Fuji F200, F300, F550, eng.

Numeric cameras tested:
Fujifilm F200-EXR & F300-EXR & F550-EXR

Last update: October 2, 2012

Lire cette page en FRANÇAIS

For any questions or comments, send an email to Jude Potvin.
My experience in photography: I take pictures for this magazine since 1979.
From 1979 to 2002 I developped few thousand pictures in dark room, including the
developpements (manually) of the negatives black & white and the developpements
(manually) of the pictures on positive paper. Since 2002, I use numeric
cameras, in turn: the Nikon Coolpix 5000, the Olympus FE-240, the Fuji F-200 &
F-300 & F-550 and the Sony HX9V & HX30V. I also draw caricatures for this
magazine. Here is my caricatures website: http://michaeljournal.org/juvdm/caricatures.html

(I tested the Sony DSC-HX9V, go to my new page...)

F550-EXR:

I tested the F550-EXR and it's a good camera,
even in low light, no flash, even in 1600 et 3200 ISO, the pictures are more
sharp and make less noise than the F200-EXR and F300-EXR,
but its defects are the absence of the option to use the flash
at its full strenght and zooming while recording a
video it's become terribly blurred, it is not able
to focus during zooming, see here. Also the mode macro
doesn't work fine.

(wide angle 24 mm - optical zoom: 15x - numeric zoom: 62x -
video: HD 1920 pixels & 1280 pix. & 640 x 480 pix.)

F550-exr: for me the best settings are SN for inside, no flash, & Provia.
And DR,400 % for outside, & VELVIA gives colors more alive,
EV: -1/3 when it's light-pale subjects like sky and white flowers, etc.
I don't like much the modes Auto and P, I find it's
gives pictures less sharp and less contrasted.

The resolution of the pictures, I always choose 4:3:
---L = 16 megapixels: sometimes, to enlarge a picture to get more details.
---M = 8 megapixels: often.
---S = 4 megapixels: less often, for subjects that move very fast,
to memorise faster.

F550-exr: with my card 16 gig (empty), I can record:
-a video in 1920 pixels for a maximum of 30 minutes.
-a video in 1280 pixels for a maximum of 30 minutes.
-a video 640 x 480 pixels for a maximum of 120 minutes (2 hours).
(I see it on the screen: remaining time: 120 min.)

I'm sorry but I did not have the time to test if the battery can record a video for
2 hours. But I think it would be too tight.

The sound is acceptable.

But it's true that when we zoom during recording a video, it has difficulty to focus, although
in mode focus continuous it's a bit better but not perfect at all.

Inside no flash:

---SN: zoom 1x to 5x, put ISO at Auto-800 if good light, it should give a speed
          of 1/10 to 1/20, or if it's too dark put ISO at 1600 or even at 3200.
---SN: zoom 5x to 15x + numeric, put ISO at 1600 or 3200, it should give a speed
           of 1/20 and more.
---DR: if necessary use to get detail in light tones. ISO: zoom 1x to 5x, put ISO at Auto-800,
               200 ou 400 %,
---HR-16 megapixels: only to enlarge a picture to get more details.
---Inside sometimes I like to put the brightness of the LCD at -3.

Inside with flash:

---SN: put ISO at Auto-800.
---HR-16 megapixels: only to enlarge a picture to get more details.

********************************************************************

---Mode "EXR" + "HR":
                 the modes "(pictures)Continuous" are: (etc...)
                 "Top 4", "Shooting speed": 3 or 5 frames/sec.,
                 "Number of frames": 4 or 8.
                 ISO availables: 100 + 200 + 400 + 800 + (auto)400 + (auto)800
                 Max: 16 megapixels.
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: 100 %.

---Mode "EXR" + "SN-HIGH-ISO-&-LOW-NOISE":
                 the modes "(pictures)Continuous" are: (etc...)
                 "Top 4", "Shooting speed": 3 or 5 frames/sec.,
                 "Number of frames": 4 or 8.
                 ISO availables: 800 + 1600 + (auto)400 + (auto)800 + (auto)1600 + (auto)3200
                 Max: 8 megapixels.
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: 100 %.

---Mode "EXR" + "DR", 400 %:
                 the modes "(pictures)Continuous" are: (etc...)
                 "Top 4", "Shooting speed": 3 or 5 frames/sec.,
                 "Number of frames": 4 or 8.
                 ISO availables: (auto)400 + (auto)800 + (auto)1600 + (auto)3200
                 Max: 8 megapixels.
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: 400 %.

