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Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR Review

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Review posted 7/30/2012

Quick Take
Pros
  • Awesome 30x optical zoom lens covers 24-720mm
  • Manual zoom operation allows for precise framing
  • Comfortable dSLR-like body
  • Plethora of automatic and manual exposure options
  • Improved shooting performance over past models
  • Excellent battery life
  • Captures pleasing 16-megapixel images
  • High quality LCD and EVF
  • Cool high-speed videos
  • HDMI output
  • Competitively priced
Cons
  • Good amount of noise present across the sensitivity range from 200 on up
  • ISO 3200 and above are not usable in my opinion
  • Some edge softness present at wide angle
  • AF system has some difficulties when shooting at full telephoto in low light
  • AE system had some trouble when shooting video from the shade
Bottom Line
Fuji has taken an already a highly regarded super-zoom camera and made it even better. With better shooting performance and various other upgrades, the HS30EXR is a welcomed addition to the HS-series from Fuji.  Read more in our Full Conclusion.
HS30EXR_Front_Left_Tele.jpgFujiFilm continues to upgrade their popular HS-series of FinePix super-zooms, and for the first half of 2012 they've released two new models; the HS30EXR and HS25EXR. Both models carry over several of the awesome features users loved on the HS20EXR from last year; with some obvious upgrades.

The HS30EXR is the new holder of the HS-series' top-of-the-line spot, with some impressive features to boot. These include a 16-megapixel (1/2" type) EXR CMOS image sensor, a 30x manual optical zoom lens that covers a 24-720mm equivalent zoom range (same sensor and lens found on the HS20EXR), Dual IS (Sensor-Shift + High ISO), maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.6, a 3.0-inch tiling LCD, high resolution (920k pixel) EVF, full 1080p HD (h.264 format), EXR Auto (uses 59 scene settings and 3 sensor modes), Motion 360 degree panorama mode, P/A/S/M modes for advanced users, a Li-ion battery good for up to 600 shots on a single charge, and loads of scene modes.

Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR Features:
  • 1/2-inch, 16-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor
  • EXR processor with an improved GUI (graphics user interface)
  • 30x Optical Zoom Lens (24-720mm)
  • 3.0" tilting LCD screen (460K dots)
  • RAW / RAW + JPEG shooting
  • 0.26-inch electronic viewfinder (920K resolution)
  • 1080p HD Movie Recording at 30fps
  • High speed movies at 320fps (a lower resolution, though)
  • 60x Super Intelligent Digital Zoom
  • Dual Image Stabilization
  • EXR Auto Mode
  • Motion Panorama 360°:
  • Super Intelligent Flash
  • Face Recognition (store up to 8 faces)
  • Face Detection (up to 10 faces)
  • Automatic Red-eye Removal
  • Film Simulation Bracketing
  • Dynamic Range Bracketing
  • AE Bracketing
  • Purple Fringing Reducer / Corner Resolution Enhancer
  • Li-ion battery pack (good for up to 600 frames)
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot

Fujifilm's FinePix HS30EXR launched with a MSRP of $499.95 USD. Check out our buy box the the latest online pricing.

What's in the box?:
  • Li-ion battery NP-W126
  • Battery charger BC-W126
  • Shoulder strap
  • USB cable
  • A/V cable
  • Lens cap and Lens cap cord
  • CD-ROM
  • Owner's manual
  • Lens hood


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