Last update 20 November’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ WDC
Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR announced on July 22, 2009 and is a 12 megapixel superzoom camera that features 14.3x optical zoom lens (30.5 – 436mm on a 35mm camera), 2.7-inch High-Contrast & Wide Viewing Angle LCD, 1/1.6-inch Super CCD EXR sensor, super intelligent flash, camera dimensions are 133.4 (W) x 93.6 (H) x 145.0 (D) mm / 5.3 (W) x 3.7 (H) x 5.7 (D) in. and weighs 820g.
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| Price & Availability
Review Index – (updated 20 November’09)
WDC
With all the cameras on the market it would be easy to overlook the S200EXR, yet, for the price this camera offers an impressive performance for a decent price. Its technology is unique and because of it you can pull off some nice looking images which a lot of compact camera owners who are looking to upgrade will find attractive.
Rating: 
CNET.uk
Boy, do you get a lot of camera with the S200EXR. It even looks and operates like a full DSLR, but won’t break the bank because it’s about half what an equivalent DSLR would run. The reviewer notes the EXR sensor technology works but Fujifilm has not fully integrated it with the camera’s operation, and in the case of the EXR the sensor size limits the photo quality.
Rating:
RegHardware
Bottom line, the reviewers were impressed with the F200EXR. Fuji has taken camera technology a step forward with the EXR sensor which really improves the picture quality, particularly with dynamic range. However, they would have like to have seen support for RAW, HD movies and more manual controls. The camera does have some operational quirks but once you’re beyond those it’s smooth sailing. Nice camera with very handy features and great photos quality.
Rating: 
Steve’s Digicams
“About the only flaw with this camera is the lack of being able to record 12 megapixel photos in the specialty shooting modes, which by the way are the coolest thing about this camera. As compared to other contenders in its class the S200EXR because of its great photo quality and good performance.”
CNET Asia
“Experienced photographers will definitely appreciate this camera for its dSLR-like controls and super picture quality, however, its size and design may be negative features for beginners. The menu interface is confusing and hopefully Fujifilm will make this right in the next version of this camera. But overall, we recommend the FinePix to users who want a dSLR-like experience without the need to drag around additional lenes.”
Rating: 
Photoxels (Editors Choice)
“Buy the Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR if you want the best bridge super zoom available. You get a super zoom with image stabilization, manual zoom ring, very good image quality, and extended dynamic range that really works.”
PhotographyBlog
“The D-Range Priority (DR) mode in particular is literally a real eye-opener, recording much greater dynamic range and preserving more detail in the shadows and highlights than either the S200EXR’s own high-resolution mode, or any other compact camera that we’ve reviewed. The EXR – High ISO & Low Noise mode is admittedly less successful, producing slightly less noisy images at each equivalent setting than Resolution Priority mode, but this is tempered somewhat by the latter mode’s excellent results from ISO 100-800, a much more versatile and usable range than most compacts offer.”
Rating: 
ePhotozine
“I can’t argue the image quality, it’s very good and I think in the right hands, it’ll produce sterling images. At the current price, it’s a bit steep compared to other cameras on the market but bear in mind that it’s innovative technology and there’s a lot more features on it. If you’re looking for a camera that can reproduce images that remind you of the heady days of film, then this is the camera to get.”
Rating:
Cameras.uk
“The Fuji Finepix S200EXR is about as close as you can get to a Digital SLR without buying one. I was delighted by my test results and the camera handled superbly too. It was a joy to use a twisting barrel lens and the selection wheel speeds up selecting key settings. There are enough features here to satisfy more demanding photographers and I am more than happy to strongly recommend this camera.”
Rating: 
Pocket-lint
“We welcomed the added punch provided by selecting the Velvia film mode, which for us often delivered results closer to those seen by the eye. So, while results straight out of the camera at times benefit from further tweaks in the image-editing package of your choice, the Fujifilm’s intended audience of photo enthusiasts who’ll want to get hands-on shouldn’t be dissuaded from purchase – even if the suggested retail price still smarts.”
Rating:
DigitalTrends
“The FinePix also has many DSLR features, including fast response and many tweaks for those who’d like to make them. The Super CCD EXR chip is a good one, but isn’t nearly as large as the APS-C sized sensors found in DSLRs, which accounts for the noise issues. Now, if the S200EXR were around $100 cheaper, we’d be cheering. But it’s not, and that’s why it won’t get an Editor’s Choice designation.”
