Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR Digital Camera Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR was announced in January 2012 and is a compact camera which can share pictures to a smartphone/tablet device via Wi-Fi. It is available in pink, white and jade (green) for £184.00.

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR Features

The Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 has a 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor which is designed to adapt intelligently to lighting conditions. It has a 5x optical zoom lens, a 35mm equivalent of 28-140mm, which can also be extended using 10x intelligent digital zoom.

The Z1000 EXR can be connected to a Android smartphone/tablet or iPhone/iPad with the free Fujifilm Photo Receiver app. Images can then be shared to your favourite social networking site. Another headlining feature is the High speed Auto Focus (AF) which Fujifilm say can be as quick as 0.19 seconds.

To make picture taking as easy as possible there is EXR-Auto mode with motion detection which automatically adjusts the camera settings, recognising from 58 scene types. It can also switch to the ideal sensor mode, HR High Resolution for well-lit conditions, SN High Sensitivity / Low Noise mode for low light and DR Dynamic Range mode for high-contrast scenes.

Advanced Pro Low-light mode is for shooting non-moving objects in low light, taking a series of four images and combining them together to reduce noise. The flash is called super intelligent to ensure  pictures taken with the flash aren't washed out.

The range of modes available include Natural Light with Flash, Self Portrait mode, Face Recognition, Face Retouch, Motion Panorama, Dog / Cat detection, Couple Timer and High Speed Shooting up to 12 fps.

There are a number of film simulation modes including Provia / Standard, Velvia / Vivid, Black & White and Sepia. Images can be edited in-camera with Face Retouch which enlarges eyes and brightens or softens skin tones. You can also rotate, crop resize and remove red-eye. Images can also be tagged to be shared on Facebook the next time you connect your camera to a computer.

The Z1000 EXR records videos at full 1080p HD at 30fps, with optical zoom and stereo sound available. You can take pictures during video recording as well as use the film simulation modes. High-speed movie mode captures the action at 320 fps (320 x 112 pixels).

Key Features

• 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor
• 5x optical zoom lens (35mm equiv: 28-140mm)
• CMOS shift type image stabilisation
• 3.5 inch LCD touch screen
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Full 1080p HD video recording
• ISO 100 - 6400
• 9cm minimum focusing distance
• High speed auto focus
• 12 fps continuous shooting
• Advanced Pro Low-light mode
• Motion Panorama Mode 360
• Available in pink, white and jade

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR Handling

The Z1000 EXR has a slim, metal body, with a moving front plate which is used to switch the camera off and on, while protecting the lens when not in use. There isn't much to aid grip other than a thin metal strip on the front of the camera. Also on the front of the camera is a mirror, making it easy to take well composed self-portraits.

The rear of the camera is dominated by the 3.5 inch LCD touch screen. There are very few buttons on the camera (video, playback, shutter release and zoom rocker are found on the top), with the rest of the camera settings adjusted via the touch screen. Thankfully it is very responsive and easy to use, although not easy to see in bright sunlight, with the menu system well laid out. The shutter can be released by pressing the screen, in Touch EXR Auto mode. When rotating the camera between landscape and portrait orientations, the layout also switches.

The Wi-Fi is easy to use, we tested it on an iPad, you need to download the app from iTunes and follow the instructions. The images are transfered one at a time, when you've finished receiving they are then saved to the Camera Roll. You can the edit your pictures and/or share them on your favourite social networking site. (Above) Screenshot of the Z1000 EXR sending a picture to the iPad. (Right) Screenshot of the iPad receiving pictures from the Z1000 EXR.

The battery has a CIPA rating of 220 shots, we managed over 300 during testing. We tested the camera's performance at focusing, shutter response, shot-to-shot time, continuous shooting etc. and have posted the results below. To test this we took 6 or more shots and calculated the average.

