Fujifilm S9800 Review

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S9800 Overview
Specifications
Prices

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Fujifilm FinePix S9800
Resolution:	16.20 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.3 inch (6.2mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	50.00x zoom (24-1,200mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	EVF / LCD
Native ISO:	100 - 12,800
Extended ISO:	100 - 12,800
Shutter:	1/1700 - 8 sec
Max Aperture:	2.9
Dimensions:	4.8 x 3.4 x 4.6 in. (123 x 87 x 116 mm)
Weight:	23.6 oz (670 g) includes batteries
Availability:	03/2015
Manufacturer:	Fujifilm
Full specs:	Fujifilm S9800 specifications

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Fuji S9800 (Black)

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16.20 Megapixels	50.00x zoom	1/2.3 inch size sensor

Fuji S9800 Review -- First Impressions

by William Brawley
Preview posted: 01/15/2015

As with last year's superzoom updates, Fujifilm released two models this year, one with and one without wireless connectivity. The new Fujifilm FinePix S9800 -- the replacement for the S9200 -- arrives as the sibling to the S9900W, but does not feature built-in wireless connectivity. Spec-wise, the S9800 is practically identical to the S9900W, retaining the same 50x Fujinon optical zoom lens and 5-Axis Optical Image Stabilization system (2-axis optical + 3-axis electronic).

As for other aspects, this new model is not leaps and bounds different from the previous one released last year, featuring a nearly-identical exterior design -- though the new model is now offered with a slightly tweaked, lightly-textured finish rather than smooth finish as on the previous model.

The S9800 includes full PASM modes, the same 16.2-megapixel, 1/2.3"-type CMOS backside-illuminated sensor with a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12,800 and the same variable aperture range of f/2.9 to f/6.5 across the zoom range. Carried over from last year's updates, Fujifilm has included a number of smaller features such as focus peaking, a histogram view in both shooting and playback mode, and built-in interval shooting. It also has a "Motion Panorama" mode that allows for fluid, single-sweep panorama images up to a full 360 degrees.

In addition to a 10 frames-per-second full-res burst mode, the Fujifilm S9800 also has a built-in HDR capture mode as well as 11 advanced filter effects -- up from 10 filter choices in the previous model. Fans of close-up photography will appreciate the Super Macro mode, that allows the camera to focus down to a mere 1cm, while capturing very far-off subjects will benefit from the 2x magnification (100x total) with Fuji's Intelligent Digital Zoom.

Video recording options also remain unchanged in this refreshed model. Movies are captured in Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 resolution at a 60i frame rate. There is also 1,280 x 720 HD video at 60p frame rate, as well as SD resolution video of 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second. For slow-motion video, the S9800 offers a high-speed video capture mode in a number of frame rates with 120fps, 240fps and up to a blazingly fast 480fps available at reduced resolutions.

Images and movies can be framed either on a 3.0-inch LCD panel or an electronic viewfinder. The rear LCD has a 460,000-dot resolution, while the EVF gets a notable improvement in resolution, going from a modest 201,000 dots to 920,000 dots and still provides about 97% field of view coverage.

Power comes from four AA batteries, and Fuji rates the S9800 as good for 300 shots on a charge with a set of alkaline disposables or up to 700 shots with lithium AA batteries.

The Fuji FinePix S9800 will be available in the US market from March 2015, priced at about US$330 in black, red or white.

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