Rating:
DigitalCameraReview
“Image quality is very good and no one in the class has better ISO performance. The camera offers a full range of manual and automatic shooting modes, and a host of user established settings to manipulate images in just about any conceivable way. Shutter lag is minimal. AF performance is on a par with the class competition.”
PhotoReview
“Buy this camera if: – You’re looking for an ultra-zoom digicam that can capture raw files as well as JPEGs and RAW+JPEG pairs – You take a lot of photographs in bright conditions (beach and/or snow) and need the ability to record highlight details in subjects – You’re prepared to forgo access to aperture and shutter speed adjustments to achieve dynamic range control – You want plenty of adjustable controls and image stabilization – You’d enjoy taking very close ‘macro’ shots.”
Rating: 
]Sample Photos
[Sample Image Test @ WDC]
[Photo Quality Samples @ CNET.uk]
[Sample Photos @ RegHardware]
[Sample Photos @ Steve's Digicams]
[ISO Comparison Samples @ CNET Asia]
[Image Quality Samples @ Photoxels]
[ISO Comparison Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample ISO 3200 Photo @ ePhotozine]
[Sample Photos @ Cameras.uk]
[Sample Photos @ Pocket-lint]
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraReview]
[Sample Photos @ Fujifilm]
Press Excerpt
Fujifilm is pleased to announce the FinePix S200EXR, a worthy successor to the award-winning FinePix S100FS. Aimed at top-end enthusiasts looking for excellent picture quality without the expense of a DSLR system, the FinePix S200EXR combines the pin-sharp 14.3x zoom lens so popular in the FinePix S100FS with the latest 12 megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor, which has won a string of awards since its introduction in the FinePix F200EXR.
Compact, lightweight bridge cameras offering long zoom and high image quality have proved a big hit with those looking for an alternative to bulky interchangeable lens systems. Users of the FinePix S200EXR will find their results equal or superior to DSLRs, principally due to revolutionary design of the EXR sensor. ??The key improvements of the FinePix S200EXR over the FinePix S100FS are:
- 1/1.6” 12 megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor
- EXR Priority modes and EXR Auto
- Pro Focus Mode and Pro Lowlight Mode
- 5 Film Simulation Modes (Black & White mode and Sepia mode is added)
- A new 2.7” high contrast 230k dot LCD
- New ‘Super Intelligent Flash’
- Improved battery life – almost a 50% increase on the FinePix S100FS
- Combined CCD-RAW (EXR) / JPEG shooting
Super CCD EXR?The EXR sensor on the FinePix S200EXR was built to perfectly match the optical qualities of the 14.3x lens. The goal was to produce a sensor/lens combination that works as close to that of the human eye as possible. The EXR sensor is essentially a switchable sensor; changing its complex electronic behavior to suit the subject, changing its characteristics as the photographer demands, and producing the very best picture without making compromises.
This sensor has already won great acclaim with the FinePix F200EXR. Combined with the much bigger, more powerful 14.3x lens, it delivers quite astounding results. The FinePix S200EXR offers 3 switchable modes in one sensor:
- High Resolution (HR) mode, which deploys all 12 million pixels, and is designed to offer the finest detail of intricate subjects when light is full and even;
- Wide Dynamic Range (DR) mode, which captures different exposures with two sets of 6 million pixels, which, when combined, gives an excellent level of detail in highlights that would otherwise be lost.
- High Sensitivity and Low Noise (SN) mode, which caps two adjacent pixels together to produce 6 million large photodiodes, which are big enough to absorb light in the darkest of conditions, to produce low-light shots of extraordinary quality with minimal noise and grain.
Advanced Intelligence?The FinePix S200EXR offers EXR Priority Mode, which is the most efficient mechanism yet invented to quickly optimise the camera’s settings to allow the photographer to concentrate on capturing the perfect shot. ?The Photographer can decide which sensor setting is preferable by choosing High Resolution Priority (HR) to maximize resolution, High ISO and Low Noise Priority (SN) for high quality low-light work or D-Range Priority (DR) for the best detail with contrasty subjects.??Also, the FinePix S200EXR features EXR Auto Mode, offering 6 settings: Portrait, Night, Macro, Landscape, Night Portrait and Backlit Portrait. The camera will recognise 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.
