My experience, with my S7000, is that Fuji DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCT VERY WELL!!! They are hard to get a hold of and don't get back to you well. When a chip in my 7000 burned out, thru no fault of mine, and with very light usage on on the camera, they wanted $170.00 to fix it. My guess is Canon would have fixed it free of charge with no questions asked!!!!!!!!!!

I have been involved with photograpy for over fifty years, purchasing about one new camera per year. This one was for my wife, but I like so much i may steal it.

Please don't call this a point and shoot, It is no toy, this is a serious camera that does things that Canon and Nikon can't match even for an additional $1,000.

First the F/ 2.8 lens functions very well, even in dim light, all the way from 28mm to 400mm without ever having to carry or swap in another lens. This is a BIG advantage when you are traveling.

Second the sensor is a revounary breakthrough. 1/2 the size of the big boys for better depth of field, twice the size of the cheapies for better noise control. This sensor and lens were designed together as a package, Nothing stuck on here.

The list of features is too long to list, but chances are if you want it is here, plus some things you didn't even know that you wanted. Can you tell that I like it!

Yes I sold all my DSLR equipment after I bought this camera. It's that good for what I needed. The only negative worth talking about is some minimal purple fringe at extra high contrast type scenes.

I was concerned about focusing accuracy and in low light. The camera excels at both. It has dedicated ISO and EV buttons which are a must. The fast lens is sharp even wide open but sharpens up even more at around f/4-4.5. The new 2/3" sensor handles the 11 megapixels with the associated noise just great. The manual zooming lens is so quick. Just like a DSLR. With all the bells and whistles, extra external buttons and dials it's truly designed like a much more expensive DSLR. The continuous focus and optical stabilazation are simply amazing. Of course with a EV you don't get the speed of a DSLR tracking but I don't need that particular feature.

The highly taughted dynamic range increase is good for a least one additonal stop and possibly two in jpg. Of course in RAW one can process however many they need through HDR.

Frankly I've been waiting for any manufacturer to come up with a not too big of a camera with a true optical stabilized 28-350/400 lens with a 2/3" sensor to keep the lens
small enough to keep the weight down but large enough to let in enough light to keep it fast. Also needed a manual zoom and not those slower electronic zoom models that are too slow for me. I think Fuji has delivered the camera of my dreams and I imagine those of others as well.

I've also owned the Panasonic FZ-30/50 which are very special cameras but the Fuji S100fs simply has so many more features the Panny's just can't truly compare. The Fuji clearly has more resolution and FAR LESS noise. At least two stops less.

This Fuji camera is definitely a highly recommend from me. As I use more of the features I'll report back my findings. Anyone who downgrades this camera is only looking for ANY reason not to buy/keep it. Because the bottom line is, it delivers the goods.

I had great hope for this camera when it was announce back in Jan. so I placed an order for one back then just on the specs. I was worry that the lense was too optimistic and I was right.

So lets back up a little bit here. I have been a long time user of digital cameras. I started with the Apple quicktake 100 in 1994 and had never look back since. Since than I have over two dozen digital cameras and DSLR from numerous manufactures. Here are some of my thoughts on the new Jufi FinePix 100fs.

Pro:

-Features galore
-Built quality is outstanding
-Excellence ergonomics
-Use SD and not just XD memory
-Manual zoom
-IS (Image Stabilization)
-Tilt LCD display
-Best EVF I have ever seen

Cons:
-Purple fringing, more than I would like.
-Won't turn back on automatically when goes to sleep. I haven't figure out how I can have it turn back on after it goes to sleep.
-Hunt when focus @ 400mm ( I think that is normal for this type of camera)
-IS (anti-shake) is not as effective as my DSLR built-in IS

I was hoping this camera would be the one that will take on my trip and where it will do it all. But the purple fringing really is a problem for me, so it will go back to Amazon. I wish that Fuji had made this camera with a more conservative lens like a 28mm to a 200mm with better quality. But if you are looking for one camera that does it all than this might be the one. It is quick, features galore, versatile zoom range, good image quality and very well built. In the next few weeks I will have more time to use this camera more. I will come back to update my review when I spent more time with it.

