Fujifilm intros pair of EXR cameras
updated 07:35 am EDT, Wed July 22, 2009
Fujifilm S200EXR F70EXR
Fujifilm early today launched two new FinePix cameras based on the more advanced EXR sensor found in the F200EXR. The new S200EXR has the same unique option of halving the 12-megapixel resolution to either reduce noise in low light or improve dynamic range, but is targeted at "prosumer" users with a 14.3X, 30.5-436mm lens, the option of shooting in RAW, and new pro shooting modes. The Pro Focus mode replicates the shallow depth of field possible with an SLR and takes a burst of shots at different focuses to put a sharp subject in front of a soft-focus background; Pro Low-light takes four low-noise shots in EXR mode and overlaps them to reduce the noise at ISO 1,600.
The multi-shot approach is also used for a new high dynamic range (HDR) bracketing mode that tests different levels of adjustment as well as film simulation bracketing that takes one shot each using the Astia, Provia and Velvia settings. Compared to the S100FS, the S200EXR is an improvement through not only the EXR sensor but its higher-contrast 2.7-inch preview LCD and a longer battery charge. Video recording is still limited to 640x480.
Despite its name, the F70EXR compact is partly an improvement on the F200EXR. It shoots at a lower 10 megapixels (5 in EXR mode) but has twice the optical zoom at 10X, or 27-270mm. It gets the S200EXR's high-contrast LCD as well as the Pro Focus and Pro Low-light modes.
Both cameras should be available no later than August; the F70EXR will undercut the F200EXR's price with a $280 price point, while the improved optics and RAW put the S200EXR at $600.
S200EXR
F70EXR
