Fujifilm Finepix F80 EXR Summary

The Fuji Finepix F80EXR leaves a distinct feeling of deja-vu, following the F70EXR in series but being closer to the Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR
Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR in performance. As such, the F80EXR matches the very best image quality among its peers and even in the broader group of fixed-lens digital cameras, except for the F200EXR which has a slight edge.

Fuji's SuperCCD EXR is a different type of image sensor that can capture high-resolution images, low-noise ones or high-dynamic-range ones. The high-resolution mode produces class-leading 12 megapixels images. Both the low-noise and dynamic-range mode produce images of 6 megapixels with up to 800% more dynamic-range than normal. Although 6 megapixels is not much for a modern digital camera, it should be considered that all computer displays and common print sizes all require much less.

While most small-sensor cameras struggle in contrasty situations, the Fuji Finepix F80EXR can clearly handle a lot more dynamic range, even more so in EXR-DR mode. With the extra dynamic range, it is understandable that the F80EXR rarely meters incorrectly, producing images that are bright without clipping highlights much.

There is a lot to like beside image quality here. The F80 is fast and responsive, has a nice 10X wide-angle lens, very effective image stabilization and manual controls. It lacks a physical aperture, so depth-of-field is fixed by the focal-length and focus-distance, unlike manual controls of larger cameras. Nevertheless, most such cameras do not have any manual controls. The main downside of the Fuji F80EXR is increased complexity from its interface as well as complicated feature interactions. Battery is low even for such a small camera.

For owners of the Fuji Finepix F200EXR, the longer zoom reaches twice as long and the remaining differences are rather small. The F80 notably improves the anti-reflection coating on the LCD, making it much more usable under bright light. The display is less cluttered now, as several settings are no longer shown when set to their default. A minor interface change means that setting the self-timer and changing a single setting such as ISO or WB needs one extra button press. The last difference is that video is recorded in 720p HD rather than VGA.

See our full-length review for an in-depth look and images samples at all ISO sensitivities.

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