Fujifilm FinePix F30 6.3 MP 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.
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.
Helpful consumer’s review
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.
