Value (6.0)
In general, the Fuji FinePix A330 stands up to its competition in the lower price bracket, delivering quality photos at an accessible price. It is comparable to other point-and-shoot cameras on the market in terms of its resolution capabilities, zoom and flash range, and relatively simplistic controls. It is weaker than its competitors in terms of its movie speed and lack of color modes, and may not offer the opportunity for growth that some other financially equitable models provide.
Comparisons
Fuji FinePix 340–Distinguishable on the exterior only by the color of the plastic lens cover, the 340 is the A330’s superior, but not by much. The only noticeable difference is a 4 megapixel CCD (compared to the A330’s 3.2M) and a 1.7x digital zoom (compared to 1.6x)–and of course, the price, with an MSRP of $199 (compared to $179).
Pentax Optio 30–Also with an MSRP of $179, the Pentax Optio 30 has comparable resolution of 3.2 megapixels, an identical zoom range (38mm-114mm) and the same limited exposure control. For the custom preset enthusiast, the Optio 30 contains many more shooting modes, such as surf and snow, flower, party, food, and pet – leaving us to wonder if there is any possible situation not simplified down to a button. The Optio 30 also features selectable ISO ratings (50, 100, 200, 400), and different autofocus modes (5 point, spot AF and infinity landscape mode). Although still not ideal, the Optio 30 offers a movie mode slightly faster than the FinePix A330’s, running at 15 fps. As a bonus, the Optio 30 is also smaller and lighter (3.7” x 2.4” x 1.4” at 4.6 oz.) and contains a built-in 16MB memory.
Canon PowerShot A400–Another camera in the same price range as the A330 at roughly US $179 is the PowerShot A400, containing 3.2 MP of resolution, with a 2.2x optical zoom and 3.2 digital zoom (equitable to 45-100mm on a 35mm camera). In most respects, the A400 is similar to the FinePix A330, with a few exceptions: color modes (vivid, neutral, low sharpening, sepia, black and white), and a more complex auto focusing system, with either nine-point or center AF. While it offers fewer flash modes than the FinePix A330, the A400 has more exposure modes, such as Evaluative, Center-weighted, and Spot, as well as more shooting modes. Externally, the A400 resembles the FinePix A330’s long sleek silver design, although it is more compact, being both slightly smaller and lighter (4.2” x 2.1” x 1.4” at 5.8 oz.) Though neither will likely appeal to true movie buffs or videographers, the PowerShot A400 will record motion video at 15 fps with audio.
Nikon Coolpix 2200–For the real budget buyer, the Coolpix 2200 has an MSRP of $149 with a sacrifice in resolution at 2 MP. Similar in shape to the FinePix A330, the Coolpix 2200 is 4” x 2.6” x 1.5” and weighs 6.2 ounces. With a 3x optical and 4x digital zoom (36-108mm 35mm equivalency), the A330 provides slightly more telephoto opportunity than the Coolpix 2200, while the Coolpix 2200 offers slightly more on the wide angle side. The Coolpix 2200 will record video in movie mode at 15 fps, and contains scene modes for an abundance of shooting situations. The Coolpix 2200 has a lot to offer in terms of customized modes and settings and may be more ideal for a beginner. Color modes like vivid, Black & White, sepia, and cyanotype are offered, along with a built-in 14.5MB memory, making the Coolpix 2200 a bargain.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - For all those point-and-shooters out there who just want a quality snapshot right out of the box, avoiding the manual and long menus for features that are not imperative, this camera’s for you. The FinePix A330 is straightforward in its design and delivers a quality image with no frills attached.
Budget Consumers - The FinePix A330 is a great camera for the budget consumer who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, but rather just prefers a foolproof, quality snapshot. If you’re looking for more manual control, however, you can expect to fork out a lot more cash. Of course, all you point-and-shooters out there that are buying this camera to replace your latest disposable camera can indulge in its simplicity and take delight in the economic returns it will accumulate.
Gadget Freaks - If you’re going for the kind of camera that’ll wow your tech-savvy friends, this camera might not be the best choice. The FinePix A330’s charm is in its simplicity; it gets the job done with no fuss or fumbling. If you’re hell-bent on bells and whistles, then this camera will not do.
Manual Control Freaks - Manual control freaks be warned: while there is a manual mode, this does not provide the possibility to set shutter speed or aperture, nor focus manually. At most, you can choose which kind of flash setting you want, use white balance, and compensate exposure, but that’s about it. You’re not going to get the control you want in this price range, and you certainly won’t find it here.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists - Similarly, if you feel the need to have complete artistic control over each shot, and feel restricted by simplified automatic controls, you certainly need to move on to a higher-end camera. The FinePix A330 is meant to take the complication of out shooting, and this inevitably sacrifices control.
