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Fujifilm Finepix HS30 – the HS20 with a few minor updates [Video]

Fujifilm Finepix HS30

Fujifilm has updated its FinePix HS bridge camera at CES 2012 with the unveiling of the Fujifilm Finepix HS30, which is powered by a lithium ion battery rather than regular AA batteries that we saw on the previous HS20 and HS10 models.

Fujifilm Finepix HS30 – hands-on video

What updates has Fujifilm made?

Fujifilm claims that the inclusion of the lithium ion battery will improve the number of shots the camera can take per battery charge, which Fujifilm now states as being around 600.

The other updates are incremental. The start up speed is said to be quicker and the time lag between shots is said to be shorter.

The Finepix HS30 has the same 16Mp sensor as the HS20. It also features the same impressive optics with a zoom range of 24-720mm. The zoom is controlled by a ring on the lens, rather like the zoom on a digital SLR. This provides more accurate focal length control.

Likewise, the manual focus is also controlled through a ring on the lens barrel, which along with full manual control of the exposure settings makes the HS30 a very hands on camera. There’s also a fully automatic mode and aperture and shutter speed priority modes.

What other features does the Fujifilm FinePix HS30 have?

Photos can be composed either through the electronic viewfinder or through the 3-inch LCD on the rear. The LCD is hinged so it can be tilted upwards and downwards, which can make shooting from high or low angles considerably easier.

As with the previous Fujifilm HS20, the CMOS sensor features Fujifilm’s EXR technology, which offers a few features to help shooting in more challenging light conditions – such as a dimly lit scene.

The Fujifilm Finepix HS30 is also able to capture full HD video with 1080p resolution, however when shooting video, the lack of an electronic zoom means zooming in and out can be a little jolty. This may be offset, however, by the fact that the zoom will be silent and won’t be picked up by the camera’s microphone.

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7 Comments

  1. P.Venter
    Posted 28/01/2012

    Cannot follow the web address mentioned in video clip??

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  2. Dada
    Posted 14/02/2012

    When is the camera coming out and how much around will it cost ?

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    • Posted 15/02/2012

      According to Amazon, the Fujifilm HS30 will cost £400. It’s on pre-order now, and will be available from 24 February.

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  3. Paul
    Posted 15/02/2012

    I don’t think i will upgrade to the HS 30 from the HS 20 it dose not have enough new features for my liking …

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  4. john
    Chalmers
    Posted 31/03/2012

    I bought an hs20 and was dissapointed to find that the hdmi facility claimed was only on playpack. I require a “live view hdmi” to connect to an video ssd recorder to meet broad cast standards. What a shame this brilliant camera lacks the addition that is making the lumix GH2 and Canon 5D mk11/111 the winners.

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  5. Dean
    Posted 03/04/2012

    Hi, I have bought the HS30 through QVC and have a few more days left of the 30 day returns ioption. Whilst I have been impressed with many of its features the view finder does not seem very clear or bright. I have looked at various links and reviews and many refer to the view finder being improved on this model? Have you had similar comments or does this sound like a fault on the one I have? Many thanks for any thoughts.

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