Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR 12MP Digital Camera with 15x Wide-Angle Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD

by Fuji

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1.3 x 2.3 inches ; 7.7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B003VYB1KK
• Item model number: FinePix F300EXR
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,234 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 20, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Encased in a beautifully sculpted black metal shell with a double coated lacquer finish and measuring only 23mm thick, the FinePix F300EXR offers a 12-megapixel EXR Super CCD, a large, 3.0-inch high-contrast 460k LCD, Intelligent Image Stabilization and HD movie capture at 720p.

Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR Highlights

Sharp, Clear 15x Zoom Lens
The FinePix F300EXR features a Fujinon 15x Super Wide-Angle optical zoom lens that produces crisp high resolution results throughout the focal range, from 24mm wide-angle to 360mm telephoto. The lens of the FinePix F300EXR also features Super EBC Coating that keeps ghosting and flare to minimum, allowing for optimal picture quality.

1x zoom/ 5x zoom/ 15x zoom

EXR Sensor Technology, with Hybrid High Speed AF
The next generation EXR sensor in the FinePix F300EXR incorporates Phase Detection pixels built-in to the CCD to realize Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus. It has the ability to intelligently decide between the two focusing systems on the camera. For example, when a bright, high-contrast subject is positioned in the center of the frame, Phase Detection AF works fast and accurately; and in dark scenes, Contrast AF is employed to work accurately.

The F300EXR uses both Phase Detection AF and Contrast AF to offer fast auto focus speeds in all scenes. To achieve an incredible auto focus speed of 0.158 seconds2, Fujifilm engineers placed pairs of phase detection pixels on the EXR sensor, which work like external sensors on DSLRs. The F300EXR automatically selects the better focus system (Contrast or Phase Detection), by measuring the amount of light or contrast in the scene. The benefit for the photographer is immediate and obvious--an almost instantaneous capture of the subject in the frame, with no missed shots or subjects half out-of-frame.

Intelligent Image Stabilization
Long-zoom cameras need stabilization more than any other compact, with handshake and subject movement a particular problem in low light at telephoto range and in movie mode. With a newly enhanced gyro sensor, the new image stabilization system promises further improved image quality with reduced blurring and noise in still pictures and even when shooting movies at the full 15x optical zoom or in very low-light. The new sensor is able to overcome handshake and can compensate for both sharp and wide hand movements, therefore increasing ISO to freeze action is no longer so necessary, meaning beautifully sharp low-light pictures can be achieved at 400 ISO, rather than 800 or 1600 ISO at night scenery. The FinePix F300EXR also works to reduce blur to a minimum by deploying high ISO sensitivity to automatically increase shutter speeds, and CCD Sensor Shift Stabilization to counteract the problems of handshake. By cleverly combining these two, blur is reduced to an absolute minimum.

Intelligent Image Stabilization reduces blur and noise.

3.0-inch High-Contrast LCD

1. Conventional digital camera, 2. FinePix F300EXR,

The FinePix F300EXR is fitted with a high contrast 460K-pixel 3.0-inch LCD. The high contrast LCD is a considerable benefit in bright light, and means that the camera can be directed at various shooting angles to enable framing of awkward shots. The LCD is bright and clear for beautiful rendition of shots in playback.

HD Movie Capture
With the ability to capture movies in HD quality 720p, the F300EXR also has a Mini HDMI Port, making it quick and easy for users to realize the full benefits of their home theater system and to share all their special moments.

Improved Pro Focus Mode
Introduced on the F70EXR, Pro Focus Mode has proved very popular with photographers. Through complex digital imaging technology, several images are combined to create a crisp shot of the subject against a defocused background and foreground. Ideal for portraits, nature photography or any subject that needs 'lifting' from its background, the FinePix F300EXR Pro Focus Mode provides satisfying professional results at the touch of a button. Results are even more simple to achieve as Pro Focus Mode has been now been combined with Face Detection and Face Recognition.

Motion Panorama 360 for the Perfect All-Round Shot
New to the EXR sensor, the F300EXR extends the sweep range to 360° (shots can also be taken vertically). Combined with high quality Fujifilm printing, astounding scenes can be taken, showing fine detail, low noise and high resolution at 180, 240° or a full 360° range.

