amazon Fujifilm FinePix S100FS reviews
Fujifilm’s FinePix S100FS is a package solution for aspiring digital photography enthusiasts.
The FinePix S100FS features Fujinon 14.3x zoom lens (equivalent to 28-400 mm), Fujifilm’s 8th Super CCD sensor with 11 megapixel resolution, RP III image processor, LCD monitor The 2.5 “can be” tilted “and so on. There is no lack of technologies such as Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0 and Fujifilm’s exclusive film emulation.
All controls on the back are arranged neatly to the right in the thumb manipulation area for basic parameters, requiring quick access.
On top of the wheel controls the shooting mode, the wheel parameter adjustment, ISO adjustment button and exposure compensation, shutter button is “hugged” by the power button.
Side panel layout USB 2.0 port, video output port, charging port and control buttons such as focus, anti-shake, continuous shooting. Flash must use the button to turn on.
The right side is designed to handle the grip, as well as the battery compartment, memory card.
NP-140 Li-ion rechargeable battery.
where can you get a Fujifilm FinePix S100FS online
Fujifilm Finepix S100fs 11.1MP Digital Camera with 14.3x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom: Buy it now
FUJIFILM digital camera FinePix (FinePix) S100FS black FX-S100FS: Buy it now
1. Design and Build Quality
1.1 Ergonomics and Handling
The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS boasts a design reminiscent of DSLR cameras, offering a comfortable and sturdy grip. The camera’s dimensions (133.4 x 93.6 x 150.4 mm) and weight (approx. 918 grams with battery and memory card) make it larger and heavier than most compact cameras, but this also contributes to its stable handling. The well-placed buttons and dials ensure that all essential functions are within easy reach, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
1.2 Build Quality
Constructed with a combination of metal and high-quality plastic, the S100FS exudes durability and resilience. The camera feels solid in hand, with a reassuring heft that signifies its premium build. The robust construction ensures that the camera can withstand the rigors of regular use, making it suitable for various shooting environments.
1.3 Control Layout
The control layout is thoughtfully designed, with a logical arrangement of buttons and dials that facilitate intuitive operation. The top panel houses the mode dial, command dial, and shutter release button, while the rear panel features a navigational pad, function buttons, and a dedicated button for video recording. The inclusion of a hot shoe on the top allows for the attachment of external accessories, further expanding the camera’s capabilities.
2. Sensor and Image Quality
2.1 Super CCD Sensor
At the heart of the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is the 2/3-inch 11.1-megapixel Super CCD HR sensor. This sensor technology, unique to Fujifilm, employs an innovative layout that increases light sensitivity and dynamic range. The result is a notable improvement in image quality, particularly in terms of color accuracy, detail, and low-light performance.
2.2 Image Resolution and Detail
The S100FS captures images with a maximum resolution of 3648 x 2736 pixels, providing ample detail for large prints and cropping. The Super CCD sensor, combined with Fujifilm’s proprietary image processing algorithms, ensures that images are sharp, vibrant, and rich in detail. The camera excels in producing images with minimal noise and excellent clarity, even at higher ISO settings.
2.3 Color Reproduction
One of the standout features of the S100FS is its exceptional color reproduction. Fujifilm’s advanced image processing technology delivers accurate and lifelike colors, with a natural rendition of skin tones and vibrant hues. The camera offers multiple color modes, including Standard, Chrome, and Black & White, allowing photographers to choose the desired color profile for their shots.
2.4 Dynamic Range
The dynamic range of the S100FS is impressive, thanks to the Super CCD sensor’s ability to capture a wide range of tones from shadows to highlights. This capability ensures that images retain detail in both bright and dark areas, reducing the likelihood of blown highlights or clipped shadows. The camera’s dynamic range is further enhanced by the inclusion of Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes, which emulate the characteristics of various film stocks.
3. Lens and Zoom Capability
3.1 Fujinon Lens
The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is equipped with a versatile Fujinon 14.3x optical zoom lens, covering a focal length range of 28-400mm (35mm equivalent). This wide zoom range makes the camera suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto shots of distant subjects. The lens construction includes multiple elements and coatings that minimize aberrations and ensure optimal image quality throughout the zoom range.
