Fuji cameras are beasts in an ordinary package. Often it's quite difficult for reviewers to understand these cameras in the short time they have to write a review.

F200EXR has two unique selling points: EXR SN which gives low noise, and EXR DR for extended dynamic range. It may sound strange but they both deliver. First the EXR SN. The biggest problem of today compact sensor at high ISO are the big blotches (5-10 pixels) of color noise in dark regions. Of course these are visible in real life low light scenarios not in studio with bright lights (although the difference is visible in the shade/darkest regions on your test comparison between HR and SN).

Second the EXR DR, quote from the review: "This is because the camera raises ISO to 200, 400, and 800 (not shown) respectively, when using these modes." This simply is not true for f200EXR. It's a perfect example of failing to understand the EXR technology. EXR neither needs or does raise the ISO in order to use the extended dynamic range(except 800%). I think the reviewer should read the manual first, the users also.

I am not trying to defend Fuji. I think they blew it big time with user interface and menus, but the sensor is pure magic. Unfortunately the coupon fails to accent on the unique capabilities of the sensor (once again I think that we have to blame Fuji for not trying to explain or make things easier). Nonetheless good coupon according to the standards, but not an useful one...

MuTaka - We did read the manual, but Fuji only devotes one paragraph to Dynamic Range, so it isn't at all clear how it works or what the dependencies are. If you check the EXIF data from the DR200 and DR400 shots (both Far Field and Outdoor Portrait) however, you'll see that both sets show DR200 used ISO 200, and DR400 used ISO 400. Coincidence? We think not. At full resolution, it needs to underexpose to preserve highlights and boost sensitivity selectively, just like every other camera. I think you're right that it doesn't need to raise ISO at 6mp though, but unfortunately, we didn't shoot a full set DR series at 6mp...

If you don't have the F200EXR on hand then a disclaimer at the bottom mentioning that the DR mode at 6MP wasn't tested would help...

Well I think now You see my point. I know that You don't have time to play with each camera, and definitely Fuji's neat tricks are not so straightforward. I think it will be fair to mention those things in the review...

Yes, this is definitely not a camera for the proverbial Soccer Mom. There are way too many options, they are poorly organized in the menu system and the manual leaves much to be desired. I think that came through in the review. We'll see about adding a DR series at 6mp to see if it's much better than 12mp DR downsized. Stay tuned!..

As a 12mp camera the F200EXR is indeed so-so.

My F60FD has better IQ at low ISO.

But, using EXR/DR mode it completes lay waste to any other small sensor camera I have ever used.

In DR mode it can record Dynamic Ranges far exceeding even many DSLR's (blows away my K100D Super and Oly e510 in DR).

Then the IQ is stunning.

The SN mode, IMHO, gives high ISO images, as you rightly point out, of some noise but superb sharpness and clarity.

The noise reduction is no longer the old 'water colour' effect but rather something more akin to tight and fine film-like grain.

I know you only had the camera for a short while but it is a shame that it was not tested in the mode where it shines most.

Because, using DR and SN modes make this the single most useable compact I have ever seen or used...

Thank you for being responsive and responsible by following up with DR 6MP testing.

Looking forward to your updated conclusion.

BTW...will you be testing the Panasonic ZR1 soon? It will be interesting to see how these two cameras compare. Thank you!..

Do you know what firmware the F200exr was running. Version 1.1 has been out for a few months and version 1.2 was just release yesterday...

From what Fuji says and what has been posted on the various forums.....the firmware updates available would not effect the overall evaluation in any meaningful way. Tweaks..no more than that. For one the menus, programs, permutations all need a major major redo and I strongly doubt that will happen...

I feel tha same way about the camera. Now and then it does produce really good pictures, but it needs a better lens, a simpler more predictable interface, a good battery and in my opinion a flat bottom and straight sides so that it sits steady on flat surfaces. My F30 as damaged and the repair cost steep but I have decided to have it repaired instead and will try to sell the EXR thing...