Who is this camera aimed at? Fujifilm’s FinePix S200EXR is a compact aimed at snappers who want a similar level of manual control and handling characteristics as a D-SLR, but in an all-in-one body.
Key features: The FinePix S200EXR packs in a 14.3x optical zoom lens, which offers an impressive coverage of 30.5-436mm that’s suitable for a wide range of subjects.
Then there’s the sensor, with the camera employing the Gear of the Year award-winning 12Mp EXR chip, with 3 switchable capture modes: High Resolution mode for ultimate quality, High ISO & Low Noise mode for low-light conditions and D-Range Priority mode for high-contrast scenes.
Is it built to last? It can’t quite match the feel of the budget D-SLRs that it’s aimed at, with a predominantly plastic finish, but it’s one of the most durable-feeling bridge compacts we’ve seen.
What’s it like to use? With a design modelled on that of a D-SLR, it’s very similar in operation, and sports a good, chunky hand grip. Moving through the zoom range is smooth and there’s a manual focus ring, too, and instead of an optical viewfinder, there’s an electronic one instead. It’s no substitute for the real thing, but does a good job, and there’s always the 2.7in screen if you prefer.
Image quality: There’s plenty of detail available from the 12Mp chip, while the level of digital Noise at high ISOs when using High ISO & Low Noise mode is very impressively handled for a compact camera.
Conclusion: If you want all-in-one convenience with great image quality, then you won’t go wrong.
Street Price: £359
Resolution: 12Mp
Lens: 14.3x optical (30.5-436mm, f/2.8-5.3)
Image stabilisation: Lens-shift
Metering: Multi-zone, Centre-weighted and Spot
Shooting modes: M, A, S, P, EXR SP, C1, C2 & 18 Scene modes
Shutter range: 30secs-1/4000sec
ISO range: 100-3200, expandable to 12800 (at reduced resolution)
Monitor: 2.7in, 230k dots
File formats: RAW & JPEG
Storage media: SD/SDHC
Weight: 820g
Dimensions: 133x94x145mm
Visit: www.fuji.co.uk