FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR (FinePix S205EXR)

Opinion: Pros:
Large super CCD has better image quality than newer models like HS10/20.
Lens has no soft corners and has OPTICAL Image Stabalization. It is also a manual twist barrel zoom for precise control.
Better than most dynamic range thanks to Super CCD EXR sensor arrangement.
Fuji Colors!
Good control layout.
Good Image qualtiy up to 1600ISO. 3200ISO usuable for small print.
Raw format available (RAF).
SDHC comaptible ( No stupid XD cards.)
1/4000 max shutter speed.
Noise reduction control.

Cons:
Average Focus speed.
Manual Focus system unusable in most situations.
Lackluster EVF and rear LCD.
Menu system complicated for beginning users.
Plastic (but durable) body construction.
No articulating sceren like S100FS (but bigger size LCD).
Somewhat old 640x480p Video mode. No HD.

If you want Good IQ with great control layout, and dont care for video, get this. It is a older model but still comparable to newer models from FUJi, panasonic, sony and canon. Until the new Fuji XS-1 is out, and they fix the white orb issue, this is still the best along side the S100fs.

Opinion: I've had a number of Fujifilm cameras over the years (A303, E550, S5100 to name a few) and they've always performed well, as long as you understood the limitations and compensated for them. 200 EXR is no different. I've had this model for a while now and here is my 2 cents.

First of all, there are some who b%@tch about the shrinking of the sensor size from 2/3 (S100FS) to 1/1.6 (200 EXR); if you do the math, the difference is about 7%, not a significant decrease versus comparing 1/1.6 sensor vs. 1/2.33 or 1/2.3 (found in most all megazoom P&S camera, including Nikon P500, Fujifilm HS10, Panasonic FZ35), which represents a whopping 40% decrease in sensor size. As for comparing the performance of Fuji's EXR CCD sensor against newer backlit CMOS sensors, so far as I can tell, they hold their own quite well, although the trend is moving rapidly toward newer CMOS sensors. Some also complain about how the sensor goes into 6mp under EXR setting is also misguided. 6mp is a byproduct of sensor design and the sheer # of sensor mp rating really has no bearing on final image quality as I've seen plenty of cheap, under $200 14 mp sensor models with very mediocre pictures. It is more of a problem when the manufacturers keep cramming more megapixels onto those dinky 1/2.33 sensors with no apparent improvement in image quality. I would trade less mp numbers for more light sensitive larger pixels.

I already have several P&S zooms that do well in normal lighting but fare poorly in low light settings. I wanted to get a zoom model (greater than 10x) that performed well in low light setting. If you already own newer generation DSLR with improved low light sensors, and expect the same type of performance, you will be disappointed as you are comparing apples to oranges. I also own D90, and compared to it, the low light performance, speed, burst and buffer capacity of this unit lags behind quite a bit. However, compared to other P&S cameras, the low light performance is quite good, especially without the flash. Steady hand also helps. This model does best in low light conditions than any other megazoom P&S cameras.

PRO:
1) EXR sensor really works well
2) sharp lens and manual zoom is way better than rocker switch; bigger size of the lens usually translates to better performance. Fuji's lens on this thing is much bigger than the zoom lens on other P&S cameras. It takes 67mm filters.
3) If you are used to handling DSLR and have large hands, it is very ergonomic.
4) I like the lithium battery versus AA's but some people consider this a con.
5) lighter than a DSLR
6) Some have complained about the color accuracy but I think the colors are quite good, reminds me of old Velvia film color formulation.

CON:
1) I feel like a bit of a poseur carrying it around as it does not have the performance cred of a DSLR but the size is about as large as my Nikon D90.
2) Not for fast action photograph but what P&S is? You want speed, get a DSLR.
3) 14.3X zoom not as far-reaching as the competition but this is due to limitation of the sensor size. To go greater than 20X, they have to go to smaller 1/2.3 sensors (although FUJIFILM's HX20 has 1/2 sensor, 15% bigger than 1/2.3 sensors).
4) No HD video; I think Fuji certainly could have included it but probably chose not to for marketing reasons.
5) No lens hood like previous S100FS

Mega-zoom P&S camera remain popular because they are so convenient and versatile. This Fuji model is little short on zoom but makes it up with better low light performance than most other P&S. In my book, that's a winning combination.

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Opinion: good very good

Opinion: I owe one for about two months now.

Some people is putting s200exr in the league of cameras for photographers stepping up from point & shoot to dslr. Let me tell you this, if you want to step up to a dslr don't bother yourself by making this step in between. This camera acts like a dslr and comes close to the quality of a dslr. There's no need to make a step in between and certainly not the step with the s200exr. If you have trouble handling this camera you also will handling a dslr.
Besides, if you got one you don't need a dslr anymore.

It's much better to buy any camera because it fullfills your photographic needs. Being an amateur-photographer myself (for over more than 40 years) that has experienced all kinds of photographic states you can possibly get in as an amateur, that has possessed all the combinations of equipment you can imagine, I know what I'm talking about.

I suggest that you buy the s200exr because you want to make quality images of all kinds of subjects and themes without carrying around a vast bundle of photographic equipment.

If you do you won't be disappointed. This is the perfect alternative and the best superzoom around today.
Do not moan about the camera dropping the resolution to 6 MP when you choose te improve the Dynamic Range dramatically. With 6 MP you can print up to two feet wide. Wich amateur photographer does print at all today?

So, I can recommend this camera without any hesitation even with the Fuji HS10 coming around. IMHO it's this:
The HS10 is a p&s camera (1/2.3" sensor) upgraded with superzoom features.
The s200exr (1/1.6" sensor) is a superzoom camera upgraded with dslr-features.

Opinion: It is a beautiful camera, with excellent Fuji optics. I particularly love the manual zoom lens. It does have very useful features, but its use isn't too friendly. It isn't bad, either. You have to learn to use it. Writing time is slow. The sensor is small for such a big camera. It is almost as big as a dSLR. Hence, images are comparatively inferior to those taken by a dSLR, BUT if you are not going to print them in a large size, you will never notice the difference. As a matter of fact, they look excellent on screen and in small to moderately large prints.

Opinion: Why all the talk about the sensors size and rating it "1" ?
Use the camera and just look and see how great the Image quality can be ! Also the new portrait "picture style" which blurrs the background is a great inprovement, compared to the relativily sharp ones on camera's with smaller sensors and works simply great.
Also check the HS10/11 who doesn't have this feature but does have a 30x zoom.

Opinion: A lot of camera for the money with very useful zoom
range and great pictures. Yes DR mode is 6 MP but
the dynamic range is superb, capturing excellent
shadow detail. In SN mode it produces effectively
noise-free images at up to 400 ISO. Colour
reproduction is superb, To get better noise control
you'd have to move up to a digital SLR with a larger
sensor. As a hobby photographer's camera the
S200EXR is simply the most logical choice.

Opinion: EXR is way over rated! To use the EXR features it drops to 6 Meg and does not use the full 12 Meg. It is basically a 6 Meg camera. It is up for sale.