The F200EXR is regarding image quality probably currently the best compact camera. Very clearly shows the dkamera.de the page where you can test images from different cameras clearly compare side by side. Even at ISO 100 the F200EXR surpasses all other compact cameras. Quite dramatically, there will be at higher ISO values (400 or 800), where other compact cameras provide only blurred graphics. The often highly praised Panasonic LX3 decrease compared with the Fuji F200EXR here significantly.
The F200EXR delivers tack-sharp images with amazing high dynamic range in pleasant colors. Even with extreme backlight Camera produces hardly CAs (purple fringing on high-contrast edges). I am extremely pleased with the camera at all when you consider the relation of manageable size and price for great image quality.
The EXR DR mode (dynamic increase) works. Luminosity parts no longer eat from the White and dark areas not to drink from the mark. The cameras will deliver a compact camera to date not known dynamic range, such as the sky remains blue and clouds even the structures can be seen. However, the resolution amounts to 6MP. You can adjust with 12MP resolution a bit different functioning DR mode, which delivers similar results in the Program AE P. This then you get a 12MP image with yet more details.
Battery life is mediocre, so you should definitely equal to buy a spare battery.
Negative I noticed:
* The SN mode for allegedly low-noise images at high ISOs is a humbug. The images are clearly noisy stronger than in the HR mode (= high resolution 12MP) and have also because of the reduced resolution of 6MP course fewer details. All my test images show the clear as the test images at dkamera.de.
* From the EXR Auto mode (the camera decides everything) I think much, because while the sensitivity is very quickly raised to ISO1600, and the picture is very noisy. A limitation of the ISO value, however, is not possible in this mode. In addition, the not disconnectable permanent autofocus is annoying and battery-sapping.
* As with most cameras me the auto white balance is too bluish. Therefore, for me the most automatic programs, which are all working only with automatic white balance, unusable.
* Significant barrel distortion at 28mm wide angle.
* Program wheel adjusted very easily. It is advisable to check the position of Programmrads before turning on.
* In general, many options are confusing. Because in addition to all other standard settings, scene modes, etc., etc. There is now an EXR Auto where the camera tries to find the best program - a kind of super-automatic. Furthermore, you can set a dynamic increase DR 'even when Programmed Auto (P). However, this works quite differently from the EXR DR mode with 6MP. Confusing!
My tip:
After many attempts, I have found the following setting that gives me the best compromise, without fumbling around constantly to the camera settings:
1. If natural light, whether sun or shade: Program AE P ", ISO 200, dynamic range: Auto, Picture Size: L, image quality: N White balance: Cloudy (also at Sun !, because the white balance sun is too bluish) order. obtained with only about 2.9MB storage requirements 12MP photos, the camera performs as required a dynamic boost to 200% by that resolution is significantly better than the 6MP EXR DR mode.
2. For Tungsten: as above, but necessarily white balance: automatic, sensitivity needed boost to ISO (auto) or ISO 400 (auto) 800th
Suffice Who 6MP, which is the EXR DR mode at ISO: well advised Auto400.
Compared to the Fuji F30:
The F200EXR noisy at higher ISO values well over the legendary F30. In this regard, the F200 is clearly not a worthy successor to the F30. With 12MP resolution, however, the F200 has been much more detail and edge sharpness and produces almost no CAs. The images of the F200EXR are softer in contrast and sharpened less than the F30. They will then apply on first bit muddy, but have more details and more latitude for post processing. A major advantage is the wide angle with 28mm.