Fujifilm FinePix F505 16 MP CMOS Sensor and 15x Optical Zoom Digital Camera with 4 GB Class 10 SD Memory Card (Black)

by Fujifilm

• 16-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor
• Fujinon 15x wide-angle optical zoom lens; Image Stabilization (CMOS Shift + High ISO)
• 3.0-inch high-contrast LCD screen
• Face detection; RAW + JPG mode
• Includes 4 GB Class 10 SD memory card

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B005GMRVZO
• Item model number: F505 Black w/4GB Memory Card
• Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (181 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 12, 2011

Product Description

Color: Black

From the Manufacturer

Following in the footsteps of the award-winning FinePix F200 EXR and F300 EXR models, this latest recruit to the range is the ideal camera for discerning point-and-shoot photographers or SLR users who want to travel light but don't want to compromise image quality and picture-taking versatility. Superb results are assured with exciting new features including an innovative 16 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor, a 15x wide-angle zoom lens, Full HD video functionality and an improved user interface. With a stylish design and pocketable dimensions, the FinePix F505 EXR is set to become the must-have compact in 2011.

Fujifilm FinePix F505 Highlights

Perfect pictures in every situation
Thanks to a brand new hybrid sensor, the FinePix F505 EXR delivers extra fast, high quality results in a wide range of lighting conditions. The 16-megapixel sensor developed by Fujifilm is a clever combination of Back Side Illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) and EXR technologies, which delivers superior results to a conventional sensor; particularly in low light conditions, and also offers high-speed shooting facilities and Full HD movie capture.

Light falling on ordinary sensors has to pass through a layer of wiring before it hits the light- sensitive photo diodes. This layer of wiring reduces light transmission. On the EXR BSI-CMOS sensor, however, the wiring layer is positioned behind the photo diodes so light sensitivity is vastly improved. Add to this the triple-layer EXR technology pioneered by Fujifilm in the F200 EXR and the result is a sensor that is capable of outstanding results, time after time.

Users can still select from the usual three different EXR shooting modes, or simply leave the FinePix F505 EXR to choose the best option itself by selecting Auto EXR. Those preferring to take control can pick from:

• High Resolution mode where the sensor utilises the full 16 megapixel resolution for high quality results that can be printed out at A3-size without the need for any re-sizing using software.
• Dynamic Range mode where the camera employs dual capture technology to provide a range up to 1600% - almost a full stop wider than any other camera. Two images are captured and then merged together to produce superb results on high contrast scenes.
• Signal to Noise mode utilises Pixel Fusion, doubling pixels up to increase sensitivity. Coupled with the BSI technology, this mode delivers superb images in low lighting conditions.

Keep up with the action – no matter how fast it's moving
The FinePix F505 EXR isn't just clever; it's quick as well, boasting a range of features that will keep pace with even the fastest moving action without compromising picture quality.

Image Stabilization (CMOS Shift + High ISO): Conventional digital camera (left) vs. Fujifilm F505 (right)

RAW image capture
With the ability to shoot in RAW or in JPEG format (or both simultaneously), the F505EXR will have real appeal to those that want to be in true control of their images. By shooting in RAW mode you can ensure that you get the true uncompressed image just as the camera sees it.

Huge zoom range, tiny camera
It's a minor miracle that Fujifilm has managed to pack such a high level specification into the FinePix F505 EXR's compact dimensions, but it's even more impressive that the camera also features a 15x optical zoom.

Wide angle (24mm) vs. 5x optical zoom (120mm) vs. 15x optical zoom (360mm)

Despite having a body that measures just 22.9mm wide, the zoom range extends from a wide-angle setting of 24mm through to 360mm (35mm equivalents) giving users a huge range of shooting options from sweeping landscapes through to tightly-cropped details. Plus, image quality and sharpness is assured thanks to the Fujinon lens and new triple core EXR processing engine that automatically reduces colour fringing and boosts corner resolution for uniform image sharpness.