---Mode "Auto":
                 the modes "(pictures)Continuous" are: (etc...)
                 "Top 4", "Shooting speed": 3 or 5 or 8 or 11 frames/sec.,
                 "Number of frames": 4 or 8 or 16 or 32.
                ISO availables: (auto)400 + (auto)800 + (auto)1600 + (auto)3200
                 Max: 16 megapixels.
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: Auto.

There is no "Long Period" but I can record up to 7 images/10 seconds in 8 ou 4
megapixels. I always enable the option to display the picture 1.5 seconds on the screen after shooting, but I don't wait 1.5 seconds be fore to take the next picture, I take it immediately.

Originales pictures F550-EXR:
(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge)

F550-exr: mode HR,
ISO: 800, no flash, 16 megapixels:

F550-exr: mode SN,
ISO: 1600, no flash, 8 megapixels:

F550-exr: mode SN,
ISO: 1600, no flash, 8 megapixels,
with wide-angle 24 mm:

F550-exr: mode Auto, 16 megapixels:

F550-exr: mode SN, 8 megapixels:

F550-exr: mode DR-400 %, 8 megapixels:

F550-exr: mode DR-400 %, 8 megapixels,
ISO: 100, 57.5 mm, EV: -1/3, Velvia:

F550-exr: mode HR, 16 megapixels,
ISO: 100, 5.0 mm, Provia:

F550-exr: videos recorded in HD, 640 x 480 and 320 frames/sec
F550-exr: video HD 1200 pixels, Richelieu River, QC, Canada.
Face-Offs: F200-exr & F300-exr & F550exr
Zoom tests with the F300-EXR
http://toptravelgear.blogspot.com...
F550-exr & F500-exr: article from Fujifilm
F550-exr & F500-exr: article from Dpreview
F550-EXR GUIDE ENGLISH.pdf

********************************************************

F200-EXR:

(optical zoom: 5x - video: 640 x 480)

1600 ISO and higher: makes too much noise in modes Auto and SN,
probably also in all modes, inside no flash, not tested outside.

TO BE MORE SIMPLE YOU CAN ALWAYS FOLLOWS
ONLY THE STEPS (in red) 0, 1, 2 AND 4.b
BUT IF YOU WANT MORE OPTIONS, READ THE OTHER STEPS.

I know you could have better pictures in other modes
and settings but Auto mode is sufficient for my friends who
don't know much about cameras and those
who want something fast and easy !!!
To get better pictures go to see lower the
adjustments I suggest...

Inside with flash, by example in the house:

0- Put the camera in 12 megapixels: button F (see picture step 2):
select: "Image size" then "L 4:3".
(note: this setting will remain, no need to redo it each time).

1- Set the camera on the mode "Auto":

2- Set the ISO on: "Auto (800)", F button:

Browse the menu if necessary, then select ISO: "Auto (800)",
then press the OK button.
(note: this setting will remain, no need to redo it each time).

3- If you take a picture of people(s), I recommand you set the camera on:
"Face detection red-eyes-removal-on":

(note: this setting will remain, no need to redo it each time).

4.a- I recommand you put "Forced Flash", to be sure it will flashes:
(note: this setting will remain, no need to redo it each time):

4.b- But also you can set on "Flash auto": this will flash
only when it will be necessary, if there is not enough light.
(To set "Flash auto" see step 4.a but put "Flash auto".)
(note: this setting will remain, no need to redo it each time.)

It is what they call an "intelligent flash", it means that because it uses the light of the room, the
flash of the camera is adjusted and less strong, the result is that the subject is not over
exposed then too light and the background too dark, rather the result will give both subject and
background more balanced, with a right exposure, here is an example:

In some cases I would like to have a full-power-flash but I think it's not possible,
unless the room is very low enlighten. But for most of the cases
it's not necessary to have a full-power-flash.

5- Press half button to focus, then press full button to take the picture:

If the camera is unable to focus, the focus frame will turn red,
!AF will be displayed, and the indicator lamp will
blink green. Try to focus at an other place.
If the camera is able to focus, the
indicator lamp will glow green.