The Fujifilm Finepix S100fs is a superb camera, in most instances exceeding expectations. Whilst I am not a Pro photographer I consider myself an able amateur and have used many cameras over the years. As I am traveling more I decided I wanted a replacement for my Pentax K10D DSLR - which is an excellent camera, on par if not exceeding the Canon and Nikon offerings in its range (sub $1000.00). Lugging extra lenses around when traveling can be a real chore - yet there has really been no alternative - until now.
The S100fs is a real DSLR alternative at last - and this is from a REAL USER - not someone who has just read reviews or posts on the Internet.

The image quality is magnificent. Fuji have outdone themselves with this lens, it is a step above most Tamron, Sigma and kit lenses and approaches the quality of the higher priced offerings of the big manufacturers. The PROOF is in the images. I have standard scenes I always photograph to test cameras - one of them of the lake view from the rear of my house. Using the Velvia film setting on the S100fs I was astonished at the images it captured - some of them exhibiting an almost 3D appearance. This camera has produced the best images of this scene I have taken with any camera!

There is a lot of talk about Purple Fringing - mostly by Pixel Peepers who have never held the camera but who inspect low grade images uploaded to the Internet and make derisory comments. I have found however that using the camera involved a learning curve that I hadn't expected. Some of my first images were not as good as I had hoped - but I concluded that the camera was better than what I was seeing. More careful handling and attention produced startlingly better results. Have I seen some purple fringing - yes - but LESS than in Tamron and Sigma lenses I own, some of which approach the cost of this camera itself. This is easily corrected in post processing however. Though as I have spent more time with this excellent camera I have seen it less and less - implying that most of what people are seeing is USER error and not due to the camera itself.

And let me say this - IMAGES IN POOR LIGHTING / Night Scenes ARE MAGNIFICENT - better than my K10D!

If you are looking for the BEST superzoom camera out there - this is it - by far. If you are looking for a DSLR - but cannot afford the investment of good quality lenses (don't fall for the "kit offerings") - this is it. Tired of lugging around countless lenses and accessories for your DSLR - give this a try. You will not be disappointed (as long as you persevere and learn how to use this camera).

I'm not going to get into a lot of specific's. Those have been cited by others already. I have several digital camera's, including Canon D30 and a Nikon D40x. This camera will shoot as well, and in most cases, will shoot better than the ones I just cited. I've only had the S100 for a week, and have shot nearly 400 photos. Those photos have covered the spectrum, i.e., portraits, scenic, sporting events, etc. They have turned out extremely well. (I should also mention that I have the Fuji S6000fd, and that too is one helluva camera. If you're strapped for cash, do yourself a favor and check that camera out. You'll be shocked at the quality of the photos that camera produces.) I took several photos with the Nikon and the Fuji S100fs. Both were on tripod's and the photographs were of the same subjects. Overall the Fuji outshot the Nikon. The Nikon, in several of the shots, suffered slight blurriness. And yet a couple of the shots were very good. Overall all of the Fuji shots were very good. Couldn't be much better.

I do have an issue with the comment about battery life. So far I've shot nearly 400 photos, as I said above, and the battery is still functioning. I don't know how much you expect from a battery, but for me I'm very happy with the results so far. I also have two backup batteries. I have additional batteries for all of my cameras. Not to do so could be limiting yourself.

Look, the bottom line is this. If you want a great camera, that cost less than most DSLR's then give this a try. Otherwise look for something else. It's that simple. You make choices all your life about this-n-that, this is no different. Personally, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The S100 is a wonderful concept. I have owned a S9000 for several years and was looking forward to the up grade to the S100. The two custom modes on the dial which the user can program is a great idea! Having a RAW capability that does not take forever is a big improvement over the S9000. Fuji increased the chip size from the S9000 and the noise is much better controlled. However when I took a photo with a palm tree in the upper corner the palm tree came out purple! This camera has unacceptable chromatic aberrations (purple fringing)

This camera at first seems to be an odd duck, a non-DSLR camera at about the same price as an entry level SLR. If you're only taking photos of people in normal situations or landscapes with a fairly wide angle lens, that's true. But if you were to consider the cost of a similarly capable wide range zoom lens of less range and the cost of an entry level SLR body, you'd find that the price would run somewhere between double and triple the Fuji S8100, possibly more if you really compared the sharpness of the lens at the longest focal length.

