Fujifilm Finepix F30

The Fujifilm Finepix F30 is a 6 megapixel digital camera that comes with a 3x Optical Zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen.

The F30 features shooting at up to 3200 ISO for low light shooting and also has a 'intelligent flash' system which helps combat those terrible flash shots that so many point and shoot cameras get where you foreground, background and subject are in real contrast to one another.

There has been no mention of price on the Fujifilm Finepix F30 yet but it will be in stores by May of 2006.

Get the latest price on the Fujifilm FinePix F30 from Amazon and compare prices from other online stores.

Read our Review of the Fujifilm Finepix F30

Fujifilm FinePix F30 News Release

Capture the moment as your eye sees it Fujifilm's innovative Real Photo Technology (RPT) takes digital photography to new levels.

In 2005, with the introduction of FinePix F10, Fujifilm changed the trend of digital photography by giving photographers new flexibility to capture images with a much higher success rate. The first compact digital camera to incorporate Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology, the award-winning the FinePix F10, featured ISO 1600 high sensitivity, making it possible to take beautiful pictures in low-light or with fast-moving subjects.

In 2006, Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology continues to evolve and, for the first time, begins to approximate the human eye with its
breakthrough ISO 3200 sensitivity.

At PMA, Fujifilm will demonstrate the digital cameras with Capture the moment as your eyes see it‚ theme. Backed by an extensive history of in-house development of innovative imaging technology, including sophisticated CCDs and image processors, Fujifilm is proud to introduce the FinePix F30, the world´s first compact digital camera to offer ISO 3200 sensitivity at its full resolution (6.1 Mega Pixels).

Today´s digital cameras offer a constantly expanding range of features, including movie capture, wireless transmission, and more. They are also extremely thin and compact. However, in the race to develop stylish cameras with add-on functions and features, the most important thing may have been overlooked ˆ the fact that a digital camera is primarily a device for capturing and preserving memories beautifully. For compact digital cameras, the real challenge is how to capture the moment as you actually see it with your eyes, rather than the process being driven by how the camera sees it. The ultimate compact digital camera should enable you to take great pictures on the spur of the moment, whenever and wherever you encounter them. To make this goal a reality, the new FinePix F30 incorporates the latest innovations in Fujifilm´s Real Photo Technology.

New Super CCD HR Generation
The newly developed sixth-generation Super CCD transforms light to digital signals more efficiently, achieving an unprecedented level of sensitivity for a compact digital still camera. Even the smallest amount of light is efficiently and accurately captured for processing as image elements. The new CCD also enhances imaging performance with reduced noise level, resulting in truly impressive picture quality.

Newly developed Real Photo Processor
Fujifilm´s own noise reduction technology effectively minimizes noise, resulting in enhanced color reproduction and gradation. The new cameras also offer improved accuracy and speed of auto-focus, especially in low light. Additionally, noise reduction is applied to movie capture, making it possible to capture clear, sharp moving images even at high-sensitivity sensitivities.?

Additional new technology for improved picture-taking performance
Fujifilm has also developed the new 'Intelligent-Flash' system, which supports Real Photo Technology by measuring the subjects regardless their position within a frame and optimizing the amount of flash and the exposure level. With 'Intelligent-Flash' images are much less likely to be washed out and reproduce the skin tones and facial features accurately even at extremely high ISO setting. Taking digital photography to new levels with Fujifilm‚s innovative Real Photo Technology, the FinePix F30 is scheduled for release at the end of May 2006.

FinePix F30 Features

* 'Real Photo Technology' with new Super CCD HR and Real Photo Processor achieves a new standard for high sensitivity and low noise
* Offers best-in-class ISO 3200 sensitivity at full resolution (6.1 Mega Pixels).
* Exceptional image quality made possible by enhanced low-noise technolog
* New flash exposure modulation program 'Intelligent-Flash' prevents washed-out overexposure of people or other main subject, while high- sensitivity ensures bright, adequately exposed background detail.
* New PS shooting mode on the mode dial makes it possible to capture rapidly moving subjects without blurring; also minimizes effects of camera shake with fast shutter speed setting.
* 3.0x optical zoom lens (F2.8 ˆ F5), 36-108mm
* Extra-large 230,000-pixel 2.5-inch LCD surface is coated with Fujifilm´s proprietary CV film, minimizing glare and reflections for enhanced ease of viewing.
* Long-life battery (up to 500 shots)
* 15 selectable scene positions.
Existing scene positions: Natural/People/Landscape/Sports/Night scene
* New scene positions:

