FUJIFILM FinePix F300EXR Digital Camera
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In July 2010, Fujifilm released an addition to their line of quality compact cameras: the FinePix F300EXR. This report will cover the key facets of the FinePix F300EXR that are being advertised by Fuji.
We futher look at the salient reviews from sites such as Imaging Resource, Digital Camera Resource Page, Steve's Digicams, and Digital Photography Review to look at what they hae to say about hte F300EXR. Further we round up by some buying advice on the FinePix F300EXR and a brief look at the competitive landscape.
Fujifilm has loaded the Finepix F300EXR with their next generation EXR technology for an improved shooting performance. This technology has at its forefront the Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus which enables automatic shifting between two focusing systems: Phase Detection AF and Contrast AF, whichever the sensor detects to be appropriate for the current shooting condition. For instance, when capturing subjects at the bright outdoors, it's the Phase Detection AF that will be utilized whereas for night scenes, the Contrast AF will take over. With an auto focus speed of 0.158 seconds, continuous shooting is said to be more convenient.
Another major feature of the Finepix F300EXR is its Fujinon Super Wide-Angle lens with a focal range of at least 24mm up to 360mm telephoto. Also, it's equipped with a long zoom length of up to 15x. Typically, compact cameras with such lengthy zoom range are confronted with the challenges posed by handshake and when shooting subjects in motion. However, the Finepix F300EXR's answers that with an Intelligent Image Stabilization system.
Other attributes of the Finepix F300EXR include the following:
1. 12-MegaPixel EXR Super CCD, which allows for photos of higher resolution
2. 460k-pixel, 3.0" High-Contrast LCD
3. 720p High Definition Movie Capture
4. Motion Panorama 360, an innovation of the EXR sensor which allows panoramic shots at 360 degrees.
5. Face Detection, which registers up to 10 faces, increasing focus on the tracked subjects.
6. Automatic Red-eye Removal for instinctive correction of red-eye
Experts approved of the image quality of the Finepix F300EXR, particularly with regards to the color accuracy and vividness and fine exposure. Photos captured turned out really sharp. 'Steve's Digicams' noted excellent detailing in images captured at ISOs 100-400. The intelligent image stabilization was claimed by most exports to be successful in blur and noise reduction.
Experts were not too positive about the Finepix F300EXR's video function with About.com claiming a below average video quality.
Experts found the 15x optical zoom lens very commendable. Its focus precision was said to be remarkable as well as its auto-focus mode. 'Digital Photography Review' pointed that the Phase Detection AF in particular worked efficiently in bright shooting conditions. Moreover, the Finepix F300EXR was hailed versatile with the wide array of shooting modes such as Aperture-Priority, Program, Shutter-Priority and Manual.
'Imaging Resource' also found it convenient that through a dual sliding mechanism, a 15x optical zoom lens can fit in the Finepix F300EXR's slim compact design with a thickness of only 23 mm.
However, 'Tech Review Source' observed a shutter lag and yielding of low quality shots in dim settings and 'Pocket Lint' observed that it noisily takes a couple of seconds for the zoom to reach the set range.
Reviewers found it convenient to navigate through the Finepix F300EXR with its 3.0-inch LCD. Its bright solution is also claimed to be useful when reviewing images taken with the camera. Furthermore, the Finepix F300EXR interface is claimed to be easy to operate, you can do it with a single hand, according to 'Digital Camera Resource Page'. 'Steve's Digicams' adds that the dedicated button for video function would prove useful for those on-the-spot video recording.c
According to experts at 'Steve's Digicams' the Finepix F300EXR's battery life is pretty good and can easily reach 150 images and videos.
Images captured at low ISOs were claimed to be of good quality. According to 'Photography Bay', both its high ISO sensitivity that raises shutter speeds and CCD Sensor Shift Stabilization were responsible for outstanding blur reduction.
'Imaging Resource' claimed that the Finepix F300EXR's sensor-shift stabilization is as efficient in video functions as it is when capturing still photos. The same stabilization system was lauded by 'Photography Bay' for the production of high quality photos with minimum blur and noise.
The experts have commonly approved of the 3-inch viewing space with a high-resolution of 460k. In addition, experts claimed that the LCD's impressive brightness and sharpness allows for better image review.
Finepix F300EXR's figure received commendations from all reviewers, in that it is said to be conveniently handy and quite attractive.
Reviewers have unanimously found its Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus system very impressive. 'Photography Bay' recognizes the advantages of automatically alternating between Phase Detection AF and Contrast AF.
Most camera experts agree that the Finepix F300EXR's Hybrid AF system is as intelligent as claimed. Its Phase AF and Contrast AF instinctively activates whenever the Hybrid system detect a need. Users won't have to switch to Manual mode to ensure that the settings are appropriate for the shooting condition.
The Fujinon Super Wide-Angle lens also recieved high marks from most reviewers as it has allowed for capturing images at longer ranges, thereby offering more flexibility for its users. Whether shooting at 24 mm or telephoto 360mm, the photos are reportedly of excellent quality.
Its sole nagging flaw is its slightly poor video recording despite its claims of a high-definition video system.
The Finepix F300EXR is truly a viable option when hunting for a superfast compact camera with excellent image quality.
If you are more concerned about the video quality then check out the Panasonic LUMIX FX700 HD which records videos at 10.0 fps, therefore guaranteeing better quality clips. And if you don't mind sacrificing a bit of zoom the Lumix DMC-LX5 and the Canon Powershot S95 are also good options considering their very good low light capabilities.
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FUJIFILM FinePix F300EXR Digital Camera