Fujifilm FinePix XP90 WP Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Fujifilm FinePix XP90 is the latest update to Fujifilm's waterproof line of compact cameras, and this one is waterproof down to 15 metres, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof. The camera features a 5x optical zoom lens, a 3inch screen, a 16 megapixel sensor and full HD video recording. Let's find out how it performs in our review.

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Features

The Fujifilm FinePix XP90 is this year's update to the XP80. Not much has changed from the XP80 to the XP90 model, although the camera now has a larger 3inch (920K dot) screen compared to the 2.7inch (460K dot) screen on the XP80, whilst still maintaining a compact size and weight. The design is also improved with a slightly more premium finish and colour detailing.

The camera features a 16 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-140mm in 35mm terms, and there is optical image stabilisation built-in, which moves the CMOS sensor to counter camera shake. Wi-Fi is built in and the camera is compatible with the Fujifilm Remote Shooting app. 

Like the XP80, the XP90 is waterproof to 15 metres, shockproof to 1.75 metres, freezeproof, and also dustproof. FullHD video is recorded at 60 or 30 fps and you can use optical zoom while recording. Audio recording is from the built-in mono microphone. If you want to shoot quickly, then the camera will also shoot at 10fps in continuous shooting mode. 

Key Features

• 16 megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor
• 5x optical zoom lens, 28mm-140mm equivalent
• Optical image stabilisation (sensor shift type)
• 3inch screen, 920k dots
• Waterproof (15m) / freezeproof (-10C)
• Shockproof (1.75m drop)
• 1080p video at 60/30fps 
• Digital filters, Timelapse
• ISO100-ISO3200 plus ISO6400 at reduced image size
• Wi-Fi built-in
• Up to 10fps continuous shooting
• Available in Yellow, Blue, Lime and Orange

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Handling

The Fujifilm FinePix XP90 has an updated, and more premium looking design, with a neater top and bottom surround for the camera. This makes it look better than the price would suggest, and the camera feels quite well built for a (mostly) plastic camera. There is a small rubber grip on the front of the camera, and the rear has a slight rubber feel. The shutter release button is a good size, and has a decent texture to it, to help find it. 

There is a metal wrist strap loop on the back, and there is a plastic tripod mount underneath the camera. The battery / memory compartment as has sockets for HDMI and MicroUSB charging. This compartment has a double locking system, so that it makes it difficult to accidentally open in, as well as providing a good seal to keep water out of the camera. 

You can switch the shooting mode by pressing the Menu button. This brings up the menu system, where you'll find all the usual options, as well as the option to change to a different shooting mode. The menus are clearly laid out and quite easy to read thanks to the larger 3inch screen. The screen isn't a "gapless" design, so visibility isn't always great, particularly in bright light or underwater. 

Wi-Fi features - The XP90 comes with built-in Wi-Fi, so that you can remotely control the camera, and transfer images to your smartphone or PC. The app on the smartphone works quickly making it easy to transfer images and there is a good level of control over the camera when remotely controlling it. You can add GPS / Geotag location information to photos from your smartphone as well. 

Battery life - Battery life is rated at 210 shots according to Fujifilm / CIPA test results, which is fairly low, but fairly average for a compact camera, although others are better offering more shots. We would recommend a spare battery if you plan on travelling away from a charging point, although the ability to charge using a MicroUSB cable is useful here.

Speed - The Fujifilm FinePix XP90 isn't the quickest camera available, but in good weather conditions, with good light, performance and speed was reasonable. In low light, underwater or when trying to take macro or close up photos, focus struggled and the camera did occasionally miss a few shots.

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Sample Photos

Sample Photos - Exposure is reliable, and colours are good, with the camera producing images that look good, particularly when taken in good light. Photos taken with flash are reasonable with no red-eye visible, although the flash isn't the strongest we've seen on a camera, and the portrait photo isn't particularly sharp.

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Lens test images

Camera Performance - The 5x optical zoom lens gives a good zoom range from wide-angle (28mm equivalent) to telephoto (140mm equivalent), however the level of detail captured is quite low, with images showing quite soft images. Flare can be an issue when a bright light source, such as the sun is in the frame. Purple fringing is fairly well controlled. Close-up macro focus is reasonably good, although the level of detail captured by the camera is a little disappointing. 

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance - ISO100 and ISO200 images are reasonable, however at ISO400 images look over processed when viewed at 100% - for most people this probably won't matter too much, particularly if you're sharing images to Facebook or another social media website. At ISO800 and above, noise becomes quite destructive and image quality is quite poor, with a drop in colour saturation as the ISO setting is increased. At ISO6400 images are taken at a reduced resolution. 

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well under tungsten lighting with a warm result produced, and a much more accurate result when using the Tungsten preset. Under fluorescent light, the AWB performs very well, and the fluorescent preset(s) give a strong colour cast to the images, and are best avoided.  

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Digital filters

Digital Filters - There are a number of digital filters and effects available in-camera. However, with Wi-Fi built-in to the camera, you're likely to find better filters, effects and editing possibilities on your smartphone or tablet. There's also a built in HDR shooting mode, that combines a number of shots to produce an image with extended dynamic range. Panoramic photos are 1088 pixels tall, which produces quite low-resolution images. 

Video - The camera records full HD video with stereo sound, and optical zoom is available. With a slow lens, particularly at the telephoto end of the lens, the camera will struggle a little in low light. Additional example videos can be found on the ePHOTOzine YouTube Channel.

Value For Money

The Fujifilm FinePix XP90 is available for £139, which isn't much more than the previous model, the XP80, making the XP90 good value for money for an entry level waterproof camera, and the camera has a number of features, including Wi-Fi. Alternatives include the Panasonic Lumix FT30 (around £105 with 4x optical zoom lens), and the Ricoh WG-30 Wi-Fi (around £169 with 5x optical zoom and Wi-Fi), as most other waterproof cameras are around £200.

Have a look at more waterproof compact cameras in our Top 10 Best Waterproof Cameras 2016. 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 XP90 Verdict

The Fujifilm FinePix XP90 offers a lot of camera for not a lot of money, and this version is an improvement over the XP80 in some ways, noticeably featuring an improved design and larger 3inch screen. However, it's where the XP90 hasn't been improved that is perhaps the Achilles heel of this camera, with the camera continuing to deliver poor image quality. It's not that the camera can't produce good colour or exposure, it's just that when you view photos on a computer, it's clear that they are soft with low levels of detail. Even when shooting in ideal conditions images are soft, so if you are only planning to use this camera to produce small prints or share straight to social media, then it will be fine, and the low price point and built-in Wi-Fi certainly makes it an appealing option. But for anyone interested in image quality, the XP90 is not going to suit.

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Pros

3inch screen
Built-in Wi-Fi
Improved design
USB charging
Waterproof to 15m
Decent Wi-Fi app
Competitively priced

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Cons

Soft images
Aperture of lens is not very bright
Disappointing noise performance
Short battery life

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 Specifications

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