For someone like me who is interested in wildlife photography, specifically birding, but who also likes to shoot general scenery and travel photos the convenience of the one lens, lower weight and wide range makes this an extremely attractive camera. I would guess that it should also work well for sports photography. I'd probably stick with manual focus for that as the autofocus isn't particularly fast.

I'm updating from a Panasonic/Lumix DMC FZ20S, which has been a fine camera. But the 5 megapixel images and lack of camera RAW along with the poor low light capability has finally pushed me to look for a more capable camera. I found it. Fuji has a great reputation for performing well at higher ISO speeds. I certainly find that to be true. I've gotten some excellent photos at 800 ISO and quite usable snapshots at 1600. It takes pictures in RAW format without slowing down the way the current Panasonic model does. It's lens isn't quite as sharp but the image processor and programming give a much crisper image. Panasonic uses, IMO, a too aggressive noise reduction processing which makes the shots a bit soft.

The only real problem I see with this camera is a noticeable chromatic aberration (purple fringing) in high detail areas in bright light, like foliage and barrel distortion at extreme wide angle. There is a slight pincushioning at extreme magnification but it's not bad considering the effective focal length. All these problems can be worked out by some on computer processing of the RAW images so they are more annoyances than real problems.

The image stabilization seems to be comparable to the Panasonic, which is quite good. It's amazing to be able to get usable photos with 400 + mm effective focal length while shooting offhand. Using my monopod helps. Shots with a tripod are terrific.

Most controls are accessible right on the camera and don't require digging into the menu system to change. It has full manual controls, including focusing, which is important when shoot photos of birds in branches. Autofocus usually give some clear twigs and a fuzzy bird with any camera. Sweet. Balance is good and the camera is to be light enough carry for hours. Color saturation is great and can be adjusted to presets that kind of mimic Fuji films. It may be a gimmick but I'm happy with the results. Time between shots is pretty good as is start up speed. Movie mode even takes HD/wide screen. It eats up memory furiously but for short segments works well. Though the on camera mic does pic up any breeze when shooting. You can even zoom during movies. Manual focusing works best for that is there is some time lag that gives a second or two of out of focus movie on auto.

If you don't need the extreme magnification then you might be better off with an SLR. But if you do need to get shots of distant or small subjects then this camera really shines.

Any camera is a compromise. You can get a more capable setup by using a SLR and a bag full of lenses. But I just don't want to bother or to pay the cost of quality lenses of this focal length.(or carry the extra weight). I'm very happy with this camera. It's a great wildlife photo tool that can also cover a huge range of shooting conditions. It is capable of taking very good pictures and is the kind of camera that gets taken along more often than a larger and heavier SLR, compared to which, it's a great bargain. I'm happy with my choice and look forward to a lot of time with my new Fuji.

In Provia, it has definitely an amazing color fidelity.
It copes very well with counter lighting (good dynamics).
Sharp pictures.
A bit heavy but seems pretty solid.
The 14x zoom is definitely a must have.

This camera simply combines the professional features in an amature price level. This is not an entry level camera, for me I consider it a high end amature camera.

It is just so lovely :)

I am very pleased with this camera. It is easy to use and takes stunning photographs. It does so many thing, it is simply, amazing.

I have this camera approx 4 months and I really love shooting it. It is well built and has to be by far the best advanced non DSLR camera out right now. I really love all of the functions it has and the way it feels. I have several other advanced point and shoots and SLR's and I really like the way you have availability to most of the functions right from the back of the camera instead of having to go into the main menu. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who is looking for the versatility of a DSLR in a point and shoot without all of the hassle.
Joe D

I'm so glad I picked this camera. I did my homework (researching for a week)and it paid off. It is everything I was looking for and much more.
The quality of the pictures is amazing. The video function is great and the multiple shutter option is superb.
The flash is very good in indoor conditions. The RAW format allows you to manipulate pictures in a total new way without damaging the original image.
This is the best non DSLR camera in the market at this moment.
GREAT!

