Fujifilm F200EXR is a GEM
- Thread starter Daniellam
- Start date
Newbie needs advice, hope someone here can render assistance.
Using Fujifilm F200EXR.
Most of the time my settings is on EXR Auto for simplicity operation.
I tried snapping pictures during night time.
However, there are times I encountered that the back-lit lightings are very much brighter than the subject which turned out dark and not clearly visible.
Is there a way I can change the settings to balance the exposure?
Thanks for your input.
Good day.
Using Fujifilm F200EXR.
Most of the time my settings is on EXR Auto for simplicity operation.
I tried snapping pictures during night time.
However, there are times I encountered that the back-lit lightings are very much brighter than the subject which turned out dark and not clearly visible.
Is there a way I can change the settings to balance the exposure?
Thanks for your input.
Good day.
If I may share the settings which I use most frequently.
Ironically EXR Auto or EXR ... is not the best setting. They often select unnecessarily high ISO.
EXR HR – Good only at ISO100 and often unnecessarily higher ISO selected (without pixel coupling noise control 12Mp). Only DR100 used cos dual capturing not possible at 12MP
EXR DR - up to DR800 but often unnecessary higher ISO selected (with pixel coupling noise control) and disabled flash
EXR SN - Only DR100 used, sacrificing benefits of higher DR which recovers details not possible with most non-DSLR, often unnecessary higher ISO selected (with better pixel coupling noise control) and disabled exposure compensation
P-mode is my most preferred with these settings
Shooting mode - P Program AE
Image size - M 4:3 for 6 MP (for active EXR pixel coupling noise control and DR dual capture as confirmed with Fujifilm)
Flash mode - Auto
Photometry - multi (for better DR contrast sensing)
Focus - spot
Dual IS - on
Film Simulation - Provia mode
F-button setting F-mode
- set ISO to Auto800 (noise beyond which no better than others) or Auto1600 with flash off for available light photography if ISO1600 noise can be accepted
- set Dynamic Range priority to Auto (1/3 stop lost if DR % is fixed)
- image quality to fine for low compression
Note: at P-mode, camera works on the shuttle speeds (and 2 apertures) before increasing eventually to this selected ISO800. DR is increased automatically for overexposure detected in the multi-metering by recovering the loss details from the other half of the 6MP underexposed according to the DR % in a single shot (dual capturing). This explains why only 6MP available in EXR operation. A 6MP with wider DR range usually produces better picture than 12MP with narrower DR range unless the picture is good with just flat exposure (the 2-consecutive shot of Ricoh CX-1's 9MP initiative is adversely affected by subject movement). Similarly, a picture at low light can be pretty ugly for a poorer noise control 12MP as compared to better noise controlled 6MP (not talking of noise suppression).
The weaknesses of most compact digital are too small sensor, noise as ISO increases, loss details because of low DR, smaller aperture, shorter lens for some like LX3, optical quality at extreme zoom for beyond A4 reproduction (only needed occasionally) and any longer optics than 5x is likely compromise under space and weight constraints.
At this point in time, F200EXR has proven to strike a balance in emphasing portability (PDAphone size) with adequate optical range, good resolution, lower noise, wider DR and higher ISO more than most others except big enough aperture. But its ability to handle ISO800 beyond any others make the need of bigger aperture unnecessary, not forgetting the inconvenience of bulk and weight for the faster lens. And between lens size and optical sensor, personally the latter is more important. It seems to me that F200EXR and LX3 are the only non-DSLR generous enough with larger sensor which delivers DR and noise control that most compact digital cameras can only admire.
But one major problem with F200EXR is to discover on the PC monitor that the camera LCD sometimes has betrayed its unusually good picture quality, particularly in the details and absence of noise in low light conditions that very few compact digitals can seriously handle.
Ironically EXR Auto or EXR ... is not the best setting. They often select unnecessarily high ISO.
EXR HR – Good only at ISO100 and often unnecessarily higher ISO selected (without pixel coupling noise control 12Mp). Only DR100 used cos dual capturing not possible at 12MP
EXR DR - up to DR800 but often unnecessary higher ISO selected (with pixel coupling noise control) and disabled flash
EXR SN - Only DR100 used, sacrificing benefits of higher DR which recovers details not possible with most non-DSLR, often unnecessary higher ISO selected (with better pixel coupling noise control) and disabled exposure compensation
P-mode is my most preferred with these settings
Shooting mode - P Program AE
Image size - M 4:3 for 6 MP (for active EXR pixel coupling noise control and DR dual capture as confirmed with Fujifilm)
Flash mode - Auto
Photometry - multi (for better DR contrast sensing)
Focus - spot
Dual IS - on
Film Simulation - Provia mode
F-button setting F-mode
- set ISO to Auto800 (noise beyond which no better than others) or Auto1600 with flash off for available light photography if ISO1600 noise can be accepted
- set Dynamic Range priority to Auto (1/3 stop lost if DR % is fixed)
- image quality to fine for low compression
Note: at P-mode, camera works on the shuttle speeds (and 2 apertures) before increasing eventually to this selected ISO800. DR is increased automatically for overexposure detected in the multi-metering by recovering the loss details from the other half of the 6MP underexposed according to the DR % in a single shot (dual capturing). This explains why only 6MP available in EXR operation. A 6MP with wider DR range usually produces better picture than 12MP with narrower DR range unless the picture is good with just flat exposure (the 2-consecutive shot of Ricoh CX-1's 9MP initiative is adversely affected by subject movement). Similarly, a picture at low light can be pretty ugly for a poorer noise control 12MP as compared to better noise controlled 6MP (not talking of noise suppression).