In a church, without flash:

6- Set the camera on the mode "EXR":

Then set the SHOOTING MODE on "Resolution Priority": press the OK button:

Browse the menu if necessary, then select "Shooting Mode"
and "Resolution Priority", then press the OK button.
(Note: this setting will remain, no need to redo it each time).

7- Set the ISO on: "Auto (800)": (see step 2)
(if you already did it, it's still on it, no need to redo it)

8- In a church, I don't recommand to use the flash, because the camera is far from the front
wall and the flash would make no effect. But if your subject is very close to the camera, like
statue or people, then use the flash. But if your subject is a painting, don't use the flash
because on most painting there is varnish or glass and the flash would make an unwanted
reflection on the picture. Here is some pictures of painting and windows without the flash:

9- Put the camera on "Suppressed Flash", the camera won't flashes:
(see step 4 but put "Suppressed flash")
(Note: this setting will remain, no need to redo it each time).

10- With the "Suppressed Flash" setting, if the light in the church is not very strong,
I recommand you set the camera on "Over-Exposure +2/3" which slow down
the speed of the camera, the result will give a less dark picture.
Set the camera on the "Over-Exposure +2/3" and press the OK button:

This "Over-Exposure +2/3" is only good for subject that doesn't move much:

Use "Over-Exposure +2/3" only if you don't take a picture of walking people because
at +2/3 or +1/3 the speed is slower then the people walking would be blurred:

11- If the church is enlighted enough or if you take a picture of walking people,
don't put the "Over-Exposure +1/3 nor +2/3", but set the camera on the
"Auto" mode (see step 1), which "Over-Exposure" mode is not possible.
The "Auto" mode will make a less dark picture than on the mode
"EXR". And stay always on "Auto (800)" (see step 2).

But if I want to capture a moving subject as people walking,
it's better to leave the camera on the mode "Auto" and ISO 800.
Then I put the camera on "Continuous-Long-Period":
press the OK button, then select "Continuous" and "Long Period".
Then hold the shutting button as long as you need, pictures will be taken at the frequency
of about one per second. It's not possible to use the flash with the continuous mode.
(Note: this setting will remain until you close the camera or
change the mode of the camera.)
(see also step 26.)

12- If you zoom a bit, and if you have the time, I recommand you use the
2 seconds delay: the picture is taken after 2 seconds, this prevent the
camera to move and get a blurred picture:

(if you want to be on the picture, then use the 10 seconds delay
to give you the time to go in front on the camera,
you will have to put the camera on a tripod).

In the Immaculate House: people on the stage,
I recommand without flash:

13- Set the camera on mode "Auto" (see step 1)
(don't put the "Over-Exposure +1/3 nor +2/3" cause the speed
slow down and it would be blurred, people move too much on the stage.)

14- Set the ISO on: "Auto (800)": (see step 2)
(if you already did it, it's still on it, no need to redo it)

15- See step 3 but set "OFF" only.

16- Set the camera on the "Suppressed Flash" setting: (see step 9)

17-18- To prevent to take pictures of people with closed
eyes, set the camera to take 3 continuous pictures within 2 or 3 seconds. To be sure
to take the 3 pictures, hold the shutting button for 2 or 3 seconds until you see the
3 small pictures on the display monitor of the camera.

19- To set the camera to take the 3 first continuous pictures:
press the OK button, then select "Continuous" and "Top 3", and press OK button.
It's not possible to use the flash with the continuous mode.
(Note: this setting will remain until you close the camera or
change the mode of the camera. ).

When using the mode "Continuous" and "Top 3", it could be long to
memorise the photos in 12 megapixels. To memorise faster,
set the camera in 6 megapixels: button F (see picture step 2):
select: "Image size" then "M 4:3".
If you scared to loose resolution, leave it in 12 megapixels,
but I'm not scared of 6 megapixels, it's
good enough for the journal and the magazine.

20- Pay attention to close the 4 ceiling spot-light (turn off the 4 switches
on the column), just leave the ceiling square big lights on.
Here is pictures with the ceiling 4 spot-light on and off:

(F300-EXR) Ok 1st decembre 2010 we put 6 new spot-light more far,
it's very good those 6 new spots with the ceiling square big lights on:

Outside without flash:

21- Set the camera on the mode "Auto":
This mode will make pictures less dark: (see step 1)

22- Set the ISO on: "Auto (800)": (see step 2)
(if you already did it, it's still on it, no need to redo it)

23- See step 3 but put only "OFF".

