Photo Review Reviews section

Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd

8.5 Rating

A competent and versatile camera for anyone who wants to learn the finer points of digital photography.Unveiled at Photokina in September, Fujifilm’s latest enthusiast digicam, the FinePix S6500fd, is the first to include a new LSI-based ‘Intelligent’ Face Detection technology (hence the ‘fd’ in the model name). Equipped with a 10x optical zoom lens (28-300mm equivalent) and sixth generation 6-megapixel Super CCD imager, it also boasts the second generation of Fujifilm’s Real Photo Processor technology. Taken together, these features promise the performance and versatility many enthusiasts require.

Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR

8.8 Rating

An SLR-styled, digicam with a 14.x3 optical zoom lens that uses new sensor technology to create superior image quality from a consumer-level compact camera.Fujifilm’s new FinePix S200EXR replaces the S100FS model at the top of the company’s Advanced digicam line-up. Equipped with the same 14.3x zoom lens as its predecessor, the new model introduces the company’s 12-megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor, which combines with the S200EXR processor to produce superior image quality.

Fujifilm FinePix S100fs

9 Rating

An SLR-sized camera with advanced shooting capabilities.Fujifilm’s FinePix S100fs (the ‘fs’ tag stands for film simulation) is targeted at amateur photographers who want the manual controls and functionality of a DSLR without the hassle of interchangeable lenses. However, although the 11.1-megapixel S100fs is similar in size to some entry-level DSLRs, its image sensor remains significantly smaller (see below). On the plus side, the 14.3x optical zoom range on the Fujifilm camera is vastly wider than the 3x optical zoom range on most DSLRs’ kit lenses. It also offers video recording capabilities. On the minus side, it’s about 160 grams heavier than the D60 with the 18-55mm VR kit lens.

Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR

8.5 Rating

Fujifilm’s latest ultra-zoom digicam offers higher resolution, an improved monitor, raw file support and a wide range of video recording settings.Fujifilm’s FinePix HS20 EXR replaces the 10-megapixel HS10 EXR at the top of the company’s ultra-zoom line-up. It has the same 30x optical zoom lens, 3-inch adjustable monitor, manual controls, RAW support and Full HD video support as the earlier model but sports the same 16-megapixel sensor and EXR processing technology as the FinePix F550 EXR (which we reviewed recently) plus a few stylistic modifications.

Fujifilm FinePix HS10

8 Rating

An advanced digicam with a 30x zoom lens, support for raw file capture and Full HD video recording.Announced in early February, Fujifilm’s FinePix HS10 is one of several extended-zoom digicams unveiled at this time. The first Fujifilm camera with a BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, the HS10 also introduces a number of multi-shot and high-speed shooting modes and sports a one-touch movie record button that enables users to record Full HD (1080p) movie clips with stereo soundtracks.

FIRST LOOK: Ricoh GXR

A radical new camera system in which lens-plus-sensor modules are changed via a slide-in mounting.Ricoh has unleased a design revolution with its new GXR system. It’s the first camera body that accepts interchangeable sensor-plus-lens modules, allowing buyers to choose the body/lens combination that suits them and providing a camera system with great flexibility for upgrading and expansion.

FIRST LOOK: Fujifilm Finepix X100

A fixed-lens compact camera for serious photographers that sports an APS-C sized sensor plus a hybrid viewfinder that combines optical and electronic systems.Fujifilm’s FinePix X100, which is scheduled for release in Japan next month, represents a departure from the company’s regular compact camera line-up. Designed for DSLR users who need a compact back-up camera, it features a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a non-interchangeable Fujinon 23mm f/2 prime lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder that combines the best features of optical and electronic viewing systems.

Casio EX-P700

Essentially an EX-P600 with a 7.2-megapixel CCD, Casio’s Exilim EX-P700 has the same Canon lens, 2-inch LCD monitor and overall control layout as its predecessor. Two settings have been added to the Best Shot Menu, one for shooting business cards and the other for photographing whiteboards and other large displays. In each case, the function automatically counteracts any keystoning and records the subject as a rectangle. The P700 also includes the Icon Help and Business Shot functions found on the latest Casio digicams. In the former, on-screen pop-ups guide the user when switching settings, while the latter automatically re-aligns photos taken at an angle.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

8.5 Rating

A new Canon super-zoom digicam with a stabilised 35x zoom lens, full manual controls and 720p HD movie recording.The PowerShot SX30 IS replaces the year-old SX20 IS at the top of Canon’s super-zoom line-up but is $120 cheaper than its predecessor was at launch. Its 35x zoom lens is a significant step-up from the predecessor’s 20x zoom and resolution has been increased from 12.1 to 14.1 megapixels. Otherwise, most of the differences between the two cameras are more cosmetic than functional.

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

8.5 Rating

A high-resolution, 20x zoom digicam that offers a wide range of adjustable controls plus 720p HD video recording with stereo soundtracks.Replacing the PowerShot SX10 IS at the top of Canon’s super-zoom range, the PowerShot SX20 IS has higher resolution than its predecessor and includes the ability to record video clips in widescreen, high-definition (1280 x 720 pixel) format. Otherwise, little has changed in the new model. With its SLR-like styling and large hand-grip, the SX20 IS is targeted at photo enthusiasts who want a cheaper, more compact camera for travelling – or even everyday use.