Last update 11 November’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraReview
FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR announced on July 22, 2009 is a dual image stabilized 10 megapixel switchable sensor compact digital camera that features a “3-in-1” sensor combination, EXR priority choices High Resolution – Wide Dynamic Range – High Sensitivity and Low Noise, 10x optical zoom, 5 film simulation modes, face detection with auto red-eye correct, 5fps continuous shooting, ISO range from 100 to 12,800, camera dimensions are 99.3 (W) x 58.9 (H) x 22.7 (D) mm / 3.9 (W) x 2.3 (H) x 0.9 (D) in. (excluding accessories and attachments) and it weighs approx. 180g / 6.3oz. (excluding accessories, battery and memory card).
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Review Index – (updated 11 November’09)
DigitalCameraReview
“The F70EXR is very likable camera it was a lot of fun taking photos with it. Here in the Ohio Valley our fall colors are at their peak and I shot a lot of photos trying capture the wonderful colors. This camera was consistent and did not let me down, even once. Bottom line though as as much fun as it was to use this camera misses the mark.”
PCMag
“The F70EXR would make a really good choice if you are looking for a compact camera with big optical zoom lens and outstanding photo quality, even in low light. Of course that is if you can live without HD video.”
Rating: 
Steve’s Digicams
“This is an outstanding compact camera, packed with cool new features and shooting modes. The newly designed 10-Megapixel Super CCD EXR imaging sensor captures excellent, high quality photos, while the new image processor allows the camera to combine images on the fly to improve photo quality. Just about anyone can pick up this take really nice photos. This is an a very camera and will fit the bill for people looking for a powerful compact camera.”
Pocket-lint
“The F70EXR suggests itself as an ideal travel companion best suited to spur of the moment snaps. That said the broad focal range and EXR and film simulation modes do provide a wealth of creative possibilities, ably allowing the photographer to take in everything from landscapes to candid close ups. With the F70EXR suggesting excellent value the ultimate winner here is the consumer.”
Rating:
Cameras.uk
“Overall, picture quality is outstanding. There are a number of features on this camera that you do not find elsewhere. They help to control noise and add detail to shots where there are areas of high contrast. I also like the quality of the LCD screen. Recommended.”
Rating: 
Photoxels
“I especially like the ease of use and image quality, especially where high ISOs are concerned. Consider that in a ultra compact package, it has very good low light capability, has the ability to capture images with a wide dynamic range, has fast AF, and now adds 10x ultra zoom.”
DigicamReview
“Image quality is very good, with low noise, when compared to other digital cameras and the option to capture a wide dynamic range is a very welcome feature, however purple fringing seems to be an unwanted side effect of having so much zoom available.”
Rating:
PhotographyBlog
“The Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR produces very good out-of-the-camera JPEG images with low noise and amazing dynamic range at a frankly astonishing price. We’ve seen the F70EXR advertised for a fantastic low price which is a value for such a versatile camera – it’s definitely worth snapping one up now…”
Rating: 
ePhotozine
“It’s a mixed bag of performance from the FinePix F70 EXR giving lots of detail and lovely colours but then it’s let down with mid to high ISO levels. If you’re after a thin camera with plenty of pull in the zoom area, that also looks good then this is the camera for you. In terms of innovative fetaures, it appears to have more to offer than others in the same price bracket.”
Rating: 
DPExpert
“We tested the camera in the mode that most users will choose (if they bother to choose any), Auto EXR. We wandered around town as a tourist, taking tourist type snaps. The 27mm wide angle is a boon and the pictures of all subjects were consistently good. At $500 this is the compact camera that sets standards for image quality.”
CNET UK
“The Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR is a well-designed, compact superzoom, and the EXR sensor technology is spectacularly successful, even though the resolution penalty is disappointing. But it’s all spoiled by some truly horrible purple-blue fringing. It doesn’t appear in every shot, but it’s frequent enough to drive you mad in the end.”
Rating:
PhotoReview
“Buy this camera if: You’re looking for a pocketable long-zoom digicam that is good value for money. You take a lot of photographs in bright conditions (beach and/or snow) and need the ability to record highlight details in subjects. You’d prefer a camera with useful automated functions.”