• N & with Flash
• UNDER WATER
• BEACH
• SNOW
• FLOWER CLOSE-UP
• SUNSET
• FIRE WORKS
• PARTY
• MUSEUM
• TEXT

* Internal memory equipped
* Quick response times (0.01 second shutter lag* and 1.5 second start-up) *After AF/AE lock
* 3:2 image format option
* VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound
* xD-Picture Card˙, providing large storage capacity, lower power consumption, and fast write speeds (16MB to 1GB capacities currently available)
* PictBridge˙ compatible for direct printing without a PC

Get the latest price on the Fujifilm FinePix F30

Fujifilm Finepix F30 Reviews

Read our Review of the Fujifilm Finepix F30

Digital Camera Info has a first look review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 where they write - 'It comes with an ISO 3200 rating and is the first consumer point-and-shoot digital camera to do so. The camera uses this high ISO for some of its 15 scene modes as well. There is a Picture Stabilization mode that uses the 1600 and 3200 ISO settings and fast shutter speeds as well as the Intelligent Flash system that monitors flash output to produce evenly exposed images. There is also a Natural Light mode that is similar to the previous mode but doesn�t use the flash. When users are unsure about which to use, instead of toggling between settings and modes they can access the Natural Light & With Flash mode, which is like a burst mode that switches settings.'

CNET reviews the Fujifilm FinePix F30 and gives it a rating of 7.4 out of 10. They writec - 'Fujifilm has spent the last couple of years getting in touch with its sensitive side by ratcheting up the usable sensitivity range of its digital compact cameras. The pinnacle of this work is the company's new FinePix F30, which includes a range of ISOs from ISO 100 all the way up to ISO 3,200. In the film world, you could get ISO 3,200 only with black-and-white film, and it had grain that was affectionately referred to as "golfball size" by many photographers. While noise at ISO 3,200 is extreme, the F30 keeps imaging artifacts under control below that point, making for a breakthrough as digital compacts go.'

NeoCamera review the Fuji F30 and write - 'The Fuji Finepix F30 is an exceptional ultra-compact digital camera which delivers high-quality images with incredibly low image noise. This is the first non-SLR to produce usable images up to ISO 3200, enabling new photographic opportunities. Even more than its predecessor, the F30 is a great camera for indoor photographs due to its high-ISO capabalities, its ultra-compact size and very durable battery life.'

DCRP has a review of the Fujifilm Finepix F30 and writes: "While it's not quite perfect, the F30 won me over with its great high ISO performance, battery life, LCD, and manual controls. It's a camera that I can recommend without hesitation. ... Camera performance was very good in most areas. The F30 starts up quickly, focusing times were above average, and I didn't find shutter lag to be a problem. Shot-to-shot times were just average, and I wasn't terribly impressed with the continuous shooting modes either. Battery life, on the other hand, was stupendous -- the F30 lasts longer than any compact camera on the market. The camera supports the USB 2.0 High Speed standard for fast photo transfers to your Mac or PC. Photo quality was very good, especially in terms of high ISO performance. The F30 isn't quite as clean as a digital SLR, but it's way better than your typical fixed lens camera. You can print 8 x 10's (and maybe larger) all the way through ISO 800, with smaller prints at ISO 1600. The F30 took generally well-exposed photos, though I thought the colors could be brighter. Sharpness was just about where I like it. Unfortunately the F30 has higher than average purple fringing levels, which is really a shame since Fuji got almost everything right. "

ePhotozine reviews the Fujifilm Finepix F30 and writes, "For a compact digital camera the low level of noise at all sensitivities is stunning, rivalling many SLR cameras. Noise levels are very low up to ISO400. At ISO800 a little more luminance noise shows, but it's still very acceptable. By ISO1600 the noise levels have increased to noticeable levels, but still very low by comparison. The 'landmark' sensitivity of ISO3200 produces acceptable quality with very little chroma noise. I did notice that the colour tends to shift slightly at the maximum sensitivity, but not enough to cause any major problems and the noise that is present is fine, randomly arranged and not brightly coloured, giving a wonderful film-like appearance. ... There is no doubt that the Fuji Finepix F30 is a fantastic compact camera. Images are clear, sharp, colourful and the control over digital noise is superb."

ComputerActive has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 and writes, "And so to the images, which are pin sharp straight out of the camera. Colours err on the side of being naturalistic – even slightly muted - rather than vivid, though these can be boosted by switching to our preferred ‘chrome’ setting. ... At the top ISO of 3200, shots start to break up and noise is readily visible, but not to a throwaway degree. A 16MB XD-Picture Card comes as standard - plus 10Mb internal memory – which, while enough to get you started, doesn’t do away with the need to invest in a larger card. ... The F30 but doesn’t offer a compulsive argument for upgrading from the F10 or F11, but is one of the more attractive and better performing compacts available."