24- Put the camera on "Suppressed Flash",
the camera won't flashes: (see step 9).
But also you can set on "Flash auto": this will flash
only when it will be necessary, less trouble (see step 4.b).

Ville Lasalle, QC:

Québec, QC:

St-Paul d'Abbotsford, QC:

25- Only outside with enough sun: if I want to capture a moving subject as people
walking, I set the camera on the mode "EXR-Auto" so that it focus
automatically and continuously, so less risk to get blurred pictures,
(see step 6 but instead to put "Resolution Priority", put "EXR-Auto"
it' harder on the battery but I don't use this mode often).
Then I put the camera on "Continuous-Long-Period":
press the OK button, then select "Continuous" and "Long Period".
Then hold the shutting button as long as you need, pictures will be taken at the frequency
of about one per second. It's not possible to use the flash with the continuous mode.

(On the mode "EXR-Auto" used inside, we can't fix the ISO at 800, then it can switch in
ISO 1600 and get a picture with a lot of grain, then don't use this mode inside.)

26- Good inside and outside: If I want to capture a subject that move very fast
like a running kid, I use the option to capture 5 pictures per second.
Put the camera on mode "Auto" (see step 1.)
And put the camera to take 12 continuous pictures in 2.2 seconds: 5 pictures
per second. To be sure to take the 12 pictures, hold the shutting-bouton
for 2 or 3 seconds until you see "Memorisation" on the display monitor of the camera.
To set the camera to take the 12 first continuous pictures:
press the OK button, then select "Continuous" and "Top 12".
(Note: this setting will remain until you close the camera or change the mode of
the camera. It's not possible to use the flash with the continuous mode.
On "Top 12", the pictures will be in 3 megapixels only, this gives 3 megapixels all
the time even the camera is set in 6 or 12 megapixels, but
it is enough to see on a monitor and to print 8 1/2 x 11 inches
and it is worth of it to be able to capture a very fast moving subject !)

---------------------------------------------------------

27- Note: to set the language, the numeric zoom on, the sounds off, etc:
please read the guide english.pdf or francais.pdf
(wait for about one minute cause the PDF is big to download)

For additional info, click on this link,
and on this link:
Fujifilm announces Super CCD EXR

---Mode "Auto":
                 the modes "(pictures)Continuous" are all availables:
                 "Long Period" + "Top + Final 12" + "Top + Final 3".
                The "AF Mode" (autofocus):
                 "Center" only is available by default.
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: Auto.
             ISO: I always put "Auto (800)".
                 Photometry: not available.

---Mode "EXR" + "EXR-Auto":
                 only 2 modes "(pictures)Continuous" are availables:
                 "Long Period" + "Top + Final 3".
                 The "AF Mode" (autofocus):
                 "Continuous" only is available by default. (This AF Mode Continuous
                 drain on the battery faster, make sure you have 2 batteries, if not
                 don't use this mode, or use it only with subjects that move very fast.)
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: Auto.
                 ISO: the only one available is "Auto", pay attention for inside
                 of the house, it can switch itself in ISO 1600 and give a picture
                 with a lot of grain.
                 Photometry: not available.

---Mode "EXR" + "Resolution Priority":
                 only one mode "(pictures)Continuous" is available:
                 "Top + Final 3".
               All the "AF Mode" (autofocus):
                 are availables: "Center" + "Multi" + "Continuous".
               On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: 100 %.
                ISO: I always put "Auto (800)".
                 Photometry: (OK button): Multi: default - Spot: use with sujects
                 with bright background - Average.
On "Long Period" I can record up to 9 images/10 seconds in 6 or 3 megapixels. I disable the
option to display the picture on the screen after shooting, it memorises the pictures faster.

FinepixViewer can correct red eyes and many other things !

The resolution of the pictures, I always choose 4:3:
---L = 12 megapixels: for most of the pictures.
---M = 6 megapixels: for the pictures on the stage, it memorise faster,
sometimes it rushes !
---S = 3 megapixels: less often, for subjects that move very fast,
to memorise faster.

Sometimes to go faster I remove the option that display the picture on the screen
after the picture is taken: button "OK" / Set-up / Image Disp.: "Off".
If I want put back to display the picture, I choose: "1.5 Sec."

The "Over-Exposure" mode doesn't make much effect on pictures taken
with the flash.

