Fuji FinePix S100FS
Fuji FinePix S100FS
1
Hey! You should know that this product has been discontinued. Here are our current recommended cameras in the Point and Shoot Digital Cameras category.
Fuji FinePix S100FS
Editor's Review
The S100FS is an old model. Check out an updated model such as the S1800. Here's what we had to say about the S100FS when it was released in February 2008:
For those wanting more for a point and shoot but not wanting to take the plunge into SLR photography, Fuji gives users the Finepix S100FS. With the ability to shoot manually or in auto mode, plus dual image stabilization and a hefty 10000 ISO setting, mid range users will be able to experiment while enjoying the safety of a point and shoot environment.
Specifications
- 11.10 Megapixels
- 14.30x Optical Zoom / 2x Digital Zoom
- Auto and manual focus
- Dual Image Stabilization
- Full frame 30 fps movie mode with sound
- 50 shot high speed continuous shooting at 3 megapixels
- Film Simulation, Dynamic Range and AE Exposure Bracketing.
- 100-10000 ISO Levels
- JPEG and RAW image formats
- 2.5-inch Tiltable LCD
- SDHC / SD / xD storage with 25 MB internal capacity
- Lithium-ion rechargeable Battery
- Part Number: F-FX S100 PRO-US-CD
- UPC: 4547410029529
- Release Date: Feb 01, 2008
Shop for S100FS Accessories
Fuji FinePix S100FS Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Which Finepix: S2000HD, S1500, or S100FS? Which is best (CoolinCuse — 05/21/2009)
and what's the difference? Trying to pick ONE! Thank you.
reply to this comment
rpealer (05/21/2009)
Hello
As the owner of a Fuji S100fs I can not really comment on the other two Fuji cameras listed. However, if you look at the price difference, you will see that the S100fs includes the Fuji Super-CCD (generation 8) sensor, the others do not. This is the real reason you buy a Fuji camera over other high-end cameras. I sold my Pentax ist DS digital SLR body with 3 lenses + an external flash and filter kit after purchasing my S100fs. Yes, I think it's one of the best cameras you can buy (not including some of the much higher priced dSLR cameras). With this camera, I get an 11MP Super-CCD (low noise) sensor, 14.3x optical (stabilized) zoom, a tilting LCD, and high quality movies. Thank you Fuji.
reply to this comment
As the owner of a Fuji S100fs I can not really comment on the other two Fuji cameras listed. However, if you look at the price difference, you will see that the S100fs includes the Fuji Super-CCD (generation 8) sensor, the others do not. This is the real reason you buy a Fuji camera over other high-end cameras. I sold my Pentax ist DS digital SLR body with 3 lenses + an external flash and filter kit after purchasing my S100fs. Yes, I think it's one of the best cameras you can buy (not including some of the much higher priced dSLR cameras). With this camera, I get an 11MP Super-CCD (low noise) sensor, 14.3x optical (stabilized) zoom, a tilting LCD, and high quality movies. Thank you Fuji.
John Snider (05/22/2009)
The S2000HD is a compact striped down version of the S8100FD with HD video and a few other cut corners. The 1500 is an upgrade to the S1000FD and is even more compact and has fewer manual settings than the other two.... The 1500 should be selling for under $200 the 8100 for about 230, the S2000 Hd in the 200-250 price range- all of these are superzooms marketed to the soccer mom/Nascar dad crowd and I think they all have 1/2.3" sensors. The 8100 offers the most manual controls (including focus) and the longest zoom of the lot. The 1500 I think offers panoramic mode (Lets you stitch photos together in the camera).
