Fujifilm FinePix F30 6.3 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
- Digital camera features full resolution ISO equivalency speeds as high as 3200 for great low-light and motion shots
- Features a 3.0x optical zoom Fujinon lens; combined with 6.2x digital zoom, camera offers 18.6x total zoom
- Large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor features Auto Brightness and an anti-glare, low-reflection CV (Clear View) film
- Picture Stabilization mode and Real Photo Technology combine to produce less noisy and less grainy photos in dim light
- i-Flash system accurately detects subtle light differences within a scene
Breaking away from the tired practice of pixel counting, the FinePix F30 Zoom is the world’s first digital compact camera to deliver ISO 3200 sensitivity at full resolution. Fujifilm has identified sensitivity as one of the major photographic benchmarks for the digital age, and this camera makes it possible to capture images of unrivalled quality, even in very dark conditions. showcases a new ?intelligent flash’ system which uses the camera’s exceptional sensitivity to combine natural foreground illumination with balanced exposure in the background. Avoiding both the messy background blur of ?slow-sync’ flash, and the stark contrast of conventional flash, this will bring your after-hours photography to life. Finepix F30 uses a rechargeable battery that is CIPA rated to have a capacity of up to 500 pictures per charge. With a 6.3 effective megapixel rating, still pictures have great detail. It can even shoot movies up to 640×480 VGA resolution. Exposure Modes – Programmed AE (AUTO/SP), Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE / 256 zone metering Preprogrammed Scene Modes (SP) Natural Light/Natural Light & with Flash/Portrait/ Landscape/Sport/Night/Fireworks/Sunset/Snow/ Beach/Underwater/ Museum/Party/ Flower Close-Up /Text 2.5 LCD 10MB internal memory + xD-PictureCard slot (We advise an optional 512MB XD-card for practical use of this camera) Built-in electronic-flash – Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro modes PictBridge compatible Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) 3.6 (W) x 2.2 (H) x 1.1 (D) / Weight 5.5 oz. (not including accessories, batteries & xD Card)The Fujifilm FinePix F30 6.3MP Digital Camera is a revolution in point-and-shoot digital cameras for consumers. With full-resolution ISO equivalency speeds as high as 3200 — a setting previously reserved for advanced consumer and professional digital camera models — the F30 takes crystal clear photographs where other cameras would deliver blurry images. Higher light sensitivities allow this camera to shoot with faster shutter speeds, which lessens the likelihood of blurry pictures caused by ever-active children, fidgety pets, dim ambient light, or an unsteady camera hand.
A 3x optical zoom lens brings you closer to your subjects when you want to catch important details. Take a closer look at the FinePix F30′s functions. |
Sized to slip into a pocket or purse, the F30 might be diminutive, but the extra-large 6.3 megapixel resolution is more than enough for high-quality standard 4×6-inch prints. However, if you’d like to make larger prints, or alter an image with photo editing software, the extra-resolution is a valuable asset. An extra-large, 2.5-inch (230,000 pixel) LCD monitor fills the back of the camera. With convenient features like Auto Brightness and an anti-glare, low reflection CV (Clear View) film, the monitor provides comfortable composition and viewing of photos whether in dim interiors or under bright sunlight. The responsive FinePix F30 is ready when you are, with a super-fast start-up time (1.4 seconds), a shooting interval of 1.5 seconds, and a shutter release time lag of a minimum of 0.01 seconds.
The class-leading performance of FinePix F30 is due in large part to the second generation of Real Photo Technology. This Fujifilm photographic achievement is a combination of Fujifilm’s Super CCD sensor, its proprietary RP Processor, and a world-class lens from Fujinon. The camera’s 3.0x optical zoom lens has a focal range equivalent to 36-108mm on a 35mm camera. Combined with a 6.2x digital zoom, this camera offers a 18.6x total zoom range that brings you closer to your subjects than ever before. Fujinon, Fujifilm sister company, produces these high-quality optics that are used by broadcasters, astronomers, scientists, the military and others to bring their subjects closer with crisp, clear image quality.
Fujifilm has also added a helpful “Picture Stabilization” mode dial setting to the F30. This easy-to-identify, automatic setting lets the camera choose the correct light sensitivity — ISO equivalents up to 3200 — and best matching shutter speed for the highest quality digital pictures.
In the past, high ISO equivalencies such as 3200 (or even 1600 and 800), had been off-limits to compact consumer digital cameras, but not any more. In addition to Picture Stabilization, the F30 combats the high-ISO, low-picture-clarity problem with the sixth-generation Super CCD sensor that produces less noise than its predecessor, and an RP Processor II that is finely tuned to remove even more noise. The end result is the FinePix F30: a camera that produces sharp pictures, full of rich color with dramatically less image noise, even in the lowest of lights.
