Fujifilm Finepix HS20 EXR Review

Fujifilm Finepix HS20 EXR Review

Fujifilm Finepix HS20 EXR is a 16 megapixel 30x (24-720mm equiv.) optical zoom.

Features include a 3 inch LCD, 1080p HD video, RAW, 7.6fps full-resolution continuous shooting and high speed video up to 320fps, anti blur, ISO up to 12,800, camera dimensions are 130.6(W) x 90.7(H) x 126.0(D) mm / 5.1(W) x 3.6(H) x 5.0(D) in. and it weighs approx. 730g / 25.7oz. (including battery and memory card).

From the Editor:

Not a lot of reviews in yet but so far reviewers are pleased with the camera. Most comment on the large amount of control available and combined along with the nice zoom range makes for a pretty cool travel camera. Others thinks the quality of images out of the HS20 EXR is not that good and Fuji should pay a little more attention to improving the sensor on this camera.

It looks as though in the current market for superzooms Fujifilm is the only digital camera line that has a straight up bridge camera. The HS20 arrives with a nice zoom ring and in addition is equipped with a full set of manual adjustments not the least of which is a ring for focusing manually. In use the HS20 operates very similar to a DSLR, but as several reviews point out it is bigger and heavier than most of the other superzoom competitors. However, at the end of the day the main reason someone is going to buy the HS20 is for the zoom and to be sure it won’t let you down with its enormous 30x optical zoom.

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Current Reviews – (updated 02 September’11)

DigitalCameraReview

About.com

Moneycontrol

StevesDigicams

CNET.uk

PhotoReview

TrustedReviews

TrustedReviews

Cameras.uk

ePhotozine

Neocamera
“Overall, the Fuji Finepix HS20 EXR is most suitable for just about any static scene, close or far. The real key is to use the right EXR mode to get the best performance according to the lighting situation.”

Pocket-lint

- Manual zoom - Electronic viewfinder - 24-720mm zoom range

- Picture quality - Viewfinder size - AA batteries

Verdict – The HS20 EXR is not a major upgrade. Of course the 24-720mm manual zoom is cool but there are a lot of little issues and just aceptable photo quality keep this camera from greatness.

WDC

- Movable LCD - On-board EVF - 24-720mm zoom - Wireless flash

- Photo quality - RAW is slow - EVF’s low res

Verdict – The weakness of the HS20 is the less than desirable photo quality. Too many pixels spoils an otherwise great camera.

Safari-Guide

- Tilting LCD - Electronic viewfinder - Flash control with optional external flashes - Tracking auto focus - Best frame capture mode

- High temperature warning on LCD

Verdict – If you don’t mind the size and you’re on the hunt for a powerful zoom with full auto and full manual this just might be your camera.

PhotographyBlog has published their review of the Fujifilm Finepix HS20 EXR and here’s a summary – This reviewer was fond of the HS10 but felt the HS20 was a move backwards for Fuji because of the 16 megapixel sensor and decline in photo quality. Look, the HS20 is a nice camera and it has no shortage of useful features but at the end of the day the picture quality is not up to par with the camera that it replaced.

DigitalVersus has completed their review of the Fujifilm Finepix HS20 EXR and here’s a summary of that review – Here is a camera with no shortage of features, a really strong and good quality zoom lens and nice quality photos. About the only let downs this reviewer pointed out were the electronic viewfinder, user interface, and the slow RAW save time.

InfoSync has finalized their tests of the Fujifilm Finepix HS20 EXR and here’s a summary of their review – At the end of the day these guys didn’t like photographing with this camera as much as they did using the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. And as they say, “That’s just too bad.” They recommend Fujifilm should pay attention to their review and take care of the problems their review points out. If you are the type of person who’s only criteria is the best still photos from one of super zoom models and you’re alright with the limitations then you should be thrilled with the HS20 EXR.

Sample Photos

Sample Photos @ StevesDigicams
Sample Photos @ DPInterface
Sample Photos @ TrustedReviews
Sample Photos @ Cameras.uk
Sample Photos @ Neocamera
Samples @ TechRadar
Samples @ WDC
Photos Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog

Specifications

Specifications »

Owners Manual

Owners Manual »

Features

High Speed and Sensitivity
The newly developed EXR Processor and EXR-CMOS sensor in the HS20EXR allow for pristine images to be taken in fast-shooting situations or in low-light environments. The combination of the two technologies creates a fast transfer circuit for quick process and reading of files for high speed shooting and Full HD movies, and the EXR-CMOS sensor itself, where the wiring layer and photo diodes are reversed, creates higher sensitivity for taking impressive images in low light conditions.

Intelligent Processor
With the improved intelligent processor, taking photos can’t get much easier. The GUI, with its new rich user interface that dramatically improves the appearance and searching functions of menus, might be one of the first things you notice, but the most notable benefits are speed and image quality. Additionally, the FinePix HS20EXR can now recognize an impressive 27 scenes. While shooting, the camera configures each scene and recognizes the perfect setting and automatically takes the best quality picture, with a single touch of a button.

