Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

Review summary: With a multitude of compact digital cameras on the market, it takes something exceptional for a new model to stand out, which is what Fujifilm is hoping to do with the latest edition of its F-series models, the FinePix F200EXR. Its features include 12 ...

Verdict: The only real issue we have with the F200EXR is its tiny 48MB internal memory, which holds just 10 images at the highest resolution, so you should factor in the purchase of an SD or xD or SDHC memory card. For a digital compact, the F200EXR packs in a ...

Award: Highly Recommended!

Review summary: Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

Pros: Good all-round performance, Pleasant, unobtrusive user interface, EXR modes perform well (particularly the dynamic range mode), EXR Auto mode makes it easy to get the best out of the sensor, High ISO performance up with the better compacts on the ...

Cons: EXR performance doesn't justify a major price premium over more conventional rivals, Unpleasant noise reduction smearing, particularly in 12MP mode, Occasional unexpected artefacts, No histogram for assessing exposure, Limited aperture selection ...

Review summary: High-dynamic-range, low-noise or high-resolution images from a unique ultra-compact.

Review summary: The Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR is, on the whole, a pretty ordinary digital compact camera. Fuji's replacement for the F100 FD, the F200 EXR shares much the same styling, including a solid metal body, and the same 28-140mm (equivalent) zoom lens.

Pros: The EXR sensor is very special indeed - forget the reduced resolution in DR and SN modes, you just don't see image quality like this in compact cameras. Capable AF, great build quality (same as the F100 FD)

Cons: On the whole, the F200 EXR offers a fairly standard specification for its price: the sensor is the main stand-out feature. Someone who doesn't understand why EXR is such a big deal might think that the F200 EXR is too expensive. (They'd be wrong.)

Review summary: 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 ...

Pros: 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 ...

Cons: 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 ...