The weaknesses of most compact digital are too small sensor, noise as ISO increases, loss details because of low DR, smaller aperture, shorter lens for some like LX3, optical quality at extreme zoom for beyond A4 reproduction (only needed occasionally) and any longer optics than 5x is likely compromise under space and weight constraints.
At this point in time, F200EXR has proven to strike a balance in emphasing portability (PDAphone size) with adequate optical range, good resolution, lower noise, wider DR and higher ISO more than most others except big enough aperture. But its ability to handle ISO800 beyond any others make the need of bigger aperture unnecessary, not forgetting the inconvenience of bulk and weight for the faster lens. And between lens size and optical sensor, personally the latter is more important. It seems to me that F200EXR and LX3 are the only non-DSLR generous enough with larger sensor which delivers DR and noise control that most compact digital cameras can only admire.
But one major problem with F200EXR is to discover on the PC monitor that the camera LCD sometimes has betrayed its unusually good picture quality, particularly in the details and absence of noise in low light conditions that very few compact digitals can seriously handle.
Just got my F200 EXR last week, played with it a bit and I am rather pleased... but the learning curve is pretty steep for newbie like me...
I dont use IS01600 outdoor with bright sun light, it always come out overexposed... I dont like EXR auto mode, its noisy and its not that accurate outdoor/sunlight.
I like the P mode setting, and so far have been alternating between P mode (for general+macro shots), and EXR SN (for low lights), EXR DR (for high contrast)....
I think i need more time to experiment with it....
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Hi pal, try activating the exposure compensation when you shoot - the same button as trash bin. Then press up/down to increase/decrease exposure according to your need. Take note that this mode is not available in auto mode.
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Hi,
While I agree that the F200EXR is a good camera, the unavailability of drop-off points for fixing the camera is a hassle.
Have to travel all the way to the Fujifilm Service Centre at Upper Paya Lebar Road.... Not a the best option...
Just bought the camera from SouthAsia and a day later the LCD screen starts to flicker before going all white....
While I agree that the F200EXR is a good camera, the unavailability of drop-off points for fixing the camera is a hassle.
Have to travel all the way to the Fujifilm Service Centre at Upper Paya Lebar Road.... Not a the best option...
Just bought the camera from SouthAsia and a day later the LCD screen starts to flicker before going all white....
Hi, I do not have F70EXR or the Sony WX-1, but I would like to share a few photos taken recently on the Royal Carribean by F200EXR. It has convinced me to "leave home" without my DSLR, at least for this trip.
If you own a F200EXR; I am sure you can tell that the images are rendered in the uniquely Super CCD EXR + Velvia (film simulation) way
Battery life aside; the F200EXR is definitely a GEM
Cheers!
If you own a F200EXR; I am sure you can tell that the images are rendered in the uniquely Super CCD EXR + Velvia (film simulation) way
Battery life aside; the F200EXR is definitely a GEM
Cheers!
capricorn78
Deregistered
Hi Daniel,
Nice shots. Did you do any pp?
regards,
Lim
Nice shots. Did you do any pp?
regards,
Lim
Unfortunately, nobody actually has taken the trouble to shoot identical shots with F200EXR (or LX-3 for that matter) together with any DSLR. I suspect it will take alot of pain now to tell the difference unless shooting at max zoom when no amount of technology can resolve the constraint of space and glass in lens design.
My bet here - not many cameras can match F200EXR in retaining details of exposed areas, the often neglected aspect of good pictures. Seems to me most digital camera designers only remember resolution and noise. Improving dynamic range in digital cameras has been probably overdue. As much as F31FD steered camera design to focus away from resolution to high ISO noise, EXR may lead the rest to design better dynamic range soon. Let's see.
My bet here - not many cameras can match F200EXR in retaining details of exposed areas, the often neglected aspect of good pictures. Seems to me most digital camera designers only remember resolution and noise. Improving dynamic range in digital cameras has been probably overdue. As much as F31FD steered camera design to focus away from resolution to high ISO noise, EXR may lead the rest to design better dynamic range soon. Let's see.