]Sample Photos
[Image Quality Samples @ DigitalCameraReview]
[Sample Images @ Steve's Digicams]
[Sample Images @ Pocket-lint]
[Sample Images @ Cameras.uk]
[ISO Performance Images @ Photoxels]
[ISO Performance Images @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample 12,800 ISO Photo @ CNET UK]
[Sample Photo @ CNET UK]
[Sample Photos @ Fujifilm]
Specifications & Camera Profile
| Sensor |
• 1/2" Super CCD EXR |
|---|---|
| Image sizes |
• 3616 x 2712 • 2592 x 1440 |
| Movie clips | • 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels @ 30 fps • AVI (Motion JPEG ) |
| File formats | • JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.2 )
• Movie : AVI (Motion JPEG ) with sound |
| Lens |
• Fujinon 10x Optical zoom lens • 27-270mm equiv. |
| Image stabilization | CCD-shift |
| Digital zoom | Approx. 4.0x |
| Focus |
Auto Focus |
| AF area modes |
• Cente |
| AF assist lamp | Yes |
| Focus distance | • Normal: Wide angle: Approx. 45cm / 1.5 ft to infinity, Telephoto: Approx. 2m / 6.6 ft. to infinity • Macro: Wide angle: Approx. 5cm/ 0.2 ft. to 80cm / 2.6 ft Telephoto: Approx. 90cm-2.5m / 3 ft to 1m / 3.3 ft |
| ISO sensitivity |
• Auto • ISO 400 • ISO 12800 |
| Metering | TTL 256-zones metering |
| Exposure modes | Programmed AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual |
| Shuttter speed | Auto : 1/4 sec to 1/1500 sec All other modes : 8 sec to 1/2000 sec |
| Aperture | Wide: F3.3 – F6.4 Tele: F5.6 – F11 |
| Shooting modes |
• Mode dial: Auto, EXR, Natural Light, Natural Light & with Flash, SP, P, M, Movie |
| White balance | Automatic scene recognition. Preset (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light and Custom |
| Self timer | Approx. 10 sec./ 2 sec. delay |
| Continuous shooting Modes | • Top-3 • High-speed Top-12 (Number of recorded pixels :”S” only) • Final-3 |
| Flash |
• Auto flash Effective range: 4.2 m |
| LCD monitor |
• 2.7 inch |
| Digital input/output |
• USB 2.0 High Speed |
| Video output | NTSC / PAL selectable |
| Storage | • Internal memory (Approx. 47 MB) • SD/SDHC memory card |
| Power | • Rechargeable NP-50 Li-ion battery (included) |
| Weight (no batt) | Approx. 180 g |
| Dimensions | 99 (W) x 59 (H) x 23 (D) mm 3.9 (W) x 2.3 (H) x 0.9 (D) |
Press Release
The FinePix F70EXR gives three critical improvements on current models. First, image quality. The one drawback with long zoom cameras is that the sensor has to be necessarily small, with less light reaching the CCD than would be the case with standard compacts. Fujifilm has introduced its award-winning EXR technology into the FinePix F70EXR, giving a significant improvement in image quality against other models. The second major benefit of the FinePix F70EXR is the neat compact design.
At only 22.7mm thick and crafted into a beautiful sculpted shell with a double -coated lacquer finish. Lastly, Fujinon 10x Zoom lens, developed in conjunction with the Super CCD EXR sensor, produces crisp high resolution results throughout the focal range, from 27mm wide-angle to 270mm telephoto.
Super CCD EXR-The Quality Edge
Introduced earlier this year with the FinePix F200EXR, this radical new approach to sensor technology has paid handsome dividends with a stream of positive reviews. Modelling the EXR sensor on the human eye, for the first time the user can ‘flex’ the behaviour of the sensor according to the scene to the photographed. When the light is strong and even, the camera can be switched to HR (High Resolution) mode to ensure every small detail is recorded.
When light is strong but contrasty, the sensor can switch to DR (Wide Dynamic Range) mode to get the optimal balance between highlight and shadows. Lastly, in low light the sensor will switch to SN (High Sensitivity and Low Noise) mode, to ensure clean noise-free pictures even in the darkest conditions.
EXR was invented to maximise quality when the size of the sensor is necessarily constrained. So EXR is a perfect sensor for a long zoom compact, delivering extraordinary results even in the most challenging conditions.
EXR Modes – You Decide
The FinePix F70EXR is fitted with the same EXR Priority modes as its more premium F and S sister cameras (F200EXR and S200EXR). Users can choose to default to HR ‘Resolution Priority’, SN ‘High ISO & Low Noise Priority’ or DR ‘D-Range Priority’ for consistent shooting using one sensor setting (for instance, always choosing ‘best dynamic range’ whatever the lighting conditions).
A fantastic addition to the FinePix F70EXR, EXR Auto takes the guesswork out of setting the camera by doing everything for you. EXR Auto is essentially a very sophisticated set of program modes. The camera can automatically detect six different types of scenes – Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Backlit Portrait, Night, and Night Portrait. The camera will recognize the scene and not only will optimise focus, colour balance, exposure, flash and sensitivity, but will also automatically switch the sensor to HR, SN or DR mode depending on the lighting conditions of the scene.