3.2 Aperture Range
The lens features a variable aperture, ranging from f/2.8 at the wide end to f/5.3 at the telephoto end. The wide maximum aperture allows for greater control over depth of field, enabling photographers to achieve pleasing background blur (bokeh) and isolate subjects effectively. The lens also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its ability to gather more light at wider apertures.
3.3 Optical Image Stabilization
To counteract the effects of camera shake, the S100FS incorporates an effective optical image stabilization system. This feature is particularly useful when shooting at longer focal lengths or in low-light situations, as it helps maintain sharpness and clarity in images. The stabilization system works by compensating for minor hand movements, allowing photographers to use slower shutter speeds without introducing blur.
4. Performance and Speed
4.1 Autofocus System
The S100FS is equipped with a responsive autofocus (AF) system that utilizes a combination of contrast-detection and phase-detection methods. The camera offers multiple AF modes, including single-point AF, multi-point AF, and continuous AF, allowing photographers to choose the most suitable option for their needs. The autofocus system performs admirably in various lighting conditions, delivering accurate and swift focus acquisition.
4.2 Shooting Speed
In terms of shooting speed, the S100FS is capable of continuous shooting at a rate of up to 7 frames per second (fps) at a reduced resolution. This burst mode is beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or action sequences. At full resolution, the camera offers a continuous shooting rate of approximately 3 fps, which is still respectable for a bridge camera of its class.
4.3 Startup and Shutter Lag
The camera boasts a quick startup time, allowing photographers to begin shooting almost immediately after powering on. The shutter lag is minimal, ensuring that decisive moments are captured without delay. The overall responsiveness of the S100FS contributes to a seamless and enjoyable shooting experience.
5. Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance
5.1 Image Stabilization
The optical image stabilization system in the S100FS plays a crucial role in enhancing image sharpness and clarity. By compensating for camera shake, the stabilization system allows photographers to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds, reducing the need for a tripod in many situations. This feature is particularly advantageous when shooting in low-light conditions or at longer focal lengths.
5.2 Low-Light Performance
The S100FS excels in low-light photography, thanks to its wide maximum aperture and advanced noise reduction technology. The camera’s ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 3200, with an extended range up to ISO 10,000 in specific modes. While higher ISO settings introduce some noise, the Super CCD sensor’s performance remains impressive, delivering usable images even in challenging lighting conditions.
6. Video Recording
6.1 HD Video Capability
In addition to its still photography capabilities, the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS offers HD video recording at 720p resolution. The camera captures video at a frame rate of 30 fps, ensuring smooth and detailed footage. The optical zoom can be used during video recording, providing flexibility in framing and composition.
6.2 Audio Quality
The built-in microphone records mono audio, which is adequate for casual video recording. However, for more professional audio quality, an external microphone would be necessary. The lack of a dedicated microphone input on the S100FS limits its potential for advanced video work, but it remains a capable option for basic video recording needs.
7. LCD and Viewfinder
7.1 LCD Screen
The S100FS features a 2.5-inch tilting LCD screen with a resolution of approximately 230,000 dots. The tilting mechanism allows for greater flexibility in composing shots from various angles, including high and low perspectives. The screen offers good visibility in most lighting conditions, though direct sunlight can make it challenging to see details clearly.
7.2 Electronic Viewfinder
In addition to the LCD screen, the camera includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 200,000 dots. The EVF provides an alternative method for composing and reviewing shots, particularly in bright outdoor environments where the LCD screen may be difficult to see. While the resolution of the EVF is not as high as those found in more modern cameras, it remains a valuable feature for precise framing and focus adjustment.
8. Shooting Modes and Creative Features
8.1 Shooting Modes
The S100FS offers a wide range of shooting modes to accommodate various photographic styles and scenarios. These include Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes, providing full control over exposure settings. The camera also includes several scene modes, such as Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Night, which automatically adjust settings for optimal results in specific situations.
8.2 Film Simulation Modes
One of the standout features of the S100FS is its Film Simulation modes, which replicate the look and feel of classic Fujifilm film stocks. These modes include Provia (Standard), Velvia (Vivid), and Astia (Soft), each offering distinct color profiles and tonal characteristics. The Film Simulation modes allow photographers to experiment with different styles and achieve a unique aesthetic in their images.
8.3 Bracketing and Advanced Features
The camera includes several advanced features to enhance creative control, such as exposure bracketing, dynamic range bracketing, and white balance bracketing. These features enable photographers to capture multiple shots with varying settings, ensuring the best possible exposure and color balance. Additionally, the S100FS offers in-camera RAW processing, allowing for greater flexibility in post-processing and fine-tuning of images.
