The Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR is a 16-megapixel superzoom/bridge camera with 30x optical zoom, Full HD movie recording, raw image capture and a flash hot-shoe. Compared to the HS20EXR it replaces, the Finepix HS30EXR has a greatly improved, 920,000-dot electronic viewfinder and a tilting, 460,000-dot LCD screen, while a switch in power supply to a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery promises up to 600 pictures per charge. Additionally, the HS30EXR features an improved EXR-CMOS sensor delivering cleaner images at higher ISO settings. Start-up time is now just around a half compared with that of the HS20EXR. The writing period after continuous shooting has also been dramatically cut to approximately 2 seconds (compared to 20 seconds on the earlier model). Finally, the handling of the FinePix HS30EXR has also been improved through the addition of a customisable Function button.

Fujifilm Press Release

Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR – Long zoom versatility and exceptional image quality

Fujifilm is delighted to announce the launch of the FinePix HS30EXR, the latest in a long line of market-leading bridge cameras loved by photo enthusiasts all over the world. The HS range has become synonymous with versatility and optical quality among those photographers who don’t want the lens-changing capability of a DSLR, but still want total control over their images.

The HS30EXR includes a number of key specification improvements over the HS20EXR model it replaces. The Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) has been greatly improved while a switch in power supply to a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery delivers up to 600 pictures per charge. These are just some of the changes that will ensure the HS30EXR keeps the Fujifilm name at the forefront of the bridge camera market in 2012.

New sensor, even better pictures
The FinePix HS30EXR features an improved EXR-CMOS sensor, which gives the user even more versatility, most notably in low light conditions. By redesigning the shape of the photo diodes used in the EXR-CMOS sensor, the images display 30% less digital noise at higher ISO settings, which results in smoother tones and better low light images.

The EXR-CMOS sensor offers three different user-selectable options: High Resolution (HR) delivers the best results in bright lighting conditions or when fine detail in an image is of paramount importance. Wide Dynamic Range (DR) Priority is ideal for capturing images in high contrast light situations, when the user wants detail in both shadow and highlight areas, while High Sensitivity and Low Noise (SN) Priority is the one to choose in low-light. All of these modes can be selected, or it can be left to the HS30EXR to choose through the EXR AUTO function.

Never miss a shot
Composing images on these HS-series can be done using either the 3-inch tilting LCD or the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), both of which have been substantially improved over the HS20EXR. The LCD uses 460,000 dots to display menus and images with great clarity and now benefits from a brighter screen that ensures it’s easy to view, even in direct sunlight.

Meanwhile, the FinePix HS30EXR’s EVF is also larger at 0.26-inches and features 920,000 dots, compared to only 200,000 dots on the HS20EXR, making for a far clearer viewing image.

Viewing comfort has also been boosted thanks to a 22 degree viewing angle (16 degrees on the HS20EXR) and the whole picture taking experience has been improved through a substantial reduction in starting up period compared to the HS20EXR. The starting up period is now just around a half compared with that of HS20EXR. The writing period after continuous shooting has also been dramatically cut to approximately 2 seconds (compared to 20 seconds on the HS20EXR).

A lens for every occasion
Sitting at the heart of the HS-series is a Fujinon 30x optical zoom lens offering a huge focal range from 24-720mm (equivalent to a 35mm camera). This enables photographers to tackle almost any type of subject matter from sweeping landscapes to fine details on wild animals.

But there may be occasions when users require even more telephoto power to pull in really distant details and, thanks to the Intelligent Digital Zoom function, this is now possible. This doubles the focal range, delivering a massive 60x zoom with a maximum telephoto setting of 1440mm. What’s more, the Intelligent Digital Zoom function doesn’t suffer from the problems typically associated with digital zoom capabilities. This is achieved through intelligent image processing where the HS30EXR boosts sharpness in selected areas without increasing digital noise.

Movie making and picture taking made easier
Like the HS20EXR, the HS30EXR also captures 1080p Full HD movies at 30 frames per second, but this hasn’t stopped Fujifilm’s designers making some key improvements to ensure movie capture is even easier.

Now, it’s possible to manually focus during movie shooting for more creative focusing effects, while those preferring to auto focus will benefit in a reduction in focus hunting, so they can keep up with the action. When it comes to still images, the technologies used for Face Detection and Tracking AF have been combined to create Face Tracking Auto Focus. Ideal for capturing all the sporting action and active children, this unique feature allows users to follow the action, ensuring that the faces of friends and loved ones are kept sharp and perfectly exposed.

Finally, the FinePix HS30EXR has also been improved with the addition of a customisable Function (Fn) key on the rear of it. This enables fast access to regularly used functions without needing to go into the full menu each time.

Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR key features
16 mega-pixel EXR-CMOS sensor
30x Fujinon Optical zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent to a 35mm camera)
Up to 60x Intelligent Digital Zoom
3-inch LCD screen with Sunny Day mode
EVF with 920,000 dots
1080p Full HD movie capture
Hot shoe for TTL flash
RAW file format
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery – 600 shots
Programmes AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual exposure modes
Macro focusing down to 1cm

Your Comments