Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR review – Features and Design

The Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR is one of the latest models in the manufacturer’s ‘Fashion’ range, and boasts a design well suited to that moniker. Available in three colours, the camera features a sliding front cover which also serves as a power button, while it’s certainly slender enough to fit in to either jacket pocket or handbag with a minimum of fuss. It’s often the case that such ‘fashion’ models scrimp on imaging specification for one reason or another: keeping cost to a minimum is normally a concern considering the requirements of the purchaser. However, the Z1000EXR arrives with a host of technology normally found much further up the FinePix food chain, and as such promises good results.

The first of these imaging features worthy of note is the Z1000EXR’s sensor. The model houses a 16MP 1/2in CMOS variety, complete with Fuji’s EXR technology – the type found on more high-end FinePix models which allows the sensor to be adapted to suit the shooting conditions. ‘High Resolution’ mode is best suited for detail, ‘High ISO and Low Noise’ is suited for low light conditions, while ‘D-Range Priority’ adapts the sensor for shooting high contrast scenes, and all three modes involve physical adoption of the sensor as opposed to post-processing options found in other models. If you don’t want to choose the EXR mode yourself, there’s an EXR Auto mode which will suit your needs.

The Z1000EXR features a relatively modest optical zoom, although this is to be expected owing to its non-protruding nature. The lens is a 5x optical zoom covering a focal range of 28-140mm, while it’s also supported by CMOS shift image stabilisation and can be boosted to 10x if you’re prepared to use the Intelligent Digital Zoom functionality.

The rear of the Z1000EXR is well boasts another eye-catching feature in the shape of a large LCD screen. It measures in at some 3.5in with a resolution of 460k-dots, and in doing so takes up all of the rear of the model. As you’d expect for such an LCD configuration, that found on the rear of the Z1000EXR is of the touchscreen variety, with the vast majority of the screen’s functionality accessed through it.

The Z1000F joins a growing group of compacts that feature WiFi functionality. The variation found on the Z1000F isn’t as comprehensive as that found on other similar compacts, although it does allow for one-tap sending of images to either a Smartphone or Tablet through a Fujifilm app, where they can then be posted online.

Whilst an element of manual shooting control is offered through the camera’s ‘Program’ shooting mode, there’s no doubt that the Z1000EXR is targeted to those looking to let their camera take care of shooting settings. Fujifilm claims that the Z1000EXR offers 103 different ‘Shooting Patterns’, which are essentially combinations of the model’s on-board automated settings including scene modes and EXR settings.

The compact is also capable of full HD video capture at a resolution of 1080p and at a rate of 30fps, complete with stereo sound and the capacity to zoom during recording.

If ever you were in doubt as the Z1000EXR’s place in Fujifilm’s fashion range, the camera’s design will surely confirm its suitability. Available in White, Champagne Gold, Jade and Pink, the camera features a sliding front panel which both acts as the camera’s power button and reveals the model’s lens and flash, as well as a small circular mirror for helping with framing self portraits. The fact that the rear of the camera is wholly occupied by an LCD screen also offers the camera a sleek feel and finish, with the screen offering access to shooting controls and settings. Despite being sleek in design, and a ‘Fashion’ model by Fujifilm’s definition, the Z1000EXR certainly feels sturdy and weighty enough in the hand and that it would be able to stand up to a reasonable amount of wear and tear.