Review Date: June 28, 2010
Category: Beginner Amateur
USER’S EXPERIENCE
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 – Here’s what I receive in the box:
- FinePix F80EXR
- No memory card [Fujifilm sent me a 2GB SD memory card for the review]
- Li-ion Battery NP-50 3.6V 1000mAh 3.4Wh
- BC-45W Battery Charger
- Wrist Strap
- USB Cable and A/V Cable
- Documentation: Basic Manual
- Software CDs: Owner’s Manual; MyFinePix Studio v1.0 (Win), FinePixViewer v3.6 (Mac OS X)
The Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR is the F70EXR’s replacement with 12MP (vs. 10MP), a 3.0-in. LCD (vs. 2.7-in.) and HD 720p Movie (vs. 640×480).
These improvements have unfortunately come at the expense of the extreme low-light capability the F Series used to command. As it is, the F80EXR is still a good low-light digital camera, just not towering above its competitors anymore in this area. D-RANGE PRIORITY allows images to be captured with a wide dynamic range.
Though the Fujifilm F80EXR’s audience will undoubtedly still be mainly the Point-and-Shoot (P&S) and beginner amateur photographers, there are also Aperture-Priority and Manual modes (though only two aperture settings are available at any focal length) for the more advanced photographers.
However, the EXR AUTO mode is excellent and, for this review, I used the Fujifilm F80EXR almost exclusively in the EXR AUTO mode, letting the camera decide the appropriate scene mode as well as EXR mode.
As far as the 10x optical zoom is concerned, it is more than enough zoom power and the sensor-shift image stabilization means that you’ll get sharp images even hand holding the camera at maximum tele. Note that the Owner’s Manual talks about “Picture Stabilization” instead of “Image Stabilization” — which is an error since the former is almost always used to mean there is no mechanical stabilization (optical or sensor-shift), only upping the ISO. Then, the manual lists the stabilization as: “Optical stabilization (CCD shift).” It’s either optical or CCD-shift, can’t be both, and as far as we know, it’s sensor-shift (i.e. CCD shift). Obviously, a typo here [which also exists in the F70EXR manual].
I am enjoying my new MacBook Pro [my Windows PC crashed, and thanks to those who helped me make the switch], but I am very surprised that the FinePix Viewer software for the Mac has a different design layout than that on Windows. I am not sure I like the EXIF info at the bottom of the screen which necessitates access to 3 tabs to obtain the EXIF info that I can get at a glance on the Win version. But I guess it’s a matter of getting used to it.
What I like about the F80EXR:
- Very good image quality at ISO 100. Good image quality at ISO 200. Generally good low-light capability.
- Good build and looks.
- Wide-angle 10x optical zoom that is useful at every focal length.
- Precise AF even in low light.
- Availability of Aperture-Priority and full manual controls.
- Auto EXR works very well.
- HD 720p Movie.
No review is complete without a couple of improvement suggestions:
- Restore exceptional low-light capability: unfortunately the F80EXR does not fare as well in low light as the F70EXR does.
- Recess the Power button (even more) to prevent accidental turning ON/OFF camera.
- Provide a higher resolution LCD.
A Basic Manual in how to setup and operate your camera is provided in print. The detailed Owner’s Manual is now on the CD, which means you can’t carry it with you, but on the other hand it is easily searchable.
The Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR is an enjoyable compact long zoom digital camera to use. It has the ability to capture images with a wide dynamic range, has fast AF, and provides a useful 10x wide zoom. Recommended.
Next: Fujifilm F80EXR QuickFact Sheet / Buy