Face Recognition
With Face Recognition, users can register up to eight (8) faces, along with names, birthdays and categories, and the F300EXR will prioritize focus and exposure right on the faces of those special people. Users can also use Image Search to view images of a registered person. Compared to models from other manufacturers, Fujifilm's Face Recognition has faster recognition speed, greater number of names displayed, and the ability to recall the most often shot subject.

Face Detection in action.

Tracking Auto Focus
The F300EXR also has Tracking Auto Focus, which allows users to track a moving subject automatically for still picture capture.

Additional Features

• Super Intelligent Flash The FinePix F300EXR offers a flash control system which efficiently controls the level of flash for a given exposure to produce beautifully balanced flash illumination across the foreground and background. Gone are the ugly washout shots where the subject is blasted with light and the background dark and unexposed. Super Intelligent Flash is most useful in macro photography where the contrast between subject and background can be especially challenging, but is also effective for night and backlit photography.
• EXR AUTO Technology Prized for bringing a new level of image quality to the consumer compact market, Fujifilm's EXR technology has the unique ability to switch its behavior depending on the shooting conditions by automatically switching sensor modes. The FinePix F300EXR can be left on EXR Auto Mode and the camera will do all the hard work for you, or alternatively, you can manually select one of three EXR Priority modes for high resolution (HR), dynamic range (DR) or high sensitivity and low noise (SN).
• Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the FinePix F300EXR is fitted with Fujifilm's latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 10 faces simultaneously, at almost any angle to the camera. The system instantly corrects red-eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.
• Photobook Assist Photobook Assist lets you select and organize images in your camera to create a digital photobook. You can download the photobooks to your computer using MyFinePix Studio software that is included.

Product Description

Uncompromising design outside.  Superior FUJIFILM quality inside. The FinePix F300EXR, with its acclaimed FUJINON lens technology, is packed with both the power of the 15x zoom and the versatility of a super wide angle lens in a stylish, compact body.  Zoom in and capture distant subjects in gorgeous detail with the award-winning EXR sensor. Enhanced with built in phase detection pixels, Super CCD EXR is the first sensor in the world with both contrast and phase detection auto focus.  The FinePix F300EXR harnesses this power with an innovative hybrid AF system that intelligently selects between the two focus systems. Even at a maximum zoom range, you won't miss the shot. With Pro-class functions and features such as Pro Focus mode, Pro Low Light mode and Film Simulation mode, the creativity of the scene lays in the hand of the photographer. The FinePix F300EXR will deliver uncompromising pictures every time!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

146 of 147 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Low Light performance, September 14, 2010

By 

Brian Monahan (Washington DC region) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR 12MP Digital Camera with 15x Wide-Angle Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Electronics)

I purchased this camera last month and took its through its paces on a trip through Canada. I usually travel with a Canon 7D, wide angle and moderate telephoto with accessory flash. I wanted a camera that I could take with me in my pocket and leave behind the much heavier gear. I realized there was no substitute for the SLR Canon camera on image quality and would suggest a comparason is unfair. The Fuji 300 EXR did an exceptional job given my expectations not to compare it to the SLR. I would highly recommend it as among the best possible choices in a traveller's camera today. It is definately a compromise over the SLR, but it is a very good compromise. The micro four thirds cameras may have some performance advantages but the high cropping factor of the sensor (2x), bulk, and high total cost to own (with a wide angle and modest zoom lens > 1000.00) led me to select the Fuji f300EXR

Strong points:

-used in museums and in meetings with fluorescent light (no flash): the best perfomance I have ever seen in a point and shoot. (Better than my Canon SD940 IS) The images have good contrast and low/modest noise even at extreems of its very long zoom.