Shutter Response		0.05 seconds
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response		0.25 seconds
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response		0.35 seconds
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo		2.2 seconds
Shot to Shot (without flash)		2.2 seconds
Shot to Shot with Flash		5.3 seconds
Continuous shooting		3 fps
Continuous shooting H		6 fps
Continuous shooting SH		12 fps

All three continuous shooting modes have different maximum number of images, the more images (3/6/12), the lower the resolution (between 2 and 8 megapixels).

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR Performance

Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review and product ratings.

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR Sample Photos

Portrait | 1/40 sec | f/4.8 | 13.1 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Landscape | 1/240 sec | f/6.2 | 5.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Low Light | 1/4 sec | f/4.9 | 22.5 mm | ISO 1600 High-Res	Pet | 1/600 sec | f/4.9 | 25.0 mm | ISO 400 High-Res

Sample Photos - Images are generally well exposed with excellent colour reproduction. Portrait shots have pleasant skin tones, with no red-eye when using the flash. The low light picture was taken using the SN EXR mode (high ISO & low noise).

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR Lens test images

Wide Angle | 1/300 sec | f/6.2 | 5.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Full Optical Zoom | 1/350 sec | f/8.0 | 25.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Digital Zoom | 1/340 sec | f/8.0 | 25.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Macro | 1/12 sec | f/4.7 | 11.8 mm | ISO 100 High-Res

Lens Performance - Image detail is good whether shooting wide or with the full optical zoom, although a little softer in the corners. When using the zoom there is vignetting, but the Z1000 EXR does well at keeping purple fringing and chromatic aberration to a minimum. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 9cm, this doesn't allow you to get particularly close, but a decent macro shot is still possible. 

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR ISO test images

ISO100 | 1/12 sec | f/4.7 | 11.8 mm High-Res	ISO200 | 1/18 sec | f/4.7 | 11.8 mm High-Res	ISO400 | 1/38 sec | f/4.7 | 11.8 mm High-Res	ISO800 | 1/75 sec | f/4.7 | 11.8 mm High-Res
ISO1600 | 1/150 sec | f/4.7 | 11.8 mm High-Res	ISO3200 | 1/300 sec | f/4.7 | 11.8 mm High-Res	ISO6400 | 1/300 sec | f/8.0 | 11.8 mm High-Res

ISO Noise Performance - Images are free from noise at ISO 100, with a little appearing at ISO 200. There is enough noise at ISO 400 to cause a slight loss in detail but images remain sharp. Again, images are still sharp at ISO 800, but there are black and white dots appearing. Noise worsens at ISO 1600 to a point where images are softer, with a very soft image with a significant loss of detail at ISO 3200. File size is restricted to 8 megapixels at ISO 6400, with noise massively reducing quality. 

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR White-balance test images

AWB preset - incandescent lighting | 1/13 sec | f/4.4 | 7.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Incandescent Preset - incandescent lighting | 1/12 sec | f/4.4 | 7.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	AWB preset - fluorescent lighting | 1/4 sec | f/4.4 | 7.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Fluorescent preset 1 - fluorescent lighting | 1/4 sec | f/4.4 | 7.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Fluorescent preset 2 - fluorescent lighting | 1/4 sec | f/4.4 | 7.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Fluorescent preset 3 - fluorescent lighting | 1/4 sec | f/4.4 | 7.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res

White Balance Performance - The Z1000 EXR struggled under our incandescent lights, with a magenta/orange cast when using the AWB (Auto White Balance) setting, with the incandescent preset giving a green cast. The AWB does really well under the fluorescent lights, producing a good image, with the three fluorescent settings giving a cast in the image.


Panorama | 1/640 sec | f/7.1 | 5.6 mm | ISO 200

Panorama mode - Panoramas are taken using a sweep method, with impressive results. If you look really closely you can see some ghosting, but it's only very minor.