When I put the camera on the mode EXR +2/3 and after I put it on
the mode Auto, the exposition is back to normal +-0

Originales pictures F200-EXR:
(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge)

F200-exr: mode Auto and EXR-Resolution-Priority,
ISO auto(800), 12 megapixels:

F200-exr: mode Auto and EXR-Resolution-Priority,
ISO auto(800), 6 megapixels:

F200-exr: mode Auto and EXR-Resolution-Priority,
ISO auto(800), 3 megapixels:

********************************************************

F-300-EXR:

(wide angle 24 mm - optical zoom: 15x - numeric zoom: 61x -
video: HD 1280 x 720 & 640 x 480)

1- The Fuji F300-EXR has a sensor of 1/2", so about 1/3 smaller than the one of the
F200-EXR which is 1/1.6". I tested the F300-EXR in low light, specially inside without flash,
in 12 megapixels, mode Auto, zooming from 1x à 5x, it makes a bit more grain (noise) than
the F200-EXR zooming also from 1x à 5x, in 12 megapixels and mode Auto.

2- With the F300-EXR I got good results putting the ISO at auto-800 and the wheel on
the mode EXR, then on SN-HIGH-ISO-&-LOW-NOISE, even that is giving a picture of
6 megapixels, it's worth of it because it makes more sharp and less noise. (see also 3).
Inside without flash if it's very dark, I decrease the exposition at -1/3 or -2/3,
until it increase the speed at least at 1/15, we can see the speed on the screen
when we press half button, and I select the option "Continuous / TOP 5." to take
5 continuous pictures, the camera move less for the 4 last pictures because there
is no click of the button which could move it: less risk to get blurred pictures
specially when I zoom. We also can use the 2 seconds timer but I prefer
"Continuous / TOP 5." to capture a movement. Sometimes I use both at the same time.
I put the ISO at Auto-800 but if it's very dark or if I want to increase the speed for
less risk to get a blurred picture, I put the ISO at 1600: I prefer a sharper picture even if
it has a bit more noise, which gives a result still acceptable at ISO 1600. I always can
diminish the noise with Neat Image... Inside when we zoom a lot, the best would be to
use a tripod when it's possible and to put the ISO at Auto-800. I tried 12 megapixel
with all the modes and this makes always a bit more noise than on 6 megapixels.
I use only 12 megapixel when I want to enlarge a picture to get more details.
Usually I do those settings with Neat Image which give very good results:
Input image: click "Open input image" and choose your image.
Device Noise Profile: Click "Auto profile".
Noise Filter Settings / Noise levels: / Lum.Channel: 0 %.
Noise Reduction Amount / Lum.Channel: 60 %.
Sharpening Amount / Lum.Channel: 135 %.
Output Image / Apply and Save output image.
Compression: put the arrow at maximum on right.
(I use Neat Image only if my picture has too much noise, because it also removes details...)

3- Other very good mode for inside without flash, also to fight the noise:
the Pro-Low-Light mode is recommanded for inside without flash when we
zoom between 1x and 15x, it takes 4 pictures and merge them into one, it increases the
speed and reduce a lot the shake of the camera and the pictures are more sharp.
If you need the wide angle or to zoom 15x and higher, use the
SN-HIGH-ISO-&-LOW-NOISE mode.
Note: on mode Pro-Low-Light the zoom start at 28 mm instead of 24 mm and the
maximum is 15x then no numeric zoom. And there is no Continuous mode. And we
can't set an ISO. The subject should not moves cause it would gives a blurred picture.

4-a- With the F300-EXR inside without flash in low light, on the mode EXR,
SN-HIGH-ISO-&-LOW-NOISE zooming from 5x to 15x, the grain-noise is less
than 1x to 5x. And outside no flash, also on the mode EXR, SN-HIGH-ISO-&
LOW-NOISE zooming optical (1x to 15x) it gives very good results. And zooming
numeric (15x to 61x) it gives also very good results, not too much grain-noise,
comparatively to the zoom numeric of the F200-EXR which makes more grain-noise.

4-b- Now I use often the mode "DR-400 %" inside, zooming from 1x to 5x, ISO at auto(800).
And up of 5x: "SN-HIGH-ISO-&-LOW-NOISE" and I put the ISO at 1600.

