Fujifilm FinePix F30 reviewed

The folks at CNET have been spending some quality time with Fujifilm's new FinePix F30 low-light 6 megapixel shooter and they're generally pleased. With a 3x optical zoom, 6 megapixel CCD, and the increasingly common 2.5-inch screen, there isn't a whole lot that stands out about this camera -- except for that outlandish ISO range. Starting at ISO 100 and ranging all the way to ISO 3,200 (previously only available for incredibly grainy black and white film shots), the camera can manage in low-light situations previously resigned to lots of flash or lots of black. CNET found the noise very low in general, espescially with ISO 100 and 200. They found ISO 1,600 to have quite obvious noise, but worthy of an 8.5 x 11 print all the same. The ISO 3,200 should obviously be kept to extreme situations, with a significant loss of image detail, but the shots were better than no shot at all, which is the general point. Otherwise the camera was just average, with a homely yet functional design, decent shooting speed, and a pretty nice LCD. There's no optical image stabilisation, but we're thinking the ISO is a pretty good trade-off. You should be able to get your very own F30 now for under $400.

[ezra @ Jun 12th 2006 5:15PM]

According to Fuji, this camera does have image stabilization:
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/digitalF30Overview.jsp?item=I844732&dbid=844732urltype=overview&NavBarId=I844732

[Hacker @ Jun 12th 2006 5:27PM]

Here is also a very nice user review:
http://www.newtale.eu/bis/index.php/option/content/task/view/id/24

ezra: That's just the high ISO capability.

[Tumbleweed @ Jun 12th 2006 5:53PM]

No, it's "Picture Stabilization," which is not the same as IS. IS actually has gyroscopes in the lens (or in the case of some cameras, the sensor itself moves). In this 'fake IS,' they're simply supplying a camera mode that optimized shutter speed and ISO setting to reduce the effects of the camera being handheld. Don't fall for the marketing hype.

[LS @ Jun 12th 2006 6:53PM]

But I want to know is do I need to replace my F10?

My answer is no, but I'd like a lot more reviews on the incremental.

[Ben @ Jun 12th 2006 8:16PM]

Paul, ISO 3200 is available on numerous other digital cameras, not just this one. That said, this is probably the cheapest one...

[Ryan @ Jun 12th 2006 9:34PM]

"ISO 3200 avail on numerous other digital cameras"?

Okay, name one (esp. a non-dSLR camera).

[ezra @ Jun 13th 2006 3:59AM]

My f10 was stolen and i'm waiting to see if the iso 3200 is high enough quality to switch models (manual controls would be nice too).

[Mark @ Jun 13th 2006 6:45AM]

Does anyone know anywhere that is selling this in the UK?

[Rick @ Jun 13th 2006 4:48PM]

i (digital camera n00b) have been researching this camera and ones like it for a while and heres what i have learned:
the ISO 3200 on the f30 is a bit noisy, and for those who are new to the scene, by noise i mean variations in color from pixel to pixel. check most camera phones to see what i mean. however the new guts on the f30 make other iso speeds(1600, 800, 400) much more tolerable.
this camera does have manual controls and from what i understand semi-auto where you can set a max iso and white balance. (from Hacker's link [post 3])
the flash sucks. dont use it.
lastly, nite time and low lite use is vastly improved. instead of packing more pixels onto a ccd like other manufacturers, (::ahem::casio) fuji worked to improve existing problems with low light digital photography. while i wont be filming any porn in the eerie green light (you paris hilton fans know where i'm commin from), its definitely a step in the right direction...

what started as google search about the casio z1000 ended up with me shelling out 4 ben's for a fuji. now i am broke and i gotta go turn tricks for an xD card.

[Michael @ Jun 18th 2006 9:58PM]

Ben,

ISO 3200 may be available on other digicams, especially dslr's, but not on and point and shoots that I have seen. Which ones are you referring to?

[Itai @ Jun 18th 2006 10:04PM]

There is now a full-review with many samples at all ISO settings compared to the F10 and Canon A700 at Neocamera. See it at:
http://www.neocamera.com/review_fuji_f30_more.html