Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR 12 MP Super CCD EXR Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black)

I used the F80EXR for a couple weeks after I dropped and broke my Canon Powershot A620. When it became clear there were few options with the flip-out screen I loved on the Canon, I investigated very compact cameras like this Fuji. Based on very positive reviews of the F70EXR and F200EXR I bought the F80. I immediately began to notice a lot of what I assume is JPEG compression artifact that--at high magnification--gives a watercolor-like appearance. This is noticeable at maximum zoom even on the LCD screen. I have now done more research and it seems others have the same complaint. According to more technical reviews, when Fuji moved from the 10 MP F70EXR to the 12 MP F80EXR, with the limitations of the camera's sensor size there was actually a degradation of quality. For comparison, I shot some side by side tests with the F80 against a very old 4 MP Canon PowerShot A80. To my shock, there was VERY little difference in image quality. When viewed at maximum resolution on my computer (just before jagged pixels begin to appear), the Fuji had slightly better detail. But at that same magnification the Fuji began to show ugly JPEG compression smudging of colors, while the Canon had nice, even blurring or noise. It should be said that the Fuji PERFORMS much better than the old Canon. Its lighter, faster, has much better zoom, deals better with high contrast and flash, etc. But it's amazing that there is almost no resolution difference for the additional 8 megapixels and, to my taste, poorer image quality. This may not be an issue for someone wanting only uncropped images, which should enlarge easily to 8x10. The camera was quick and fun to use. For me, however, the compression artifact was a deal-breaker. I'm still considering an F70.

I got this camera to replace the one i've had for a while, another finepix (the z10fd). I had been plenty happy with that one, but it was old and starting to look less than impressive next to newer cameras.

I have only had this camera for a few days, but i'm already blown away by how much better it is that the one I had before. The images i'm getting just out of the pre-programmed settings are beyond beautiful, and I can't wait to start messing around with the manual setting. The quality of pictures on full zoom alone make it worth the price. The detail it can pic up on small things is great. It's very easy to use and figure out. After about 5 minutes I already knew where all the controls were and how to use them.

The only thing I was less than thrilled about, is that it is a TAD on the heavy side...at least compared to other digi cams i've had. But it's not a big deal, and i'm already getting used to it. It's not at all bulky or anything, just a little heavier than i'm used to.

Some of the pre-set modes include: Pro Focus, Pro Focus Low-light, dog, cat, flowers, snow, beach, night, fireworks, landscape, text, party, sport, portrait, portrait enahncer, sunset, underwater (if you buy a protective case), and movie. That's not even all of them.

I'm so excited for upcoming events in my life, such as my husband's homecoming and a new years trip to disneyland. I'm confident i'm going to get amazing captures of those special moments in my life.

If I find anything wrong, dissappointing, or flawed, I will update.

I've received this camera for several weeks, and I've done various testing under different environments.

Pros:
First off, this camera has a tremendous improvement for noise control using the EXR SN or Pro low light mode in a low light environment, better than my previous DC Fujifilm F50fd and other DCs I've seen, at least at this price range. On top of that, the 'Super Intelligence Flash' mode is awesome. It controls the level of flash for a given exposure to produce beautifully balanced flash illumination across the foreground and background, suitable for shooting macro and close-up portrait. Besides, this camera includes M-Mode (full manual) and P-Mode (P & Aperture priority mode) which gives you complete control especially when shooting night scene with tripod. To me, the manual mode is a good stuff, and it's better than most of the DCs out there I've seen. Wide angle and 270mm zoom is another big plus. HD movie is a basic requirement nowadays, I will just skip it.

Cons:
- The camera might be a bit heavy to some of you. To me, I am still okay with it.
- I needed to play around with it until finding the best setting to shoot. You do not want to fully rely on its Auto mode. In the beginning, I saw sharpness issue, and some pictures were even getting a bit hazy.

In conclusion, the price is reasonable for all these features, at least they fit what I need.

Here are the setting I'd use in many situations:
Picture mode: Vivid or Soft mode.
Metering: average
P mode for high res pictures (most of the time)
EXR SN in low light situation
EXR DR for landscape in daytime

- In daytime, I found no issue with EXR, auto and P mode, but I don't like/use EXR auto mode that often since I shoot 12M photos with P mode, except for DR mode shooting landscape and building.
- In most cases, I'd prefer to use P-mode with ISO100 or 200 with slow synchro flash, the intelligent flash mode is smart enough to balance the flash illumination for you. Besides, this mode can also allow you to shoot high resolution picture, hence, the noise will be less noticeable after resizing the pictures.
- In the low light area without any moving objects, use EXR SN Mode, then ISO200 with flash. Or, use Pro low light mode if you do not want to use flashlight.