FujiFilm FinePix F900EXR Pro Reviews

Fast performance and elegant controls, but falls behind for image quality

There are plenty of compact megazoom options available -- from basic snapshot cameras to ones that are mostly point-and-shoots with a bit of extra control to those designed for enthusiasts. The Fujiflim FinePix F900EXR falls into "enthusiast" group, but it's a very capable "family camera," with solid results if you just leave it in auto. Though its photo quality and performance still isn't that of larger-sensor cameras like dSLRs and mirrorless compacts, you're not going to get one of those with a 25-500mm zoom lens.

The Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR combines a strong set of manual and automated shooting options, great new technology for mitigating image noise and addressing dynamic range, it has some superb sharing capabilities and connectivity (thanks to USB 2.0 and HDMI out as well as Wi-fi and GPS) and so it is sure to appeal to those wanting to move up from a more basic compact; have a more versatile snapping tool for holidays and travel, those wanting the sharing features and control offered with a simple Wi-fi set up. To those ends it is certainly up to mark providing you watch out for the battery life and focusing foibles. Overall, while not without some flaws, the F900 pulls itself up by the socks thanks to the undeniably comprehensive feature set, its high speed performance, image quality and sharing capabilities; the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR is a camera we can highly recommend.

There's no doubt that the Fuji F900 EXR is a highly competent camera and a great travel companion with its excellent zoom lens, autofocus performance and decent image quality. Taken in isolation, the lack of a touchscreen, sub-standard panorama feature and somewhat awkward wireless image sharing aren't deal-breakers. But factor all these together with Fuji's ageing EXR system capturing so many images at half resolution, and the Fuji F900 EXR finds itself lagging slightly behind the best cameras in the class. And for a full price of £310 / US$400 (around AU$525), that's not a good position to be in. Consider buying the excellent megapixel Panasonic TZ40/ZS30, Canon PowerShot SX280 HS or the Sony HX50V instead.

How does this product compare with main market rivals? The Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR updates the F800EXR with a new sensor with built in phase detection focus, giving extremely quick focus and shutter reponse. The camera has built in Wi-Fi for easy transfer to smartphones, or alternatively backup to PC. With the Fujifilm EXR sensor you get the benefit of extended dynamic range, although at a reduced resolution of 8 megapixels, however we feel that the compromise is worth it. Particularly as the F900 delivers images with bright punchy colours, and decent levels of detail. Video performance is disappointing, and if you are keen to use your compact camera for video, then this may not be the camera for you. Overall, thanks to the vast number of features, high speed performance, and good image quality, the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR is recommended.