With professional digital cameras arguably capturing low light detail better than film, manufacturers of compacts aimed at enthusiasts are looking to similarly boost performance – if only to have a selling point besides pixel count.
So the FujiFilm FinePix F30 doubles its F11 predecessor’s ability to take low-light shots without flash at full resolution by boosting light sensitivity to IS03200.
In doing so it suggests itself as a backup camera for those who own a similarly specified, but more bulky, SLR, or prefer natural images to flash enhanced ones.
However, the knock on effect of switching off camera flash and using higher ISO settings instead is that image noise – those tiny, grain-like specks – can visibly ruin a photo. Which is why many compacts compensate by lowering their pixel count so defects aren’t as pronounced.
Not so here, claims Fuji, as the unique configuration of its six megapixel sensor provides a higher sensitivity to light than conventional design. And if you do need to use flash after all, a so-called ‘intelligent’ flash system evenly exposes both foreground and background.
As with most current compacts, a large-ish 2.5in screen on the F30 has replaced an optional viewfinder – the traditional method of prolonging battery life.
Again, not a problem says Fuji, as its rechargeable lithium ion pack is good for 580 shots, marginally bettering the F11 and out performing the likes of Casio and Canon at this level.
Other features remain unchanged from the F11, such as a fairly average 3x optical zoom – a restricted length limiting camera shake as there’s no proper optical image stabilisation - plus the ability to manually tweak aperture or shutter priority (how much light the lens lets in and how long for).
Though not as slender as its own Z2, the build quality of the F30 is high, with champagne-coloured metal faceplate and a solid feel. It’s fast to power up and, so long as the previous image has been committed to memory, there’s no discernable shutter delay.
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.
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Price: £330
Rating: 4
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