I have had the Fuji S100fs camera for almost a month now, and have quite a bit to say about it's performance. First, I am very impressed with the image quality in general and the low noise images produced by this camera. Pictures up to 400 ISO are almost noise free, while 800's show very little noise and still show great detail. 1600's are not too bad either, but you probably would not want to print too big, as there is some noise there - however, compared to pretty much every other point and shoot out there, noise levels are quite satisfactory. I was able to get some great shots at my daughters' dance recital last week. Using 800 ISO for the slower ballet & pointe, and 1600 for the faster action, like clogging & hip-hop, I captured some very nice images with little or no motion blur. A few were out of focus: I noticed that when tracking moving objects the focus had a little trouble locking on some of the time. Overall, pretty pleased though.
Next, the Dynamic Range expansion feature on this camera really works. Some shots that would have been too contrasty at standard DR turned out extremely nice - almost never have a blown highlight and shadowy areas are lit enough to show detail that would be lost otherwise. Great feature!
Another feature of the S100fs is the film simulation mode. I do like the "Velvia" setting, but it cannot be used at the same time as DR expansion mode (the camera switches DR off when Velvia is selected). There is a way around this, however, by setting color to "high" and tone to "hard" in the main menu (this is what Velvia setting does to the camera anyway). By doing this, you get more vivid color and tone and still be able to shoot with expanded DR. Very glad I experimented with the available settings to discover this.
This camera has a lot of adjustment buttons and many choices in the menus. The menus are easy to use and the many features accessed there are pretty useful. Many DSLR-like controls here allow quite a bit of experimentation and adjustment, making this camera work better for the more experienced photographer, and allowing trial and error for the less experienced to get better at what they are able to capture. If you want to let the camera do most of the work, it will, and do it pretty well. I still recommend using the camera at least on P mode for best results.
Now for the bad news: Purple fringing and other chromatic abberation is there. To be honest, out of 950+ shots, I have only had a REAL problem with about 7 or 8, but it is there on very high contrast shots, especially at wide angle & a little less at full telephoto). Most of what I shoot will never really show this flaw, but once in a while, it will be there. ALWAYS use DR400% on shots like that and, in some cases, it may help lessen visible CA.
Now for the pros / cons list:
Pros: Image quality overall is very impressive - not quite DSLR quality, but most shots are very close, rivaling those of the cheaper DSLR's.
Visible noise is much lower than pretty much any point-and-shoot made today: larger image sensor, and the fact that a Fuji Super CCD is used, are predominantly the reasons here. Again, not quite as clean as a DSLR can produce, but not that far off.
Very convenient: 28mm wide angle & 14.3x zoom lens on the camera, no dust issues, no lens changing & packing around. There are some of us that just do not want those things no matter how good the photo is (I'm not doing this for a living, just want decent everyday shots and still be able to produce pretty professional looking photos once in a while - this camera allows me to do that).
There are other pros, but I've covered the main ones. Here are the con's:
Purple fringing is definately this camera's weak spot. Fuji could have done better in this department. The S100fs would be invincible (as a point & shoot anyway) if not for this. Like I said before, most of what I do is not affected by this, but it would be nice not to see it crop up EVER. If you do alot of outside picture taking (especially shooting through trees or at buildings in front of a bright sky or other bright & contrasty pictures) you might not be happy with the results unless you are good with PF removal software and have the time to use it.
Manual focus is pretty worthless on the S100fs. It is electronic rather than a true mechanical focus mechanism. It is unresponsive, as it does not really matter whether you turn the ring quickly or slowly - it just adjusts in slow increments either way. Since you can't quickly focus in & out, it's hard to tell if you're right on or just close (and close is not good enough). Not very useful. Fortunately, the auto focus works well nearly all of the time. Low light/contrast and moving subjects do pose some problem, but most point and shoot cameras suffer a little in this area.
Software included with the camera, particularly the RAW processing software, is not that great. DPreview said it was slow: I don't find it to be that bad speed wise, it just does not allow me to adjust the things I really want to, like noise reduction (software just applies the same NR that the camera does to jpeg's). White balance, color, etc. can be changed with many other programs, so I do not find the software very useful. S7raw for RAW conversion and Neat Image for NR application does a much better job, it just takes extra steps that I wish I didn't need to take.
Overall, I have to say that Fuji has built a fine camera in most respects. I am really enjoying all of the many features available, and, more importantly, the great images I am able to capture with this very capable and convenient camera. If not for the PF/CA issues, I would give 5 stars, but due to that, I cannot do so. I think most people wanting good performance (better than that available from the tons of point and shoot cameras out there) without the hassles, drawbacks and expense of a DSLR, would love this camera. I have read many personal opinions of actual users of the S100fs, and I agree with the majority of positive comments offered about it. It really does a lot of things very well, and I do not regret buying it at all. For what I want in a camera, it suits me very well.

