FujiFilm FinePix HS30EXR Pro Reviews

The Fujifilm FinePix HS30 EXR is, like it's predecessor, a super-zoom with its own very distinctive character and style. The specifications put it on a par with market-leading models from other manufacturers, but they really only tell part of the story. To really appreciate its qualities, you need to hold the FinePix HS30 EXR in your hand. The things that mark it out are its rugged hefty construction, abundance of physical controls, its mechanically-coupled manual zoom and the unique EXR modes. Fujifilm has augmented those features with a redesigned sensor, hugely improved electronic viewfinder and LCD screen, and enhanced movie shooting. It's still not a camera everyone will love, as ease of use isn't one of its strengths and if you want to make the most of its pixel-combining EXR modes you'll have accept a drop in image size to 8 Megapixels. But If you're comfortable with physical controls and prefer to be given the option to experiment with a variety of shooting modes, some of them unique, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Excellent ergonomics and superb image quality in low light, but also a few issues regarding performance and video capture

The Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR super-zoom camera is a rather modest upgrade of its predecessor, but it does address some of the main problems that afflicted the HS20EXR, most notably the incredibly long image processing speeds for RAW files and continuous shooting. You could argue that these issues shouldn't have been present in the HS20 at all, but at least Fujifilm have addressed them in this latest iteration, along with adding a much improved electronic viewfinder, better image quality and greatly extended battery life. As the HS30EXR is so similar to last year's HS20, it offers the same main benefit of being a real all-in-one alternative to a DSLR,. with no need to buy or change lenses thanks to the 30x optic, which is remarkably distortion-free and admirably fast at either end. The manual zoom and focus rings further reinforce that DSLR feeling, as do the external flash hotshoe, command dials, tilting LCD screen, full range of manual shooting modes and RAW format support. Full 1080p movie recording with stereo sound is the icing on the cake, making the HS30 a viable replacement for your video camera too.

The Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR is a near-excellent megazoom camera. To me, this camera seems more geared toward advanced users who appreciate the extras like a hot shoe, direct controls of settings, and raw support. But these are also users who would expect the best photo quality to go along with those options and that just not here. That's not to say that it can't take some very good photos; it can. But you'll have to work with it and understand that even still, you won't be getting digital SLR quality just because of the way it looks.

The 30x Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR is a pleasure to use thanks to a manual zoom lens, Raw support, and a wealth of physical controls, but image quality at higher ISOs is disappointing.

The Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR has a traditional styled body that closely resembles a Digital SLR, however the camera benefits from a large 30x optical zoom lens. The camera has full manual controls with RAW support and a flash hot-shoe it can quite easily be used like a Digital SLR, but is much cheaper than a Digital SLR with a super telephoto zoom lens. Images are good with slightly improved noise performance over the previous model, as well as an updated (and better resolution) electronic viewfinder, and the addition of a lithium ion battery improves battery life. If you are in the market for an ultra zoom bridge style camera then this camera is recommended especially if you've had one of the previous models, however there is little reason to upgrade from the HS20EXR if you already have it, in fact if you wanted to save money then the HS20EXR is currently £100 cheaper.

The HS30EXR takes the superzoom formula and tweaks it into better shape than its predecessor. The 24-720mm manual zoom not only offers a significant range but the hands-on zoom ring makes it feel more DSLR-like than other superzoom cameras. Add to this the far superior electronic viewfinder that outclasses the competition and the rechargeable li-ion battery and the HS30 is on the right track. But for all its good points, there are a couple of things that we'd still like to see: more accurate exposure and a lower-resolution sensor to help with critical detail would be at the top of the list, along with a faster continuous autofocus system. Image quality is reasonable, but won't compare to a DSLR with long lens - so buy the HS30EXR with realistic expectations. Of course, such kit would cost considerably more, and this is where the HS30 comes into its own: a fair balance of price to features make it a great success.

What at first may appear nothing more than a subtle upgrade of the Fujifilm HS20 is a far superior bit of kit. The HS30EXR’s new viewfinder is best in class, the addition of a rechargeable Li-ion battery is very welcome, and small (but important) performance tweaks over its predecessor make all the difference. The camera’s well-designed, easy to use and, for the most part, responsive in use too. Those in the market for a superzoom will want to give this model serious consideration. However it’s not without fault. Image quality is the very same as the previous HS20 model, which is good but not great for all scenarios. Mid-high ISO settings lack the biting detail that’s necessary when shooting at longer focal lengths or in dim light. Don’t be fooled, the HS30EXR isn’t a DSLR replacement, but then it’s not trying to be. Within the context of the superzoom family it does a decent job across the board, and it’s not overpriced either. Impressive, but just a few steps shy of "super".