See All Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom)

Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR

*Est. $230

Reviewed

June 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Wide-angle to 15x zoom lens
Compact
Loaded with features
Full HD video

Cons

Mixed reviews for image quality
Flash always pops up when camera is powered on

Where to Buy

for $145.98

Our Analysis
Specs
83 Amazon Reviews

The Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR is smaller and lighter than most pocket ultra-zoom cameras (less than 8 ounces and just over an inch thick), even with a robust 15x zoom lens and rich feature set. However, several experts find its image quality disappointing. The F550EXR packs 16 megapixels onto a small, half-inch sensor, but several critics say this attempt at high resolution creates grainy photos in all but the brightest light. And even with full 1080p HD video capture available, the F550EXR's movies don't look as good as competitors' in one test. Experts say that's unfortunate, because they really like the F550EXR's feature set, which includes several automatic and manual shooting modes and a GPS-tagging feature.

The bottom line Despite its great feature set, the Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR isn't a great buying choice due to its sub-par image quality. The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS (*Est. $230) is a good alternative.

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Green)

from Amazon.com

New: $349.00 $249.00

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Fujinon 15x Super Wide Angle Zoom Lens and GPS Geo-Tagging Function

(83 reviews)
Buy new: $449.95 $145.98 13 Used & new from $110.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. PhotographyBlog.com

The Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR gets a Recommended tag here, but it doesn't rate as highly as some other ultra-zooms. Fujifilm has boosted the megapixels at the expense of image quality, Mark Goldstein says.

Review: Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR Review, Mark Goldstein, May 9, 2011

2. PC World

It packs more features than the competition, but "its image and video quality lags a bit behind," Theano Nikitas says of the Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR. It rates 3.5 stars out of 5.

Review: Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR, Theano Nikitas, Sept. 7, 2011

3. ConsumerReports.org

Editors here include the Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR in their test of 27 ultra-zoom cameras. Cameras are rated for image and video quality, ease of use, versatility and more, and then editors pick best buys.

Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

4. Which? magazine

This U.K. consumer magazine tests 285 digital cameras, including the Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR. Editors grade it on 13 measures of photo and video quality and usability. Best Buys get fairly detailed individual write-ups.

Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of Which? magazine

5. Choice magazine

Australia's Choice magazine -- similar to ConsumerReports.org in the U.S. -- tests 99 digital cameras, including the Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR, and picks best buys. Top picks get an overall score and a list of pros and cons.

Review: Compact Digital Cameras Review, Chris Ruggles, Sept. 29, 2011

6. Amazon.com

The Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR earns an average rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5) with over 70 owner reviews posted here. About half give it 4 or 5 stars, but it does draw complaints, including some about the image quality and disappointing GPS feature.

Review: Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 *Est. $305

5 picks including: Amazon.com, DPReview.com…

Nikon Coolpix P510 *Est. $350

4 picks including: Amazon.com, DPReview.com…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V *Est. $410

3 picks including: Amazon.com, DPReview.com…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 *Est. $255

2 picks including: Amazon.com, CNET…

Leica V-Lux 40 *Est. $700

2 picks including: Amazon.com, PhotographyBlog.com…

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS *Est. $300