A 2.5-inch LCD display makes it easy to frame great shots. |
Another innovation of the FinePix F30 that works in tandem with Real Photo Technology and higher ISOs is the Fujifilm flash system called i-Flash. More advanced than similar flash systems, the i-Flash can accurately detect the subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then light the subject accordingly with a wider range of flash intensities. This is accomplished with an adjustment to the flash’s intensity based on a variety of factors, such as subject position in the frame, subject size, ambient light, and backlight intensity. So, even if the subject is off center and standing under a street light, the i-Flash system will expose the subject properly.
i-Flash is a tremendous asset to any photographer, particularly when shooting in low-light — subjects look more natural in front of backgrounds full of bright and clear detail. However, the i-Flash difference is most apparent in portraits, delivering realistic facial tones without the washed-out look so often associated with flash photography. Basically, this smart flash control system recognizes conditions, and determines the optimum flash output to give you superb results.
Ever run out of digital storage just at the wrong moment? Not with the F30. With 10 MB of built-in storage you’ll never have to miss that special shot. Think of it as your internal insurance policy for those great, not-to-be missed photo opportunities. Amazingly easy to operate, all you have to do is switch-on the FinePix F30, and you’ll be ready to shoot. Controls have been arranged for easy, fingertip operation giving you quick access to all the camera’s great exposure modes and scenes. The full range of exposure modes includes auto, aperture-priority AE, shutter priority AE, manual, movie, picture stabilization, and scene position modes; plus, a generous selection of 15 preset scene positions that include underwater, sunset, snow, fireworks, party, museum and more. Whatever the situation, the FinePix F30 makes it a snap to get great results.
Additional features include super macro mode; 30 fps movie recording with monaural sound for capturing quick, digital video snippits; a FinePix Photo button for one-touch access to frequently used settings (image size, ISO sensitivity, and FinePix color mode); continuous shooting mode; a USB interface for PC connectivity; a video output for your TV monitor (NTSC/PAL) to display photographs on your television; FinePix Viewer software; PictBridge compatibility; and an xD-Picture card compatible slot. The FinePix F30 is powered by an included NP-95 rechargeable battery and can take approximately 500 pictures on a single battery charge.
What’s in the Box
Fujifilm FinePix F30 digital camera, NP-95 rechargeable battery, AC-5VC AC power adapter, hand strap, USB cable, A/V cable, and FinePix Viewer CD-ROM.
List Price: $ 329.95
Price: $ 329.95
Super Optical Quality, Low Light Performance and More!,
I’ve been a Canon guy for several years and throught that they lead the pack in photographic innovation. My family has several Canon SLR’s, assorted lenses and digital Elph pocket cameras (SD 400, SD450 and SD550). Pocket cameras trade performance and features for small size and ease of use. In bright light without flash the Canon Elphs usually provide image quality which is ok for 8 x 10″ photos if one is not too critical about sharpness, especially near the edges and corners. This resolution limit has more to due with the lackluster optics being used than with the number of megapixels. Basically, the tiny lenses are the limiting factor and not the sensor.
The Fuji F30 is about the same size and weight as the Canon SD550 (or SD700). I bought it based on the rave reviews it got in the high-ISO, low light category. So, when I tested it against my 7.1MP Canon SD550 I was greatly surprised by the vastly superior image quality of the 6.3MP Fuji at ALL ISO settings. The Fujicon lens used provides much sharper pictures than the Canon from edge to edge. Sure, the Canon will make ok 8 x 10′s but those from the Fuji will be much sharper and crisper, especially away from the center where the Canon image gets softer. The difference is even more striking in lower light, such as indoors or outside when the sun is low or under heavy clouds. The Fuji provides much sharper AND lower noise images at ISO 800 than the Canon does at ISO 200. Essentially, the Fuji can use the same shutter speed (to freeze action and mitigate hand-shake) in one-fourth the light while still producing superior pictures!!! The Fuji could also provide a shutter speed four-times faster in the same light and give sharper pictures and less noisy pictures.
Another advantage of the Fuji F30 is the option to have full manual control over aperture, metering, etc, just like an SLR (no manual focus however). The LCD on the Fuji is also much brighter and clearer (many more pixels and less reflective) than the Canon. One more advantage is battery life. The Fuji battery is about twice as large as that used in the Canon SD550. It is rated at 580 shots while the Canon is rated at about 150 shots. There’s not nearly as much need to buy and carry a spare battery for the Fuji.
OK, the Fuji does have a few disadvantages over the Canon. The worst of these to me is the use of tiny xD memory cards. Not only do you need to buy yet another type of card but large 1GB xD cards require much longer times (about 5-10 times as long) to transfer images to your computer through a card reader than do 1GB SD cards. The reason for this is that the small sized xD card require special hardware compression to allow 1GB to be stored. In reading the card the pictures have to be uncompressed into normal jpeg format. This slows down the transfer. The xD card compression seems to have no effect on how fast the camera can take pictures. The Fuji is at least as fast as the Canon in starting up and taking pictures.
