Can Fujifilm's HS30EXR reshape the superzoom and right the wrongs of last year's HS20 model? The What Digital Camera Fujifilm Finepix HS30EXR review...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

89%

Fujifilm Finepix HS30EXR

Overall score:89%
Value:90%
Performance:85%
Image Quality:85%
Design:90%
Features:95%

Pros:

  • 24-720mm lens with manual zoom, improved EVF compared to predecessor, external flash compatible, tilt-angle LCD screen, li-ion battery included

Cons:

  • Image quality not staggering (same as predecessor), overexposure not uncommon, continuous AF not fast enough for some subjects

Product:

Fujifilm Finepix HS30EXR Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£359.00

Value & Verdict

Fujifilm Finepix HS30EXR review – Value

Considering that the HS30 is packed out with more tech than the HS20 has, the £359 launch price represents good value. Shop online and the likes of the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS can be picked up for around the same price, while the shorter-focal-length Panasonic Lumix FZ150 is around £369.

Fujifilm Finepix HS30EXR review – Verdict

The HS30EXR takes the superzoom formula and tweaks it into better shape than its predecessor. The 24-720mm manual zoom not only offers a significant range but the hands-on zoom ring makes it feel more DSLR-like than other superzoom cameras. Add to this the far superior electronic viewfinder that outclasses the competition and the rechargeable li-ion battery and the HS30 is on the right track.

But for all its good points, there are a couple of things that we’d still like to see: more accurate exposure and a lower-resolution sensor to help with critical detail would be at the top of the list, along with a faster continuous autofocus system. Image quality is reasonable, but won’t compare to a DSLR with long lens – so buy the HS30EXR with realistic expectations. Of course, such kit would cost considerably more, and this is where the HS30 comes into its own: a fair balance of price to features make it a great success.

Details

Memory Card:SD (HC/XC)
White Balance:Automatic scene recognition. Preset - Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light, Custom
Video:1920 x 1080 pixels / 1280 x 720 pixels / 640 x 480 pixels
LCD:3in, 460k-dot, tilt-angle LCD with 100% coverage
Sensor:16MP 1/2in EXR-CMOS sensor
Exposure Modes:EXR, AUTO, P, S, A, M, C, PANORAMA, SP1, SP2, Adv
Metering System:TTL 256-zones metering
Other:1080p HD movie capture; 8fps max drive mode; 0.26in, 921k-dot electronic viewfinder; manual zoom lens, manual focus ring
Flash Modes:Auto, forced flash, slow synchro, external flash
Connectivity:HDMI, mini USB, A/V out
Weight:687g with battery and card
ISO Range:100-3200 (6400 at 8MP; 12800 at 4MP)
Lens:30x optical zoom (24-720mm f/2.8-5.6 equiv.)
Power:Li-ion battery NP-W126 (included)
Dimensions:130.6(W) x 96.6(H) x 126.0(D) mm
Shutter Speeds:(Auto mode) 1/4sec. to 1/4000sec., (All other modes) 30sec. to 1/4000sec. (combined mechanical and electronic shutter)
File Formats:JPEG, RAW, RAW & JPEG
  1. 1. Fujifilm Finepix HS30EXR review - Features
  2. 2. Design
  3. 3. Performance
  4. 4. Image Quality
  5. 5. Value & Verdict
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