Super Sharp Lens?The massive 14.3x zoom lens is truly a delight to use in such a compact, lightweight design. The ultra-high precision Fujinon lens achieves maximum resolution at all focal lengths of 30.5mm-436mm equivalent with maximum aperture of a bright F2.8 (wide angle) to F5.3 (telephoto). ??Because of the composite body and lens structure, there is no need to worry about dirt or dust on the Super CCD EXR sensor, and they are perfectly aligned for the very best results. The mechanical zoom offers image framing with fingertip precision as well as offering a user experience that closely matches the use of a high-end DSLR.??Pro Focus Mode / Pro Low-light Mode?In all EXR cameras, the EXR Processor and the Super CCD EXR sensor work closely together to guarantee exceptional image quality. In the latest models including the FinePix S200EXR, newly researched Multi Frame Technology has been added, and along with it Pro Focus Mode and Pro Low-light Mode.??Pro Focus Mode works by taking a burst of 2 or 3 frames, and analysing the distance between the subject and the background. The camera then is able to take the main subject and crisply matt it against a defocused foreground and background.
Perfect for portrait or nature photography, Pro Focus Mode should be used when professional results are desired, with minimal adjustment to the camera, and without the need to edit your photos afterwards on a PC. The results from the FinePix S200EXR will look as good as those from a DSLR, or better!
Pro Low-light Mode should be used when you are trying to avoid noisy low light shots. With conventional camera models, 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. It will then deploy Multi Frame
Technology to overlap the 4 images to create one, single image with extremely low noise.
Film Simulation?One of the more popular features on the FinePix S100FS is repeated and extended on the FinePix S200EXR. The FinePix S200EXR offers five modes as follows:
- Velvia/Vivid mode for rich and luscious landscapes.
- PROVIA/Standard mode for excellent, sharp, standard photography.
- ASTIA/Soft mode for soft, fine, smooth tonality.
- Black & White mode captures the dramatic honesty of your image in black and white.
- Sepia mode creates a sense of nostalgia with the warm brown “antique” tones of Sepia.
In Velvia and ASTIA modes, the dynamic range can be now be set to 800% to improve highlight detail further.
Only Fujifilm has developed its camera technology from its photographic heritage in film, which allows the FinePix S200EXR to capture subtle changes in tone and colour reproduction and provide the photographer the widest latitude for the ultimate creative expression.
New High Contrast 2.7”
FinePix S200EXR is fitted with an improved high contrast 230k dot 2.7” LCD. The high contrast LCD is a considerable benefit in bright light. The High Contrast LCD means that the camera can be pitched at various shooting angles to enable framing of awkward shots. Viewable at angles of up to 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally, the LCD is bright and clear for easy and beautiful preview of your shots.
Super Intelligent Flash?
Super Intelligent Flash is a flash control technology that lets you take flash-assisted shots without the danger of flash wash-out. Integrated into the AUTO mode, this next-generation flash system makes it easy to capture both subjects and background in bright, clear and natural detail over the full flash range. For those needing much better flash control for close-up and macro photography, the FInePix S200EXR will take the guesswork out of achieving perfect pictures at the touch of button.
Dual Image Stabilization?
The FinePix S200EXR features Fujifilm’s Optical Image Stabilization technology guaranteeing clean, sharp and blur-free images, even in low-light conditions. This technology combines Optical Image Stabilization to reduce blur from the photographer’s hand-shake, with Fujifilm’s High ISO setting, to reduce blur caused by subject movement (by automatically increasing ISO), for the ultimate in stabilisation technology.
Manually set the capture
?In the FinePix S200EXR it is possible to set shutter speeds of between 1/4,000 second and 30 seconds. By adjusting the manual controls it is possible to take photos with diverse expression by combining ISO sensitivity, which has a broad range of setting choices, and multiple apertures of between F2.8 – F11 at 1/3EV steps. Using the manual exposure setting, a bulb exposure of up to 30 seconds is possible. The colour, noise reduction control, tone and the sharpness can also be individually set.
Multi Bracketing?
The FinePix S200EXR has three bracketing functions useful for high level photography: Film Simulation Bracketing (which automatically sets Film Simulation to PROVIA, Velvia and ASTIA for simultaneous capture of three frames), Dynamic Range Bracketing (which automatically sets dynamic range to 100%, 200% and 400% for simultaneous capture of three frames) and AE Bracketing (which automatically sets exposure range to even, under and over for simultaneous capture of three frames).