Another lessor complaint IMO is the supplied Fuji battery charger. It charges the battery only while in the camera and has a cord to plug into the camera and another long cord to plug into the wall. In contrast, Canon provides a very tiny battery charger with folding outlet prongs. This packs easily and charges the battery directly with NO cords. Fuji could provide a similar charger but, instead, offers to sell you their version of the Canon cordless charger for an extra $60-90 as an accessory. You can also buy a non-Fuji version of the cordless charger for about $28, so it’s not a big issue, but is an irritation. It is also worth noting that the Fuji has no peephole viewfinder. I rarely use this but some folks may think this an omission. On the other hand, the Fuji LCD is much brighter and less reflective than the Canon screen so it can actually be used in bright sunlight when the peephole would be the only option with the Canon.
In summary, aside from the issues of the xD card and supplied charger, the Fuji F30 represents a significant breakthrough in image quality, low-light performance and optional manual controls for small pocket cameras.
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|Fuji F30 vs Canon SD700IS vs Panasonic Lumix FX01,
Recently I’d planned to replace my Panasonic Lumix FX7 with the FX9. I love the handy little FX7, but its battery life was prohibitively short. To the point that anxiety about when the camera was going to die was marring the pleasure of vacations.
The FX9 has twice the battery life and I thought, problem solved. But just as I was beginning to purchase the FX9, the FX01 came out. I was thrilled, as I could really use the extra wide angle capability.
But then the Canon SD700IS came out. What a lovely little camera. Beautifully made, also good battery life, a longer lens, and now with the Panasonic’s trump card, optical IS. And while it seems that the image quality of the FX01 is a slight step down from FX9, the Canon appears to be a clear step up. Megapixel absolutely loved the SD700IS
My only hesitation was that some time ago my wife bought me a Canon A80. It had a tendency to “smooth” the image and I didn’t like it. It seemed to diminish the realism and crispness of the picture. Indeed, the criteria I’m used to using when evaluating a camera or camera lens are sharpness, contrast, and saturation. Yes, I could sharpen the image made by the Canon using the computer, so clearly the data was being recorded. However, the actual plane of focus, even after sharpening, is not obvious. I know that professionals actually prefer this smoothness, but I found this so troubling that after days of agonizing, I sent the otherwise lovely A80 back.
When I later acquired the Panasonic FX7, I didn’t hold it to the same standard, since it is truly only a pocket camera. I was resigned to accepting slightly disappointing images, but was grateful the camera was there to get the shot. And as long as it is set to ISO 80, the FX7 can deliver a pretty good image and has good lens.
As I agonized about my decision, I looked at quite a few online camera review sites. I particularly like Dpreview, Dcresource, Megapixel and Dave’s picks. So, I carefully scrutinized the sample pictures for the SD700IS, and uh oh, there’s that Canon smoothing again. This is particularly obvious if you have a look at the macro shot of Mickey Mouse in the DCresource site. The silver bit on Mickey’s hat is just a blur- yipe! It’s not out of focus, but it almost looks like it is due to the “smoothness”. It’s just not my cup of tea.
As a piece of kit, the SD700IS is a great thing, so despite the smoothness I didn’t want to totally let go of the idea of getting it. As I was agonizing over the camera’s images, I noted that in Dpreview, cameras are often compared to a very high resolution camera called the “Fuji F10″. This camera’s images are a virtually always superior to whatever they are compared to, so much so that I had just assumed it was a DSLR. But I clicked on it and I was shocked to discover that it is another point and shoot!
Now all of a sudden there was another player. I looked through the images from all the website reviews, and in terms of image detail, contrast and ISO the F10 with its “superCCD” appears to be in a slightly higher league than other point and shoots, including the Canon 700IS.
The newer F30 just came out, and so I decided to bite the bullet and buy one before the DPreview came out. I was a little spooked by the Megapixel review, which did not give the F30 as high a rating as the CanonSD700. On the other hand, Dave’s site provides a means of side-by side comparison between the CanonSD700 and the F30. In this case, in equal light, my own subjective assessment gave the edge to the F30. But at 400 ISO and above, the F30 blew the CanonSD700 away. In fact, the image quality of the F30 at ISO 400 is as good as the SD700IS at 100, and vastly better than the FX01.
True, the main strength of the F30 is its light gathering capability, making it seem like a one trick pony. However, it is a very important trick. A camera is a machine whose main purpose it to gather light, focus it, and record it. The F30 is very very good at this. It’s bit like saying a particular racing car is a one trick pony if it has more horse power than the other cars. Again, if you are going to pick one trick to be good at, that is a very major trick.
And when I’m honest with myself, I frequently use point and shoots in low light situations- indoors, in shaded areas, at dawn, at dusk, at night. When I look at my average travel photos- a very high percentage of the shots are in low light. With many of my shots with the Panasonic FX7, the static parts of the image are clear, but the people are blurry. This is the legacy of low-light optical image stabilized shots. I’m steady, shooting between breaths, the camera is steady, thanks to OIS- but the subject is not completely still. But by shooting 2 or even 3 stops faster, my hope is that both the people and the background will be clear.
When the F30 arrived, I immediately…
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