* Fujifilm FinePix S100FS

Basic Specifications

Resolution 11.10 Megapixels
Lens 14.30x zoom (28-400mm eq.)
Viewfinder EVF / LCD
LCD Size 2.5 inch
ISO 100-10000
Shutter 30-1/4000
Max Aperture 2.8
Mem Type SDHC / SD / xD
Battery Custom LiIon
Dimensions 5.3x3.7x5.9in
(133x94x150mm)
Weight 32.4 oz (918 g)
MSRP $800
Availability 02/2008

Fujifilm FinePix S100FS Overview
Review Date: 07/29/08

The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is based around a 2/3-inch Super CCD HR VIII image sensor with an 11.1 effective megapixel resolution and Fuji's RP Processor III. The sensor is coupled to a Fujinon-branded f/2.8 to f/5.3, 14.3x optical zoom lens that offers a 35mm-equivalent focal range from 28 to 400mm, and includes both optical image stabilization and a true manual zoom ring (rather than the "fly-by-wire" zooms found on most such digital cameras).

Other Fujifilm S100FS features include a 2.5-inch tilting LCD display, an SD/SDHC/xD-Picture Card combo slot, Fuji's face detection 2.0 with automatic red-eye removal, extended dynamic range control, and ISO from 100 to 3,200 with extensions to ISO 6,400 at 6 megapixels and a very high ISO 10,000 at 3 megapixels. The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS also has the ability to save in RAW format, and offers a selection of film simulation modes.

In addition, the Fujifilm S100FS features:

Dual Image Stabilization: Fujifilm's Dual Image Stabilization technology combines optical image stabilization with optimized image settings to reduce blur caused by camera movement and subject movement. A mechanically stabilized "floating" lens element reduces blur caused by slow, hand-held shutter speeds. At the same time, Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization technology reduces blur caused by subject movement.

Multi-Bracketing Function: The S100FS offers expanded bracketing functions including: Film Simulation Bracketing, Dynamic Range Bracketing and AE Bracketing.

High-Speed Shooting: Reliable high-speed performance is possible with the S100FS through Fujifilm's newly developed Super CCD VIII "HR" and the new image processor RP (Real Photo) III Processor. At 3-Megapixels, a maximum of 50 continuous shots at 7 frames per second is possible. In addition, 14 scene settings and customer settings are available with four auto-focus modes offering high-speed, high-precision shooting and focusing for a diverse range of conditions.

Movie Mode: The FinePix S100FS offers a Movie mode with sound at 30 fps in VGA quality, and zoom capable with manual zoom ring while in movie mode.

xD/SD/SD-HC Compatible Slot: The FinePix S100FS features an "xD/SD Compatible Slot" which accepts not only Fujifilm's traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital and SDHC cards too.


Fujifilm S100FS User Report

Don't let the price scare you. The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is the least expensive hybrid you can buy.

The Fujifilm S100FS is not only built like a serious digital SLR, it has a larger sensor than most digicams, a real lens with a manual zoom ring, RAW file capture, and some sophisticated exposure controls beyond aperture and shutter speed.

But the Fujifilm S100FS still retains some of the conveniences and fun of a digicam with Movie mode, Scene modes, a single lens (with digital zoom), and LCD/EVF framing (with a tiltable LCD, too).

The Fujifilm S100FS's lens, with its 14.3x optical zoom and Super Macro focusing to 0.4 inch, is one reason this $800 digicam is a bargain. You'd spend a small fortune duplicating that range in digital SLR glass.

That range makes the Fujifilm S100FS a long zoom, but it gives the impression of being something beyond merely a long zoom digicam. It's a hybrid that avoids many of in the inconveniences and expenses of a digital SLR and many of the shortcomings of a digicam. If you're looking to move up but don't want to pack a separate bag for camera gear, the Fujifilm S100FS might be just what you're looking for.

I fell in love with the lens but there are plenty of other toys to play with on the Fujifilm S100FS.

