Fuji S200 EXR

[JB9302]

Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this bridge camera , been considering it latley , its 14 x and 12mp.
Manual zoom ring appeals and good range of controls , seems to have good reviews on google search.
Doesn"t do HD video like the Pansonic FZ38 but I have a AVCHD camcorder for that.
Just for general outdoor use & indoor when 1st grandchild arrives in Sept .
Dont want to go down SLR route & lenses , any thoughts ?

Julian

[JB9302]

Doesn"t look like anyone has any experience of this camera , how about the Fuji HS10 which I have seen mentioned in another thread ?
Look similar apart from massive 30 x zoom & HD video.

Julian

[MeadsMan]

Hi Julian,if you google dpreview,they do superb tests on cameras and seem to give a very honest opinion of the goods and bads,and give lots of in depth details,on some models.

[Jim Ford]

I can also recommend dpreview for reviews. I've had a look, but they haven't done the S200, but they have the F200 (don't know what the difference is, though!):

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Jim

[Lancashire Lad]

This review suggsts that the camera is a very competent piece of kit: -
Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR Review | PhotographyBLOG

I don't have any experience directly with that model, but given that it currently costs approx £270.00, I'd be tempted to add an extra £50.00 and get the HS10, which can now be had for £320.00 at Argos.

Here's a review of the HS10 from the same site: -
Fujifilm FinePix HS10 Review | PhotographyBLOG

I appreciate that the S200EXR is 12Mp, and the HS10 is 10Mp. - But in real terms the difference will be indistinguishable, unless you intend to make poster size prints.

However, the HS10 offers a much greater zoom ratio. (24mm/720mm @35mm equivalent on the HS10, as opposed to 30.5mm/436mm on the S200EXR).

The HS10 also has a variable angle lcd screen, which is a real bonus for taking low level or high level shots.

The HS10 also includes full High Definition video mode, whereas the S200EXR doesn't have a video mode. (Lots of videos on U-tube demonstrating this feature).

Plus, one real advantage of the HS10, in my opinion, is that it is powered by standard AA size batteries, rather than a dedicated lithium ion powerpack. So any reputable AANimh's will be ok, and, if you ever find yourself out of power, a set of normal duracells, can be obtained almost anywhere.

I can't make an objective comparison of the two, not having handled the S200EXR, but I've had an HS10 for about two months now, and really can't fault it for a stand-alone camera.

Regards,
Mike.

[JB9302]

Thanks for all the replies guy"s , both appear to have good reviews with pro"s & con"s on each.
Its a close call , S200 seems to edge it on image quality but that wider/longer range of the HS10 look appealling , bit more reading of the reviews .

Julian

[JB9302]

Just to update , didn"t go for a bridge camera after all , purchased a Sony A450 DSLR with kit lens .

Julian