Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR Preview

by Eamon Hickey
Posted: January 7, 2013

In Fujifilm's extensive lineup of bridge, or superzoom, cameras, the HS-series sits at the top of the heap, and the new FinePix HS50EXR takes the line to new heights. Chief among its headline features is a 42x zoom lens that covers a range from 24mm to 1000mm (in 35mm equivalent terms) with optical image stabilization and a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-f/5.6. The older HS30EXR had a 30x zoom and used sensor-shift image stabilization.

Although the FinePix HS50EXR's 16-megapixel CMOS sensor is the same resolution as previous HS-series models, it's a new device with built-in phase detection autofocus capability, giving the HS50EXR the fastest AF in its class, according to Fujifilm's tests. Also notable is the new LCD, which has increased from 460,000 to 920,000 dots of resolution, and can now both tilt and swivel for full articulation.

From the front, the Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR resembles its predecessors, the FinePix HS30EXR/HS33EXR, but the tilt/swivel LCD has forced Fujifilm to do a major redesign of the back of the camera, reducing the number of dedicated buttons. A new Q button promises to replace some of their functionality. The new camera retains the older model's 920,000-dot resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), manual zoom ring, hotshoe, ability to shoot in raw file format and macro focusing as close as .39 inch (1cm).

The Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR's new on-sensor phase-detection AF can focus in a very fast 50 milliseconds, its manufacturer says, and the camera will automatically switch between phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus as needed. The camera also incorporates focus peaking, a useful aid for manual focusing.

A faster processor, called EXR II, lets the Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR startup in .5 seconds and yields a .5-second shot-to-shot time, according to the company. The FinePix HS50EXR can also capture full-resolution images continuously at 11 frames-per-second (although for only 5 frames).

A modest bump in video capability is also on hand for the FinePix HS50EXR, which can record Full HD 1080p 60 frames-per-second clips with stereo sound. The phase-detection AF works while recording video, and slow-motion clips can be captured at up to 480 fps with reduced resolution. Equally notable, the camera sports an external microphone jack for more advanced audio recording.

Finally, like other recent Fujifilm models, the FinePix HS50EXR has a function called Advanced Filter, which is a set of digital special effects, including Pop Color for a contrast and saturation boost, Toy Camera for a vignetted 1970's look, Cross Screen for creating starbursts around bright objects, and several others.

The Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR begins shipping in March 2013 for a list price of US$549.95.

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