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Fujifilm Finepix F200EXR
$320
When Fujifilm introduced the first camera with face detection less than two years ago, it changed the face (pun intended) of point-and-shoot photography. Now face detection can be found on almost every new camera out there, so the F200EXR goes well beyond face detection. It's no surprise, then, that the latest version of this camera, the F200EXR, offers the third generation of face detection. Let's step back: Face detectionhunts for faces in a scene, and sets the best exposure and focus so those faces come out looking great. Version 1 was able to identify up to 9 faces, as long as they're facing the camera—and according to our tests, it actually worked.
The version of face detection in the F200EXR can identify up to ten faces in a 360-degree range (back, or upside-down-)-in 0.036 seconds. And, for good measure, it will automatically remove red-eye as well. This, along with the usual array of scene modes and anti-shake technolgy, makes this a camera to buy if you wish to stay ahead of the curve.
Runner up:
Casio High Speed Exilim EX-FS10BE
$270
Casio is carving out an impressive niche with a growing line of cameras that shoot impossibly high-speed still image capture and videos, and the diminutive FS10BE is a pocket-sized speed demon. Still images can be captured at 30 shots per second--and can even save 25 frames prior to the instant the shutter is pressed! Video? How does 1000 frames per second sound? No, that's not a misprint. You can also record 420fps or 210fps videos, as well as 720p HD videos at regular speed. You can play back your uber-fast videos at regular speed for slow motion viewing.
Interestingly, the camera's small profile can fake casual viewers into thinking it's a standard compact camera, and it does have many standard features, like a 9MP sensor, 3x optical zoom, face detection, YouTube capture mode, and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor. But there's no doubt this camera's built for speed.
Mason Resnick is the editor of the Adorama Learning Center
© 2009 Adorama Camera, Inc.
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