Digital Camera Info has a final review up of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 and writes, "The Fujifilm FinePix F30 successfully follows the F10 with a host of improvements inside and out of the camera. The redesigned 6.3-megapixel image sensor and Real Photo Processor work together to create crisp, clean pictures without the shutter lag that lingers on many compact digital cameras. The F30’s body got a makeover to be flatter and more portable, but many of the components are still the same. Like the F10, the new Fujifilm FinePix F30 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The new model has twice the resolution; with 230,000-pixels of screen resolution, the view is much finer. It also comes with a higher ISO 3200 setting – the highest offered on a consumer compact digital camera. More importantly, the F30 adds some manual functionality with its new aperture and shutter priority modes. These allow photographers a little more room to hone their shooting skills, which they can do over and over again without worrying about whether the battery will die: it lasts for an incredible 580 shots per charge. The i-Flash system is incredibly effective and virtually banned red eyes from its images, but it did need a lot of time to recover and flash again; it just can’t be rushed."

Digital Camera Review has a review up of the Fujifilm Finepix F30 and writes, "Overall, I was pleased with the pictures from this camera, particularly when the camera was not pushed to (or beyond) its limits. Daytime pictures were very sharp and well-balanced, and colors were good. The camera performance overall was also very good. Startup time and shot-to-shot times were quick. I did not have the opportunity to run through an entire battery during shooting, so I don't know if the 580 shot per battery claim is accurate, although I had plenty of battery life left over during my testing. Is this camera the holy grail of low-light photography? No, but then again I can't always get great low-light shots out of my D-SLR either. Considering that the F30 is a moderately priced compact digital camera, it gets very acceptable results, even in tricky lighting situations. I am not quite sure that the camera lives up to its marketing hype, but it's performance is very good considering the price point and form factor."

Steve's Digicams has a review up of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 and writes, "Image quality was very good for a 6-megapixel model in this price range. All of our samples were sharp and showed good color balance and saturation. The exposure system did well in most lighting situations, however it did tend to overexpose the sky on very sunny days. When shooting in marginal lighting, you'll be happy the F30 features an AF-assist lamp, which will allow you to focus on subjects in complete darkness. Its flash also has a powerful range of approx. 21.3 feet using ISO Auto. This is due to the camera's ability to us ISO speeds as high as 3200! Overall, I found this flash worked very well for your typical indoor people photos as well as a fill flash for outdoor portraits. ... Bottom line - The FujiFilm Finepix F30 is an awesome digital package. With its unmatched ISO capabilities, great image quality, robust performance, durable metal body, and loads of useful exposure modes, the F30 is tuff to beat in the 6-megapixel category."

Megapixel has a review up of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 and writes, "Photos captured using the wide angle end of the zoom exhibit only a very slight amount of barrel distortion. However, given the right contrast conditions, a chromatic aberration - a purple fringe that appears on the edges of dark image elements captured near bright ones - can be seen. ... But at the telephoto end, images are free of any pincushion distortion, and show no trace of chromatic aberration. Moreover, whatever the focal length, the F30's images have excellent vibrant colours, particularly if the Chrome setting is used. ... The F30's strength lies in its ability to capture images at up to 400 ISO that compare very well with the 200 ISO images of other cameras. Moreover, the F30 yields excellent colours, and detailed, low-noise images up to 400 ISO."

Photoxels reviews the Fujifilm FinePix F30 and seemed to enjoy using it writing - 'I found The Fujifilm FinePix F30 especially hard to part with. Besides its exceptional low-light capability, high performance, beautiful LCD monitor, and great battery life, it is also a pleasure to use and operate, giving excellent image quality shot after shot with point-and-shoot simplicity. I like the availability of long exposures as well as the additional manual control in the Aperture-Priority AE and Shutter-Priority AE shooting mode. Do yourself a favour and check it out before you decide on a new compact digital camera.'

DPReview has posted their review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 and gives it a rating of 'highly recommended. They write - 'To sum up, the F30 is far and away the best low light compact camera on the market today, bar none. It's the perfect 'social' camera for the DSLR owner who doesn't want to lug all his or her gear to parties, and it is - in expert hands - capable of superb results in any light. I would even go as far as to suggest - funds permitting - getting one for low light work even if you already own a camera you use for daylight shooting... So then, Highly Recommended unless you rarely shoot indoors or at night.'

