Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR Digital Camera - (16MP, 30x Optical Zoom) 3-inch LCD

HS20EXR with brilliant tilt screen

Record-breaking, innovative, versatile; the new Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR is all this and so much more. Replacing the multiple award-winning FinePix HS10; this latest addition to Fujifilm's range of bridge cameras, represents the perfect picture taking solution, for photographers who want the specification and picture quality of an SLR, without the heavy camera bag and huge dent in their bank balance. With a class-leading feature set that includes a brand new EXR-CMOS sensor, high speed continuous shooting capability, improved user interface, versatile video functions, 16 megapixel resolution and a 30x zoom lens with advanced anti-blur technologies, the HS20EXR sets new standards in bridge camera functionality and performance.

HS20EXR captures incredible imagery

Fast, brilliant, results in all lighting conditions.

Sitting at the heart of the FinePix HS20EXR is an all-new sensor that marries EXR and CMOS technologies to deliver truly outstanding results, regardless of the lighting conditions.

The secret lies in the combination of Back Side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS and Fujifilm’s unique EXR sensor technology. The design of conventional CMOS sensors is such that the light has to pass through a layer of wiring before hitting the photo diodes. But the BSI-CMOS configuration places this wiring layer behind the photo diodes improving light sensitivity and dramatically boosting results, particularly in low light. Couple this to the triple-layer EXR array, the performance of which can be split according to the lighting conditions, and you’ll see why the FinePix HS20EXR sets new standards in sensor technology.

As with other FinePix models featuring EXR sensors, three shooting options are available. In the High Resolution mode, users can take advantage of the huge 16 megapixel resolution (the world’s largest for a sensor of this type) for truly breathtaking levels of detail and sharpness. The Dynamic Range function uses dual capture technology to provide a maximum range of 1600%, for stunning results on high contrast scenes. While the Signal to Noise mode increases pixel size using Pixel Fusion to produce outstanding images in low lighting conditions.

With this unique sensor combination, capturing great pictures has never been easier.

High Speed shooting with the HS20EXR

EXR engine drives key picture-taking benefits

EXR technology isn’t purely limited to the FinePix HS20EXR's sensor, the camera also features a newly developed triple core EXR processing engine, which speeds up processing time & boosts performance and picture quality on both still and moving images.

Photographers who like to point and shoot will benefit from the expanded scene recognition function. In addition to nine subject-based scene scenarios, the HS20EXR also employs object recognition to identify whether the scene includes a conventionally-lit portrait, a backlit portrait or no portrait at all. This delivers a total of 27 different scene scenarios for which the camera then optimises exposure and white balance before adding a relevant tag to make the images easier to find later.

The EXR processing engine also has the capability to spot and reduce purple colour fringing, most common on dark subjects against a light background, and improve the resolution at the corners of an image for more uniform image sharpness.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of the EXR engine, however, is the new Rich User Interface, which employs Flash and Vector fonts and graphics to dramatically improve the appearance of the FinePix HS20EXR’s menus. Users can wave goodbye to pixellated graphics and enjoy smooth text and icons on the camera’s menus, now presented on a three inch LCD screen which doubles the pixel count over its predecessor to 460,000. Plus, because the Vector fonts and graphics are scaleable, you’ll get the same high quality on an HDTV when the camera is connected via its HDMI socket.

For users who struggle to find images on increasingly-large capacity memory cards, the FinePix HS20EXR's improved image searching capabilities will come in very handy. Now, searching through thousands of images can take seconds, not minutes. Once you’ve found the shots, it’s easy to put them in to a photobook using the Photobook Assist function where the HS20EXR creates the book, tags the images and then lets you ‘turn’ the pages to simulate the final book – all on the rear LCD or your HDTV.

Super Fast Shooting.

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High speed, high quality

Thanks to the FinePix HS20EXR's heady mix of sensor and processing technologies, brilliant action shots are possible no matter how fast the subject is moving. Whether you’ve got the HS20EXR trained on sport, wildlife or just the kids running around, continuous full resolution shooting at 8 frames per second will make sure they’re stopped in their tracks. And if that’s not fast enough for your needs, how does 11 frames per second at eight megapixel resolution sound?

There’s also no need to worry about slow auto focusing making you miss your shot; the HS20EXR’s contrast AF system takes no longer than 0.16 seconds to focus. So, it’s more likely to be human reactions that fail before the camera, but the HS20EXR even has that eventually covered as well with the Best Frame Capture mode. Here, the camera starts recording images from the moment you half-press the shutter release to focus. When you do take a picture, the HS20EXR also captures seven frames before or after you’ve taken the shot to make sure you get one perfect image. Friends and family will think you’ve turned into a professional sports photographer overnight.

A lens for every application

With a 30x zoom range covering focal lengths from 24-720mm (35mm equivalent), the FinePix HS20EXR really is ready for anything. Boasting high quality Fujinon optics, the mechanical zoom lens is now even easier to operate thanks to a reduction in the size of the integral flashgun. Zooming through the range can be done quickly and precisely to ensure perfect framing for every shot.

Using the longer focal lengths can cause camera shake, but the FinePix HS20EXR has the bases covered, fighting this 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, "Advanced anti blur" mode in EXR Auto (need for the users to select EXR Auto) where a sequence of four images are taken and then combined to provide one, to produce shake-free results.

Make broadcast quality movies

The FinePix HS20EXR isn't just a camera for shooting stills; it also offers an impressive level of video functionality. By employing the same Pixel Fusion technology as it does for still images, the FinePix HS20EXR delivers high sensitivity with low noise for movie capture in low lighting conditions without the need to resort to additional lighting. Now you can capture the mood of sunsets, interiors and parties and even night safari scenes in both still and movie form. This camera can capture 1920 x 1080p footage at 30 frames per second. Versatility is further increased thanks to the High Speed Movie options, which include 320 x 112 pixel capture at an incredible 320 frames per second or 640 x 480 pixel capture at an impressive 80 frames per second. With features like this, even the fastest moving subjects can be captured and watched in super-slow motion.

Lastly, this camera can save the footage using the H.264 (MOV) Full HD format with stereo sound. The mainstay of broadcasting and Blu-Ray technologies, the H.264 (MOV) format produces file sizes that are smaller and easier to handle than AVI format, plus they’re compatible with many applications and websites, making it simple for you to share video content via sites such as YouTube.

And the improvements don't stop there…

Further enhancements have been made over the HS10 to enhance the user experience and make the FinePix HS20EXR the perfect all in one camera. These include an improved Motion Panorama mode for simple, high quality 360° image capture, compatibility with the RR-80 remote release, film simulation modes and the provision to accept high capacity SDXC cards. Flash users will be pleased to hear that the HS20EXR also offers TTL flash metering and will be supported by two new compatible flashguns; the bounce head EF-20 and EF-42, which also offers auto zoom function.