Using the longer focal lengths can cause camera shake, but the FinePix F505 EXR has the bases covered fighting camera shake on three fronts. First, the sensor moves to counter any hand movements. Second, sensitivity is boosted using Pixel Fusion to allow faster shutter speeds and third, users can select “Advanced Anti-blur” mode when in EXR Auto where a sequence of four images are taken and then combined to provide one, shake-free result.

Full HD for stunning videos
People don't just want to capture their memories as photos any longer, there's a big demand for high- quality video capture too. Not only does the FinePix F505 EXR record videos in stunning Full HD (1080p) at 30 frames per second, it also boasts stereo sound for high quality audio and outputs the files in H.264 (MOV) format. Favoured by broadcasters and Blu-Ray manufacturers, H.264 produces file sizes that are smaller and more manageable than the conventional AVI format. What's more, they're compatible with a wide range of websites and applications, which makes it easier for users to share content on sites including YouTube.

New to the F505 EXR, Fuji's EXR SN mode is now available when shooting videos. “Pixel Fusion Movie technology” fuses pixels together to create superpixels which are extra sensitive to light (and therefore capture much crisper low-light videos with lower levels of noise.

And finally, if it's speedy video capture you're after, the F505 EXR also offers a class-leading selection of high speed video capture options. No other compact camera comes close to the F505 EXR's incredible 320 frames per second capture at 320 x 100 pixels. But if it's higher quality you're after, you can also capture the action at 160 frames per second at 320 x 240 pixels or 80 frames per second at 640 x 480 pixels.

Wave goodbye to pixellated graphics and menus
The FinePix F505 EXR's three inch rear LCD doesn't just benefit from an increased pixel count – now 460,000 – it also uses a brand new Rich User Interface, which dramatically enhances the user experience and kicks pixellated menus and graphics into touch.

By employing Vector fonts and graphics, camera menus and readouts use smooth text and icons. The graphics are scaleable so they take on the same appearance whether you're viewing on the read LCD or a 50 inch HDTV via the camera's HDMI output.

Additional Features

• All-new 16 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor
• 15x optical zoom covering 24-360mm (35mm equivalent)
• 3.0 inch rear LCD with 460,000 pixel and new Rich User Interface using Vector fonts and graphics
• 1600% wide dynamic range
• Full resolution high speed shooting at 3fps
• Full HD movie capture (H.264 MOV file format)
• Advanced 27 scene mode EXR Auto
• Film simulation modes
• 360° Motion Panorama mode
• Photobook Assist function

Product Description

The FinePix F505EXR is a full-featured and technologically advanced camera for discerning point-and-shoot photographers or SLR users who want to travel light but don’t want to compromise image quality and picture-taking versatility. Superb results are assured with exciting new features including an innovative 16 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor, RAW image capture, high speed shooting capabilities, a high quality Fujinon 15x wide-angle lens, full HD movie capability and an improved user interface in a stylish and compact design.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

382 of 387 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars so far so good December 28, 2011

By Drew Larck

Color Name:White|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this camera so far. I bought it for a photography class I am taking next semester and have already used it more than I thought I would

Pros:
Comes with a free 4 Gb SD card

Has a GREAT picture, which is really the only important thing! The picture is better than my grandmas fujifilm that she paid $400 and I only paid $160

Has lots of different settings. When you put it on advanced it has a seamless panoramic setting. most panoramic settings you have to take three pictures and try to line them up just right and you always end up with two lines down the middle of your picture but this one you just pan the camera and try to stay level and then it calibrates the rest of it and blends it together and it looks seamless.

The EXR setting is amazing! the first day I got it my grandma had me take a whole bunch of pictures of a house she is selling and she needed inside and out. Different areas of the house were lighted different and it didnt matter, the EXR figured out the best setting it needed to be on to get the best picture and went there! the best part was that it could detect whether you were outside or not and it had the same quality picture everywhere. it didnt let so much sunlight in that it blared out the picture, and in low light it didnt turn out dark at all!

