Thursday 8 December 2011

Fuji Finepix HS20 EXR Bridge Camera

In stock now

The Fuji FinePix HS20 EXR is innovative, versatile and more. The HS20 EXR features a 16 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor, a 30x optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 24-720mm (35mm equivalent), high speed continuous shooting capability (up to 8 fps at full resolution), versatile video functions and an improved user interface. The Fuji FinePix HS20 EXR sets new standards in bridge camera functionality and performance.  I have put this new model through my usual tests and I am very impressed with it.
The camera feels very well built and everything is easy to use, if you want to use this camera in full auto mode you can, simply set EXR auto and the camera will set everything for you including choosing the right scene mode. However if you want to be more creative with your photography then there lots of setting to choose from, in fact the camera looks and feels like a miniature SLR camera.
I think the button layout is one of the best yet on a bridge camera I have seen. On the top of the camera you have a nice big shutter button, with 2 smaller buttons behind it but not to close,  for adjusting the bracketing and selecting the frame rate. You then have the main control dial which is a sensible size. This gives you quick access to the following settings, EXR (full auto with scene selection), Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Custom functions (this allows you to save settings that you may use regularly and then select them) Panorama mode (you can record full 360 degree images with this) this is a nice idea which work very well (with practice) you then have 2 SP modes (scene position) which allows you to select frequently used scene modes, save them and return instantly to them, next to this is ADV mode which is an advance pro focus setting, this allows you to experiment with advance pro focus and pro low light modes. Next to this dial is a slightly smaller but well placed dial for adjusting settings when you use the short cut buttons to the left of the main screen on the rear of the camera.
On the back of the camera you have a large a very sharp 3” screen which you can tilt, this is a very nice touch, I tried it when doing close up (macro) shots with the camera and found it very helpful.
Next to the screen down the left hand side you have the following buttons which are very handy short cuts to camera settings that saves you having to go into the main menu all the time, from the top, ISO allows you to quickly change the ‘film speed’ in manual modes, AE which you can use to change the metering pattern, AF which allows you to change the focus mode from centre, multi or tracking, AF c-s-m, quickly change focusing mode from single shot, continuous or manual, lastly you have WB (white balance), this allows you to adjust the WB setting from auto to various settings depending on the shooting conditions, I like the ‘live’ adjustment you see on the screen when you make any changes.
Moving to the right of the screen you have a instant video record button, great feature simply press it start recording video instantly. You then have an AE/AF lock button which allows to lock metering and focus. The ‘flat’ joystick has RAW settings, yes can even record your images in RAW or jpeg and both at the same time if you wish. There is also a macro select button, flash settings button and self timer. In the middle is the main menu button. You also have a display setting button and an image play back button, the display setting button allows to adjust info you see on the screen. Finally the lens has a manual zoom and a manual focus ring. I really like the manual zoom idea, which allows you quickly compose your picture and should save on battery power.
This is a perfect camera for anyone wanting to advance their photography but not go down the SLR route and carry lots of heavy kit/lenses. It’s small enough to fit a large jacket pocket or would take up very little room in a rucksack.
I know this is one of my longest reviews to date but I really like this camera and think it deserves it. The quality of the prints I achieved from it are superb. I have them at the shop if you want to have a look. Oh and one very cool feature I nearly forgot to mention, if you have the screen on and then decide to use the cameras built in view finder, it automatically switches  between the two for you when you put the viewfinder up to your eye.  I really like this feature which saves you time not having to remember to press a button before the view finder works.
Manufacturers link

Features


·         Megapixels
16.0
·         Sensor type
EXR-CMOS
·         Sensor size
1/2 inch
·         Optical zoom (x)
30x
·         Focal length (tele)
720 (35mm)
·         Focal length (wide)
24
·         Exposure modes
27 Scene Modes
·         Advanced Anti-blur technologies
(image stabalisation)
·         Viewfinder type
LCD
·         Screen size (inches)
3.0
·         Screen resolution (pixels)
460000
·         Flash type
Built in / External
·         Movie mode
1080p HD
·         Card format
20MB Internal, SD, SDHC, SDXC
·         File formats
JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3), RAW, H.264(MOV)
·         Connectivity
USB, HDMI Mini connector
·         Battery model
4x AA Batteries
I look forward to seeing you; don’t forget you can take test pictures with any camera you are looking at, which I will print instantly for you to. I also set up every camera sold with my customers and show them how to use it.
Thanks
Jack
EXMOOR PHOTOGRAPHY
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