Look and Feel. Perched on a table, the Fujifilm S100FS could easily be mistaken for a digital SLR. It's actually slightly bigger than a Canon Rebel XSi with the kit lens. And it's built just as well. There's nothing cheap about the body, the buttons, or the dials.

And there are plenty of buttons and dials on the Fujifilm S100FS, just like on a serious digital SLR. I really didn't have to make many trips to the menu system to change settings. There was usually a button to make the change I wanted, whether it was EV, ISO, shutter release, focus mode, or just setting the aperture and shutter speed. The Fujifilm S100FS even has a command dial like a digital SLR, something rarely seen on a digicam).

That digital SLR experience, which in my view is really the optimum photographic user interface, extends to the lens. There's no zoom lever. Instead, you twist the zoom ring on the lens, just as you would with any digital SLR lens. No steps, just a somewhat stiff twist to the perfect composition.

Unlike many digital SLRs, however, you can see the live image in the LCD or the electronic viewfinder. And because the LCD tilts, you can hold the camera at waist level or over your head and still see what the camera sees.

Although the camera is hefty, I never got tired shooting with it. You can't pocket it but you don't have to sling it over your shoulder either. I used a wrist strap and carried it in a holster case.

With the Shutter button free of a Zoom lever, a simple Power switch rings it. So you won't fumble around looking for some small button to power-on the S100FS. Behind it are an ISO button and an EV button (which also displays image info). And behind them is the handy Command dial.

Just to left of that cluster is the Mode dial. It's a thick mode dial, not the coin-thin sort you see on ultracompacts. A full 3/8 inches thick, in fact, so you can easily stretch your thumb over to spin to another mode.

Usually your thumb will rest on the sculptured back panel right next to the Metering ring around the Exposure Lock button. Below that is the EVF/LCD switch and the Playback button. Directly below the Playback button is the four-way navigator with a Menu/OK button. And to the left of that is the Face Detection/Red Eye Removal button. Well below that is the Display/Back button.

Those back panel buttons are arranged rather randomly, but you get used to the layout quickly.

On the left side of the camera are another set of buttons starting with the Shutter Release modes (which include Top 7 high res/Top 3 Raw, Last 50 3-megapixel, Dynamic range bracketing, Film simulation bracketing, Auto exposure bracketing, Last 7 high res/Last 3 Raw, and Long period). The Image Stabilization button is under that and below it is the Focus Modes switch (Continuous or Single autofocus or Manual focus) and a Focus button.

There's a dioptric adjustment on the left side of the EVF, too. And, as noted, the bottom of the LCD flips up for low angles. You can also pull out the top and flip the bottom back in for overhead shots.

The grip is much more comfortable than the small XSi grip, in fact with a nice molded finger slot for your middle finger.

Get your hands on an S100FS and you won't want to put it down. It handles so much like a digital SLR, I kept forgetting to use the LCD to frame my shots, bringing the viewfinder up to my eye.

Conclusion

Pro:

* Unusually nice fit and finish
* Wide zoom range, extending to 28mm at the wide angle end
* Manual zoom ring
* Lens hood has slot so you can manipulate a polarizer
* Buttons for functions like Image Stabilization and ISO
* Film Simulation mode mimics three film emulsions
* Four Auto ISO settings to limit highest sensitivity
* Raw mode
* Full resolution captures at 3 fps
* Tilting LCD
* Dynamic Range expansion options work well to hold onto highlight detail under harsh lighting
* Shutter lag times are better than average
* Prefocus shutter lag is exceptionally short
* Good continuous-mode speed for an 11-megapixel camera

Con:

* Raw mode is unusually unwieldy
* Very bright AF-assist illuminator
* Zoom not made for Movie mode
* No 16:9 aspect ratio
* Shutter lag is a little slow at full telephoto
* Lots of chromatic aberration from wide-angle through middle focal length settings
* Dynamic Range expansion comes at the expense of higher image noise, and less detail in
shadows
* Camera penalizes you for pressing the shutter button too soon after a shot, by refusing to take a
shot until you release and re-press the shutter button.
* Battery life is short for a camera this size - you'll probably want to pick up a second battery