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR Other sample images

Landscape With Building | 1/1100 sec | f/7.1 | 6.2 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Trees | 1/45 sec | f/4.1 | 5.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Text | 1/60 sec | f/3.9 | 5.0 mm | ISO 250 High-Res	Self Portrait | 1/38 sec | f/3.9 | 5.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res

 

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR Digital filters

Film Simulation Provia Standard | 1/4 sec | f/4.9 | 14.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Film Simulation Velvia Vivid | 1/4 sec | f/4.9 | 14.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Film Simulation Black And White | 1/4 sec | f/4.9 | 14.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Film Simulation Sepia | 1/4 sec | f/4.9 | 14.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res

Digital Filters - Above are example images taken using the film simulation modes available.

Video - Below is a video shot at full 1080p HD. Optical zoom is available during recording, an example of which can be seen on the ePHOTOzine Youtube Page, where you can also watch a video taken using the hi-speed video mode.

Value For Money

The Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR is currently available for £184.00. There are a number of cameras with 16 megapixel sensors and 5x optical zoom, with other features being more varied, such as the Canon PowerShot A1300 at £89.95, Nikon Coolpix S3300 at £94.95, Canon IXUS 125 HS at £179.00 and Canon IXUS 240 HS at £224.00. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX80 is also very similar, with a 12 megapixel sensor, priced at £194.95.

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR Verdict

The Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR will appeal to the younger generation thanks to its stylish body and responsive 3.5 inch touchscreen, which even rotates between portrait and landscape when rotating the camera. Another appealing feature is the ability to connect it to a smartphone via Wi-Fi, making it easy to share your pictures and videos via social networking sites.

There were a few niggles, such as the 9cm minimum focusing distance and the screen is tricky to see when the sun is shining on it. With decent image quality and good colour reproduction as well as a slim, stylish compact body, the Z1000 EXR is easy to recommend.

	The Fujifilm Finepix Z1000 EXR is a stylish compact camera, which performs well and will appeal to the younger generation.

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR Pros

Feature packed
Built-in Wi-Fi
Camera looks good
Responsive touch screen
Good image quality
Colour reproduction is good
Decent 360 panoramas

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000 EXR Cons

Mixed white balance results under our studio lighting
9cm minimum focusing distance
Screen not easy to see in bright sunlight
Vignetting when using zoom

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR Specifications

Manufacturer	Fujifilm
Lens
	Max Aperture	f/3.9 - f/4.9
	35mm equivalent	28mm - 140mm
	Optical Zoom	5x
Image Sensor
	CCD pixels	16Mp (Megapixels)
	Pixels (W)	4608
	Pixels (H)	3456
	Sensor Type	Exmor CMOS
	Sensor Size	1/2 inch
	Sensor Size (width)	6.4mm
	Sensor Size (height)	4.8mm
	Aspect Ratio	4:3 16:9
LCD Monitor
	LCD Monitor	3.5in
	Screen resolution	460,000 dots
	Touch Screen	Yes
Focusing
	Min Focus	9cm
	Focusing modes	Autofocus Multi Centre
Exposure Control
	Shutter speeds shortest	1/2000sec
	Shutter speeds longest	4sec
	Exp modes	Program Scene modes
	Metering	Spot TTL Multi Pattern
	ISO sensitivity	100 - 6400
	White balance	Auto Incandescent Fluorescent Shade
	Exposure Comp	+/-2
Shooting Options
	Continuous shooting	12fps
Video
	Movie mode	Yes
	Video Resolution	1920x1080 1280x720 720p 640x480 VGA
	Video FPS	30
	Stereo Sound	Yes
	Optical Zoom with Video	Yes
Other Features
	Image Stabilisation	Yes
Interface
	HDMI	Yes
	USB	USB 2
	Wi-Fi	Yes
Storage
	Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC
	File Type	JPG
Power Source
	Battery Type	NP-45A Li-ion battery
	CIPA Rating	220
Box Contents
	Box Contents	Li-ion battery NP-45A, Battery charger BC-45C, Plug adapter, USB cable , Hand strap , CD-ROM, Owner's manual
Dimensions
	Weight	157g
	Width	102.1mm
	Height	59.7mm
	Depth	18.3mm

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