Would appreciate thoughts on the Fuji Finepix HS20 EXR?

waterproof camera kayaking reviews image

FatherRyan

Am a Kayaker and need a camera capable of taking High quality pics while kayaking in the lakes of South Island New Zealand. I realise that it is not an SLR, however it is smaller, less bulky and far more practical to carry in the Day hatch of a kayak for on water use, also the one lens suits all is attractive. Anybody with experience with this camera, or its HS10 predecessor I would appreciate your thoughts

Answer
You're not going to get real high quality images with this camera. That's because it has a very small image sensor (1/2"). This link shows you image sensor sizes...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside_-_updated.svg

The larger the sensor, the better. You can see that the HS20 has a minutely smaller sensor than the smallest one shown. So, it will perform best using a low ISO, which is just fine for outdoor, daylight use. Mid to high ISO images are fairly poor, showing high amounts of noise. It IS capable of shooting in RAW, however with such as small sensor, I doubt they'd be high quality.

I don't know about you, but I would be a little nervous taking a camera out on a kayak if it wasn't waterproof or protected by a waterproof housing. So, have you thought about a waterproof camera? You might not get ultra high quality images, but at least you'd have some peace of mind. Look at the Panasonic TS3 or Sony TS10...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q311waterproofcompactgrouptest/page12.asp

If you're still determined to get the HS20 EXR...just don't get it wet. I don't see a real problem with AA batteries...you can buy non rechargeable lithium e.g. Energizer Ultimate for long battery life.

Waterproof camera: Pentax Optio W80?

*Mandey*

I want to buy a waterproof camera that can still take good quality pictures and my father suggested the Pentax Optio W80. I go kayaking so I like how it is waterproof, I broke my last camera by dropping it, so I like the shockproof. So pretty much, I like everything about it. But I was reading some reviews about it and I guess some people don't like the picture quality. What do you guys think? Is there something better I should check out? Thanks in advance! xoxo

Answer
I own a Pentax Optio S5z. Now discontinued. I think the Optio line is an excellant choice! The point is that, I bought it for it's smallness (fits in my shirt pocket). BUT I demand quality for my money. There are others on this forum that can look up and give you the technical of why you should or shouldn't buy. Mine is a bit more simple. You buy the camera, keep all packing, instruction book, & receipt. Then in the first days shoot some pictures outside, run to a on premises photo lab, Fred Meyer, Costco, etc. Have an 11x14 (cost about $4.00) made, NOT a 4x6! If your 11x14 is sharp and has good color keep the camera! Other wise return it. Also continue to keep everything the camera came with, box, etc. until the warranty is over. Retaining everything also makes returns easier!
Now some fatherly advise-PLEASE buy two straps for your new camera! The first one is a neck strap and use it. So many young people think it is fashionable to carry a camera in their hands with the strap dangling in the wind. This is how cameras get dropped.
The second advice is to find a chest strap for your kayaking experiences.

For best camera prices:
www.bhphotovideo.com 1-800-854-5575

www.adorama.com 1-800-223-2500

https://www.amazon.com/

A good place for that chest strap if you can't find at the above sites.
Porters: www.porters.com 1-800-553-2001

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Title Post: Would appreciate thoughts on the Fuji Finepix HS20 EXR?
Rating: 100% based on 99998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown

Thanks For Coming To My Blog