Fujifilm FinePix E550: Fuji's Newest Packs a Punch

General Image Quality

For these pictures, the camera was reset to its factory default setting. The pictures were then taken in Auto mode using the 6M recording mode unless otherwise stated. Portrait-style images have been rotated using Irfanview's "lossless operations". Click on a thumbnail to view the full-size image. The crops below the thumbnails are 100%.

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

As this crop demonstrates, the E550 is capable of capturing a significant amount of detail. However, there are several spots where chromatic aberrations are visible. We also want to point out the overexposed sky.	In this crop, chromatic aberrations are visible again. Also, sky detail is lost in this shot as well. However, the subject is exposed properly with a decent amount of detail.	This image taken in Macro mode appears to be a bit oversaturated, particularly the reds. Otherwise, this is a pleasant macro shot in sharp focus.

JPEG VS. RAW Comparisons

Note: RAW images have been converted to JPEG in Photoshop without any additional processing.

JPEG (6M)	RAW
(ISO 80, f/5.0, 1/480 sec.) Click to enlarge.	(ISO 80, f/5.0, 1/480 sec.) Click to enlarge.

In this comparison, it is quite clear that RAW mode is capable of recording far more detail than JPEG mode. Also, we want to point out that the dynamic range is noticeably larger as well. Look at the highlights on the truck at the lower middle of the crop. There is also much more detail in the shadow areas of the trees on the right side of the frame.

JPEG (6M)	RAW
(ISO 100, f/5.4, 1/160 sec.) Click to enlarge.	(ISO 80, f/5.4, 1/150 sec.) Click to enlarge.

Again in this comparison, the difference is very clear. There is quite a bit more detail in the shadow of the window with the RAW image than the JPEG image. Also, leaf detail is far better in the RAW crop.

Night Scene Mode (JPEG, 6M)

Night Mode

(ISO 80, f/2.8, 1.1 sec.) Click to enlarge.

We were very impressed with Night Scene mode on the E550. This image shows very low noise and a very high level of detail. Unfortunately, the camera is limited to a 3-second exposure maximum. This means that it could prove difficult to get proper exposures in really low light situations.

Movie Mode

(640x480, 30 fps)
Click to view.

The E550 produces video clips that are smooth and detailed at 30 fps with a maximum resolution of 640x480. We were disappointed that white balance adjustment and exposure compensation are not offered. Really, the only image quality related option is to toggle the resolution back and forth from 640x480 to 320x240. Overall, we think that movie mode on the E550 is good. However, it would have been even better if it allowed the use of the optical zoom and/or offered some adjust shooting options.