I found this gem by accident. I was researching the Nikon "superzoom" lens and related DSLR cameras [...]. The review and associated sample photos were compelling, and I purchased the camera from Amazon. I have found the camera user friendly, cost effective, and takes really good photos. [...]. My comments are only from a user perspective.

I started 35mm film photography in junior high - a long, long time ago, and have used several Leicas and several Nikon "F" series film cameras, and for the past few years, compact digital cameras (my favorite being the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX series for its native 16:9 image ratio). I wanted to minimize hauling around six to eight primary lenses and the attendant lens changing as much as possible. This camera serves my purposes for most of the photos that I take, and I suspect those of most people.

The f/2.8-5.6 27-400 mm lens (35mm equivalent) is very good - for a "superzoom" really good, and fits comfortably on the camera body. I had found that the Nikon 18-200 mm (27-300mm 35mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 seemed too big for the Nikon 40/40x/60 series cameras, which in turn, seemed too small for my hands. The design of all lens, and especially "superzooms", are compromises, and this one is no exception. The dpreview gave the F100FS a Recommended rating, and apparently it missed the Highly Recommended rating primarily due to noticeable color fringing under test conditions. For the size of photos I take, even up through 8 x 10, to date color fringing has been of no concern. Where I enlarged some images on my Mac and specifically looked for it, it was easily removable in PhotoShop (unfortunately Abobe's PhotoShop Elements does not seem to contain the necessary module). Optical image stabilization works well.

From my photos to date, image resolution has been very good to excellent - certainly through ISO 800 and through ISO 1600 unless one is super critical. I shot at ISO 3200 at a graduation ceremony under very poor lighting conditions, and was far from the stage. The resulting photos were quite acceptable - not great but considerably better than any one else in the group obtained that night. Image color under good lighting is accurate and can be "tweaked" through menu entries, as desired. Using automatic white balance, color under poor lighting is variable. At the graduation noted earlier, some images had very good color and some needed a little work in PhotoShop.

Function buttons on the camera body are similar to those on a DSLR camera, are minimal in number, and reflect functions that are actually useful in taking the photos without having to enter the menus, and the menus themselves are quite well laid out. Three buttons especially are appreciated: the ability to change the ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation by single purpose buttons, and a toggle button to change manually between the view finder and the LCD. The light metering methods can be selected from a dial on the back of the camera. The tiltable LCD is quite usable. Other incorporated "must haves" are listed in the Amazon S100FS product description.

Since I don't use the Fuji software, I cannot comment.

This "cross over" camera should be judged against other "superzooms", both compact and entry level DSLRs with comparable lenses. Given that the Nikon 18-200 mm (27-300mm 35mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 alone is about the same cost as the Fuji S100FS camera, the S100FS should be considered by anyone interested in a very good camera with a superzoom lens that is easy to use and takes really good pictures under a wide variety of conditions. Yes, it can be used on "automatic", but the camera has more capabilities than just "automatic". The manual is pretty good, and the more advanced capabilities can be learned "bit by bit", as needed.

