Fuji FinePix F20 First Impressions Review

by Richard Baguley
Published on October 10, 2006

Navigation
Intro	Physical Tour
Components	Design / Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion

The case of the F20 has a smooth, brushed metal finish that’s available in two colors: gunmetal and silver. The most significant feature on the front of the F20 is the Fujinon zoom lens, which telescopes out when the camera is on. The only other significant feature on the front is the small flash, located just above the lens. A small piece of metal on the left side acts as a grip for the fingertips. Barely noticeable on the bottom right side of the lens are two holes that act as the built-in microphone. Overall, the front looks plain and fit for the $299 price tag.

 

Back

The back of the camera is dominated by the 2.5-inch LCD screen, which has 153k pixels. On the right hand side we have (from the top down) the zoom control, tiny bumps for a thumb grip next to an indicator light, the playback mode button, the “F” menu button (which kicks off the FinePix menu), the multi-selector control, the display/back button and the picture stabilization button. The latter kicks off the picture stabilization mode, where the camera automatically adjusts the ISO rating and shutter speed to minimize camera shake. The center of the multi-selector has a Menu button in it. Icons surround the multi-selector on all sides noting the double duties of the selector in recording and playback modes. Starting from the top and moving clockwise are the following icons: delete/LCD gain up, flash, self-timer, and macro.

 

The only excitement on the left side is the cover for the A/V out and USB port, plus the DC power port.

 

If you thought that the left side was boring, the right side may send you to sleep: the only thing on this side is the lanyard loop. In our photo, this is occupied by a meta cable that stops evildoers from swiping the camera from Fujifilm’s booth at Photokina; the standard lanyard is plastic.

On the top of the camera are three buttons: the shutter button, the still/video mode switch, and the power button.

The only excitement on the bottom of the Fujifilm FinePix F20 is the tripod socket and the cover for the battery and xD-Picture card compartment. The small grill below this is for the speaker.