Fuji FinePix S100fs Test (Digital SLR Camera)

The main problem with the S100fs is that DSLRs have fallen so far in price that bridge cameras have all but lost their appeal. Computer Act!ve found the camera worked well, definitely better than a standard compact, but with SLR performance now being found at the same price, good performance and image quality wasn't enough.

Exhibiting Fuji's characteristically good performance at high ISOs, the S100fs is described by Digital Photo magazine as the best bridge camera currently on the market. It performs better than most compacts, but still doesn't quite match up to an SLR for image quality and the lack of an optical viewfinder disappoints. All in all, its up to the buyer to decide whether or not to take the plunge.

Fuji's S100, although no DSLR beater is certainly a decent camera capable of producing excellent, noise-free images and featuring a versatile lens offering a decent range. Practical Photography felt it was a good camera, in that it offered enough creative options and enough of a zoom range to suit the needs of most families, for whom a DSLR may represent too much in the way of fiddly accessories and bulk.

The S100fs is indeed a camera that does not require the extra bits and pieces to be dragged along with it. Yet it still handles as like a DSLR but because of the great focal range being crammed into one area, the image quality does suffer. This is also due to the sensor being half the size of an entry level DSLR camera. If you are looking for an all in one camera and don't mind if it's bulky then the S100fs is a smart choice. As What Digital Camera wisely points out is that if you are going to be spend this kind of money then you are likely to insist on a camera that brings you good results. For this reason, the best option is still an entry-level DSLR, however, the S100fs does make a good case for itself.

The Finepix S100FS is true heavyweight especially when it comes to its features and its size. CNet.co.uk was impressed by the Finepix S100fs's raw performance and the new and improved wide-angle long lens. The only downside its tendency towards purple fringing in contrasty shots.

The S100fs supersedes the S9600, in particular in the handling, performance and image quality department. TrustedReviews.com thought that the price was the only major downside to the S100fs. It is more expensive than most entry level DSLRs, however and can't pretend to compete on the same level, but if you definitely do not want to go down that route, it makes a solid alternative.