The s100fs is something different from the others. It has a 2/3" Super CCD sensor, Larger lens (for the larger sensor- this is a good thing), The lens has a manual focus ring, and the camera handles more or less like an entry level SLR with a very nice lens permanently attached. It is a true "Hybrid" camera offering every control a SLR would (Well it has EVF instead of OVF and you can not switch the lens) and all the features you would expect in a compact (Live view, macro mode, video, high-speed shooting). I agree with Rick, the s100fs is one of the best, if not the best, non-slr cameras on the market.
reply to this comment
The s100fs is something different from the others. It has a 2/3" Super CCD sensor, Larger lens (for the larger sensor- this is a good thing), The lens has a manual focus ring, and the camera handles more or less like an entry level SLR with a very nice lens permanently attached. It is a true "Hybrid" camera offering every control a SLR would (Well it has EVF instead of OVF and you can not switch the lens) and all the features you would expect in a compact (Live view, macro mode, video, high-speed shooting). I agree with Rick, the s100fs is one of the best, if not the best, non-slr cameras on the market.
rpealer (05/22/2009)
Kudos John, for the great follow-up review. As soon as I saw the prices on the other cameras, I new they were not using the Super-CCD. I did want to point out that you can get an incredible deal on the S100fs at B&H Photo.com, $450 (free shipping). The camera originally sold for $800. I purchased mine a few months ago for $480. I think they are trying to move their remaining stock.
Good luck, DaJo
reply to this comment
Good luck, DaJo
CoolinCuse (05/22/2009)
First let me Thank YOu Both for such wonderful assistance. I wish they would have let me give you both the "best" answer, because they were both instrumental. Because I needed comparison info, I chose John's answer but Rick I thank you for the retail price info and referral. I am going with the S100FS, thanks to you both. I am very grateful!!!
reply to this comment
John Snider (05/22/2009)
Beach camera is also selling them through Amazon for $449 but they only have two left in stock. I saw one in a Wal-Mart store for under 500 on clearance in April and was amused when I had the salesperson show it to me then asked the salesperson if they had any 8100s to compare it to resulting in her total confusion because the s100 wasn't in "their" system at all....
Anyhow thanks for the points and good luck....
reply to this comment
Anyhow thanks for the points and good luck....
best continuous shooting with longest battery life (ferrari512tr — 03/22/2009)
Regardless of price, I'd like to know which digital camera has the absolute fastest continuous shooting (not video), with the longest battery life. If there is such a camera with a plug in power AC cord, that would even be better.
reply to this comment
rpealer (03/22/2009)
I believe the fastest camera out there now is the Casio Exilim EX-F1. I don't think the battery life is anything special though.
You can checkout some quality reviews here.
imaging-resource.com/PRODS/... this helps.
reply to this comment
You can checkout some quality reviews here.
imaging-resource.com/PRODS/... this helps.
Aditya D (03/28/2009)
In general, I would stay away from the Casio. Its picture quality is definitely lacking. Check out the new Nikon L100, I think it may be your best option, unless you want to go the dSLR route. But that's a considerable investment.
reply to this comment
rpealer (03/28/2009)
Aditya
I realize the Casio does not have the best photo quality, however, he did say "Regardless of price, I'd like to know which digital camera has the ABSOLUTE fastest continuous shooting". I myself would prefer the Fuji S100fs over anything other than a dSLR.
reply to this comment
I realize the Casio does not have the best photo quality, however, he did say "Regardless of price, I'd like to know which digital camera has the ABSOLUTE fastest continuous shooting". I myself would prefer the Fuji S100fs over anything other than a dSLR.
Trying to decide between this and Canon Powershot SX10 (dhay592 — 03/12/2009)
I've been reading reviews obsessively, and found the Fuji almost by accident. I really like the SLR like qualities of it, and the heft and upgrades to the point-and-shoot, but I'm not that experienced yet, either. Getting there. Am I taken in by the Fuji's SLR mimicking and will I get tired of its size and weight, and more importantly, will I get significantly better results from it than with the much cheaper SX10? I can't seem to make a decision! I've ruled out the Lumix FZ28 because it just doesn't have the reassuring heft I want. Any swaying ideas?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (03/14/2009)
Extended zooms are tempting, but my attitude is that if I'm going to spend all that effort lugging a SLR like camera around, I may as well lug and SLR around with a better lens, no shutter lag, and the ability to change lenses when I want to. So my recommendation is the Canon XSi. But if that's out of your price range, then
for comparison, you may want to check out this resource ( imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP... ). It takes pictures with each and you can compare them side by side.
