Overview
The Fuji Finepix F80EXR is one of the best compact cameras around. Picture quality is outstanding and there are a number of areas where this camera outperforms its rivals. Fuji has also packed an impressive range of features into the Finepix F80EXR.
Among the features are 12 megapixels, a 10x wide angle lens, High Definition movies, image stabilisation, a pro focus mode and 5 film simulation modes. On top of those there are special settings to help increase the dynamic range (increase detail in the lightest and darkest areas) of your photographs and to reduce noise. There is also a manual exposure mode and an aperture priority setting.
As I mentioned at the top picture quality is very hard to beat. If I was looking for a handy sized compact this one would come very near the top of the list.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
10x
3 inches
99.3 x 58.9 x 28.4mm
183g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
Yes
Yes
Lithium
SD / SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Where the Finepix F80EXR excels is its ability to show so much detail in a photo. With my outdoor photos there are two areas I can immediately see that highlight this. The first is with my first outdoor shot. There is a lot of detail showing on the lightest areas of the boats. Where other digital cameras may struggle the Finepix F80EXR does exceptionally well. The other example is my building shot. I often see a loss of detail in the brickwork where the sun catches the bricks. Here the camera almost tones down the brightness of the light as it hits the bricks in order to capture greater detail.
I had hoped to see a lot more detail in darker areas of my test shots too. Although no worse than most cameras the Finepix F80EXR was unable to bring out that extra detail that it can in the lighter areas in my tests.
In addition I really like the sharpness, brightness and colours in the pictures. Sharpness is retained in most cases as you move over to the edges of the photos. It is great to see the vivid colours and levels of brightness.
Portraits
Most digital cameras cope well with my outdoor portrait shot. Now and again a camera comes a long that does that bit better than the rest. The Finepix F80EXR is one of those cameras. I like the sharpness of the shot, but it is the natural look to the colours that I am especially impressed by.
Just as with the outdoor portrait shot I am very impressed with my indoor portrait taken using flash. In fact I would go as far as saying I cannot recall taking a better portrait shot using flash in a very long time. The main reason I like the shot is due to the colours the Finepix F80EXR manages to produce. They have a very natural look to them. The amount of light used is also spot on.
With flash turned off the edge is taken off the shot. It is not a bad effort, but I much prefer then result with flash.
Macro, Colours and Noise
The Finepix F80EXR also produced a strong, if bright, macro shot. There was also a touch of purple fringing showing.
Colours have been a recurring theme in this review. The colours produced by the Finepix F80EXR certainly suit my own personal preferences. I really like the natural look to them.
Noise is handled well. You are always likely to see noise when light falls or in shady areas of a photo, but the Finepix F80EXR has a couple of extra features you can use to reduce noise wherever possible.
Summary
Overall I am delighted with the test shots produced by this camera. In my view it is up there with the very best in this category. In fact there are many areas where it stands above the competition.
Style
I think the camera looks quite stylish. It has a gloss finish and is available in black, red and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.32 seconds
7.35 seconds
0.32 seconds
9.78 seconds
2.79 seconds
Ease of Use
Although there are a few extra features to understand and get to grips with the camera is well thought out and everything appears to be in the right place.
Points I Like
Picture quality - Features - High Definition movies - Handy Size
Where it Could Improve
There is nothing that stands out
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
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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.
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Sony DSC HX5 Rating 86/100
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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 F80EXR Review Fuji Finepix F80EXR Specification Fuji Finepix F80EXR Sample Images Fuji Finepix F80EXR Features Fuji Finepix F80EXR vs Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ10
Review Date
June 2010
