Image Quality

Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR review – Image Quality

Whether the change from the Super CCD chip to the 16MP CMOS sensor has been for the better is up for debate. While the performance has been improved, allowing a higher frame rate and the 16MP will keep the marketing people happy, the actual images don’t seem to see an improvement of those of the F300EXR.

Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR review – click for full size image

At full resolution, 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. If you’re going to be shooting at higher ISOs, then the F550EXR’s High ISO & Low Noise EXR setting is the one to go for – with a resolution of 8MP compared to 16MP, the ultimate signal to noise ratio is better, and while you can see a noticeable improvement over the full resolution alternative, it’s not as dramatic as that on the older Super CCD chip. It’s a similar story in D-Range Priority – while there’s an improvement in highlight areas, it’s not as impressive as we’ve come to expect from an EXR chip.

Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR review – click for full size image

Metering is good, though you may find that a touch of underexposure can benefit the shot, and while the lens is nice and sharp, there’s some noticeable distortion at the wide end, so it’s worth being careful with horizons and architecture to avoid bowed straight lines.