Fuji FinePix F200EXR Digital Camera
12 Megapixel , 5x Optical Zoom , 3.0" LCD

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Fujifilm won a great many fans with its F30 and F31fd models, which combined slightly larger than average sensors containing fewer pixels than their competitors with some clever image processing, to produce some of the best high ISO images we'd ever seen from a compact camera. In fact, three years later, there are very few compacts we can think of that do a better job once the sun goes down.

While playing lip-service to the needs of low-light photography (and continuing to produce cameras whose processing give them a slight edge over their contemporaries), Fujifilm didn't appear to make further progress in the direction the F30 had pioneered. With the F200 EXR, Fujifilm seems to suggest that it wants to regain its low-light crown, based on a novel sensor technology it has developed (explained on the next page). In a time when compact cameras are becoming increasingly commoditized, it's interesting to see a company trying to use more than just marketing to differentiate its products.

And, even without its EXR cleverness, the F200 EXR is still a fairly well specified camera. It has one of the largest sensors used in any compact camera (it's a 1/1.6" type, which means it has a surface area of around 0.45cm2) combined with a lens that offers a very useful range, equivalent to 28-140mm in 35mm film terms. To put this in perspective, most DSLRs are supplied with lenses covering a roughly 28-85mm range. It's not the fastest (brightest) lens in the world but it's not excessively slow compared to its peers.

The F200 also offers image stabilization, which is one of the best features for ensuring consistently sharp images, along with modes that allow a reasonable amount of control over the camera and ones that take care of everything for you.

• 12MP Super CCD EXR sensor with 6MP dynamic range and high sensitivity modes
• Dual Image Stabilization (High sensitivity + CCD shift)
• 5.0x optical zoom (28-140mm equiv)
• 3.0-inch TFT screen with 230.000 dots
• ISO 3200 sensitivity at full resolution
• IR Communication (IR simple™/IR SS™)
• VGA movie capture of 25 frames per second with sound
• Micro thumbnail view (up to 100 thumbnails visible)
• 5fps continuous mode (3MP, 12 frames max)

Salient Features of Fuji FinePix F200EXR Digital Camera

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR operation
It takes approximately one or two seconds for the 5x zoom lens to take its position after turning the camera on. The large 3” inch monitor offers a clear reproduction, thanks to the soft colors used for the menu. The large screen also provides an excellent wide viewing angle from all sides. The multi-control button allows you to quickly navigate through all the setting possibilities, and the command dial on the back of the camera offers direct access to the main programs of the Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR, among which the EXR.

12 Megapixels compact digital camera
The EXR program offers access to all of the possibilities offered by the new image sensor. It is possible to use the sensor in various ways, and it allows the photographer to dedicate priorities to it. For instance, if the circumstances are ideal, the highest resolution of 12 Megapixels can be used.

digital photography
And in case a high ISO setting is required, which should of course not affect the signal/noise ratio, the resolution will be halved and two pixels will be combined to obtain a larger photo diode. This adds positively to the pixel sensitivity without it causing more noticeable noise. Furthermore, a mode is available to obtain the widest dynamic range possible by taking two pictures, each of which will be made with 6 Megapixels of resolution.

photography features
When it comes to operation, the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is straightforward. Despite the camera's popular design, a large amount of possibilities are available. Many automated functions and manual functions for the creative photographer through the P/M modes, at which the M mode offers the possibility to set the shutter speed as well as the aperture manually. The aperture range is slightly restricted and offers just minimum or maximum aperture. In addition, the Fujifilm F200EXR camera offers various preset scenes to obtain the best possible setting.

extra camera features
The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR even includes some nostalgia. If you are familiar with a 35mm Fujifilm, you can continue this experience with the F200EXR. Specific features such as the Velvia, Provia and Astia are included in the menu, each of which offers the typical image of ancient times.

Video support
As for its video functions, Fujifilm have renewed hardly anything; if even anything at all. It's clear that photography is the first priority of the Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR, also when looking at the video resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.

Memory
Fujifililm seems to have bid farewell to the xD Picture card with the introduction of the new FinePix digital camera series. In addition to the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR, two other new FinePix cameras also feature an SD / SDHC card slot offering an optional memory capacity of 32GB at the maximum. Fujifilm makes a statement with this gesture, which is important in these turbulent times for the camera market. Question remains how long Olympus, Fujifilm's former companion of the xD card, will keep supporting this medium type. I can't image they will carry on forever. Unless there are other interests involved.

Camera Sensor
The new Fuji FinePix F200EXR is a typical compact camera of the Fujifilm brand. Fujifilm continues on the path they have walked on for the last decennium. The corporation continues to focus on image and quality while cameras such as the FinePix F200EXR, in combination with innovative sensor solutions, e.g. the Super CCD EXR, are able to continuously bring the compact camera to a higher level. The final test result will still take a while.

Standard Accessories with Fuji FinePix F200EXR Digital Camera

• NP-50 lithium-ion battery
• Battery charger
• Wrist strap
• USB + A/V cable
• CD-ROMs
• Manual