Affordable and Functional (Fujifilm Finepix S100FS)

Member Name: bensci

Product:	Fujifilm Finepix S100FS
Date:	11/11/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent quality, 28-400mm lens, professional without the expense.

Disadvantages: Some functions are so specific, you might not use them too often.

Having looked at the market for quite some time, I finally decided to purchase the S100FS, and do not regret the decision.

Overview.
With the quality expected of a DSLR without the hassle of having to buy various lenses, the S100FS is highly versatile. 11MP is more than sufficient to produce great quality, detailed shots at a reasonable ISO level. The range of this camera is amazing, speaking as someone who likes his zoom, with 14.3x (28-400mm), non-automated. This allows for far distant shots, and the Macro and Super Macro functions allow for clear focus very close to the lens indeed (it can in fact focus on things placed upon the lens, although I don't recommend you try this). A large (2.5 inch) tilting screen is excellent for those shots where the viewfinder is inaccessible: never again shall I have to put my face upon the ground trying to get a dramatic shot. The body comes with an internal flash but also a hot-shoe, allowing for a professional flash to be added where necessary. There is also a connection for remote release, so for those wanting a professional looking set-up the S100FS looks the part. It takes both SDHC and Fuji's x-D card, but for compatibility purposes I now use SDHC as it can be used in multiple devices.

Features.
The S100FS features Camera Shake mode to reduce camera-blur, useful in situations where longer exposure is required. It also comes with Face Detection, useful if you want to take quick portraits. The FS in its name stands for Film Simulation, and comes with Provia and Velvia Film settings, as well as Soft and Portrait, but in reality I rarely use this function (although in autumn the Velvia mode can produce some particularly beautiful shots). It has a full movie mode with sound, and with the ability to zoom during shooting, the inability of which was always a pet peeve of mine with my old camera. It also has all the standard control modes, Shutter Priority, Aperture, Manual, Program (with two further programmable setting modes), useful if you have settings you wish to keep.

This is quite a chunky camera, but comfortable to hold. Its also quite weighty (always a sign of quality!), weighing in at nearly a kilo with the battery.

The only down side I can think of is that like many modern cameras, there are more functions than you know what to do with, and some will be rarely used. Memorising all the various modes and functions takes quite a while, and the manual is somewhat thick to prove it. You may in fact be paying for things you'll never use.

Price wise, this camera varies from shop to shop, so look around for the best deal. I managed to find a deal for £398, but the price can vary up to £550 depending on the store used.

In short, I am rather damn happy with this camera, and it serves as an excellent bridge camera for amateurs looking to go into more technical photography, or those like myself who want the quality and function of a DSLR but not the vast expense of a camera with multiple lenses.

Summary: Highly recommended for advanced amateurs.

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