Its quite light weight for its size, but is heavy and sturdy enough that it doesnt seem chinsy
Another little thing that doesn't really matter much is that when you turn it on it seems all techy and futuristic :) the flash pops up and the lens covers snap inside and it makes a cool little noise. Its not needed, but appreciated by nerds like me :)

Cons:
I really havent found any yet. The only thing that MIGHT be one is that the scroll wheel is super sensitive. Im sure that there is a way to change that, I just havent looked for it yet. Its easy to scroll past the picture you were looking for but its not a big deal.
If I find anything big that I dont like about this I will update the review, but for now I love it

Really I would recommend this to anyone who isnt a total professional and wants really simple great looking pictures without having to lug around a giant SLR.

UPDATE:
This little camera is great. It takes pictures that are as good as the Canon Rebel a girl in my class has! The details of this camera are amazing. It has the same amount of pixels as the Nikon Dx5100 (or something like that) Another thing that I like is that the battery lasts a long time. I have only had to charge it once since I got it several weeks ago. There is still nothing that I can find wrong with this. The pictures that are coming from this are so good that I had someone ask me to take their engagement pictures.

UPDATE 2:
So I thought it was worth noting that I just dropped this camera. I was walking my dog and it was in my hoodie pocket and he jerked on the leash and it came out and landed on concrete. It landed screen down and the only damage that I have found is a little bit of paint chipped on the corner. Really happy with the sturdiness of the camera so far and I still love it.
Another thing that might be worth noting is that the word "fujifilm" below the screen is beginning to wear off a little bit but that in no way effects its performance so it isn't that big of a deal

If this was helpful I would really appreciate you taking a few seconds to hit the helpful button above. thanks :)

589 of 604 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Small camera, big features November 14, 2011

By Silvester Percival VINE™ VOICE

Color Name:Black|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I'm an unusual and especially demanding camera user, but not because I'm an expert in photography. I take thousands of photographs a day to record historical documents for my job as a professional historian. Otherwise I'm a typical camera user with a typical knowledge about how digital cameras work - the exact kind of person who would be purchasing a high-quality point-and-shoot camera like this one. It's difficult to avoid superlatives when describing this camera. I really am very impressed with its quality and features.

The good:

1. This camera produces the best-quality photographs of any small(ish) point-and-shoot camera I have ever used. It's almost impossible to take a bad photograph.

2. I believe the reason the photos are so good (per my comment above) is that the auto mode, called EXR on the Fujifilm, is simply amazing. It's way better at doing its job than comparable auto features on other digital cameras. You don't have to be an expert at photography because the camera does all the technical work for you. It makes all the right adjustments in macro, aperture, white light, shutter speed, etc. If the room is dim, the photos are bright (as they would appear to the human eye). If the scene is bright, the camera adjusts accordingly to prevent washout. When the subject is lit by incandescent or, worse, fluorescent lights, the camera adjusts the white light filter to prevent those ugly yellowish or washed-out photos that you probably get with your current camera. These are things that all cameras are SUPPOSED to do, but very few compact cameras do it as well as this one.

3. The LCD screen is huge, extremely sharp, and unusually bright.

4. The shutter and auto-focus is very fast for a compact camera - almost instant, in fact. None of that waiting around while your camera focuses and finally snaps the shot. This is a handy feature if you have pets or kids or regularly take action shots.

5. The zoom is fantastic. It's extremely rare to get a 15x zoom in a camera this small. My old semi-SLR is three times the size and only has 12x. The zoom also works pretty fast. You don't have to wait forever for the camera to zoom, focus, and take the shot. It can literally go from wide-angle to 15x and be focused for a shot in about 2-3 seconds.

6. Even better, the same lens that gives you 15x for those long-range shots also does amazing wide-angle shots (24mm). This feature comes in handy when you want to make pictures of your house or garden look more spacious than they really are. It also helps for those big group shots when the whole family gathers together for the holidays.

7. The battery life is very good. I can shoot for about 4 or 5 hours continuously without a charge and get over 1,000 photos in that time when I'm working on historical documents. I imagine you could take pictures periodically all day on one charge.

8. The batteries are cheap, lightweight, and readily available. The replacement Fujifilm brand runs about $12 plus shipping. A well-rated aftermarket replacement here on Amazon can be purchased for less than $4.00 including shipping! (...). For the price of a burrito you can have three spare batteries plus the original to keep you going for days of continuous shooting. (EDIT: I can't include a link to these batteries, but you can find them by searching for the NP-50 battery here on Amazon. You can also find out more about compatible accessories (chargers, AC adapters, etc.) on the Fujifilm website.)

