Value (8.0)
At $299, the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd is the least expensive 12-megapixel compact digital camera on the market. It isn’t exceptionally trendy or gorgeous, but it has very impressive resolution for the price. It has a nice smattering of manual controls, along with a slew of automated modes and features, and it throws in IrSimple wireless technology. It’s a deal for $299.
Comparisons
Fujifilm FinePix F40fd – This is the predecessor of the F50fd and it has the first generation of face detection technology, which recognizes faces from straight ahead but has trouble with those that are slightly turned. This 8.3-megapixel FinePix has a 3x optical zoom lens that does not have mechanical image stabilization. It has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen but the same 230,000-pixel resolution. The F40fd also has the same IrSimple wireless transfer technology and the same initial retail price of $299.
Canon PowerShot SD950 IS – This is Canon’s most expensive SD-series camera. It includes 12.1 megapixels and a 3.7x optical zoom lens wrapped in a sturdy 1.09-inch titanium body. It has an optical image stabilization system and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels. There is also an optical viewfinder, something omitted on the Fuji camera. The Canon SD950 has 11 Scene modes, a great Movie mode, and a Playback mode that includes red-eye correction. The Burst mode snaps 1.5 fps. The SD950’s face detection system can recognize up to 35 faces at a time. All of these features come at a steep price, however: $449.
Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 – This 12.1-megapixel digital camera comes with a whopping 34 Scene modes, including an eBay mode that optimizes pictures for quick uploading to the online auction site. It has interesting features such as face detection, tracking autofocus, and a 3x optical zoom lens with CCD-shift image stabilization. The Z1200’s Movie mode can record standard 640 x 480-pixel videos or widescreen 848 x 480-pixel videos, but at a choppy 20 fps. Its Burst mode is disappointing. It can snap away at 3 fps – but only when the image size is shrunk to 3 megapixels. This Casio has a 2.8-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels. The Z1200 sells for $399.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100 – This digital camera has a lot of familiar specs: 12.2 megapixels, optical image stabilization, and high ISO settings. The FX100 has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels, but it has a longer 3.6x optical zoom lens with a wide 28mm focal length. Its flash is much more powerful, reaching up to 52 feet. Its Burst mode can snap 2 fps at full resolution or 8 fps when the image size is reduced to 2.5 megapixels. The Panasonic FX100 can record standard videos or wider 1920 x 1080 and 1280 x 720-pixel videos at 15 fps.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200 – This digital camera is a bit thicker at just more than an inch, but still packs in a lot of the same features. It has 12.1 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens that is helped by an optical image stabilization system. The W200 has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen with less resolution at 115,000 pixels. It has full manual control of shutter speed and aperture, but is missing a few features, such as custom white balance. It has only nine Scene modes and requires the use of Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo media, and a Pro card for the Movie mode to operate at its full 30 fps capacity. It has slightly more internal memory at 31 MB and expands its ISO range another step to 3200 at full resolution. Its 2 fps Burst mode lasts a lot longer than the three shots available on the F50fd: the W200 can shoot for 100 shots in a row at full resolution. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200 costs a bit more at $349.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The F50fd is compact enough to stuff in a pocket. The mode dial with its clearly labeled Auto mode makes it a breeze for point-and-shooters to use.
Budget Consumers – At $299, it isn’t the least expensive Fujifilm on the market, but is a good price considering its manual control, trendy features, and metal body.
Gadget Freaks – Improved face detection, optical image stabilization, and IrSimple wireless transfer technology are big draws for this crowd.
Manual Control Freaks – There isn’t a completely Manual mode, but there are Shutter Speed and Aperture Priority modes, along with a host of other manual controls.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – This tiny camera may have 12 megapixels, but likely won’t attract the eye of this crowd.
