Fujifilm FinePix S100FS Zoom Review

Here you can see the point-n-shoot AUTO record mode - The "8M F" represents image resolution of 8- megapixels Fine quality, and there's enough room on our SD card for "293" frames at the current image size. In the center are the auto focus target marks, and the "Wavy hand" symbol indicates that Dual IS is enables.

To change the Scene mode when the mode dial is set to SP1, press the menu button and use this menu with helpful descriptions. SP1 allows you to choose from: Nature, Nature Soft, Nature Vivid, and Flower.

You changes the mode for SP2 the same as above, however SP2 lets you choose from: Portrait, Portrait Soft, Baby mode, Portrait Enhancer, Night, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Sport, and Fireworks.

Program AE is yet another user friendly exposure mode that gives you access to more advanced options like metering, white balance, AF mode, Program Shift etc. You also have access to the full record mode menu, which is explained further down the page.

When you half-press the shutter release the AF marks will show the intended area of focus as well as the shutter and aperture values. A "lightning bolt" indicates the flash is charged and will fire (not shown above).

Shutter-speed priority mode allows you to select the desired shutter speed value, while the camera selects the correct aperture. Select a fast shutter speed to freeze fast-moving subjects or use a slower shutter speed to capture flowing water or low-light subjects. If the selected shutter speed is too fast for the available light, the aperture setting will be highlighted in red. Shutter speed can be set in the range of 4 seconds to 1/2000 second in this mode.

Aperture priority is just the opposite, allowing you to select the desired aperture and the camera automatically sets the correct shutter speed. A small aperture (larger f/number) increases the depth of field (range of focus), where a large aperture (smaller f/number) decreases depth of field. Aperture can be set in the range of f/2.8 to f/11, depending on the zoom position.

This is Manual record mode, the user manually sets both shutter speed and aperture. Shutter speed and aperture values by rotating the control dial. Pressing the "+/-" button will jump the control from shutter speed to aperture. You can meter the exposure by watching the display in the lower right corner and adjust the shutter speed or aperture to center the indicator. A histogram is also displayed to further assist in establishing the correct exposure (not shown). You aperture values available are the same as in Aperture priority mode, however shutter speeds can be chosen from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second and Bulb.

Pressing the DISP/BACK button next to the LCD toggles the live image between text displayed, no text displayed, and grid lines.

P/A/M/S menu options:

FILM SIMULATION - STD (PROVIA), V (Velvia), S (Soft), and P (Portrait)
DYNAMIC RANGE - Auto, DR 100%, DR200%, DR400%
QUALITY - 11M Fine, 11M Normal, 3:2, 6M, 3M, 2M, 0.3M
COLOR - High, Mid (default), low, B&W
TONE - Hard, Standard, Soft
SHARPNESS - Hard, Standard, Soft
WHITE BALANCE - Auto, Custom1, Custom2, Fine (Daylight), Shade, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, Incandescent
WB FINE TUNE - Adjust or "Fine Tune" the White balance setting.
AE BKT EV STEPS - 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV
FLASH - Adjust output of the built-in flash (±2/3 EV)
EXTERNAL FLASH - On or Off
AF MODE - Center, Multi, Area
HIGH-SPEED SHOOTING - On or Off
CUSTOM SET - Lock the current exposure settings to the Custom 1 or 2 position on the mode dial
SET-UP - Enter the Setup menu

FSB mode or Film Simulation Bracketing mode, allows you to capture three images continuously using different color or tone. Four types of "film" can be used: STD (PROVIA), V (Velvia), S (Soft), and P (Portrait). This mode is only available when shooting in JPEG format.

The Macro focus mode allows close-up focusing from 3.9 in - 9.8 ft (10cm - 3.0m) in Wide and 3.0 to 9.8 ft (0.9 - 3.0m) in Tele.

The Super Macro focus can only be used at full wide angle (approx 28mm equivalent), and allows close-up focusing from 0.4 in - 3.3 ft. (1cm - 1m).

The Movie mode captures 640x480 or 320x240 pixel motion video with audio at 30 frames per second (fixed.) The maximum length per clip is limited only by available memory (max 2GB clip size). Even though audio is recorded, you have full use of the zoom lens while recording.