Looking at the images, as ISO 200, these two are pretty much the same. But as the ISO climbs above 800, more noise begins to creep in and the FS100S starts to pull away with less noise and more detail.
reply to this comment
for comparison, you may want to check out this resource ( imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP... ). It takes pictures with each and you can compare them side by side.
Looking at the images, as ISO 200, these two are pretty much the same. But as the ISO climbs above 800, more noise begins to creep in and the FS100S starts to pull away with less noise and more detail.
zaveri (03/15/2009)
hello denise
s100fs is best against canon sx10
reason 1) manual zoom is save battry life and get accurate focus like slr..2) super ccd hr 2/3 '' is biger then any prosummer in market..3) dont compare with prosummer just check link pixplanet.biz/Posting-stuff...
reply to this comment
s100fs is best against canon sx10
reason 1) manual zoom is save battry life and get accurate focus like slr..2) super ccd hr 2/3 '' is biger then any prosummer in market..3) dont compare with prosummer just check link pixplanet.biz/Posting-stuff...
dhay592 (03/15/2009)
Both of these were very helpful answers, thank you. The links are great, and really help with the comparison. I'm leaning to the Fuji, and I'm happy to see that validated. The CA only seems to be a problem at more extreme shots or cropping, from what I can tell, which shouldn't pose a problem most of the time. Thanks for taking the time to answer!
Denise
reply to this comment
Denise
clif (05/12/2009)
I owned an SX10, it was ok but it's small and heavy and there are three buttons right next to where your thumb rests, makes it awkward to get a good grip on it without messing with them. Video mode was better than the Fuji but other than that I like my s100fs a lot better, it takes more consistant good pictures, the SX10 could be a little shakey on that one. I love the manual zoom and the hefty feel and grip of the s100fs, I don't think you can go wrong with this camera.
reply to this comment
Does anyone use a batter other than a "Fuji" Brand? (VUinCLK — 10/20/2008)
Camera manuel says if owner uses a battery other than one that comes from Fuji (different brand) that it may damage the camera. Has anyone used other brand of batteries and if so, did you experience any problems?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (11/03/2008)
Of course it says that. They want to sell Fuji batteries. As long as you use batteries with similar mAh, you should be fine. Check their recommended battery types and then shop for those kind of models no matter who makes them.
But they are correct in that underpowered batteries can cause problems.
reply to this comment
But they are correct in that underpowered batteries can cause problems.
Considering this camera along with the Panasonic LX3 and the Canon S5IS (Photojewel — 10/14/2008)
I am wanting something versatile, but as I'm a jeweller, I mainly need it for photographing my jewellery for my own records and at a fairly high quality for promotional materials. ie) something that could potentially be blown up quite large and still look clean and sharp. I need a good macro function that allows a bit of flexibilty with the manual controls so I can get creative with the lighting and play with the exposures abit more than a point and shoot. I am also a bit of an amature photographer and like to take nature/ portrait shots as well, but have never owned a digital camera (have an old minolta SLR that wieghs a ton) before so am a bit bamboozled by choice. I have narrowed my search in terms of price range down to the three cameras above. Which would be better for my purposes? Or if anyone knows of any other camera that I have overlooked that would be better?
reply to this comment
Aditya D (10/16/2008)
I think I'd go with the new Canon G10 if I were you. All of the cameras you listed are fairly good and very comparable, each has its own advantages. For example, Canon usually has the best contrast and color, Panasonic has better pictures at extreme zooms, and Fuji has better pictures in low light. I like the new Canon G10 because of the better processor it uses, as well as several of the features, plus many more that you need. Hope this helps, if you have more questions, feel free to ask.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (10/16/2008)
Sadly though, I'm hearing of purple fringing problems with the G10. I'd advise skipping it and going with the G9. You won't see a difference in the MP anyway and it'll be cheaper.
reply to this comment
In video recording on Zoom auto focus work or not (ravi1 — 08/11/2008)
Hi,
I am interested to buy S100fs but In some review I read that S 100fs has some problem with focus setting in video capture mode with zoom. Please tell me how much video quality will impact and whether its comparable to other digital camera like Canon S5 or not.
