Photography by Mike Mander | 2009 / Fuji F200EXR

These are the first photos I've taken with my new Fuji FinePix F200EXR. This brand new little P&S camera has a 28-140mm image-stabilized zoom and boasts Fuji's unique new EXR sensor that offers three different operating modes: (HR) 12 MP high resolution, (DR) 6 MP high-dynamic range and (SN) 6 MP high-ISO/low-noise mode. High ISO shots are much cleaner than any other compact P&S I've used... well, except my old Fuji F30, which comes close. Photo 2 & 3 were ISO 800, photo 17 and 38-40 were ISO 400. Other shots were either ISO 100 or 200.

Most other shots were taken in DR mode, which boasts JPEG dynamic range that is close to what one can get from other higher-end cameras that shoot raw. The ability to take photos on bright days where the sky is not overexposed and maintains its blue saturation is a welcome trait! In addition, the amount of highlight and shadow detail that can be retrieved in DR 400% mode is quite amazing.

The camera has film-simulation modes: Provia (the default), Velvia, Astia, B&W and Sepia modes. I generally prefer Provia mode as a good compromise between saturation and contrast. Velvia mode was used on frames 31-37 but I found myself lifting the shadows to try and restore a little more detail.

Lastly, as you can see, the lens performs well in high contrast situations, with very little flare - a trait that seems common to most Fujinon lenses I've shot with. Processing was limited to adjusting the exposure, contrast and saturation on some photos. A bit of sharpening was used on a few photos but no noise reduction was applied to any.