Added 19 June 2008. Like a "compact" digital camera, the S100FS LCD is available full time. DSLR cameras with their mirrors are not available "full time" as a framing tool. The tilting LCD make it even more useful to visualize the image from various angles. While I prefer to use the eyepiece to frame most images (using the eyepiece usually provides a sturdier hand hold), the always active LCD is really useful under some conditions.

Henry, Florida

The battery and charger, manual, lense protector, and shade are all part of this camera kit. I called to find out if I needed to buy a battery, and the customer service rep. did not know. As the battery is a $40plus item and not always included, I think it is important to make note of this.

Yes, a DSLR gives you more flexibility and perfect pictures even in less than ideal conditions. But if you don't want to haul all those interchangeable lenses around all the time, or you just don't need all the bells and whistles, this is a great replacement. Don't get me wrong - this machine has settings gallore you can fiddle with. But you don't have to. I've done semi-pro shooting for some time in the past, but now with a growing family, seldomly find time to do any serious shoting anymore. What I need is a camera with outstanding picture quality and a big lens to carry to family functions, take pictures of the kids and occasionally shoot a bird, or a flower, or a pretty landscape. This camera does the trick. And don't give too much attention to all those rumors about "purple fringing" - the picture quality is outstanding, and if you really must shoot at very low level light conditions, change back to the DSLR.
So, to sum it up - great picture quality, settings gallore, big lens. Great camera.

This is a great camera for a non DSLR. The features are extensive and the camera can be used either by a novice or advanced amateur with little difference in the final outcome. The zoom is very good and easy to use and you don't have to cart separate lenses, etc. The view finder and display are both available which beats most DSLRs which is a plus for those who like versatility. It can be held above heads and still get a preview of the picture with the tilt screen. As with most cameras with a 400mm zoom, it is relatively heavy, but the results are worth the weight.

Purchased this camera a few days ago (from 6th Ave, through Amazon - VERY fast shipping!) as a replacement for my DSLR. The DSLR (Canon XTi) makes better pictures for sure, but the convenience, the tiltable LCD, the wide range (28-400) of the lens, the ability to make movies, and the large CCD are good reasons (for me) to drop the DSLR for this one. (why in this digital age do we still need SLR like setups????)
I originally purchased my Canon as a replacement for my Sony F828 (unfortunately, Sony does not make any camera anymore that have the great design of the F828!), and I found myself struggling going backwards in time - missing the convenience of the F828 (tilting the body/lens) badly.
After doing a lot of research I ended up with the S100FS.
I can highly recommend this camera if you're (like me) in need of a good camera, but you just do not want to deal with the limitations of a DSLR.

The previous reviewers have said most of what I want to say. Have had the camera for just a little over a fortnight. Still have to see the purple fringing problem (probably since I take a lot of interior and low-available-light shots). The flash is stronger than I was led to believe by some digital camera review sites. The ability to use SD cards is a great relief since it's suddenly become difficult to find high speed Xd cards where i live. A zippy, do-it-all wonder: everyone I've shown it to (even the DSLR owners) can't help firing off a few shots-- an unexpected psychic reward.

I oerdered the camera sunday evening (7-27-08) on this site. And I received it today (7-30-08) and only $7.35 for shipping (3-5 days) I got it before that! I absolutely Love this camera. It is bigger than the Fuji s9100 I had. I love every feature about it. It takes awesome pictures.I can't wait to use it more. I already ordered another battery for it and I plan on getting an ATP 16 gb sdhc card for it. I also am wanting to get a sunpak auto 383 super external flash!!! And of course lens filters for this whopping 67 mm lens. And I am very happy with Amazon.com for shipping it out fast and in great condition. Thank you Amazon!!

I have owned many DSLR's, icluding a Canon 1D. This non-DSLR is a better alternative, both in cost and ease of use. Unless you're shooting for a magazine, this camera's performance is more than enough. No more changes lenses, a 14.3x zoom, 11 megapixels (the 7 pics per second at 3 megapixels produces great pictures,) what more does the advanced amateur need? Save your money and buy one like this.