5- Conclusion: in low light inside no flash: the F200-EXR is better (zoom start only
at 28 mm) but the F300 in 6 megapixels does almost as well and it's better
for the wide angle 24 mm and for the zoom optical 1x to 15x and numeric 15x to 61x.
I just red that they had to shrink the sensor of the F300-EXR to 1/2" because of the big zoom
in a compact camera. So it's ok: now I use only the F300, and if a picture has too much
noise then I use Neat Image to diminish the noise and it gives very good results. Long life
to the F300-EXR which does fully the job, it takes less place in my pocket than a big
camera, I don't want anymore those big cameras !

---Mode "EXR" + "HR":
                 1 mode only "(pictures)Continuous" is available:
                 "Top + Final 5".
                 ISO availables: 800 + 400 + 200 + 100 + (auto)400 + (auto)800
                 Max: 12 megapixels.
                On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: 100 %.

---Mode "EXR" + "SN-HIGH-ISO-&-LOW-NOISE":
                 1 mode only "(pictures)Continuous" is available:
                 "Top + Final 5".
                 ISO availables: 400 + 800 + 1600 + (auto)400 + (auto)800 + (auto)1600
                 Max: 6 megapixels.
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: 100 %.

---Mode "EXR" + "DR", 400 %:
                 1 mode only "(pictures)Continuous" is available:
                 "Top + Final 5".
                 ISO availables: (auto)400 + (auto)800 + (auto)1600
                 Max: 6 megapixels.
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: 400 %.

---Mode "Auto":
                 mode "(pictures)Continuous" availables are:
                 "Top + Final 23" + "Top + Final 5".
                ISO availables: (auto)400 + (auto)800 + (auto)1600
                 Max: 12 megapixels.
                 On the program FinePixViewer: Dynamic range: Auto.

---Mode "Pro-Low-Light":
                 mode "(pictures)Continuous" is not available.
                 Max: 6 megapixels.
                 ISO is not available, the camera select them automatically.

There is no "Long Period" but I can record up to 7 images/10 seconds in 6 or 3 megapixels.
I always enable the option to display the picture 1.5 seconds on the screen after shooting, but
I don't wait 1.5 seconds be fore to take the next picture, I take it immediately.

The resolution of the pictures, I always choose 4:3:
---L = 12 megapixels: sometimes, to enlarge a picture to get more details.
---M = 6 megapixels: often.
---S = 3 megapixels: less often, for subjects that move very fast,
                                 to memorise faster.

Inside no flash:
           "Top + Final 5" and/or 2 seconds timer and/or -1/3 or -2/3.
---SN: zoom 1x to 5x, put ISO at Auto-800 if good light, it should give a speed
          of 1/10 to 1/20, or if it's too dark put ISO at 1600.
---SN: zoom 5x to 15x + numeric, put ISO at 1600, it should give a speed
           of 1/20 and more.
---DR: ISO: zoom 1x to 5x, put ISO at Auto-800, 200 ou 400 %, use to get
           detail in light tones.
---Pro-Low-Light: zoom 1x to 15x + numeric, suject must not move at all.
---HR-12 megapixels: only to enlarge a picture to get more details.

Inside with flash:
---SN: put ISO at Auto-800.
---HR-12 megapixels: only to enlarge a picture to get more details.

Outside with flash:
---SN: put ISO at Auto-800, or if it's too dark put ISO at 1600.
---HR-12 megapixels: only to enlarge a picture to get more details.

---Inside I like to put the brightness of the LCD at -3.

---Test: SN, 6 mp, 5 top, quality: Normal: from pressing shutting button to the end of the
               memorisation: took exactly 8 seconds....2-all same settings but I put quality: Fine:
               took exactly 8 seconds also. 3-I increased both images at 500% on the monitor: I
               did not see any difference in the quality and details, both Normal and Fine look the
               same, so I leave it at Normal all the time: takes less place in my card and computer.

Note: on mode Night the zoom start at 24 mm and the maximum is 61x then you
can use the numeric zoom. Mode Continu: TOP 5 and FINAL 5. And we
can't set an ISO. Also good for outside in low light.

Originales pictures F300-EXR:
(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge)

F300-exr: mode EXR-SN-HIGH-ISO-&-LOW-NOISE,
ISO auto(800), 6 megapixels:

F300-exr: mode Pro-Low-Ligh,
original and merged:

*************
F300-exr: modified pictures:
Mode DR, sharpened and noise removed with Neat Image,
brightness and contrast adjusted with Photoshop: