Shooting RAW pictures with the S100fs
The Fujifilm FinePix S100fs allows for storing pictures in RAW. This is a great plus. However, just like other compact cameras, Fujifilm have placed the settings for RAW somewhere far away inside the menu. To take a RAW picture, you don't go to image quality, where you would expect to change the setting, because this only offers JPEG. You have to read the manual in order to see where RAW is. Imagine that a photographer would really want to work with RAW format! Furthermore, in RAW many functions are deactivated, for example bracketing. However, this is quite logical since this possibility is available afterwards through the included software.
Film simulation function hidden in the menu
Striking is the fact that the well-known F-button missing. I think this is one of the first Fujifilm cameras to lack this button. The F-button used to allow quick access to the main settings, among which the image quality. This now requires diving into the menu again. On the other hand, sensitivity has a dedicated button now. Film simulation is one of the main features in the menu of the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs. Rather remarkable and there is no doubt you will miss the F-button tremendously. You'd expect Fujifilm to put more emphasis on film simulation with the FinePix S100fs.
Focussing & Face recognition
Most convenient is the button for focussing on the side of the camera, with in the centre a button for a one-time auto focus. This could come in very handy when focussing manually. The button for frame speed is also placed on the side, in a spot that I can't seem to get used to.
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One button that you won't easily overlook is the button for face detection; it has got a prominent spot. And rightfully so, since this system of Fujifilm works excellently. It is precise and able to track moving people as well. Also multiple faces are being recognized flawlessly. This Fujifilm feature is more than a nice gimmick; you can really work superbly with face detection.
Zooming with the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs
The zoom ring is extremely pleasant. It works a lot more pleasant than standard zoom buttons that most compact cameras feature, whether or not out of necessity. It allows for zooming quite precisely. It is quite easy to judge the focus on the LCD monitor. And it's nice that it is able to tilt. Not only does it enable various angles, it also enables turning it to a different angle to see clearly on it when the sun is too bright. An alternative is the electronic viewfinder. It is of a reasonable quality but does not reach the level of the large LCD monitor on the back. And far from an optical viewfinder that I prefer in the end.
Speediness of the Fuji digital camera
The Fujifilm FinePix S100sf has a swift start-up time and works reasonable fast. Focussing is fine, however, it does not reach the performance of an average DSLR. Certainly not when there is a lack of light. If the camera goes into 'sleep mode', you will have to turn it off and then on again; it does not respond to the shutter release button. Highly annoying this is, and a typical Fujifilm disorder. Thankfully, Fujifilm have applied a separate button to view pictures, so pressing the shutter release button allows for taking the next picture.
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