Fujifilm Finepix S100fs
The FinePix S100FS provides an all-in-one solution for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateur photographers seeking the manual controls and functionality of a Digital SLR, without the hassle and expense of additional lenses and other accessories.
The FinePix S100FS is equipped with a 14.3x Fujinon manual zoom lens, Fujifilm’s 8th generation Super CCD sensor with 11 megapixels, RP III processor, 2.5-inch tiltable LCD, and ISO capabilities of up to ISO 6400 (at 6 megapixels) and an incredible ISO 10,000 (at 3 megapixels). Photographers will appreciate the ease of use afforded by Dual Image Stabilization which combines optical image and picture stabilization, and Fujifilm’s acclaimed Face Detection 2.0 Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal, while enjoying a wide dynamic range of 100-400 percent, typically exclusive to the highest-end DSLR cameras, and film simulation modes that only Fujifilm can provide.
Top Fujifilm Finepix S100fs Professional Reviews:
CNET.co.uk reviewed the Fujifilm Finepix S100fs and gave out“As a bridge camera, the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is definitely closer to the dSLR side of the bridge than the compact. Fujifilm has packed it with features and given many of them their own controls. The Olympus SP-560 UZ may be less intimidating, while for a similar amount of money, you could get into dSLRs with an entry-level model such as the Pentax K200D. Still, the excellent, versatile lens and wealth of options make this a serious camera to take charge of your photography.”
DPReview reviewed the Fujifilm Finepix S100fs and gave out-
“Unfortunately, we can’t quite in all conscience highly recommend a camera with such a flaw in its image quality. Which is a real shame because, for a lot of users, it will be a great camera that offers a well-priced and remarkably flexible alternative to a DSLR. But for anyone wanting to make large prints on a regular basis, it could be a disappointment, so we’d have to suggest they take a look at DSLRs and pore over our lens reviews.”
PhotoReview reviewed the Fujifilm Finepix S100fs and gave out -
“The FinePix S100fs has just been named as the Best Superzoom Digital Camera for 2008 by the European Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). We are also nominating it as an Editor’s Choice for the Advanced category of compact digicams - although with some reservations. Our main concerns lie with the high lateral chromatic aberration we found with the test camera’s lens.However, the sporadic failures of the autofocusing system and poor quality of images shot at the top ISO sensitivity are also of concern, as is the lack of any ability to switch noise-reduction processing off and on. If these issues are of little or no relevance, the S100fs will be an excellent and rewarding camera choice.”
ePhotozine reviewed the Fujifilm Finepix S100fs and gave out -
“The Fujifilm Finepix S100fs has so many different features available, it was difficult to know where to start.I like the different film simulations available and the handy chart showing the Dynamic Range, Color, Tone and Sensitivity. Fuji have noticed that people like their film and have recreated it so users can continue to get the same results as they got from a film camera.”
Video Show:
Fujifilm Unveils FinePix S100FS: Live PMA Interview–Fujifilm unveiled the FinePix S100FS (Film Simulation) digital camera, its most advanced SLR-styled camera to date.
Customer Reviews
By J. Harwick (Tri-Cities WA)
I have been involved with photograpy for over fifty years, purchasing about one new camera per year. This one was for my wife, but I like so much i may steal it.
Please don’t call this a point and shoot, It is no toy, this is a serious camera that does things that Canon and Nikon can’t match even for an additional $1,000.
First the F/ 2.8 lens functions very well, even in dim light, all the way from 28mm to 400mm without ever having to carry or swap in another lens. This is a BIG advantage when you are traveling.
Second the sensor is a revounary breakthrough. 1/2 the size of the big boys for better depth of field, twice the size of the cheapies for better noise control. This sensor and lens were designed together as a package, Nothing stuck on here.
The list of features is too long to list, but chances are if you want it is here, plus some things you didn’t even know that you wanted. Can you tell that I like it!
By K. Matthews “Swimmer” (Florida)
The Fujifilm Finepix S100fs is a superb camera, in most instances exceeding expectations. Whilst I am not a Pro photographer I consider myself an able amateur and have used many cameras over the years. As I am traveling more I decided I wanted a replacement for my Pentax K10D DSLR - which is an excellent camera, on par if not exceeding the Canon and Nikon offerings in its range (sub $1000.00). Lugging extra lenses around when traveling can be a real chore - yet there has really been no alternative - until now.
The S100fs is a real DSLR alternative at last - and this is from a REAL USER - not someone who has just read reviews or posts on the Internet.
The image quality is magnificent. Fuji have outdone themselves with this lens, it is a step above most Tamron, Sigma and kit lenses and approaches the quality of the higher priced offerings of the big manufacturers. The PROOF is in the images. I have standard scenes I always photograph to test cameras - one of them of the lake view from the rear of my house. Using the Velvia film setting on the S100fs I was astonished at the images it captured - some of them exhibiting an almost 3D appearance. This camera has produced the best images of this scene I have taken with any camera!
There is a lot of talk about Purple Fringing - mostly by Pixel Peepers who have never held the camera but who inspect low grade images uploaded to the Internet and make derisory comments. I have found however that using the camera involved a learning curve that I hadn’t expected. Some of my first images were not as good as I had hoped - but I concluded that the camera was better than what I was seeing. More careful handling and attention produced startlingly better results. Have I seen some purple fringing - yes - but LESS than in Tamron and Sigma lenses I own, some of which approach the cost of this camera itself. This is easily corrected in post processing however. Though as I have spent more time with this excellent camera I have seen it less and less - implying that most of what people are seeing is USER error and not due to the camera itself.
And let me say this - IMAGES IN POOR LIGHTING / Night Scenes ARE MAGNIFICENT - better than my K10D!
If you are looking for the BEST superzoom camera out there - this is it - by far. If you are looking for a DSLR - but cannot afford the investment of good quality lenses (don’t fall for the “kit offerings”) - this is it. Tired of lugging around countless lenses and accessories for your DSLR - give this a try. You will not be disappointed (as long as you persevere and learn how to use this camera).
Tags: Customer Reviews, FinePix, Fujifilm, price, Review, S100fs
May 6th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Should I buy the new Fuji finepix S100FS or the Canon EOS 400D???
May 6th, 2008 at 9:37 am
If you have had a 35mm camera you might find the feel of the Canon a little more familiar. The price is also a little bit lower. Myself, I like to play with lenses.
The Fuji is a great all in one package camera.
I doubt you would be disappointed with either one.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I was going to buy the Panasonic DMC FZ18 but have now discovered the Fuji FinePix S100fs with more megapixels
May 6th, 2008 at 9:39 am
At this level of “all-in-one” zoom, there are many optical compromises, not to mention additional shake/vibration at the highest zoom levels.
Moreover, both cameras have very small sensors, which also affect photo quality.
The Fujifilm S100fs is a brand new camera; I haven’t seen any reviews yet. However, it does do film simulations and it does have a larger sensor (physically) than the Panasonic. It would also appear that Fujifilm is aiming for more dynamic range (range of tones from dark to light) in its images.
Therefore, I would give the nod to the new, but untested S100fs because the film simulation modes should be better for all around photography along with the physically larger sensor.
Much is made of the lens on the Panasonic, but the reality is that there are many other factors affecting image quality on these kinds of digital superzoom cameras, only 1 of which is the lens. Replies that don’t take the sensor physical size, vibration reduction, and film simulation/dynamic range into account are not complete answers.