Fujifilm FinePix S100fs reviews

Fujifilm FinePix S100fs

Overall rating:

- 4

You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs Camera. Here are the reviewers:

RegHardware	- 04 December 2008 -	- 3.5
LetsGoDigital	- 26 October 2008 -	- 4
DigitalCameraReview	- 15 September 2008 -	- 0
Steves Digicams	- 26 August 2008 -	- 0
PhotographyBLOG	- 15 July 2008 -	- 4.5
Pocket-lint	- 20 May 2008 -	- 3.5
ePhotozine	- 02 May 2008 -	- 4.5
DPReview	- 28 April 2008 -	- 4

“ Compact cameras offer portability and simplicity and the option of a super zoom. DSLRs offer performance, functionality and – if you want it – plenty of automation. The FinePix S100 FS is much closer to a DSLR than a compact, but without the full functionality offered by the former. But the biggest issue is the price. It isn’t a bad camera, but it we suspect most people will want to leap straight from compact to a DSLR rather than opt for this model... ”

RegHardware's rating:

- 3.5

Complete review here

“ These are the kind of characteristics that withhold me from being enthusiastic about working with the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs. It is a nice camera, no doubt about that, with nice and useful functions like the excellent face detection. You don't get dust on the sensor, one of the main annoyances with DSLR cameras. And even though you don’t get the same depth of image reproduction as an SLR offers, the S100fs is still excellent to use for enlargements and print jobs. Still, the camera has a tad too many issues that I can't or won't get used to. It is a typical case of a camera that performs excellently when tested extensively in a lab but doesn't live up to that expectation in practice. But then again, not everybody might look upon this as a big problem. What's left then, is a fine full Megazoom camera with an all-round lens of high quality. ... ”

LetsGoDigital's rating:

- 4

Complete review here

“ As it turns out, we are indeed being fair to Fujifilm. The S100FS resolves many of the complaints I had with previous all-in-one, fixed-lens DSLR-type cameras. The camera is reasonably fast, performs well at higher ISO settings, and has extended dynamic range to prevent loss of highlight details due to overexposure. The limitations of this camera turned out to be quite minor and partially unavoidable based on the design.

The extreme zoom range of the lens means that macro focusing distances and lens distortions will be a factor, but nothing that should ruin an otherwise good shot. The only performance issue that Fujifilm engineers really need to address is the lag between the first time you turn the camera on and when you can take a photo.

If anything stands out as "not being fair" about the S100FS, I'd have to say it's that Fujifilm isn't being fair to some consumers in terms of price. While the S100FS still costs less than a DSLR with an 18-200mm or 18-250mm lens, the S100FS is a little more expensive than some entry-level DSLRs with a basic kit lens. I suspect that many more consumers would buy this camera if it sold for $550 to $600.... ”

DigitalCameraReview's rating:

- 0

Complete review here

“ FujiFilm has delivered a well rounded Prosumer model. With powerful features like the manually operated 14.3x FUJINON zoom lens, 11-megapixel image sensor, Dual IS, 2.5-inch Tiltable LCD, over 3fps burst capture at full resolution (during our tests), CCD-RAW capture mode, and loads of exposure options, the S100FS is a versatile digital camera. However, with an MSRP of US$799, it's expensive. At this price level, there are several entry-level dSLR models out there that rival the S100FS on image quality and high ISO performance. The advantage this model has is the awesome 14.3x Zoom, and super fast burst modes. That said, I feel this model does not offer the best "bang for your buck". If you're on the fence about jumping into the dSLR world, want most of the same features, and don't mind paying for it, then the FujiFilm FinePix S100FS might be just what you are looking for. As for those of you who are searching for a versatile camera and want the most for their money, I recommend you check out some of the entry-level dSLRs offered by Canon, Sony, Nikon or Olympus. ... ”

Steves Digicams's rating:

- 0

Complete review here

“ The first thing that impresses about the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is its build and weight – a large proportion of that due to the chunky optic bolted onto the front – and, image quality apart, it's an impression that stays with you. Being well thought out, intuitive in the main and attractive into the bargain, the design and layout can't really be faulted, save for that slightly stiff and tricky to turn control for switching between metering modes at the rear. Other negatives are that initially the S100FS' pricing appears prohibitively high, the camera is sluggish to start up compared to a 'proper' DSLR, and battery life is only average to poor. And, OK, so it's not the most portable bridge model out there, but those who will get the most out of the S100FS are the same photographers looking for access to a wide variety of possible shots, framings and compositions without having to alter their stance or move their feet. If you can overcome that price tag – or hunt down a more enticing price online, which doesn't force an either/or purchase between this and a mid-range DSLR, then the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is easily worthy of a Highly Recommended verdict from the PhotographyBLOG ratings board.... ”

PhotographyBLOG's rating:

- 4.5

Complete review here

“ The superb specification level is slightly marred by the way controls are implemented but there’s so much neat stuff crammed into the camera, that it really can take on almost any photography challenge thrown at it, it’s just that the results might not be what you expect, at least at first.

The Fujifilm FinePix S100fs is undoubtedly an ensemble of high specification camera features and some clever and reliable Fuji digital camera wizardry. But it’s an ensemble that is not the complete sum of its parts and ultimately might disappoint you, as it did me.... ”

Pocket-lint's rating:

- 3.5

Complete review here

“ I like the different film simulations available and the handy chart showing the Dynamic Range, Colour, Tone and Sensitivity. These features are extremely useful for photographers of all skill levels to broaden the creativity.

Fuji have picked up on the fact that people still like film and have put a lot of effort into recreating realistic film effects for the S100fs using their Film Simulation mode. Photographers still using film because they don't like the processed colours of digital or those, like me, who have a nostalgic affection for film, will find this feature highly beneficial and great fun to use.

One question I have is: Does this mean that Fuji will end film production? We'll have to wait and see.

If you're a film photographer thinking of breaking into digital or a digital user wanting a film camera as back up just to achieve the tones and saturation that make films such as Velvia a photographer's favourite, be sure you take a look at the S100fs. ... ”

ePhotozine's rating:

- 4.5

Complete review here

“ With the price of DSLRs dropping all the time, the justification for bridge cameras between compacts and full-grown DSLRs looks increasingly weak. The S100FS makes a game job of proving that there is still room for such a camera.

It represents an awful lot of camera for comparatively little money and one that is more flexible than a DSLR kit for the same outlay. Its feature set, including very respectable RAW performance and dynamic range optimization is impressive. It's nice to see a flash hot shoe, even if it isn't as sophisticated as the ones found on most DSLRs.

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.... ”

DPReview's rating:

- 4

Complete review here

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