Thanks in Advance
reply to this comment
I am interested to buy S100fs but In some review I read that S 100fs has some problem with focus setting in video capture mode with zoom. Please tell me how much video quality will impact and whether its comparable to other digital camera like Canon S5 or not.
Thanks in Advance
by James DeRuvo (08/18/2008)
That's because it doesn't zoom durign video recording. ( digitalcamerareview.com/def... ) You'll need to zoom first, then press record.
reply to this comment
Terry (09/06/2008)
I haven't seen the results on a TV screen but I have tested this feature in a Jessops shop. I can confirm that it does refocus while recording video - there is a short delay if you go quickly from full wide to full tele but to me it was acceptable for a stills camera.
reply to this comment
zubinmaster (10/08/2008)
Actually, the camera can zoom during video recording (since it uses a mechanically linked zoom ring) but the zoom ring is quite stiff for smooth transitions and you might not get a smooth zooming effect like you would with something like the Canon S5. It would however be easy to get a sudden stataco zoom (wide to tele) which you probably would not be able to do with an electronic zoom (like on the Canon S5).
About the focus, it depends on which auto focus mode you are set in. If it is continuous AF, it will keep focusing and if it's in single touch, you would have to half press the shutter every time you went out of focus, which is also okay.
Info from:
imaging-resource.com/PRODS/...
reply to this comment
About the focus, it depends on which auto focus mode you are set in. If it is continuous AF, it will keep focusing and if it's in single touch, you would have to half press the shutter every time you went out of focus, which is also okay.
Info from:
imaging-resource.com/PRODS/...
rpealer (05/01/2009)
Hello all,
Zubin is correct, the S100fs does indeed zoom while recording, and with the manual zoom ring, it is very easy to get exactly the zoom position you want. My Fuji is about a month old and the zoom is very smooth, much better overall than my Sigma 18-200 dSLR lens, and it does not show any signs of lens creep (lens zoom mechanism moving as a result of gravity/weight). Yes, I love this camera.
reply to this comment
Zubin is correct, the S100fs does indeed zoom while recording, and with the manual zoom ring, it is very easy to get exactly the zoom position you want. My Fuji is about a month old and the zoom is very smooth, much better overall than my Sigma 18-200 dSLR lens, and it does not show any signs of lens creep (lens zoom mechanism moving as a result of gravity/weight). Yes, I love this camera.
will the lens on the Fuji S100FS permit the use of filters? (DavidhrDallas — 06/29/2008)
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (07/07/2008)
The lens is threaded and will accept 67mm (2.6 in.)-diameter thin type polarizing filters (standard filters may cause vignetting). But frankly, outside of a 1A Skylight filter for protection of the lens, I avoid filters now. You can alter any image in software like Photoshop.
reply to this comment
Can you zoom when video recording (like Canon S5 IS or Sony H50)? (Eddy2008 — 06/12/2008)
reply to this comment
Aditya D (06/13/2008)
Yes, but only optical zoom can be used can be used with the Sony, and full zoom can be used with the Canon S5 IS.
reply to this comment
This or a dSLR? (rigelstuff — 04/27/2008)
How's the low light performance of the S100fs? I'm thinking of stepping up to a dSLR (Sony A300) but the the video function of digicams is the deal-breaker for me. I just need to know if the low light (and high ISO) performance of the S100fs is good enough for the compromise.
reply to this comment
Kevin Greggain (04/28/2008)
The S100FS is a good camera, but in reading 2 newly posted reviews on the cam, the image quality has some issues with chromatic aberration on images throughout the ISO range (this is a fringing of color on the edges of the detail areas).
A good SLR (non-prosumer) is not going to have a video function, but I think the A300 is a much better quality image maker. The end choice lies with you of course, but as a Minolta/Sony user I have never been let down and always find the quality of the cameras and the images to be exemplary.
