The Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR is the only compact in the £200 price bracket to offer shutter priority, aperture priority and manual shooting modes. It also offers exposure bracketing and RAW capture, making it a tempting choice for anyone interested in dipping a toe into more advanced photographic techniques. And it doesn’t hurt that you also get a 15x zoom lens (360mm equivalent).
In use, the F550EXR feels like a professional compact. Although heavy and a touch bulky, it’s reassuringly solid in the hand. Turn it on and the motorized pop-up flash rises like a little periscope – a classy touch. The controls and menu are clear, and the angled mode dial is easy to use. Read the rest of this entry »















