Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
Fuji has been developing its sensor technology since the introduction of Super CCD back with its early digital cameras, over the years introducing improved processors and tweaking the technology’s effectiveness. The basic principle of the sensor’s build has, however, not changed a great deal, in that the chip design features a unique construction that helps to produce improved dynamic range and detail. The FinePix F200, however, heralds the arrival of a new and revolutionary Super CCD chip that goes way beyond its predecessors. This new chip is called the Super CCD EXR sensor, and it has a unique ability to change its behaviour to suit a specific situation. The aim is to optimise the FinePix F200, allowing it to produce high resolution images, wide dynamic range and great lowlight performance. This EXR Super CCD chip has a 12 megapixel output, making the F200 a very powerful compact, and it also boasts a 5x optical zoom and 3in LCD screen.
The Fuji F200 is based on the FinePix F100 in terms of its appearance, and like its predecessor also feels very well built with good proportions. The F200 has an addition to the command dial that sits on the rear of the camera, as it has an EXR mode in addition to Auto, P (Program), M (Manual), Video, SP (pre-set creative modes) and the two ‘N’ modes (Natural, with and without flash). Everything is kept nice and simple on this compact, so it is easy to select the shooting modes and operate the camera’s menus.
EXR mode offers four options. The first is HR mode, a resolution-priority mode where the sensor is set to achieve maximum image detail. This is ideal for bright conditions where you can capture plenty of detail with ease. The next option is SN mode. Using this selection allows the camera to use high ISO sensitivity, yet also deliver low noise. The third is DR (Dynamic Range-priority), which reduces burn out in contrasty scenes, giving more tonality to the image. The final auto EXR setting utilises all three of these modes, and also can be used with the camera’s face detection technology. The EXR technology certainly appears to deliver what it claims to, as the performance in low light is impressive. It’s not just when the light falls off that the F200 does well, as the tonal range control is also good in daylight. The auto EXR mode is very useful and does a good job, but we found the best results came from manually selecting the most relevant mode, instead of letting the camera decide for you. The SN EXR mode is quite brilliant when light is limited. It keeps the noise levels very well controlled, yet also gives great exposure and tonal range. General exposure is accurate, and the EXR modes do help retain detail where other compacts would simply lose it.
Additional featuresYou can hardly say this camera lacks features. With film simulation, Face Detection, intelligent flash and dual IS along with the EXR modes, it’s packed full. The F200 has three AF modes that switch between multi and centre focus points, and continuous focus for action. Metering (here called Photometry) can also be set to multi, spot and average for more accurate exposures. You can also set a number of drive modes to help you catch the exact moment you are looking for. One of these gives you the option to keep your finger on the shutter to shoot a burst of 12 frames, then release the shutter to write just the last three frames to the memory card. This can be set for the first three frames instead and long period capture too. Film simulation modes aren’t new to Fuji compacts, but they are a great way of replicating the tones and effects of popular film products like Fuji Velvia and Provia. What is new is an increased ISO range from 100-12,800. For ISO 6400 and 12,800, the resolution is reduced automatically, so you don’t get 12 megapixels. You can set limitations to the auto ISO, to prevent the camera using a very high setting.
The sensitivity performance of the Fuji F200 is not bad. As the camera claims to deliver outstanding noise control for a compact, we tested the F200 alongside the Nikon D90 to see how the performance compared to a popular DSLR. We were pleasantly surprised by the results. There is clearly a difference in the performance of the D90 compared to the Fuji F200, but for a compact the EXR chip is not that far adrift from the larger APS-C sensor found in the DSLR. The biggest differences occur beyond ISO 3200, as the D90’s sensor retains a lot more image quality at ISO 6400. The Fuji’s top-end ISO of 12,800 isn’t really a setting you’ll wish to utilise a great deal because the noise levels are really obvious, but if you want to record an event in low light it could be useful. Compared to other compacts, the F200 delivers an impressive performance.
An all-round solid performance makes the Fuji FinePix F200 EXR stand out in a very crowded arena. It’s pricey at £300, but it is a versatile camera for a whole range of conditions.
Key specificationsEffective resolution: 12MP
Sensor type: Super CCD EXR
Optical zoom: 28-140mm (35mm equivalent)
Exposure modes: Auto/EXR/P/M/movie
ISO range: 100-12,800 (6400 and 12,800 at reduced resolution)
Exposure control: TTL 256-zone metering
Shutter speed: Auto (1/4sec-1/1500sec)
Card types: SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus/xD
LCD monitor size: 3in (230k dot)
Internal functions: Face detection with auto red eye removal/Film simulation
Focus: Autofocus (area, multi, center)/ continuous AF
Built-in stabilisation: CCD-shift type
Weight/size (wxhxd): 175g/97.7x58.9x23.4mm