DigiCamReview has posted their review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 where they give it a rating of 9 out of 10 and write - 'The Fujifim F30 is an impressive compact 6 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and a large 2.5" display. The camera is one of very few to include ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 modes. It has excellent responsiveness and is designed to be able to take great photos in almost every situation. Although some people may find the re-styling and altered usability not necessarily to everyone's taste, overall there have been many usability improvements - Particularly welcome is the improved higher resolution screen. The FujiFilm F30 is well worth considering - there are few digital cameras that offer so many options, so much quality, in such a small package.'

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Fujifilm Finepix F30 where they give it a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 and write - 'Ultimately, though, the Fujifilm Finepix F30 is currently the new best compact, carry-everywhere digital camera for the discerning photographer. There are still a few unnecessary faults, but Fujifilm have somehow managed to improve on an already impressive camera in the F11 and deliver the best low-light compact camera available today.'

Popular Photography reviews the Fujifilm Finepix F30 and writes - 'This camera has a truly usable ISO range of ISO 100 to ISO 800, and makes images at the extreme ISOs of 1600 and 3200 that can hold up to comparison with ISO 400 and 800 results from some of its competitors. The world is not made entirely of perfectly lit bright sunny days calling for ISO 100 -- and Fujifilm deserves praise for pushing camera performance technology towards much more usable high ISOs in the compact market.'

Lets Go Digital reviews the FujiFilm FinePix F30 where they give it a rating of 77% and write - 'To cut a long story short, the Fujifilm FinePix F30 digital compact camera is not only an attractive, well-made camera, it is also nice to work with and gives super results. Fujifilm has a well ordered range on offer, and with the Fujifilm FinePix F30 it has come up with a digital camera that will be appreciated by a broad public. I'd recommend it any day. '

Pocket Lint reviews the Fuji FinePix F30 and gives it a rating of 9 out of 10. They write - 'The F30 won TIPA’s Best Compact Digital Camera in Europe award and on this performance I can see why. Neat handling, design and specification further enhance a World first in terms of that high ISO capability. Yes, there are a couple of omissions; no RAW capture and the lack of a histogram display for example. But… The Fuji FinePix F30 is then a camera with great flexibility. But that alone does not do it justice. At its £279.99 price, it provides an almost perfect balance of control and automation, sensitivity without noise problems and image quality yet retaining pocketability that make it a real “stunna�?, and you’ll be hard pressed to find better on the market today.'

TrustedReviews has posted their review of the Fujifilm Finepix F30 where they write - 'The Finepix F30 is a stylish, efficient and easy-to-use compact camera with excellent picture quality, a useful range of features and outstanding performance, but even these qualities are overshadowed by its amazing low-light performance. It has easily the best high-ISO picture quality of any compact camera on the market, and is perfect for shooting pictures at any social occasion. While not exactly cheap, it does offer unique abilities that you won’t find anywhere else.'

Cameralabs review the Fujifilm FinePix F30 where they write - 'So while the F30 may not be the slimmest or sexiest compact, nor offer anything as glamorous as a touch-sensitive or flip-out screen, it does deliver great-looking photos under the kind of conditions most rivals would struggle. Its low light capabilities still lead the market whether you’re shooting with or without the flash, and there’s sufficient quality and creative control to keep most enthusiasts happy. We can confidently recommend it to anyone.'

ThinkCamera has a review of the Fujifilm F30 and writes, "ISO goes from 100 to a decent 3200. It's a bit noisy from 800 upwards but you would expect that. Photos taken on 800 ISO print fine at 6 x 4 with the noise not very noticeable although if you blew them up bigger than that it might be an issue. ... you don't get an XD card with the camera. It has some built in memory but only enough for a couple of photos. So build a card in when you budget for it. The second bugbear for me was the USB connection. It's so fiddly. It has a smaller end that fits into the camera than I'm used to and the little flap over the connection on the camera wanted to shut all the time. Really these are minor annoyances and wouldn't put me off buying it."

GearDigest has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 and writes, "The F30 produces photos with very good color, dynamic range and sharpness that print beautifully without any computer-based manipulation on 6 x 4 color printers such as Epson's PrintMate 240. I am impressed with the layout of controls on the camera. Everything falls neatly under my rather large fingers and I learned the controls very quickly. Downsides of the F30 include the somewhat less than standard xD card, lack of a viewfinder, slow startup and very occasional purple fringing around such things as distant leaves on a tree. I've seen the latter problem in maybe 3 out of the roughly 1,000 pictures I've taken."

Compare Prices on the Fujifilm Finepix F30

Posted by Darren in our Fuji category on February 14, 2006

Comments

There is a comprehensive review with lots of ISO samples at Neocamera, here it is:
http://www.neocamera.com/review_fuji_f30_more.html

Posted by: Itai at June 19, 2006 12:08 PM

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