I would recommend sniffing around a few more recently posted reviews (today), but the links are not from here, so I don't think it is appropriate to post them.
If video is of major importance in a camera then the SLR type cameras are out (with the exception of Prosumer all in one models).
One other camera to consider that has good image quality and up to 60 frames per second is the new Casio EX-F1 which looks like a sweet camera, but will sell in about the 999.00 range. I believe it can do up to 1200 frames per second in the smallest mode, but that allows not only video, but stop motion and animation as well. The image quality seems very good as well on this.
Hope this helps.
reply to this comment
A good SLR (non-prosumer) is not going to have a video function, but I think the A300 is a much better quality image maker. The end choice lies with you of course, but as a Minolta/Sony user I have never been let down and always find the quality of the cameras and the images to be exemplary.
I would recommend sniffing around a few more recently posted reviews (today), but the links are not from here, so I don't think it is appropriate to post them.
If video is of major importance in a camera then the SLR type cameras are out (with the exception of Prosumer all in one models).
One other camera to consider that has good image quality and up to 60 frames per second is the new Casio EX-F1 which looks like a sweet camera, but will sell in about the 999.00 range. I believe it can do up to 1200 frames per second in the smallest mode, but that allows not only video, but stop motion and animation as well. The image quality seems very good as well on this.
Hope this helps.
rigelstuff (04/29/2008)
Kevin, thanks for the input.
Yes, some of the initial reviews of the Fuji have been quite unfavorable, particulary on the most important aspect: image quality. The specs on paper are excetional. Unfortunately, in reality this does not seem to be so.
The EX-F1 is not an option for me right now, as it seems too ambitious, as evidenced by at least one test I read.
I may have to compromise and eventually pony up for a true dSLR, and get a relatively inexpensive video cam on the side.
Thanks again.
reply to this comment
Yes, some of the initial reviews of the Fuji have been quite unfavorable, particulary on the most important aspect: image quality. The specs on paper are excetional. Unfortunately, in reality this does not seem to be so.
The EX-F1 is not an option for me right now, as it seems too ambitious, as evidenced by at least one test I read.
I may have to compromise and eventually pony up for a true dSLR, and get a relatively inexpensive video cam on the side.
Thanks again.
yingkai (07/22/2008)
I think that all depends on your usage. If you are shooting for big posters or commercials, then you need the professional tool. Otherwise, f100fs is an all around winner vs dSLR for general applications, ie family, vacation, etc.
I was almost confused by the reviews as well, especially the chromatic aberration remarks. However, playing with f100fs a few weeks, I am very happy with my decision and I believe the camera worth every penny I spent for it, about 700USD.
First about the CA issue. It seems every reviewer will list some pros and cons for the camera they reviewed, otherwise they would be regarded as too biased or not smart enough. So the cons and pros are compared within the the scope of this same camera. Yes, it shows some CA, not very much. But can you find any entry level dSLR has no CA at all? Yes, it is less desirable, but how much cost it would be if you have to eliminate the CA totally? And when you compare this f100fs with other entry level dSLR, you find so much to love for the Fuji:
Let's see the lens: Wide at 28mm and 400mm at long, optical image stabilized. 67mm diameter allows so much light in, that the ISO 1600 pictures at full resolution are usable. You can even shoot at ISO10000 when the picture is reduced to 3M. How much would that be for an entry dSLR to get all these features.
With one lens, you can satisfy most daily shooting requirement. The video, with optical zoom from 28mm to 400mm, is not the best, but much better than nothing, like the dSLR case.
I think where this camera falls short, ie CA and short battery, can be easily overcome, ie PS process and one spare battery. But all its goodness can NOT be replaced, even with dSLR.
David.Y
reply to this comment
I was almost confused by the reviews as well, especially the chromatic aberration remarks. However, playing with f100fs a few weeks, I am very happy with my decision and I believe the camera worth every penny I spent for it, about 700USD.
