Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR review

There's no other "prosumer" with comparable tele range that will do RAW. A very flexible "multiple images" loads the shots before processing, which makes the "slowness: irrelevant. And a fast card (up to Speed 10) makes processing adequate. At pixel enlargement, it's surprising; and the heat fix is already out.

It's very hard to gauge this camera. many posted shots show the images to be better than the HS10, and many owners say the difference is quite marked, yet this review says otherwise. Curious. Still, it is a very "basic" review and while useful to note the author's opinion, doesn't count for much

Far from 'basic', this is the fullest and most honest about this camera that I've read. No need to sugar-coat it!

Does this camera supports 58mm filters? Nowhere in Fuji site says this!

I now use a fs100 it puts out very good photos Is the hs20 better

Camera sounds very disappointing. Was seriously considering it as a second camera. Will now wait for the Sony HX100V review

Yes, it does use 58mm filters

Will stick with the hs10, as its very similar and not much of a change in the hs20, Pam, get a second hand canon/nikon body for less and better perfomance for your second camera and Mahesh 58mm filters fit perfectly.

Reviews like this do not tell the whole story. I bought the Canon SX30IS which I found gave poor image quality. This was replaced with a Lumix FZ45 and unless used in very good lighting had a very grainy image quality. Both these cameras I sold and used the HS 20 before doing so. I found this camera much better in all counts and with plenty of direct buttons to push rather than going through loads of menus. The camera is nice to hold and the manual zoom is far better than the electronic ones I have used before. A remote facility and hotshoe ( missing on the FZ45 are a must for me. I agree the EXR setting does give better quality than using other settings but have yet to try the 8 meg one. I was worried about the 16 meg on a small sensor but viewing at 100% on my HS monitor has not disappointed me. All bridge cameras are a compromise against my Canon 50D, but when you have a 24-720 zoom range all on one camera with no sensor dust problems associated with fitting three different lenses to match the HS 20, I know what camera I prefer taking out with me. The macro quality is also very good indeed. I highly rate this camera based on the three cameras I have used in all situations.

Thank you for the review. I was really hoping Fuji wwere going to do a good job with this camera because I want to buy a bridge camera but none of the current offerings from any manufacturer offer what I want. I am glad to see that reviewers are beginning to speak out about higher pixel counts on small sensors being detrimental to image quality. Let's hope manufactures take note and start to make bridge cameras with fewer pixels on slightly bigger sensors like they do with compact cameras such as the Canon S95 and Panasonic LX5. My money is staying in my pocket until they do :)

Time and time again, its the 10-12 Million Pixel cameras that have the best image quality. Fuji knew that on a small sensor, the 10m on the HS-10 would be a winner.Its the best ratio of noise versus/ISO performance/versus definition/versus picture quality. I'm pretty sure that Olympus proved that with the 10m Pixel E-510. My money is on the HS10 not the 20 because the image quality is just a tad better on the HS10 for these reasons. As one person said, don't treat these Fuji cameras as DSLR's, they are not, but they are very very useful all in one cameras which are now showing seriously good performance. Peter

The camera was so professional looking it has been helping my small business. Thank you "HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND"

Yes I like this too and though I have a DSLR Canon D60 i AM GOING TO GET THIS FOR MY Daughter as it is as near to a DSLR you can get and then she will get mine in time

To the contributor who states that none of the current crop of Superzooms offer him what he wants. What does he want I wonder? The modern Superzoom offers you loads of functions,massive zoom lenses,just not affordable,or possible a couple of years ago,plus,let it be said,the ability to turn out some great,sharp,and colourful,A4 images_pg_Inspire.Just keep the ISO settings at a resonable setting,i.e less than 400 if possible.They will fill most of a keen amateur ohotographic needs,capture some stunning macro,or landscape shots,and,they're SO portable! Unlike a DSLR,and two or three extra lenses,it won't give you an aching shoulder,either,meaning it's perfect for holidays,or country walks. They use a smaller sensor so they can keep the cameras a reasonable size,AND accomodate these great zoom lenses,so unless you want poster size prints,or shoot a LOT of low light photography,they are modern,technological,marvels! I have owned Nikon and Canon DSLRs,and various Panasonic,and Fuji "bridge"cameras.I have recently sold my HS10,a great camera,but a bit slow,although I took some really nice photographs with it,and now own the Panasonic FZ100. This camera is SO fast,is packed with functions,and is even better than the HS10. So,if you're waiting for the mythical "perfect" superzoom,this is as close as they come,in my view,so go out and buy one!

