Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR review

We review the Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR: 12MP, 10x zoom compact with triple action sensor

A broad focal range yet compact dimension is a chief aim of manufacturers right now. But the internally folded 27mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom offered by the Fuji FinePix F80EXR pocket snapshot, updating the outwardly identical F70, isn’t its only talking point.

As moniker suggests, at the F80EXR's heart beats a 12 megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor. Like its 10MP predecessor, with a twist of the rear shooting mode dial to EXR setting, users can choose how said chip is utilised.

The three options are HR (High Resolution) mode wherein the camera uses its full pixel complement to prioritise detail, alternative DR (wide Dynamic Range) mode, to balance shadows and highlights, or finally low light SN (High Sensitivity and Low Noise) mode to minimise noise when shooting in the dim. If you can’t decide which best suits, then switch to ‘intelligent’ EXR Auto setting.

Fujifilm has consistently pioneered class-leading low light shooting on its compacts, so just as noteworthy is top ISO12800 setting, the kind of spec offered by semi pro DSLRs, albeit here with compensatory resolution drop to three megapixels. But, bizarrely, this model’s world first is Pet Detection. Unlike Face Detection, the animal version only seems to work with dog or cat facing the photographer, not side on.

With well-labelled buttons and controls, operation of the FinePix F80EXR feels fluid. Powering up from cold in just over two seconds, pictures are composed via 3-inch, 230k dot resolution LCD screen swallowing up two thirds of the backplate.

Some 28.4mm in depth, or 22.9mm without protrusions the F80 is marginally bigger than a run-of-the-mill 3x zoom, but not by much. It feels like a premium model, though double gloss finish and rounded edges mean it’s slightly slippery in the palm. The shooting mode wheel falls under the thumb when gripping, so it’s easy to jog settings.

Luckily blur, when shooting handheld, at the telephoto end of the zoom or in the dim, is avoided by dual image stabilisation. This translates as the belt and braces of a software-based ISO boost, plus sensor shift mechanism.

One of the features we found most useful is the new tracking AF function, keeping your subject in focus no matter where they may wander in the frame, whilst Fuji continues to differentiate itself from the pack by including capture modes in remembrance of its film heritage.

Default setting is ‘Provia’ for standard /naturalistic colour, with Velvia (lush, vivid colour, working best for landscapes), and Astia (a soft look, best suited to portraiture) the alternatives.

Ape-ing a narrow depth of field in delivering a defocused background and so most suited to portraits, a Pro Focus mode also features. The FinePix F80 ‘cheats’ this look by combining several exposures in one to separate subject from background. Likewise merging a sequence of four shots, taken this time with the ‘SN’ setting, is separate Pro Low-Light mode.

For all its creative thinking Fuji doesn’t seem to have been able to solve the problem of pronounced purple fringing between areas of high contrast however; it’s visible even before enlarging detail.

HD video recording is at 1280x720 pixels resolution, though disappointingly not at 30 frames per second, but 24fps. The smoother frame rate is available only if shooting at 640x480.  Sound is mono, but the camera does include a micro HDMI out port for hooking up to your flat panel TV.

That lead costs extra yet regular AV/USB out cabling is included. The extent of the zoom is accessible when shooting movies, however the built-in microphone picks ups the operational buzz as camera makes its adjustments.

In terms of shooting stills, even viewed on a large format monitor, the visual differences between HR and DR are teasingly subtle, with basic auto mode still making a decent first of focus and exposure.

We did particularly enjoy the richer hues provided by Velvia setting however and the smoother skin tones delivered by Portrait Enhancer scene mode.

There is stiff competition in the big zoom, small compact sector at the moment. Yet the Fuji FinePix F80EXR is another solid, fully featured product at a good price.