First about the CA issue. It seems every reviewer will list some pros and cons for the camera they reviewed, otherwise they would be regarded as too biased or not smart enough. So the cons and pros are compared within the the scope of this same camera. Yes, it shows some CA, not very much. But can you find any entry level dSLR has no CA at all? Yes, it is less desirable, but how much cost it would be if you have to eliminate the CA totally? And when you compare this f100fs with other entry level dSLR, you find so much to love for the Fuji:
Let's see the lens: Wide at 28mm and 400mm at long, optical image stabilized. 67mm diameter allows so much light in, that the ISO 1600 pictures at full resolution are usable. You can even shoot at ISO10000 when the picture is reduced to 3M. How much would that be for an entry dSLR to get all these features.
With one lens, you can satisfy most daily shooting requirement. The video, with optical zoom from 28mm to 400mm, is not the best, but much better than nothing, like the dSLR case.
I think where this camera falls short, ie CA and short battery, can be easily overcome, ie PS process and one spare battery. But all its goodness can NOT be replaced, even with dSLR.
David.Y
Joe H (10/23/2008)
David Y -- Thanks for your comment about CA; I read the truly damaging remarks about it in a major review, but appreciate your direct response to this. For me, personally, it is not a problem because I am red-green colorblind! But I do want good picture quality, and it sounds as if the f100fs is on the mark for my kind of shooting -- scenes and faces. Joe H
reply to this comment
thinking about buying (wonginc — 03/12/2008)
i need a camera that can take pictures very fast eg. i want to be able to press the button that takes the picture very fast one shot after another and get excelent pictures without any blurs or red eye . my fuji s5000 did a decent job its now dead and i want to upgrade anyway . i am not profesional i just take a lot of pictures on vacation or my childrens sporting events . i was looking at the s100fs is that a good camera for me or what do you recomend thnks chris .. need to by before march 31
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (03/12/2008)
Chris,
With the 50 shot rapid shooting mode and higher ISO, you should get great performance out of this camera. Being comfortable with Fuji cameras will also help you out. The 14.3 optical zoom will also be great for your children's sporting events, helping you get "closer" to the action while still on the sidelines.
Andrew
reply to this comment
With the 50 shot rapid shooting mode and higher ISO, you should get great performance out of this camera. Being comfortable with Fuji cameras will also help you out. The 14.3 optical zoom will also be great for your children's sporting events, helping you get "closer" to the action while still on the sidelines.
Andrew
Emil T. (06/21/2008)
hi, the only thing i am not sure about it is the weght of the camera.
anyone own it?
what you can say about 980 gramm in the neck all day?
thanks in advance
reply to this comment
anyone own it?
what you can say about 980 gramm in the neck all day?
thanks in advance
yingkai (07/22/2008)
Hi, Chris:
I just bought this camera recently, an upgrade from Ricoh R6 (which was bought as a upgrade from Ricoh R3 2 years ago). My main thought was to have something that can give decent shot at normal home lighting for my new born baby without sacrifice on the feature set that I am used to.
I was very impressed with the Ricoh R3 when I first bought it. It was the only super compact camera that offered 28mm wide angle and 200mm tele lens, in 35mm equivalent. Also, it was very fast and easy to use. It was my favorite for quite long time so I upgraded it to R6 the year before. Now there are many compact DC offering wide angle, but 7X optical zoom is still a kind of record for super compact.
However, when I take photos for my baby with the Ricoh, especially at home at night, when we were playing with him, I found the photo at low light is far less desirable. After some research, I fixed my eye on the f100fs. However, its price stopped me at first. After another round of research, I found I had no other choice. It seems good low light pictures demand large sensor and lens, so that the high ISO picture can be acceptable.
After I dump the hard earned cash for this camera, I found I am very happy with it. Not only it gives me very quick shot at low light, the photo quality is really outstanding. More than that, I got almost most of the feature I could use on a DSLR without all the hassles to carry and change the expensive lenses. The manual zoom freed me so much on composition.
