For comparison, I point at each test camera, the focal length so that I get the same motif in a 380x380 pixel large cut in the same size. And I still varying the sensitivity from ISO 100 to 800th
The one year ago I tested cameras Casio EX-FH20 with 9MP and 12MP Pentax Optio X90 with fall in this comparison through clearly. They were unacceptable, especially at higher ISO values.
The now I tested Fuji FinePix HS20 remained in the detail quality at 16MP resolution only slightly behind my Konika Minolta Dimage Z3, with set 8MP resolution could draw already equal in the detail quality.
Cameras can not reach the quality of a detailed scanner systemic. A scanner captures for each pixel all three primary colors (red, green, blue), the sensor of a camera captured per pixel only one color - usually in "Bayer-structure" (see henner.info/2mp.htm#CCD-Zellen) or at the HS20 EXR in structure (see henner.info/super_ccd.htm#EXR). The cameras now expect from the adjacent different color dots more or less for each point the interpolated three primary colors (see ccd-sensor.de/html/1_-_chip_ccd.html). A so-called 16MP camera could strictly determine precise color points only for 4MP resolution.
The image quality of a camera resulting from the quality of the optics, the sensor and the interpolation algorithm. So it makes sense to operate this camera with 8MP resolution "M", the compression should be set to "Normal" to obtain high quality recordings at a reasonable memory footprint.
As a purist photographer I run every camera in the recording mode "A" (the choice of orifice with aperture priority), in borderline cases, the recording mode "M" (all manual). I use no program automatics their interventions in the image processing remain hidden. Therefore, I can not say much about sense or nonsense of other shooting modes, but probably for handling the camera.
The camera has several buttons that allow direct access to important for me settings (ISO, metering mode, type of focus, white balance, etc.) that can be reached with other cameras only via the menu.
Ideal I feel the separate release for photos and video, and the peculiarity that can be shot during video recording still pictures!
The only restriction is the enthusiasm of my color LCD viewfinder with unfortunately only 0.2 "in 200kpx, which also recorded a cushion shape. In contrast, the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS with 0.44" at 235kpx.
Because it gave to criticism:
The manual focus adjustment this camera is ergonomically clearly preferable to the operation with rocker. Although the operation is not "smooth as silk" but quite acceptable. The set focal length is twofold read what does not exist in a rocker, and the display of the zoom factor will appear when zooming. Zooming in videos you should refrain even in cameras with rocker if possible - because of the noise and because the focus then usually can not provide fast enough sharp.
The cover of the battery bay wobbles not with me and is easy to handle.
Here again all the cameras tested by me until I have now decided for the Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR:
Konika Minolta Dimage Z3 with 4MP
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS with 12MP
Pentax Kx (DSLR) with 12,4MP
Casio EX-FH20 with 9MP
Pentax Optio X90 with 12MP
*** *** Additions
Image Rotation:
The camera senses, as the camera is held, and transmits the EXIF in targeting the correct value (8 rotated for left, right and 6 rotated for 3 for upside rather than 1 for normal) when the camera more than about 60 degrees from the normal horizontal is rotated. This feature of the camera is not described in the manual. The camera (if the menu:.. WG autospin [ON]) and appropriate image viewing programs (not Windows Preview) show the images to be rotated right.
The menu IMAGE REVERSE is thus superfluous and turns not really the picture, but do it right and changes the orientation EXIF.
Optical quality:
Chromatic aberration and distortion in the range of 50-720mmKB I could not tell. Only at full wide angle easily occurs barrel distortion.
Time display:
The camera knows only the 12-hour display with AM / PM. Prompt me during commissioning, the 12: XX clock was, happened that as time 12: XX AM've set and the next morning had the same date.
Dynamic range:
It is true, which is in the camera's manual that "can occur spots". The reinforced at DR 100 or AUTO dark image parts are actually noticeably worse. I therefore only use DR100.
Anti-shake performance:
The image stabilizer with CMOS shift makes it even at wide-angle (31mmKB) not possible, less than 1 / 15s to make freehand blur-free images. Since other cameras are much better, with whom I have taken freehand without shaking:. (!). (!) Casio Exilim EX-FH20 eg at 41mmKB with 0.4s, Pentax Optio X90 eg at 26mmKB with 0.6s
