Fuji FinePix HS20 EXR Review

The control system is extremely quick and intuitive, but while Fujifilm's FinePix HS20EXR boasts outstanding ergonomics, Expert Reviews found themselves disappointed by the video mode in particular, and although it was capable of producing nice photos, they felt that the image quality and the zoom range just weren't enough to stand out from the crowd.

The images produced by the Finepix HS20 EXR were high-quality even at maximum zoom. The focal range was impressive and the adjustable display screen is a plus. Computer Act!ve found the model quite heavy and awkward to handle. Although the high price may turn some people off, the top-class build and picture results mean it's somewhat justified.

The Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR has a very impressive zoom which results in very clear images with a great focus. Having said that, they still can't compete with the quality of a DSLR. The manual controls maximise accessibility for users. It's an ideal model for novices and T3 deemed it one of the top products in its class.

Value for money: 16 out of 20 points, "Recommended"

The manual zoom on the Finepix HS20 EXR will divide opinions. On the one hand, it's ideal for photographers who want to adjust shots themselves. On the other, it's not great for recording videos. It's a very powerful device with a large selection of burst shooting modes. Camera Labs thought it unusual that it supports RAW shooting as this is quite rare on super zoom models.

As long as you don't mind taking a slight dent in image quality, then the Fujifilm Finepix HS20EXR makes a pretty good alternative to a DSLR, says CNet. They described it as a solid all-rounder, with a fantastic wide-angle zoom lens and generous array of features, that is sure to please most photography enthusiasts. Its movie mode and durable construction were also highlights.

For those who value versatility, the HS20 will be well worth a look, says Photo Answers. While they felt that this bridge compact's image quality and handling weren't quite on par with that provided by a D-SLR, they didn't notice any flaws in its image quality at 800 ISO or less. Its feature set was impressive too, and its frame rate at full resolution was also quite speedy.

Value for money: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you love having features to explore, but still want the possibilities afforded by manual control, the Fuji FinePix HS20 is an easy choice, especially if you want it all in a DSLR-like chassis, says PC Advisor. While just over £300 will nab you an entry-level digital SLR, their team says that it wouldn't be nearly as responsive as this camera, nor have a 24-720mm zoom.

Value for money: 7 out of 10 points

A huge 30x optical zoom is a very attractive feature to have, as is a nice range of advanced shooting options, so if you're after a convenient all-in-one, TrustedReviews say Fujifilm's HS20 EXR could certainly be a contender. However, they point out that it's essentially an advanced compact, and as such, if image quality is a top priority, an entry-level DSLR might be a better option.

Value for money: 9 out of 10 points

Anyone wanting an advanced digital camera with lots of zoom will find the Fuji Finepix HS20EXR the perfect partner. There are lots of features in this camera which handles rather like a DSLR, and it produces top quality photos, although darker shots are lacking detail. The combination of brightness and good life-like colours is excellent.

Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars, "Recommended"

According to the experts at ePHOTOzine, the FinePix HS20EXR is an easy camera to recommend, thanks to its outstanding list of features and the great image quality it's capable of producing. Although it is a bit chunkier than most DSLRs, they found that it boasted good build quality and offered plenty of manual controls, along with a comfortable handgrip.

With its jawdropping 30x zoom, 16MP sensor and manual controls, the FinePix HS20EXR attempts to be everything to every photographer, and Photography Monthly's reviewer was indeed very impressed by its feel, robust build and versatility. It can be a bit daunting to newcomers because of the amount of controls on offer, but it can also be used as a simple point-and-shoot.

The Fuji FinePix HS20 includes nice features like recording of Raw files, manual controls, an upgraded 360 degree panorama and numerous movie options. TechRadar were, however, disappointed by the picture quality when using scene and auto modes, although manual alterations can stop this. They also note the problems with locking in focus and menu issue as negatives.

Although the Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR is a very good superzoom camera, the team at Pocket-lint felt that it could potentially have been a classic. Offering a great manual zoom, very good focal range and built in electronic viewfinder, the HS20 is unfortunately let down somewhat by its image quality and some small design issues, such as the flash placement and viewfinder size.

Value for money: 18 out of 20 points, "Recommended"

The Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR is a powerful superzoom camera that's nicely usable and has a lot to offer, according to What Digital Camera. Thanks to its LCD screen, small but handy electronic viewfinder, and lens combination, it's capable enough but they say image quality isn't outstanding, and it's not a worthy upgrade for HS10 users. The manual 24-720mm adds pulling power though.

While it's still too soon to tell where its weaknesses will lie, Pocket-Lint says that the Fuji FinePix HS20EXR is likely to be a strong contender in the superzoom market this year. They also say that though its new sensor promises superb results, as a whole, this model doesn't seem all that different from its predecessor, the HS20, which was already a fantastic superzoom.

“Very good image quality”

“... 30x zoom, sturdy build, extremely effective operating concept and lots of additional multimedia features, such as 360 degree panoramas and Full HD videos, are all features which were noted in the plus column. This camera’s excellent colour display and photo dynamics (which are outstanding for a compact camera model) would have ensured it the highest mark, but its poor resolution performance meant the device was marked down ...”