Users of the FinePix F70EXR will rely heavily on EXR Auto for their general photography, as for many, letting the camera ‘do all the hard work’ leaves the photographer free to concentrate on getting the best shot possible. And a camera like the FinePix F70EXR, taking demanding shots in challenging conditions from macro to full telephoto, needs a sophisticated sensor and control algorithms to ensure every shot looks the very best.
Super Slim 10x Zoom Lens
Most long-zoom compacts are hybrid models between bigger bridge equivalents and smaller 5x compacts. They are often bulky and not designed to be pocketable. After much market testing Fujifilm opted for a sleek, thin design, almost the same thickness as current x5 models. The FinePix F70EXR is not only perfect for general family use but also for ‘enthusiast’ photography and will be a perfect camera for both men and women alike.
The 22.7mm-thick metal chassis oozes quality while the double-coated varnishing not only protects the camera from accidental knocks, but provides a jewellery-like finish.
It’s all in the lens
Long zoom compacts depend heavily on the quality of the optics, so no expense has been spared to provide the FinePix F70EXR with the sharpest, clearest Fujinon 10x zoom lens. The lens of F70EXR features Super Electronic Beam Coating (EBC). The original coating system of Fujinon that keeps ghosting and flare to minimum to promise optimal picture quality. Enabled by making the reflection to low level even under extensive wavelength with special coating structure. At the same time, newly designed complex aspheric lens and original lens driving unit promises minimum color aberration all in a slim body.
DSLR-like Effects with Pro-Focus Mode
Typically, one of the ways to distinguish ‘DSLR’ photography from ‘compact’ photography has been the use of ‘wide aperture’ to create mood and depth in a picture. These ‘professional’ shots are now possible on the FinePix F70EXR, uses Pro Focus Mode to combine 2 or 3 burst shots together. Through complex digital imaging technology, a crisp shot of the subject is created against a defocused background and foreground. Ideal for portraiture, nature photography or any subject which needs ‘lifting’ from its background, the FinePix F70EXR Pro Focus Mode provides satisfying professional results at the touch of a button.
The Pro Low-light Mode is applied to solving the problems of noisy low light shots. With current cameras, it is possible to achieve relatively blur-free low light shots using high ISO and CCD shift (or optical image) stabilization. But this comes at a cost, as the ISO 1600 setting will invariably produce distracting and ugly noise. Once switched to Pro Lowlight Mode, the camera will take burst of 4 high sensitivity images using Pixel Fusion Technology* in quick succession. By Multi Frame Technology, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th images are overlapped to create one image with extremely low noise.
Load Your FinePix F70EXR with Film
Similar to other high-end FinePix models, the FinePix F70EXR offers 5 different film ‘modes’ to allow the photographer full creative expression to explore a variety of pre-set colour and contrast modes designed around Fujifilm’s most famous film emulsions. The modes are: Velvia/Vivid (for dramatic full saturation colour), PROVIA/Standard (for classic ‘neutral’ photography), ASTIA/Soft (for gentle, low contrast portraiture and soft, fine, smooth tonality), Sepia (for antique, warms tones) and Black & White (for dramatic monotones). In the Velvia and Astia modes, the dynamic range can now be set to 800% to improve highlight detail yet further.
New ‘Super Intelligent’ Flash
The FinePix F70EXR offers a radically improved flash control system which efficiently controls the level of flash for a given exposure to produce beautifully balanced flash illumination across the foreground and background. Gone are the ugly washout shots where the subject is blasted with light and the background dark and unexposed. Super Intelligent Flash is most useful in macro photography where the contrast between subject and background can be especially challenging, but is also effective for night and backlit photography.
New High Contrast LCD
The FinePix F70EXR is fitted with an improved high contrast 230k dot 2.7” LCD. The high contrast LCD is a considerable benefit in bright light. The Wide View Filter on the LCD means that the camera can be pitched at various shooting angles to enable framing of awkward shots. Viewable at 160 degrees in both vertically and horizontally, the LCD is bright and clear for beautiful rendition of shots in playback.
Dual Image Stabilization
Long zoom cameras need stabilization more than any other compact, with handshake and subject movement a particular problem in low light at telephoto range. The FinePix F70EXR reduces blur to a minimum by deploying Picture Stabilization to automatically increase shutter speeds to freeze action, and CCD Image Stabilization to counteract the problems of handshake. By cleverly combining these two, blur is reduced to an absolute minimum.
Face Detection With Automatic Red-eye Removal
To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the FinePix F70EXR is fitted with Fujifilm’s latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 10 faces simultaneously, at almost any angle to the camera. The system instantly corrects red-eye, as fast as 0.1 second, and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
What I dont understand is, this camera claim with EXR technology as F200EXR and S200EXR. The later two could utilize the the full EXR mode only at 6 mpix resolution, even the camera equiped with the 12 mpix ccd. How on earth this 10 mpix F70EXR work in EXR mode at 10 mpix? Can someone explain to me?