Ok, based on what you asked, I listed your requirements below and I will share with you my experience.
Very fast, one after another: Overall this is a fast camera. Without driving in and out the lens, the camera can be ready to shoot in no noticeable delay. With the manual zoom ring, you can pull in remote objects or push out close ones in no time. All you need is to rotate the zoom ring, and the total rotation is less than half circle, from 28mm way up to 400mm.
Excellent pictures without blue or red eye: Thanks to the large lens, 67mm in diameter, and large sensor, 2/3", both the largest in non-DSLR field, it can should at ISO up to 1600 without reducing the resolution, with acceptable picture quality. Actually, when I shot at home in normal lighting, I use Auto ISO400 without flash and the picture is so sharp that it looks like it was taken at studio light. Very clear. With the built in face detection and red eye reduction engine, red eye is a past. I have tried to take my baby at almost complete darkness with flash and no red eye is seen.
Upgrade from Fuji S5000: You will feel at home for the operation and be flattered with all the new features.
Not professional: I am not professional so I found the auto mode on the camera can give the best shot, better than if I tried to tweak all the PSAM modes. This is a very user friendly design. Even with all the buttons, they are all intuitively designed and located. Easy to understand and use.
Vacation or children sports: The wide angle and long zoom will be very handy for vacation. There are many methods for continuous shooting which will help you catch the precious moments for your children sport use.
After playing a few weeks, I found the money is well spent and you will not regret about your decision.
David.Y
reply to this comment
I just bought this camera recently, an upgrade from Ricoh R6 (which was bought as a upgrade from Ricoh R3 2 years ago). My main thought was to have something that can give decent shot at normal home lighting for my new born baby without sacrifice on the feature set that I am used to.
I was very impressed with the Ricoh R3 when I first bought it. It was the only super compact camera that offered 28mm wide angle and 200mm tele lens, in 35mm equivalent. Also, it was very fast and easy to use. It was my favorite for quite long time so I upgraded it to R6 the year before. Now there are many compact DC offering wide angle, but 7X optical zoom is still a kind of record for super compact.
However, when I take photos for my baby with the Ricoh, especially at home at night, when we were playing with him, I found the photo at low light is far less desirable. After some research, I fixed my eye on the f100fs. However, its price stopped me at first. After another round of research, I found I had no other choice. It seems good low light pictures demand large sensor and lens, so that the high ISO picture can be acceptable.
After I dump the hard earned cash for this camera, I found I am very happy with it. Not only it gives me very quick shot at low light, the photo quality is really outstanding. More than that, I got almost most of the feature I could use on a DSLR without all the hassles to carry and change the expensive lenses. The manual zoom freed me so much on composition.
Ok, based on what you asked, I listed your requirements below and I will share with you my experience.
Very fast, one after another: Overall this is a fast camera. Without driving in and out the lens, the camera can be ready to shoot in no noticeable delay. With the manual zoom ring, you can pull in remote objects or push out close ones in no time. All you need is to rotate the zoom ring, and the total rotation is less than half circle, from 28mm way up to 400mm.
Excellent pictures without blue or red eye: Thanks to the large lens, 67mm in diameter, and large sensor, 2/3", both the largest in non-DSLR field, it can should at ISO up to 1600 without reducing the resolution, with acceptable picture quality. Actually, when I shot at home in normal lighting, I use Auto ISO400 without flash and the picture is so sharp that it looks like it was taken at studio light. Very clear. With the built in face detection and red eye reduction engine, red eye is a past. I have tried to take my baby at almost complete darkness with flash and no red eye is seen.
Upgrade from Fuji S5000: You will feel at home for the operation and be flattered with all the new features.
Not professional: I am not professional so I found the auto mode on the camera can give the best shot, better than if I tried to tweak all the PSAM modes. This is a very user friendly design. Even with all the buttons, they are all intuitively designed and located. Easy to understand and use.
Vacation or children sports: The wide angle and long zoom will be very handy for vacation. There are many methods for continuous shooting which will help you catch the precious moments for your children sport use.