-very wide zoom range: unheard of range in a pocket size camera that is very usable

-excellent automatic exposure mode in a wide range of lighting from bright sun to dim fluorescent

-Very good image stabilization to give sharp photos even at > 350mm zoom hand held

-very good fit and finish metal consruction that withstood abuse of carrying in suit pants pocket

-suprising dynamic range for image capture of a brightly lit scene's dimmer areas

-autofocus in strong light was very fast (as claimed) but nothing exceptional in reduced light

-very good image quality with high ISO (400), acceptable quality at 800

Weak Points:

-start up time delay is quite long (3-4 secs)so you need to keep it on to catch the shot

-built in flash is called "super intelligent" but super-weak is a more accurate term

-total dependence on LCD for framing and focus requires need to learning a shot stabilization stance and hand hold. You definately need an extra battery for travelling with this camera- IS mode and screen drain battery

-time to image with flash shots after pressing shutter can be as long as 2 seconds and shot can be easily missed

-no raw capture mode (dependent on Fuji JPEG) with strong "purple fringing" on illuminated edges

-the EXR mode takes some time to figure out, but it seems the megapixel count reduction when the high sensitivity/low noise option is engaged, still leaves a file with better image quality than I was getting with a 12MP sensor camera with full time 12 MP capture

-the finepix bundled software is fair, but you would be much better off with Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 or 8

-does not come with the micro HDMI video cable you need to see the HD video-I have this now on order to evaluate the video performance.

80 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is the future of compact digital cameras!, September 26, 2010

By 

D. Matheny (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR 12MP Digital Camera with 15x Wide-Angle Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Electronics)

(What's this?)

I remember getting my first digital camera almost 10 years ago. In many ways it was an amazing device - we could take as many pictures as we wanted without having to worry about film, and we could review our pictures instantly without waiting to get the film developed. On the flip side of this, the slow focus speeds of digital cameras vs. film cameras was a major irritation. Now, 10 years later, digital cameras have improved a LOT - but the slow focus problem is something we've just learned to live with... until now.

When I first unboxed and started playing around with the FinePix F300EXR, I was instantly impressed. This would have been an easy 5-star review if I hadn't spent several days taking hundreds of pictures at a family event first. Now, after playing with it for a while, I'm waffling between 3 & 4 stars - which is unfortunate since this camera has so much to offer. I'll go over each feature that has impressed me, positively or negatively, and I'll try to keep each section brief since there is a lot to say about this camera.

*** Focus Speed ***

The first thing I noticed about this camera was the nearly instant focus speed. It works great in pretty much any lighting and just blows any other compact digital camera I've used out of the water. This camera dispenses with all the fancy processing to determine which zone or face to focus on - and just focuses in the center like a point-and-shoot film camera would have done. The resulting focus speed is unbelievable!

It's funny that I'm having to get used to focusing on a subject and recomposing the picture again. With most other digital cameras, that work is done by the camera while it is focusing. With this camera, if a subject isn't in the focus area when you take a picture, everything is likely to be out of focus except for that lone tree in the distance. :)

This is an area that I will gladly give out 5 stars on. The focus speed is on par with what I would expect from a high-end SLR.

*** Zoom ***

This is another area where this camera excels. With such a small, pocketable footprint - it's amazing that Fujifilm was able to pack such a great zoom range into the camera! It covers everything I need, from wide to tele in a camera that is the same size as my Canon 3x zoom camera. The image stabilization also works great and makes it easy to hold the camera steady at long zoom distances.

This is another 5 star feature.

*** Interface ***

The user interface on this camera is extremely easy to use. I love the large easy-to-read menus and descriptions that always seem to come up at the right time. Honestly, I would never have guessed that a camera could be this easy to use.

On the flip side, the funtion select dial is situated at an angle where it is VERY EASY to get turned by accident in my pocket. I've found myself in the wrong mode several times already because of this and I've taken pictures that turned out horrible since the shutter speed was turned way down. This isn't a knock on the camera, just something I'm having to learn to check whenever I pull it out of my pocket to turn it on.

I'm also learning not to put my finger where the popup flash comes up. It seems like my natural grip puts a finger right in that position.

*** Overall Performance ***

The overall performance of this camera is the area that really pulls the rating down. It turns on quickly; but, there is a several second delay before it's actually ready to take pictures. This means you need to have it on already when you expect to be taking a shot - instead of waiting for the last second like I've grown accustomed to.

