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Fujifilm FinePix F30 zoom Review

Fujifilm FinePix F30

Product overview

Launch price:
£249
Launch date:
1st December 2006
PhotoRadar rating:
4

See technical specification

Technical Specification

Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
Camera Type: Compact
Colour: Silver
Connectivity: USB
Continuous Shooting Speed: 2.2
Dimensions: 93 x 57 x 28
Display Size: 2.5
Display Technology: LCD
Exposure Modes: Aperture-priority;Automatic;Beach;Fireworks;Flower;Landscape;Manner/Museum;Natural Light with Flash;Party;Portrait;Shutter-priority;Snow;Sport;Sunset;Text;Underwater
Flash: Yes
Flash Features: TTL
Flash Modes: Auto;Off;On;Red-Eye Reduction;Slow-Synchro
Focusing Modes: Auto
Image Formats: JPEG;Video
Image Sensor Dimensions: 7.60 x 5.70
Image Sensor Resolution: 6.3
Image Sensor Type: 1/1.7inch CCD
ISO Settings: 100;1600;200;3200;400;800;ISO Auto
LCD Display?: Yes
Lens Type: Zoom Lens
Longest Shutter Speed: 15
Max Aperture: 8
Max Focal Length: 108
Max resolution (horizontal pixels): 2848
Max resolution (vertical pixels): 2136
Max. Captured Image Resolution: 2848 x 2136
Memory Types: XD
Metering Modes: 256 Zone Matrix
Min Focal Length: 36
Min Shutter Speed: 2000
Movie Mode: Yes
Optical viewfinder: No
Optical Zoom: 3
Shooting Modes: Beach;Indoor;Landscape;Night ;Portrait;Snow;Sports;Sunset
Weight (g): 185
White Balance: Auto;Fluorescent;Presets;Shade
White Balance Presets: Fluorescent Light (Cool White);Fluorescent Light (Daylight);Fluorescent Light (Warm White);Incandescent;Shade
MPN: N077840A
Price (GBP): 249

PhotoRadar review

They used to go in for shouting about their megapixel count, but with punters realising that more megapixels don't necessarily make a better camera, manufacturers have to find other features to impress.

The F30 features an extra-high light sensitivity - or ISO rating - up to an unprecedented 3200 at full resolution. This means that the camera can practically see in the dark, taking attractive photos in shadow, or the middle of the night, without needing to use the flash.

Darkness reigns

That's the good news but, as ever, there's a price to pay. As camera enthusiasts will know, the price of higher ISO settings is increased noise - speckling and graininess in the darker areas - as the smaller sensor struggles to cope.

While Fujifilm has done well to keep the noise down at the higher ISO levels, it's a problem at ISO3200, and it's the kind of noise that's hard to remove with software. On the other side, you don't need to go as far as 3200 to take advantage of the low-light capabilities.

It takes good shots at ISO 400 to 800, which is much better than you normally get with compact cameras in this price range. Many users will put up with noise in return for not having to use the flash.

Another advantage of higher ISO is reduced camera shake, especially at a shutter speed of 1/250th of a second.

Other selling points of this attractive compact include a 6.3 megapixel sensor, choice of colour modes and impressive battery life. The Fujifilm is easy to use, too, with clear menus and a generous LCD viewfinder.

Our only gripe is that you're forced to use xD cards, rather than cheaper SD cards that are available.

Verdict:
Fujifilm's latest FinePix is a camera that won't fail to impress. The camera's designed to be user friendly but it will satisfy the more demanding consumers who want semi-manual and automatic shooting modes as well as accurate exposure and subtle tonal rendition.
PhotoRadar rating:
4
User rating:
0
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