Introduction
The Fujifilm FinePix SL300 is a chunky DSLR-style compact digital camera aimed at the type of user that is venturing timidly into superzoom territory but still likes the familiarity of a standard compact. The SL300 features a 14 megapixel CCD sensor with sensor-shift image stabilisation, a massive 30x optical zoom with a focal range of 24-720mm, 720p HD video at 30fps, a 3 inch 460k dot LCD screen, faster start-up, improved auto-focus speed and an upgraded response time. Priced at $299.99 / £279.95, the new Fujifilm FinePix SL300 is available in black.
Ease of Use
The Fujifilm FinePix SL300 is styled like a DSLR camera, but is it built like one? Well, the casing is primarily plastic with leatherette trim in places where you will hold it. The Shooting Mode dial is large and easy to get hold of and it has a positive clicking action that prevents it from being moved out of place.
It appears after looking over the camera that despite the shape making it look as though it's a proper bridge camera that a keen photographer would use instead of a DSLR kit, the SL300 is actually more geared to a beginner that fancies a big zoom on their compact camera. If you're the former it would be better to look at the HS30EXR model which has a number of photographer friendly features such as RAW support and physical zoom and focus rings.
Front Rear
However, the SL300 is still a nicely equipped camera for the market it's aimed at. The large zoom will tempt many upgraders while the easy to use functions will set their minds at ease. We like the easy to hold design, the chunky grip feels good but the fake leatherette covering is a bit slippy. However, the camera is light enough for us to feel confident to hold it one handed. We also like the additional zoom lever on the side of the lens barrel which can be easily adjusted with your left thumb - an unusual but thoughtful touch.
The external flash hotshoe on top of the SL300 allows a more powerful optional flashgun to be fitted, like the EF-20, to complement the built-in flash, although we'd bet that most SL300 users will be satisfied with the latter as it offers a reach of up to 7m.
The Finepix ( F) button on the SL300 has a more simple approach than seen on previous Fujifilm cameras. All that's shown is the ISO, image size and colour modes ( colour, chrome and black & white) . It's a rather unusual and limited collection of options to place in one menu and the Finepix button takes up a portion of the right shoulder next to the command dial. It would be good to see it used more as a function button maybe putting more commonly used features in there such as white-balance, resolution ( image size is already in there) , metering and AF.
Pop-up Flash Top
In front of this is the power switch which is a spring loaded slider, rather than a more conventional switch or button, and in practice we found it a little sticky and unresponsive. On top of the deep DSLR-style grip are the auto-focus area and burst shooting buttons. The zoom is a twisting type that sits around the shutter release and it's a shame that Fujifilm haven't incorporated the zoom ring in the same way that they've done on some other of their higher-end superzooms.
The Shooting Mode dial is a little bereft of options with only 10 in place. As well as the manual PASM modes, there's a Custom mode, Auto, SR ( Scene Recognition) Auto, SP ( Scene Position) which are basically the different pre-set scene modes, and a Panorama and Video mode.
The literally biggest feature of the Fujifilm FinePix SL300 is the 30x optical zoom which covers an eye watering focal range of 24-720mm in 35mm terms. It's great for photographing ships on horizons, closing in on wildlife and if room permits it adds compression to portraits.
Front Side
To help with keeping your images sharp at the longer telephotos settings , the Fujifilm FinePix SL300 has two types of image stabilisation. A high sensitivity value of ISO 6400 allows faster shutter speeds whi