The time between shots was so long that it was driving my crazy. The problem is that this camera does all its face recognition processing after the shot instead of doing it as part of the focusing. That ends up leaving the camera completely unusable for several seconds after each shot - which is a major irritation. Fortunately, the face recognition feature can be turned off - and I recommend that anyone using this camera should do that right away. With the face recognition disabled, the shot-to-shot time becomes much more reasonable.

*** Battery Life ***

The first day I used this camera, I thought the battery life was horrible. I didn't even make it through 200 pictures before it died completely. Once I turned off the face recognition feature, the battery life improved quite a bit; so, once again, I would recommend that feature be turned off.

*** Low Light Performance ***

Before starting on this section, I've noticed some other reviews that claim this camera has the best low light performance they've ever seen - while other reviews talk about how crummy it is. My suspicion is that the people talking about awesome low light performance are talking about the focus performance of the camera - and it is very good as I've already mentioned. On the flip side, I think the people who mention crummy performance are talking about picture quality. In my case, I'm referring to picture quality in this section.

Having said that, the low light performance of this camera is about what I would expect. Because of the small size of the sensor in compact digital cameras, low light performance will never be as good as it is with an SLR. This camera, however, is on par with other cameras the same size.

I do think the flash may be a bit weak, but it's not a huge difference from other compact cameras. The flash also takes quite a while to charge.

Low light performance is boosted somewhat by the fact that the ISO levels are able to go very high; but, the resulting pictures obviously get grainier as ISO levels increase.

*** Picture Quality ***

This 12 megapixel camera is just about where I would expect for picture quality. It's not better or worse than other cameras that are about the same size.

*** Build Quality ***

When I hold this camera, it just screams 'High Quality'. It has nice rubber grips and every thing about it seems high end. This is an area where this Fuji camera just blows away other digital cameras I've used that seem to be built to be disposable.

*** Conclusion ***

Overall, I am really enjoying this camera. The first impression was great, and then I went though a period where the slow performance was driving me crazy. Now that the face recognition has been disabled, I'm learning to like it again.

I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants a faster focus and is willing to make sure the shots are properly composed manually instead of letting the digital camera do it automatically. In my opinion, it's worth the effort.

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Pictures, Amazing Features, Amazing Camera!, September 26, 2010

By 

Robert L. Stinnett (Boonville, MO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR 12MP Digital Camera with 15x Wide-Angle Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Electronics)

(What's this?)

Length:: 6:33 Mins

I purchased my first 1.2 megapixel digital camera in 1999 and have used quite a few through the years since then -- but I can say with all honesty that this new Fujifilm F300 EXR has literally redefined what I think of as a quality digital camera. This guy is amazing -- and once you try out its wide-angle lense and facial recognition features you won't want to stop taking pictures everywhere you go!

I fell in love with the camera because of the wide-angle lens and 15x zoom and just kept being impressed the more I used it. You'll never "chop off" another person or a part of the scenery again thanks to its wonderful lens that doesn't require you to backup 50 feet to get everyone in the picture. Then there is the 15x built-in zoom. You never want to judge a camera by its digital zoom as that degrades the picture, so when I found out this camera had a 15x "true zoom" I was blown away. I zoomed in the full 15x and my picture was still just as clear and crisp as it was when I didn't use the zoom. Of course a lot of that crispness also comes from the fact this guy is a 12 megapixel camera.

Battery life is awesome -- two days later and almost 100 pictures later I'm still going strong; the flash uses a multi-flash setup so instead of blinding your subject with a single white flash it pulsates the flash so you get rid of redeye and don't bleach out your photos in low light conditions. Of course when you get tired of just taking plain pictures this guy can take high-definition video as well. You'll never need to carry around both a video camera and a still picture camera again!

In the video I talk about some of my favorite features of this camera plus give you a small tour. When I say that this camera blows away the competition, I'm not kidding -- it's an amazing little guy with so much power packed into a 1.5lb body! My only complaint is the placement of the flash -- but it's one small weakness compared to the numerous strengths and in the end wasn't even worth taking a star away for.

What's in the box? The camera, a USB cable, battery, wall-wart battery charger, A/V cables, hand strap, software and getting started guide. Another plus to this camera -- it comes with its own rechargeable battery complete with wall charger!