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Category: Prosumer - Advanced Amateur

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Fujifilm FinePix S9100 Review is based on a production model. All sample images are unretouched, except where specified.

This review has been submitted to DIWA Awards [75%].

Eaton Center

The Fujifilm FinePix S9100 is, for all practical purposes, a FinePix S9000 with a larger 2.0-in. LCD monitor. It features a 6th Generation SuperCCD HR image sensor with low-light capability.

With 10.7x optical zoom and 9MP resolution, the Fujifilm S9100 provides very good image quality (though not approaching the exceptional low noise capability of the FinePix F30). Noise is low at ISO 80, 100, 200 and 400. ISO 800 is usable, and a high ISO 1600 allows you to get the shot where otherwise you may not be able to depending on the amount of light present. Currently no other long zoom prosumer digital camera can match this low noise high ISO capability.

The Fujifilm S9100 is fast with a startup of less than 1 sec. and there is no practical shutter lag.

Like the S9000 before it, the Fujifilm FinePix S9100 retains the tried-and-proven DSLR-like camera body design and handling. It looks very professional in its black body with silver accents, handles comfortably, and is full featured.

What I like about the Fujifilm S9100:

• Very good image quality (though prone to purple fringing).
• Excellent low-light capability: Low noise from ISO 100 to 400. ISO 800 is usable. ISO 1600 is bonus.
• Wide-angle 10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300mm, 35mm equivalent) with excellent manual Zoom Ring.
• Manual Focus Ring with One-Touch AF makes manual focusing much easier than using arrow keys.
• High resolution 2.0-in. LCD gains up slightly in low-light.
• LCD swivels up and down.
• Programmed AE mode with Program Shift.
• Area AF with 49 positions for easy off-center focus.
• Accepts external flash units.
• Excellent handling and grip.
• Intuitive controls and menus.
• Full exposure flexibility.
• Accepts xD-Picture Card and CF cards.
• Availability of optional Wide Conversion Lens WL-FXS6 (0.8x, 35mm equivalent 22mm). Lens is threaded to accept filters.
• An advanced photographer's digital camera.

Improvements wishlist:

• Image Stabilization. For a long zoom digital camera, this is invaluable at the long focal lengths if you are going to hand hold the camera.
• Avalability of ISO AUTO 400 in PASM modes (like in the FinePix F30).
• Needs more internal memory for better Continuous Shooting performance and to permit Continuous RAW shooting.
• Exposure that meters at selected AF point.
• An LCD monitor that gains up even more in low-light.
• Sepia color option.

See if you fit the Fujifilm FinePix S9100 User Profile below:

 

Fujifilm FinePix S9100 User Profile • Desire a quality 9MP resolution prosumer digital camera with very good image quality. • Want improved low-light capability. • Want a long zoom lens (10.7x) with a wide-angle (28mm) coverage. • Want a digital camera that handles intuitively. • Wants a camera with fast operations. • Want a digital camera that is full featured.