Sample photos: Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

These sample shots were taken using the camera's full 12-megapixel resolution. Detail and sharpness are good at ISO 100 and 200. Things get a little smeary at ISO 400 and picked up some noticeable noise at ISO 800, but the results are still usable. ISO 1600 and 3200 aren't really usable except at small sizes, maybe. Fortunately, that's not the whole story.

The inset photo was taken using the EXR High ISO and Low Noise setting. The camera shot this at ISO 1600 for a fairly dark room lit by a very dim incandescent chandelier (the reflection of which you can see in the full-size crop). While the photo takes on a painterly look, it's definitely still usable and some of the best low-light performance I've seen from a point-and-shoot camera. Detail is very good and colors are accurate.

One of the other highlights of the EXR sensor is its increased dynamic range abilities. The photo on the left was taken using the F200EXR's Resolution Priority setting, while the right picture uses the D-Range Priority. The difference, though subtle, is visible. Particularly in the statue detail and the sky.

Typically, the limited dynamic ranges on compact cameras would render this shot fairly worthless as the sunlight hitting the water would've blown out all detail. Also, on most point-and-shoots the balls of water would be surrounded by purple fringe. The F200EXR's D-Range Priority mode handled the situation expertly, leaving sharp, detailed water.

There was little-to-no purple fringing in my test shots. I had to resort to forcing the camera to do it by taking a shot like this that would cause it on just about any camera that doesn't correct for it with software.

Lens distortion is minimal on the F200EXR. There's a bit of left-side barrel distortion at that camera's widest position (top) and even less pincushion distortion at its longest setting.

From left to right are the F200EXR's Standard, B&W, and Sepia color modes. There are also Vivid and Soft shooting options.

The Standard colors, based on the company's Provia film, are bright and natural and generally excellent.