of light from the face. This is another area where the Finepix S200EXR does very well indeed.
Indoor Portrait without Flash
This is the only shot to have left me feeling disappointed. I switched the camera back to EXR mode and selected low noise, but there is more noise showing in this shot than other cameras show. There are other settings you can try to reduce noise and I would suggest this is an area where you can achieve better results with a bit of experimentation.
Colours
The colours produced by the Finepix S200EXR have a light natural feel to them. With the camera managing to capture so much detail lighter colours retain a much more vivid feel to them.
Macro
My macro test shot is good enough without quite hitting the highs most of my other test shots have managed. It is not a bad effort, but in my view close up shots is not one of the true strengths of the camera.
ISO 400 and ISO 1600
If you boost the ISO settings up you will see noise in your photos. I found working with features such as Pro Lowlight could help to reduce noise levels. As I mentioned above it is a case of experimenting with the camera to see what works best for you and for different types of photo opportunities.
Overall
When it comes to outdoor shots there are very few digital cameras that come close to the Finepix S200EXR. I would go as far to say that for my scenic type shots this is the best digital camera I can recall testing.
Shutter Lag and Recycling Times
Shutter delay times were good. It took 0.27 seconds to fire off a single shot and 6.1 seconds for five. Turning flash on made little difference and I recorded 0.43 seconds for one shot and 6.98 seconds for five.
The camera could have been a little quicker to turn on and take the first shot at 3.86 seconds.
You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
Style
The Finepix S200EXR handles more like a Digital SLR camera than any other camera I have tested. It is also larger than other compact models with the lens remaining outside the camera body when the camera is switched off.
Dimensions
133.4 x 93.6 x 145mm
Weight
820g
Batteries
Lithium ion (NP-140). Fuji estimates you should be able to take around 370 shots in between charges.
Memory Cards
Fuji has built 47mb of storage into the Finepix S200EXR. This is enough for around 18 full resolution shots. The camera is also compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards.
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Ease of Use Rating
With all the features it will take a while for you to get to know the camera. As mentioned above the set up for the lens and other features make handling easier.
Points I Like
General features - picture quality - shutter lag times - colours and brightness of photos
Where it Could Improve
A faster turn on time would be the icing on the cake
Alternatives
There are no direct competitors with quite the same set of features. If you are looking for even more zoom try taking a look at the Canon Powershot SX1 IS.
Verdict
Picture quality is top draw and the Fuji Finepix S200EXR handles like a dream too. I would be more than happy to own this camera. Highly recommended.
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