Overview
The Fuji Finepix F70EXR is a 10 megapixel digital camera with a 10x wide angle lens. Fuji has included a number of innovations that help the camera to produce some really excellent shots. These become available when placing the camera in EXR mode. The first feature increases the ability of the Finepix F70EXR to bring out extra detail in light and dark areas of a shot. This is something digital cameras have always found very difficult to do. Next up is a noise reduction technique.
Another feature that is hard to find elsewhere is a Pro Focus mode. This throws the background of a photo out of focus, highlighting the main subject of the photo. This can make a big difference to portrait and close up shots.
Other more standard features include image stabilisation and a 2.7 inch LCD screen. I found the screen very easy to see when composing photos. There are also manual exposure and aperture priority modes available.
Why Buy The Fuji Finepix F70EXR
These features would be of little use if picture quality was poor. The opposite is true and I was delighted with the photos I took with this camera. This is especially true for outdoor scenic type shots and portraits.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
10x
2.7 inches
99.3 x 58.9 x 22.7mm
180g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
No
Yes
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The definition shown in this photo is outstanding. I put this down to the fact that in EXR mode I am only using 6 megapixels and although I may not be able to make super sized prints, the quality of those I am able to make is excellent. Using EXR mode does also bring out a modest amount of extra detail in shady areas.
With this more distant scene the camera does not quite match the heights of the first test shot. Even so it is a good effort. Wide angle lenses usually take the edge off the sharpness of this shot. Taking this into account I am happy with my result.
This is another photo where the Finepix F70EXR handles the entire scene really well. There is a crispness about the shot that few cameras manage. The level of detail and definition is again impressive.
It is very interesting to see the difference taking photos using only 6 megapixels can make. Once again this picture has great resolution. There is very little fall off in detail or sharpness as you move out towards the edges of the pictures.
Portraits
This is another shot that works well for me. I have switched back to full resolution, but the camera still does well. I really like the way the camera has used the light and this effort is up there with my better outdoor portrait tests.
I think this photo works very well. There is plenty of brightness in the shot and the light is evenly spread. On top of this there is virtually no shine on the face caused by flash. This is a really good effort.
With this picture I have again switched the Finepix F70EXR into EXR mode. The idea is that it should decrease the amount of noise showing in the shot. That is not really the case here though and some of the other cameras I tested at the same time produced lower noise levels.
Macro, Colours and Noise
If there is an area where I feel Fuji digital cameras could improve in general it is with macro shots. Although not a bad effort, I would like to have seen a step up in overall quality.
Although I have talked about definition I have to say the saturation of the colours is striking too. I think the Finepix F70EXR handles colour contrast very well too.
I am not convinced that Fuji has taken that much of a step forward when it comes to noise at higher ISO settings. I can still see a fair degree of noise once ISO is pushed up and like most digital cameras the Finepix F70EXR really appreciates plenty of light for picture taking. There is also a Pro Lowlight mode worth checking out and experimenting with.
Summary
The EXR Dynamic Range setting not only increases the detail in the more shady and brighter areas of the shot, but by reducing the resolution the Finepix F70EXR delivers some cracking outdoor scenic shots. I am very happy with my test shots.
Style
The Finepix F70EXR is an attractive looking camera. It is available in gunmetal grey and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.24 seconds
11.28 seconds
0.3 seconds
13.36 seconds
2.58 seconds
Ease of Use
With a few extra features available it will take a while longer to get the most out of this camera compared to more basic models. It is well worth the extra effort.
Points I Like
General features - picture quality - shutter lag times - colours and brightness of photos
Where it Could Improve
A great macro mode would top this camera off
Verdict
As you can see I have really taken a shine to the Fuji Finepix F70EXR. The picture quality is outstanding in most instances and it has an impressive set of features. Highly recommended.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Fuji Finepix F550EXR Rating 86/100
The Fuji Finepix F550EXR gets more or less anything right. There is competition in this group of cameras, but this camera is just about as good as any. Picture quality is up there with the best and you will find the features on offer very hard to beat.
Read Review: Fuji Finepix F550EXR Review
Sony DSC HX5 Rating 86/100
There is so much to like about this camera. It has a great range of features, handles well and can take high quality photos in most situations. Features include GPS tagging. This helps to make the Cybershot DSC HX5 a great choice for anyone who is travelling or going on holiday.
Read Review: Sony DSC HX5 Review
Fuji Finepix F80EXR Rating 86/100
The Finepix F80EXR is difficult to beat when it comes to picture quality. Throw in an enticing set of features and Fuji are on to a winner. I found it easy to find my way around the camera and it looks good too.
Read Review: Fuji Finepix F80EXR Review
Related Pages
Fuji Finepix F70EXR Review Fuji Finepix F70EXR Specification Fuji Finepix F70EXR Sample Images Fuji Finepix F70EXR Features Fuji Finepix F70exr vs Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7
Review Date
October 2009