People sometimes have strange expectation.= about digital cameras. First of all: it is a photo-camera, not a videocamera. If you mainly use video, buy one of those. And noise... well i remember that using a ISO 400 film lead to less picture quality than an ISO 100. Notghing new there. I think it's still amazing what they can put in one camera without the need of a truck.

To Rik, You're right about film comparisons. I seldom used to use film rated higher than 200 iso for best results,and you excepted that there would be more grain in higher rated,faster films. I treat digital the same,and use the lowest iso setting whenever possible,again,for optimum results. The modern Superzoom is a miracle of technology,and it's a shame that the popular camera magazines don't feature them more,or show more images from them.Even the good old "Amateur Photographer",which used to be my favourite magazine,seems to think that unless you have the latest DSLR,you can't take a decent picture,which is a fallacy,as Superzooms can produce some great shots,and they can be viewed on plenty of dedicated internet forums,if not in the photagraphic press! When they say that the price of a top end Superzoom is comparable to an "entry level" DSLR,well it isnt! Not when you include the lenses you would need to match a superzooms range. The basic 18-55mm supplied is SO limiting,so extra lenses are almost essential. I have sold my DSLR,as I was hardly using it,whereas my FZ100,(and my previous HS10)I take almost everywhere!

What I really want to know is if they fixed 2 severe flaws that were in the HS10 - namely the jerky manual lens that made a smooth zoom impossible. It was troublesome for stil pictures and unacceptable for video clips. Also for video you can hear a lot of clickety-clicks and grinding as the camera changes aperture and focus. A real letdown! I love the pictures the camera takes but if I knew about the other problems I probably wouldn't have bought it. It seems they didn't do anything to address this for the HS20 either.

Rod, I must say I found the zoom operation on my HS10 fine,and similar to other large seperate zooms I have used on my film and digital SLRs. When new,they can sometimes be a little"stiff",but soon free off,and are preferable to an electronically operated zoom,for ultimate control.If video is important to you,then perhaps a dedicated video camera might suit you,whereas I can live without video,apart from small clips occasionally. I have now sold my HS10,and am waiting on delivery of my HS20,and will then let you know what I think about it!

How can the reviewer say that there is no improvement in the design of the HS20 over the HS10!On his comparison table,he lists several,not to mention the quicker operation(apart from RAW,which I don't use,the jpegs are fine for me!)and,having owned and used both,the difference in use is obvious. The more I use the HS20,particularly the EXR modes,the more I like it,and the macro pictures are great,with no noise,certainly at lower ISO's,although shot-shot times are fractions of a second longer,while the image is processed via the EXR software,but is hardly noticeable. The eyepiece is still the same size as before(also like my Panasonic FZ100),but the large rear LCD helps to compensate,and it's still perfectly useable. All-in-all,a much improved camera,and better images at higher ISO's than the HS10,and my Panasonic FZ100,it's main competitor.

An update; If you're thinking of upgrading to the HS20,from the HS10,do it! It's considerably quicker to use,has some great new features,including the,unique to Fuji,EXR mode,for optimum results. I'm really pleased with it,and my Panasonic FZ100 has not been used since I got my HS20! It takes a while to set it up right,but it's all part of the fun! The eyepiece is still a little small(like the Panasonic's),but the other features more than compensate,and is a trade-off for the big zoom,and great rear LCD. For a "bridge" camera,it is really a superb piece of kit,and the lowlight pictures are definitely a step up from both the HS10,and my FZ100,and perfectly useable. Well done,Fuji,you deserve every success with the HS20!

I have recently bought HS20 recently. This is my first digital Bridge camera. The pics from the camera are Worst I have ever seen. With 100 or 400 asi,the pics are still very grainy... Did anyone have such a problem with this cam? Could anybody pls suggest a setting to get sharp pics?

Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR is the saddest camera exhibiting very poor image quality with high noise or at best a water color filter like effect. It also is poor in capturing moving objects resulting in terrible blurs. Both these factors make make your regular phone cameras and point & shoot cameras look excellent. Features like 16mp or 30x zoom really make no sense when the camera has such a fundamental issue. wonder if the people who praise about this cameras have really used the cameras or if they have just read the feature specifications or these are commentors to who are paid promoters. My verdict was zero as i could not give negative rating. This camera tries to feature wise take a big leap but compromising the essense of good photography that is quality of picture! Reminds me of the first set od digital cameras that came in the market!!

Doug, Thanks for your views. I have the HS10 and have been thinking about changing to the HS20. However I have been torn between that and the Lumix FZ100. Having read quite a lot of reviews & watched a few Youtube videos about these cameras I have been going around in circles. You have tipped the balance for me & I am now going to order the HS20. Cheers!

The HS20 has a manual zoom which I find far quicker and easier than an electric toggle and has meant I miss out on less wildlife pictures, zooming in from mid range for framing to long telephoto almost instantly.

Ive had an HS10 now for over 12 months and never had any problems I've even sold 1 photo which was taken in auto mode what more can i say

I have had this camera for a few months and must say I have experienced none of the above issues, pictures are sharp, and the only time I have bad photos is when i don't check what I am doing

@ posters 1 & 2.. have you actually taken the time to try the manual settings rather than rely on the "auto" settings? i doubt it very much. please, before you spew your ill informed bile, take the time to learn what this camera CAN do when used properly. true, it's no DSLR, but for less than £300 it's very hard to beat.

am looking to buy a decent camera at a budget price and similiar to a dslr can you advice me of any such cameras that are out there thanks hope to here from you asap on this matter

Have had my HS20 for about 3 months now & have used it extensively. i love it! Easy to use, great results & enough modes & settings to be creative.

After four months of ownership, initially I found results disappointing. But this is no lightweight and takes some time to learn how to get the best out of it. The review samples look as poor as my early efforts, which leads me to the conclusion that the reviewer was working to journalistic deadlines, instead of exploring the amazing capabilities of this camera. All those who are in any doubt, or need some encouragement whether or not to buy, take a look at contributor pictures on www.myFinepix.com

I'm really enjoying this camera. I use it professionally, and those who view their photo's really enjoy them.

took a bit of getting used too but after that, a very very good camera

can it have different lenses

samsmakd, no it can't have different lenses but with a 30x zoom plus macro what more do you want. it can take someformsof lens via the 58mm screw at the front of the lens.

digital toy shop does many add on lenses and filters with the necessary conversion attachments.

i love this camera but one thing i would like to know is if any problem in lens ,can i change with new .

There's no problems with the lens,Fuji are very reliable cameras! I can recommend the HS20,an excellent superzoom,but leave it on EXR Auto for top results!

now i have had fuji in the past for yrs and very confused where is the bloody zoom button i know you can doit manual

Dreadful quality images in all modes.Taking it back to the shop first thing in the morning,very disappointed doesn't even come close.!!!Avoid at all costs,you have been warned.

I've had a Fuji S5600 for a few years and I take photos at corporate events to compliment those of our professional photographer during teambuilding etc and of staging/lighting during the event when he's filming. Although I'm an amateur with no training, my faithful Fuji thats' travelled the world, gotten dropped and wet at times has never let me down and photos are of fantastic quality. Definitely don't avoid!! Always reliable and great quality that's good enough to use for top corporate companies on large screens.

Great camera, had it a month. It took me a while to get used to the manual zoom, but very pleased with the results.

Right about now, this camera is selling arouind £250. This is a great price for this camera! I would highly recommend buying it or you will regret it not. People that say the image quality isn't up to standard, are not using it right or have the settings wrong. The features on this camera are phenomenal and it's worth the price, you couldn't get much better!

Image quality is shocking. I have never seen noise like it even at iso 100. Those who ay otherwise need new glases or don't know what noise is. My panasonic tz10 tramples all over this junk. It's great on paper but I suspect those who are singing it's praises are the ones who have bought it and are stuck with it.

Great Camera. Only problem I have with it is that out here in the Caribbean it quickly overheats and shuts down.