• Perfect pictures in every situation

Thanks to a brand new hybrid sensor, the FinePix F500 EXR delivers fast, high quality results in a wide range of lighting conditions. The 16 megapixel sensor developed by Fujifilm is a clever combination of Back Side Illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) and EXR technologies, which delivers superior results to a conventional sensor; particularly in low light conditions, and also offers high-speed shooting facilities and Full HD movie capture.

Light falling on ordinary sensors has to pass through a layer of wiring before it hits the light-sensitive photo diodes. This layer of wiring reduces light transmission. On the EXR BSI-CMOS sensor, however, the wiring layer is positioned behind the photo diodes so light sensitivity is vastly improved. Add to this the triple-layer EXR technology pioneered by Fujifilm in the F200 EXR and the result is a sensor that is capable of outstanding results, time after time.

Users can still select from the usual three different EXR shooting modes, or simply leave the FinePix F500 EXR to choose the best option itself by selecting Auto EXR. Those preferring to take control can pick from:

High Resolution mode where the sensor utilises the full 16 megapixel resolution for high quality results that can be printed out at A3-size without the need for any re-sizing using software.

Dynamic Range mode where the camera employs dual capture technology to provide a range up to 1600% - almost a full stop wider than any other camera. Two images are captured and then merged together to produce superb results on high contrast scenes.

Signal to Noise mode utilises Pixel Fusion, doubling pixels up to increase sensitivity. Coupled with the BSI technology, this mode delivers superb images in low lighting conditions.

• Keep up with the action – no matter how fast it’s moving

The FinePix F550 EXR isn’t just clever; it’s quick as well, boasting a range of features that will keep pace with even the fastest moving action without compromising picture quality.

At full 16 megapixel resolution, the FinePix F500 EXR will deliver up to 3 frames per second for up to 3 frames before it has to pause to take a breath. If you want a longer burst of images or a faster frame rate, it can capture 6 frames per second at 8 megapixel resolution for up to 6 frames or 12 frames per second rate for up to 12 frames at 4 megapixel resolution.

If you’re worried that your reaction times might not match the camera’s speed, select the Best Frame Capture mode, which takes pictures before you’ve even pressed the shutter! With this mode selected, the FinePix F500 EXR automatically starts recording images the moment the shutter release is half-pressed to lock the focus. Then, when the picture is actually taken, it records the seven frames before or after the shutter was released to ensure you get at least one shot that’s pin sharp and perfectly framed.

• Huge zoom range, tiny camera

It’s a minor miracle that Fujifilm has managed to pack such a high level specification into the FinePix F500 EXR’s compact dimensions, but it’s even more impressive that the camera also features a 15x optical zoom.

Despite having a body that measures just 22.9mm wide, the zoom range extends from a wide-angle setting of 24mm through to 360mm (35mm equivalents) giving users a huge range of shooting options from sweeping landscapes through to tightly-cropped details. Plus, image quality and sharpness is assured thanks to the Fujinon lens and new triple core EXR processing engine that automatically reduces colour fringing and boosts corner resolution for uniform image sharpness.

• Full HD for stunning videos

People don’t just want to capture their memories as photos any longer, there’s a big demand for high-quality video capture too. Not only does the FinePix F500 EXR record videos in stunning Full HD (1080p) at 30 frames per second, it also boasts stereo sound for high quality audio and outputs the files in H.264 (MOV) format. Favoured by broadcasters and Blu-Ray manufacturers, H.264 produces file sizes that are smaller and more manageable than the conventional AVI format. What’s more, they’re compatible with a wide range of websites and applications, which makes it easier for users to share content on sites including YouTube.

New to the F500 EXR, Fuji’s EXR SN mode is now available when shooting videos. “Pixel Fusion Movie technology” fuses pixels together to create superpixels which are extra sensitive to light (and therefore capture much crisper low-light videos with lower levels of noise.

And finally, if it’s speedy video capture you’re after, the F500 EXR also offers a class-leading selection of high speed video capture options. No other compact camera comes close to the F500 EXR’s incredible 320 frames per second capture at 320 x 100 pixels. But if it’s higher quality you’re after, you can also capture the action at 160 frames per second at 320 x 240 pixels or 80 frames per second at 640 x 480 pixels.

• Wave goodbye to pixellated graphics and menus

The FinePix F500 EXR’s three inch rear LCD doesn’t just benefit from an increased pixel count – now 460,000 – it also uses a brand new Rich User Interface, which dramatically enhances the user experience and kicks pixellated menus and graphics into touch.

By employing Vector fonts and graphics, camera menus and readouts use smooth text and icons. The graphics are scaleable so they take on the same appearance whether you’re viewing on the read LCD or a 50 inch HDTV via the camera’s HDMI output.