After playing a few weeks, I found the money is well spent and you will not regret about your decision.
David.Y
Fuji FinePix S100FS Reviews
Fuji FinePix S100FS Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 5.0 out of 5
Too much queality by the little price
(SEBASTIAN MADRIGAL OLAN — 06/23/2009)
I took very good pictures of landscapes, flowers, events of my daughter, only a problem (maybe because because I am a novate photographer) the indoor photos with out flash are a little granulated. Excelente camera
- 4.0 out of 5
Value for money
(Boris Loncar — 06/06/2009)
I,m surprised with Fuji cameras (price versus quality) Even my old fuji 9600 is still a miracle on 80 ASA setting and tripod. My friends with 4x more expensive cameras are mad at me ;)
s100fs can be little bit problematic taking auto rally shots (slow auto focus) and trees against the sun (purple noise on edges can be canceled in Photoshop). Otherways, if you are not an professional sport/action photographer and if your life is not depending on it, You can make miracles in 90% of situations!
- 5.0 out of 5
best I've seen since the s5200
(clif — 05/15/2009)
I just bought the camera and even with just getting started this looks like a winner. I haven't run into any of the problems a few people seem to complain about in the images so far and it's a fun camera to use. I love the manual zoom and that big lens, a lot of well built quality here. It's a solid bulit camera and the only thing like it around. I've had 5 Fuji cameras and this is the best by far. The 7 and 8000 series were poor cameras, all around, the 6000fd was a good camera, the 9100 was good but this beats them all hands down. You won't be disappointed if you by one.
- 5.0 out of 5
Outstanding
(Michel — 03/06/2009)
This camera performs beyond anything I expected. Easy to handle, logical to understand.
My intention was to purchase one of the big brand camera's until a price and feature comparison led me to take a chance and order this model.
- 5.0 out of 5
The best of the crop
(Kenneth Thomas — 10/23/2008)
If you're looking for the best non dslr camera then your look is over. The Fuji S100fs is the best camera in it's class. It offers you most features that dslr's have with the added joy of only needing one lens.
I have tested this camera in all types of lighting and subject matter. It shines at everything I can use it for!!! For those who say it has a problem with CA, just use a double coated digital filter and you won't have any problem. I tried it in direct hard sun and had no problems at all.
The viewfinder and LCD are sharp, bright and clear. The image stabilization works very well at slow shutter speeds. Photos look great at 800 ISO and awesome from 100 to 400 ISO. This camera produces color that is right on the money. If your a Fuji film user then you'll be right at home.
You would have to spend two times the price for a camera body and lens that can equal this camera. Where else are you going to find a lens that has the same range of 28-400mm and at F2.8-5.3?? Most lens that I found start at F3.5 and don't give you a 400mm top end at F5.3 with image stabilization. You can come close but, for over $1000.00 for the lens alone.
Do yourself a big favor and buy this camera. You will be happy that you did. When your friends are trying to find the right lens, you just take the photo with no worries. I did!!!
- 5.0 out of 5
Finaly The Best
(Svebor Marinkovic — 10/04/2008)
The Best in Category of serie S
- 5.0 out of 5
this camera is awesome
(Samantha — 08/28/2008)
I would highly recommend this camera to anyone, especially if you have children. I got this when i was pregnant and have used it about every day since then. it is great at catching kids on the go with the face detection and red eye reduction. Also just about anything to take a picture of comes out clear. my only complain is that the XD card for this camera is so large when you download pictures it takes forever
- 5.0 out of 5
One that you`ll remember until better FujiFilm in the near feature.
(Ilmars Puzulis — 08/10/2008)
It`s ideal. The only cons are that there are some aberrations on full optical zoom and I had difficulties to find external flash.
- 5.0 out of 5
I would buy again in a heartbeat
(Joe DeFelice — 05/31/2008)
This camera has to be so far about the best advanced non DSLR I have seen so far. I really love the versatility and the functions of the camera. It is well built and so I have had no problems and just love shooting it.
JoeD
