Review: Fujifilm F200 EXR
A compact camera that aspires to appeal to veteran photographers. (May 13th, 2009)
The Good
- EXR helps dynamic range, less so noise.
- Large, good quality lens with 5X zoom.
- Presets skewed towards experienced users.
- Manual controls.
- Sturdy build quality.
The Bad
- EXR aids aren't quite as good as marketed.
- Video mode underwhelming for the class.
- Expensive compared to most point-and-shoots.
- Proprietary data port.
wrapping up
It's hard not to like the F200 EXR on at least some level. The EXR modes themselves aren't cure-alls, but at least in dynamic range mode the camera can offer just that extra needed amount of range to turn a typically overbright outdoors photo into a workable image. Again, it's less effective with low noise, but anyone who has been frustrated with compact cameras that produce unacceptable noise even at reasonable ISO levels may appreciate it by itself.
There are other qualities to appreciate even outside of this signature mode, and mostly revolve around the direct (and indirect) benefits of having a 5X zoom lens with relatively large glass. The orientation of the settings towards knowledgeable photographers is a welcome relief. Having a full manual mode, albeit without shutter priority, should likewise appeal to pros that may want an F200 as a companion to an SLR. And most are bound to appreciate the tougher-than-average construction.
Even so, we do have some reservations that prevent an unambiguous recommendation. A simple consideration is the proprietary nature of both the data cable and the battery. While it's not often wise to travel with a lithium-ion-powered camera outside of a home region without a power adapter -- we recommend an AA-powered camera instead -- Fujifilm's decision to use a proprietary port spells trouble for a vacationer if the USB cable is lost.
The most important factor, though, may simply be the price. At $400, the F200 EXR isn't a trivial expense when many casual photographers are now used to paying half as much. That isn't Fujifilm's target market, but the price is just high enough to trigger doubts for many; it's really a camera for veterans first and the mainstream second. Pricing the camera at this level moreover draws some uncomfortable comparisons. For the money, there are cameras with longer-ranged zoom, even in compact bodies, and there are similarly models with better movie modes. Anyone mulling a purchase of the F200 should strongly consider what they'll be most likely to do with it and whether they need the features in that compact a design.
As much as this gives room for second thoughts, the price still isn't outrageous knowing that it will run up against much more expensive cameras like the $500 Canon G10, which can potentially produce better shots are often too bulky to fit comfortably in a given pocket and don't have the option of boosting the dynamic range -- which often becomes an issue at the same light sensitivity levels. The F200 EXR isn't for everyone, and it's over-marketed, but does feel like a well-kept secret: for those in the know, it could be a go-to camera for relatively strong image quality without having to move to a semi-pro compact or DSLR.