The Fuji Finepix S100FS is an outstanding camera with unique features for its class such as expanded dynamic range and film simulation. It also features a mechanical zoom covering a 14.3X range from a 28mm wide-angle to a 400mm super-telephoto. This camera does nearly everything and does most things well. We have a few quibbles with it, listed under Cons to the right, nothing serious though.

 

In itself, the S100FS is an extraordinary camera which has excellent image quality, good ergonomics and good speed of operation. Looking at the competition, there is nothing which comes close. As such, the Fuji Finepix S100FS finds itself somewhat between the top ultra-zooms and the entry-level DSLRs. While image quality is closer to a DSLR than anything which is not a DSLR, even an entry-level DSLR like the Nikon D60 does better in terms of image quality and much better in terms of image noise. The only caveat is that the 14.3X optical zoom lens with stabilization has no equal in the DSLR world. There are lenses with similar ranges but they are not as sharp and not as fast. On the other hand, shorter zooms can be even better.

 

The choice comes down to speed and convenience. If speed is a top priority, go with a DSLR. The convenience of having a single sharp lens with live-preview, no dust issues and a movie-mode is undeniable though. Just as always, you must choose what is important to you.

 

Read the full S100FS review.