9. The options in the menu help you know what exactly you're changing. You might even learn something new from this thoughtful feature, like I did!

10. The camera is relatively lightweight and pretty small for the features you get. It easily fits in the front or back pocket of my jeans. Basically this camera gives you the features of a semi-SLR but fits in your pocket with ease.

11. The camera has a handy feature for reviewing your photos - and RETURNING TO READY MODE. To review your photos you simply push the little green display button like on any camera. Ordinary stuff. But have you ever had that problem where the dial was turned to "review" and you couldn't get it back to ready mode in time for a great action shot? Yes, we all have. Well, with this camera, you simply give the capture-image button a light tap and you're back in action. It's way faster and way easier than any other digital camera I've used.

12. The video quality is really high and you can adjust it to different sizes and speeds if you need more space for a long day of shooting.

13. It's pretty ergonomic. It's big enough to fit in your hand but not so big that it's heavy or awkward. One hand picture-taking is pretty easy with this camera. There's also a little rubberized indention on the right side where your fingers can grip.

14. It has an effective built-in flash that goes down when the camera is off but rises when you turn it on. The automatic flash sensor seems to work pretty well too. It flashes when you need it and stays off when you don't: none of those annoying flashes at the wrong time.

15. The special features are better than on most compact digital cameras. (a) First there's a feature specially designed for low-light conditions. The camera actually takes multiple photos and then laces them together to get the best light and contrast. Photos in a dimly lit room, or, say, around a campfire, look as good on this camera as they do to the naked eye. This is a big improvement from every other digital camera I've owned, which have tended to take really dark, blurry photos whenever the light is low, even when I have manually adjusted the aperture and light settings to where they ought to be. (b) Then there is a portrait enhancer that smoothes the image and makes a face look better. (c) There is a feature for taking close-up shots of, say, flowers, where the camera takes multiple photos, sharpens the main object (the flower), and blurs the background. It's a very nice effect and something that normally can be done only with SLRs. (d) Finally there is a feature that takes a burst of four shots and then lets you either choose the best or keep all four. This is nice for action shots and for portraits of a big group of people who might blink or make faces.

The bad:

1. The flash is positioned bad. It rises on the top left of the camera where most people would habitually place the left forefinger. Once you get used to it, the problem doesn't seem so bad, but it'll probably be one of the first things you notice.

2. The printed user's manual is useful but not very detailed. It just gives the basics. To learn more, especially about what certain camera terms mean, you'll have to use the software that comes with it. That may not be a problem for you, but I personally would prefer to have a printed copy in my hand right out of the box.

3. The battery takes quite a while to charge - about two hours. This is OK, I guess, since the battery lasts so long once you get a charge, but it's a little frustrating if you find your battery drained and need it for instant action. That's why you should buy spares, I guess.

Despite the three reservations listed above, I'm very impressed with this camera and recommend it highly. It's the perfect way to get near-SLR quality photos in a small package that is both cheaper and easier to use. It's made my job of photographing documents much, much easier and much, much faster. And it has made my everyday photos of family and pets and scenery and sites so much better than I ever thought possible in a camera of this size. Five stars for a home run by Fujifilm!

156 of 166 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Great November 15, 2011

By Dave Mayer VINE™ VOICE

Color Name:Black|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I shoot with Sony DSLRs and have great glass, but when I got this for review, I decided to hang my Sonys up for a month and shoot with nothing but this. I'm not a pro, but I am a very serious amateur. Wherever I go, I carry a camera. I take pictures everyday. It's an obsession and I'm obsessed with good quality gear.

And this is good quality gear which fits in my pocket. The camera is responsive, has the shooting modes you'd expect, though I've been leaving in on full auto, because for once I've found a camera that really might be smarter than me. The camera is dead easy to use, but most of all, it takes great photos. It is pricy, but you get what you pay for. Actually, in my opinion, you're getting a lot more than you're paying for with this camera.