Fujifilm is having promotion for its 'F'-series cameras. We can trade in camera of any brand, any condition for $150. Not sure is it a good buy?
http://www.fujifilm.com.sg/products/CNYTradeinPromotion/index.html
http://www.fujifilm.com.sg/products/CNYTradeinPromotion/index.html
I just got my F200EXR recently from a well-known shop in Ang Mo Kio. They were offering this promo with better pricing as well as a good set of freebies (no exra frills, just exactly what was needed) - but I think only thru' their e-quote system.
It probably means that the F200EXR replacement is round the corner but to get such a good PnS under $400 is definitely a steal. Prior to this promo, the best quote I got when asking around was $450 and that was just 3 weeks ago. I'm pretty happy with this PnS which I can carry with me most of the time rather than my Minolta DSLR.
It probably means that the F200EXR replacement is round the corner but to get such a good PnS under $400 is definitely a steal. Prior to this promo, the best quote I got when asking around was $450 and that was just 3 weeks ago. I'm pretty happy with this PnS which I can carry with me most of the time rather than my Minolta DSLR.
Hi, I do not have F70EXR or the Sony WX-1, but I would like to share a few photos taken recently on the Royal Carribean by F200EXR. It has convinced me to "leave home" without my DSLR, at least for this trip.
If you own a F200EXR; I am sure you can tell that the images are rendered in the uniquely Super CCD EXR + Velvia (film simulation) way
Battery life aside; the F200EXR is definitely a GEM
Cheers!
daniel, good shots. Is the batt life an issue? wat dslr do u hv?
Hi Arrowtown,
Thank you for your comments
The F200EXR can take about 200 plus shots per charge; but its unique and excellent IQ has made justification for me to carry 3 sets of batteries (OEM high capacity) with me on trips.
I am currently using Pentax K-7 for DSLR.
Cheers!
Daniel
Thank you for your comments
The F200EXR can take about 200 plus shots per charge; but its unique and excellent IQ has made justification for me to carry 3 sets of batteries (OEM high capacity) with me on trips.
I am currently using Pentax K-7 for DSLR.
Cheers!
Daniel
For such conditions, I recommend using slow-flash to light the fore-ground.
Over the new year i brought my F200EXR to Japan for 2 weeks, and I must say it manage to capture 99% good photos regardless of condition. Once you passed the learning stage of using different modes, its a breeze to use.
And I must say the SP mode works very well in many occasions, especially the night-mode. I have experienced setting EXR-SN mode or default night-mode when taking handheld portrait at low lights, and night-mode consistently works better than the EXR mode.
Also, my wife love the Portrait-enhancer mode, beautify both of us at an instant. :bsmilie:
Just to share one shot taken at disney sea, night time.
To me its pretty good that a hand-held can do this... I am happy.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l3jAvNGJ6AtnSVkOPA5OPQ?feat=directlink
To me its pretty good that a hand-held can do this... I am happy.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l3jAvNGJ6AtnSVkOPA5OPQ?feat=directlink
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Hi Bros,
Can I ask? What good is the macro mode?
It seems I can focus at 5cm, at the wide end of this camera, without activating the macro mode. This is in P mode, and NOT EXR auto. In EXR auto mode, the flower symbol pops up when i focus on a close object. However, in P mode, I can focus at the minimum focusing distance of 5cm without any indication of the camera switching to macro mode. Its pretty handy for me, but I'm just curious.
TIA!
Can I ask? What good is the macro mode?
It seems I can focus at 5cm, at the wide end of this camera, without activating the macro mode. This is in P mode, and NOT EXR auto. In EXR auto mode, the flower symbol pops up when i focus on a close object. However, in P mode, I can focus at the minimum focusing distance of 5cm without any indication of the camera switching to macro mode. Its pretty handy for me, but I'm just curious.
TIA!
May I know what's SP mode?
In order to maintain its sheer compactness, F200EXR doesn't has a powerful flash good enough for backlight and fill-in most sunny conditions. I carries a Bower SFD328 slave flash to solve backlight, fill-in and shooting large poorly lighted area.
Don't be misled by the hotshoes that big brands are trying to impose a premium luring you on their pricey P&S. Recent technologies of any USD30-USD50 slave flash can do the same job, firing at every detection of the built-in flash. Set to forced Flash at correct ISO, any GN28-33 slave flash can provide the kind of flash power that we once were jealous of with DSLR.
In order to maintain its sheer compactness, F200EXR doesn't has a powerful flash good enough for backlight and fill-in most sunny conditions. I carries a Bower SFD328 slave flash to solve backlight, fill-in and shooting large poorly lighted area.
Don't be misled by the hotshoes that big brands are trying to impose a premium luring you on their pricey P&S. Recent technologies of any USD30-USD50 slave flash can do the same job, firing at every detection of the built-in flash. Set to forced Flash at correct ISO, any GN28-33 slave flash can provide the kind of flash power that we once were jealous of with DSLR.
