Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR Review

The Fujifilm S200EXR is the latest edition of Fuji's popular SLR-styled range and boasts the company's latest EXR sensor, but will it tempt people away from the budget DSLRs?

Product Overview

Overall rating:

83%

Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR

Overall score:83%
Features:85%
Value:85%
Performance:75%
Image Quality:85%
Design:85%

Pros:

  • Image quality, EXR system and build quality, zoom range

Cons:

  • Manual focus ring, lack of wide angle on lens, EVF

Product:

Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£430.00

Image Quality & Value for Money

Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR review – Image Quality

Thanks to some rather hefty optics and quite an advanced sensor, image quality is very impressive. Colours appear bright and punchy on the whole, and detail is good. The S200 does boast an extensive ISO range, above what you would expect on even a mid-priced DSLR, with up to ISO 3200 in normal range, extendable to 12800 using smaller file sizes. Results are relatively noise-free up to 400 and usable up to 1600. However, settings of 3200 and over are best avoided unless absolutely necessary. White balance and metering both perform their tasks admirably, though the rear LCD screen can often be misleading for both – something the S200 has inherited from its predecessor, the S100. Under close examination up to 500% the JPEG files appear slightly softer and smoother than the Raw counterparts, showing signs of processing but, crucially, not over-processing.

FujiS200EXRlondoneye.JPG

 

Fujifilm S200EXR Review sample image test – click for fullsize image

Fujifilm S200EXR review – Value

Initially the price tag on the S200 may appear high, as it is more than some entry-level DSLR models. However, once you take into account the features on board, and particularly the lens, it becomes far more in line with the market. If you were searching out a bargain, you may consider the Olympus E-420 kit with a 14-42mm and 40-150mm lens (a total range of 28-300mm) for £50 less than the Fuji. However, to find a combination with a single lens that covers the distance, you could be paying the price of the S200 for the lens alone. Another main rival for this is likely to be the Panasonic Lumix G1 – a camera now retailing for just £460, albeit with a shorter zoom lens, but perhaps offering more flexibility and a smaller body.

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Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR review pages:

Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR links from What Digital Camera.com

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  1. 1. Fujifilm S200EXR Review
  2. 2. Design
  3. 3. Performance
  4. 4. Image Quality & Value for Money
  5. 5. Verdict
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