EXR Technology
The EXR technology adds further versatility by modifying its behavior according to the lighting condition. Users can either let the EXR Auto mode choose the correct setting itself, or pick from three manually selected options:

• High Resolution Priority – can be used when you’re after exceptional image quality.

• High ISO & Low Noise Priority – can be used in low light conditions where the combination with the BSI sensor makes for superb results.

• Dynamic Range Priority – takes two pictures and combines them to provide a range of up to 1600%.

With these unique sensor combinations, capturing great pictures has never been easier.

Capture Moving Subjects
The FinePix HS20EXR’s strong mix of sensor and processing technologies allows breathless action shots to be captured, and the continuous full resolution shooting at 3fps, 5fps, 8fps or 11. fps at an eight MegaPixel resolution, will make sure the action is stopped in its tracks. The FinePix HS20EXR also eliminates the need to worry about slow auto focusing or shutter lag. The new solution’s contrast Auto Focus system takes approximately 0.16 seconds (minimum) to focus.

A 30x Zoom Lens
With a 30x zoom range covering focal lengths from a super-wide 24-720mm (35mm equivalent), the FinePix HS20EXR is ready for anything. Boasting high quality FUJINON optics, the manual zoom lens is now even easier to operate thanks to a reduction in the size of the flashgun. Zooming through the range can be done quickly and precisely to ensure perfect framing for every shot.

The FinePix HS20EXR also is equipped to fight blurring, a common problem when using longer focal lengths. Dual Image Stabilization combines a mechanically stabilized CMOS sensor with high ISO sensitivities for total anti-blur protection. Together these technologies reduce the blurring effect of both handshake and subject movement to provide sharp, clean and clear results even at the longest zoom settings or in challenging lighting conditions.

HD Movie Capture
The FinePix HS20EXR offers an impressive level of video functionality. With the ability to capture movies in true, full 1080p HD quality, the FinePix HS20EXR delivers high sensitivity with low noise for movies captured in low lighting. In addition, movie files (.MOV) are captured with H.264 high profile compression for smaller file sizes without sacrificing quality. With a mini-HDMI output connector, it is easy to connect and view images on your HDTV (HDMI cable not included).

High Speed Movies
Versatility is further increased thanks to the High Speed Movie options, which include capture at an incredible 320 fps. With features like this, even the fastest moving subjects can be captured and watched in slow motion.

One Touch Controls
The FinePix HS20EXR sports a full complement of sophisticated manual and semi-automatic shooting modes and photographic controls. The extensive external controls give the more advanced photographer direct access to virtually every control they will need for uninterrupted shooting, and the specially designed chassis includes dedicated command buttons for quick and easy key functions such as ISO, white balance, focus and metering. The large command dial, manual focus ring, twist and zoom lens barrel, bright, clear electronic viewfinder, high quality tilting LCD screen and deep hand grip ensures the camera handles well. AA batteries (ships with alkaline) provide excellent performance (up to 300 shots with Alkaline batteries) combined with the convenience of a universally available format when shooting for extended periods away from main power.

The FinePix HS20EXR also offers these additional features:

• RAW / RAW+JPEG Shooting: The FinePix HS20 has the ability to shoot both a RAW and JPEG shot simultaneously. RAW is for ultimate quality shots via post processing, JPEG is for great quality with no need for further post-production work.
• Motion Panorama 360°: The sensor extends the sweep range to 360? (shots can also be taken vertically). Combined with high quality Fujifilm printing, sweeping and impressive scenes can be taken, showing fine detail, low noise and high resolution at 180°, 240? or full 360? panoramic ranges.
• Purple Fringing Reducer/Corner Resolution Enhancer: The EXR processor has the capability to spot and reduce purple color fringing, most common on dark subjects against light backgrounds. In addition, the EXR processor improves the resolution at the corners of an image for more uniform image sharpness.
• Super Intelligent Flash: The FinePix HS20EXR offers a 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. 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.
• Multi-Bracketing: The FinePix HS20EXR has 3 bracketing functions useful for high level photography: Film Simulation Bracketing (which automatically sets Film Simulation to PROVIA, Velvia and ASTIA for simultaneous capture of 3 frames), Dynamic Range Bracketing (which automatically sets dynamic range to 100%, 200% and 400% for simultaneous capture of 3 frames) and AE Bracketing (which automatically sets exposure range to even, under and over for simultaneous capture of 3 frames).
• Face Recognition: Users can register up to eight (8) faces, along with names, birthdays and categories, and the HS20EXR will prioritize focus and exposure right on the faces of those special people. Users can also use Image Search to view images of a registered person.
• Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal: To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the FinePix HS20EXR 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 and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.
• PhotoBook Assist: PhotoBook Assist lets you select and organize images in your camera to create a digital photo book. You can download the photo books to your computer using MyFinePix Studio software that is included.