Fujifilm F70EXR

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

Few compacts earn the justification for a review in PP or DP, but there are exceptions. The 10MP Fuji FinePix F70EXR is a super-slim offering that squeezes a 10x optical zoom into its slender frame. The camera is the latest to benefit from the EXR sensor that has been so well received since its conception last year. EXR is a clever technology that adapts to the type of image it is capturing. This means that you can benefit from high-resolution results, reduced noise and improved dynamic range. This is pocket-sized compact delivers a serious punch for both its size and price. The 10x zoom offers a wide-angle 27mm starting point, and overall it gives the 35mm equivalent focal length of 27-270mm.

Features
Sporting a 2.7in LCD, the F70EXR is a very well-styled compact that looks great on the outside, but is packed on the inside too. You have the usual mix of film simulation modes, dual image stabilisation, face detection, intelligent flash and even anti-blur technology. These are all very useful tools that have been seen on previous models, but there are some new additions for the F70EXR such as Pro Focus and Pro Low-light. Pro Focus creates an effect that would normally be restricted to DSLR owners, taking two shots in rapid succession – one in focus, the other out of focus – to create a single image with a tight depth-of-field. Pro Low-light uses the same technology but in a different way. Four shots are taken using the Signal to Noise (SN) element of the EXR chip. Each image is taken at a different sensitivity in quick succession and they are then matted together in-camera to create an image with the most minimal digital noise.

Ease of use
Like most compacts, the F70EXR is not difficult to use, as it has no complicated controls. The layout is simplistic and all the buttons are clearly labelled so you can navigate through the functions with ease. The menus are clear and the use of graphics adds to that intuitive feel. The zoom is easy to operate, but it does step through the focal lengths, so you can end up getting frustrated if it stops either side of where you want it to.

Image quality
Surprisingly, and disappointingly, pictures from the F70EXR lack the definition we were expecting, and could best be described as soft. For printing at 6x4in or even 5x7in the quality would prove acceptable, but beyond that the imperfections start to show. Exposure is good, however, so you get the tonal range and colours that you expect. With the EXR technology you can certainly improve the dynamic range and bring out shadow detail but the images look very noisy, even at low ISO settings.

Verdict
The F70EXR’s remarkable specification led me to start this test with high expectations, so I’m very disappointed to say that the image quality let it down. Don’t get me wrong – this is a very neat compact, that for £200 takes a nice picture. What it doesn’t do is take a superb image with lots of fine detail. It can prove useful in lowlight, but you have to accept high levels of noise.


Specification
Street price: £200
Effective resolution: 10MP
Sensor type & size: 1/2in & 6.4x4.8mm
Zoom: 10x optical
35mm focal length: 27-270mm
Exposure modes: Program AE, aperture-priority AE, manual
Metering modes: Multi, spot and average
ISO range: 100-12,800   
Card type: SD
LCD monitor size: 2.7in 230k dot       
Autofocus: Multi/centre AF
Raw shooting: No
Face Detection: Yes       
Built-in stabilisation: Yes
Weight/size (wxhxd): 180g/99.3x58.9x22.7mm