Image Quality

Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR review – Image Quality

The inclusion of Fuji’s EXR technology means image quality can be approached in a two- or even three-pronged approach. It’s possible to get full resolution 16MP files from the camera, but the EXR mode also opens up SN (High Sensitivity, Low Noise) and DR (Wide Dynamic Range) modes. For the latter two the output is halved to 8-megapixels as each mode uses two sensor diodes per image pixel. SN uses the two signal per pixel for a cleaner signal to limit image noise, while DR takes two exposures for a broader exposure read that can then display well-exposed shadow and highlight detail within the one shot. You’ll only find this technology in Fujifilm cameras, so it’s one of the biggest features the camera has on offer. But is it any good?

We found the F600’s 16-megapixel images to be decent for the most part, though vignetting at the wide-angle settings, unexpected flare from light sources and some lack of detail due to processing each present their own issues.

At full resolution image detail is good at lower ISOs, but softness can become an issue at higher sensitivities – in an effort to reduce noise, parts of the image look like they’ve been ‘smeared’.

Fuji claims that the F600 has improved high ISO performance compared to the F550EXR thanks to an improved EXR Auto mode that now offers Motion Detection plus a superior scene recognition range than previous models. To our eyes there’s no difference in the final images compared to the predecessor.

For the 8-megapixel SN and DR modes the higher ISO settings are better served here, though the High ISO & Low Noise EXR setting won’t perform total miracles. It’s a similar story in DR mode – while there’s an improvement in highlight areas results won’t always be drastically different to a normal shot.

In terms of metering the camera does a good job, though overexposure isn’t unheard of. It’s the screen’s playback that’s throws the balance though: shots that look overexposed are likely to have a lot more detail visible when you look at the final image on a computer.

For the price point, however, the F600EXR’s images represent good quality, not least thanks to the inclusion of Raw capture.