Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR

The bridge saw that (almost) in the night

With its new generation sensor, the Fujifilm S200EXR plays on the high sensitivity mode.

We already mentioned the EXR sensor during the test F200EXR. Developed for years in research labs Fujifilm, the sensor is what is best in the world of compact. Without going into details, advanced technology, this sensor is able to correct the under exposure and overexposure to simultaneously capture two images and adding the result, and proves excellent in low light its definition by dividing by two. After so much investment in such a sensor, it was legitimate and predictable as the brand Nippon declines its technology to other digital cameras. It’s done with the S200EXR (do not confuse with F200EXR!), The new bridge upscale Fujifilm.

Equipped with a big zoom 14, 3x, the device is of course before the properties of the sensor: the standard mode where it “shoot” a 12 megapixel, mode of dynamic range (6 MPix) also correctly states that well as high low lights and a high sensitivity mode (6 megapixel still) that captures images up to ISO 12800. A very high and probably very optimistic. After testing the F200EXR, it predicts that the device will deliver good images up to ISO 1600, which is already huge for a compact.

Besides the sensor, optics offers a good range of focal lengths ranging from 30.5 to 436 mm (equivalent 24×36), a small wide-angle and a very good zoom. Normal, this versatility is the reason for bridges. Weighing more than 800 grams, the device is a big baby and, with aperture values of 2.8 to 5.6, it is hopeful that Fujifilm has worked with the optical care.

One slight disappointment on the screen. Unlike some of its forebears, it is fixed. They would have preferred a removable screen, more practical in real opportunities. Fujifilm announces however, that the slab is a “last generation” and offer excellent viewing angles. Apart from entry level to 115,000 pixels and a few aircraft emergency at 460,000 pixels, the vast majority of cameras offers the same number of pixels the S200EXR with very different quality levels.

Be expected to have in hand before deciding.

Who says big bridge near the SLR ergonomics said. But today, reflex rhyme more with RAW format digital file equivalent to “negative”. Good pick, the S200EXR proposed format. But according to our information, the camera fires either JPEG or RAW + Jpeg. Not only the RAW takes up more space but write the two files at the same time is even harder. Hopefully, Fujifilm has provided a sufficient buffer to not paralyze the camera between two shots …

A device must have modern techniques of image enhancement and editing: the S200EXR is no exception. He has always made simulators Film Fujifilm to find the silver tab on his digital images. A method that can be doubled with a bracketing, who can apply several different filters on the same picture. Other refinement methods Focus Pro and Pro Low Light: one simulates the background blurred, the other limit noise in low light. In both cases, the camera adds several captured images simultaneously.

No wonder the video side. It’s VGA (640×480 pixels), without high-definition possible. Not insurmountable, of course, but that should Fujifilm shakes the fleas! From compact SLR, offering all brands of digital cameras shooting in HD. He would stay in the race. New sensors, new optical and many options to improve the image … Fujifilm has put the package for its new bridge. And that affects how the price of the device as it will ship in late September to 499 euros, the price of a small SLR.

An excellent bridge which lacks only the HD video to shine

The bridge attracted by its image quality and workmanship. Too bad the HD video is absent and the large-angle light.

The expectations

Few brands are still active in the field of bridge cameras, but the category is dominated by Fujifilm and Panasonic, with a real advantage in the first. With S100FSThe Nippon mark was in fact marked the spirits. Fujifilm is trying to improve its product by integrating its sensor house, EXR, which already offered superb performance in the F200EXR. The bridge is perfect?

The reality

Side building, Fujifilm has succeeded in making a lightweight and well made. It does not seem as solid as a good big SLR, but its ownership suggests that it may still collect gently hazards of travel. It is close to that of the SLR, with the selection knobs on top, the manual modes and the cross navigation.

This damn interface

It starts with a small cardboard box, a yellow card aging: the software interface. For years, Fujifilm drags poor ergonomics in the old-fashioned appearance and moderately reactive. Without seriously handicap the photographer is a small ball that needs to be dragged. It is time that Fujifilm puts the packet in developing a new interface.

Excellent image quality or the magic of EXR

Without claiming the quality of an SLR, necessarily more efficient because the sensors are larger, the S200EXR conspicuous by its image quality. Grace is made in the EXR sensor, which obtains very good results even in low light. By agreeing to lose a little resolution, we find the material when the photons become scarce, the black swatch revealing details and subtleties. In daylight, the dynamic is of course improved, but it is less tangible. Only situations that are too bright can see, the eye, a significant improvement.
The images are fairly well stitched with a view to such magnitude. There are however large sections. This phenomenon, evidenced by purple edging which is observed particularly around the foliage, would benefit from not optically corrected, it is very expensive, but in software. So brands like Panasonic did take the crease does not persist on optics, but to correct it afterwards.

Small wide-angle

The S200EXR starts at 30 mm. Given its range (30-436 mm) can not be bitching that moderate but still: at 24 mm, it would have been nice to offer a 28mm. Nevertheless, Fujifilm is, despite the fringes, a good optical formula. The distortion control and the sharpness are suitable for this type of device.

HD Video trapping

According to the spokesman for Fujifilm HD Video “Is not the priority [Business, Ed] but the image quality “. For the latter, we confirm that it is good. But the lack of HD video is still a negative point. The devices tend to be hybrids and power, as a fan of nature or sports supplement his photo essay by one or two video quality is not a luxury. It would be good Fujifilm develops or acquires such technology does not end up disqualified on the shelves.

The conclusions of review

If you confine yourself strictly to photography and photography, S200EXR is a very good choice. Powerful, fast, it delivers excellent pictures including using EXR mode. The simulations of film will allow neophytes to get good results in Jpeg and pro will appreciate the RAW format. But we can only regret the absence of HD video mode and the narrow width of the wide angle.

Positive points

* EXR sensor
* Excellent optical range
* Managing RAW
* Simulation of Fuji film reviews

Negative points

* No HD video
* Screen nonrotating

Specifications

Definition of sensor
12 Mpixels
Optical Zoom
14 X
Memory Card
SD Card and SDHC Card