Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
This 12MP FinePix is a very interesting compact for more than one reason. Yes, it packs a ridiculously long zoom into a body that is marginally bigger than a standard compact, but it also allows you to exercise creative control over your images.
EXR sensor Sensor technology is always being improved, and this Fuji uses the second generation EXR sensor. If you’re not familiar with EXR, it’s a clever technology that allows you to switch the sensor mode depending on the type of scene you are shooting. There are three options to pick from – HR (High Resolution), DR (Dynamic Range) and SN (high Sensitivity and low Noise). HR mode is designed to give you the best possible detail in your images and is ideal when the light levels are high. This will give you cleaner images, but you do need strong lighting to utilise it. For more challenging lighting where you have a mix of strong and poor lighting, it’s the DR mode that will help you capture a more balanced tonal range across the image. The SN mode is designed to deliver less noise when shooting in low light. Each of these options can be manually selected, but you can also set EXR Automatic Mode, and have the camera select for you.
Long zoom A 15x optical zoom is not unusual in a compact, but is unusual in a camera of this size. The focal length is the 35mm equivalent of 24-360mm, giving you a great range from wide-angle to serious close-in zoom. With the camera switched off the body is just 32.6mm at its thickest point, thanks to the lens being made from a double sliding mechanism combined with special flare reducing coatings and the EXR sensor.
Advanced features Face Detection has been upgraded on this camera to Face Recognition, which allows you to pre-program eight people into the camera so it will automatically recognise them and prioritise focus accordingly, while Auto-release enables the camera to capture a shot as soon as your subject looks at the camera. If you are looking for fast performance then you’ll be pleased that the F300 can focus in a mere 0.158 seconds, thanks to a new Phase detection AF system. Add to these features an intelligent flash and new 360° Motion Panorama Mode and you can see just how much Fujifilm has added to this camera. There’s also video mode that captures HD quality but with mono sound.
Classy design With a large 3in screen on the back of the F300 and a compact shell, the camera is still very stylish. The lines are smooth, and there are some neat and quirky elements to the design. The flash is located inside the top of the camera and slides up when the camera turns on. The command dial for the various shooting modes is set at an angle between the back of the camera and the top-plate. This is innovative positioning, as it looks strange but is actually incredibly clever as your thumb naturally sits in place to operate it. On the rear of the camera, alongside the screen, is yet more creative design with the function selection buttons. The circular rocker switch is surrounded by a rotating wheel, which combine to allow quick and simple alteration of flash settings, drive mode and menu navigation.
Performance In use, the F300EXR is a lovely camera, with easy to navigate menus and lots of functions. You will find it neatly fits into your pocket, yet delivers a serious quality of image. The flash automatically pops up when you switch the camera on, and unfortunately remains up. This is a shame, as when you don’t need the flash it would be better to have it stowed away and only up when needed. The camera is responsive, and the LCD screen delivers excellent detail. The EXR technology is great for low light, especially if you are looking for an automatic solution in this type of situation. The camera also offers intelligent flash to give more natural lighting. In normal conditions, the camera delivers clean and sharp images, and the exposure is well balanced. The zoom is excellent and the camera delivers throughout the range, and is supported by the camera’s built-in stabilisation that helps reduce camera shake.
Final verdict We’d be lying if we said that this was just another compact, because the F300EXR is a really impressive offering that combines a superb zoom, with great sensor technology and a stylish design. Prices range from £270 through to £350, but the average retail price sits around the £300 level, which is excellent value for money. There are a lot of cool features, including the HD video and improved autofocus. Popular creative tools – like the Motion Panorama that has been upgraded to give 360-degree coverage and improved Face Detection – will appeal to many.
Key spec Street price £300
Effective resolution 12MP
Sensor type 6.4x4.8mm Super CCD EXR
Lens (35mm equivalent) 24-360mm f/3.3-5.6
Exposure modes Auto, PAS, creative modes, EXR and movie
Metering modes TTL 256-zone Multi, Average and Spot
ISO range Auto, 100-6400 (12,800 at reduced resolution)
Shooting speed 1.5fps (4.5fps at reduced resolution)
Card type SD/SDHC
LCD monitor size 3in
Aspect ratio 4:3 (Still), 16:9 (Movie)
Focus Single AF and Continuous AF
Stabilisation CCD-shift type
Weight/size (wxhxd) 195g/103.5x59x33mm