9. Battery Life and Storage
9.1 Battery Performance
The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NP-140), providing approximately 250-300 shots per charge, depending on usage and settings. This battery life is relatively standard for bridge cameras, but it may require an additional battery for extended shooting sessions, especially when using power-intensive features such as continuous shooting or video recording.
9.2 Storage Options
The camera supports both SD and SDHC memory cards, offering flexibility in storage capacity. Given the high-resolution images and HD video capabilities, it is advisable to use high-capacity and high-speed memory cards to ensure smooth performance and ample storage space. The camera also features a slot for xD-Picture Cards, though this format has become less common in recent years.
10. Connectivity and Software
10.1 Connectivity Options
The S100FS includes several connectivity options to facilitate the transfer and sharing of images. These include a USB 2.0 port for direct connection to a computer, as well as an AV output for viewing images on a television. However, the camera lacks modern connectivity features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which are now standard in many contemporary cameras. This omission limits the ease of wireless file transfer and remote control.
10.2 Software
Fujifilm provides a range of software tools to complement the S100FS, including FinePix Viewer and RAW File Converter. FinePix Viewer offers basic photo management and editing capabilities, while RAW File Converter allows for advanced processing of RAW images. These tools enhance the overall user experience by providing essential functions for organizing, editing, and sharing photos.
11. User Experience and Practical Use
11.1 Learning Curve
The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced photographers. While the camera offers a plethora of features and controls, the intuitive layout and user-friendly interface make it accessible to newcomers. The comprehensive manual and on-screen guides further assist in understanding the various functions and settings, reducing the learning curve.
11.2 Versatility in Shooting Scenarios
The wide zoom range, advanced sensor, and extensive feature set make the S100FS suitable for a broad spectrum of shooting scenarios. Whether capturing landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or sports, the camera performs admirably in delivering high-quality images. The Film Simulation modes and creative features provide additional flexibility, allowing photographers to experiment with different styles and techniques.
11.3 Limitations
Despite its numerous strengths, the S100FS is not without limitations. The relatively large size and weight may deter those seeking a more portable camera. The lack of modern connectivity options and the average battery life are also drawbacks in comparison to newer models. Additionally, the electronic viewfinder’s resolution and the LCD screen’s performance in bright sunlight could be improved.
12. Comparison to Competitors
12.1 Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, a direct competitor to the S100FS, offers a 50x optical zoom lens and a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. While the SX50 HS provides a longer zoom range and newer sensor technology, the S100FS excels in color reproduction and dynamic range, thanks to its Super CCD sensor and Film Simulation modes. Both cameras offer unique advantages, making the choice dependent on specific needs and preferences.
12.2 Nikon Coolpix P510
The Nikon Coolpix P510, another rival in the bridge camera category, features a 42x optical zoom lens and a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. The P510 boasts faster continuous shooting speeds and built-in GPS, but the S100FS stands out with its superior build quality, advanced color processing, and versatile shooting modes. Photographers seeking a more rugged and customizable camera may prefer the S100FS.
12.3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 offers a 24x optical zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. This feature is a significant advantage for low-light and action photography. However, the S100FS competes well with its dynamic range, color accuracy, and robust construction. The choice between the two cameras will depend on the priority placed on lens speed versus overall image quality and build.
13. Conclusion
The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is a compelling option for photographers seeking a versatile and high-performing bridge camera. Its robust build quality, impressive image quality, and extensive feature set make it a valuable tool for various photographic endeavors. The Super CCD sensor, coupled with Fujifilm’s advanced processing technology, ensures vibrant colors, excellent detail, and a wide dynamic range.
While the S100FS lacks some modern conveniences such as wireless connectivity and may be bulkier than contemporary models, its strengths far outweigh these drawbacks. The camera’s ergonomic design, effective image stabilization, and creative shooting modes provide a satisfying user experience for both amateur and experienced photographers.
For those who prioritize image quality, build robustness, and versatility over the latest technological advancements, the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS remains a worthy investment. Its ability to deliver stunning photos across a range of shooting scenarios, coupled with Fujifilm’s renowned color science, solidifies its position as a standout choice in the bridge camera market.