FujiFilm FinePix A330 Digital Camera Review

Color (4.76)
To test the color accuracy of the Fujifilm FinePix A330, we took a series of exposures of a GretagMacbeth color chart and ran the images through Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the images to determine the accuracy of each tone and the degree in which it varies from the ideal. The chart below portrays the results; for each color tile, the exterior square is representative of the actual tone produced by the camera, while the inner square is the camera’s produced tone corrected by the software and the small vertical rectangle in the center is the ideal.

The graph below depicts the 24 tones rendered by the FinePix A330 and the extent in which each strays from its ideal. The circles are the colors produced by the camera, while the correlating squares are the ideal. The length of the line connecting the two is the degree of error. When the square is further towards the edge of the frame, the tone is over-saturated; conversely, when the circle is closer to the center of the graph, the tone is duller than the ideal.

In terms of overall color performance, the FinePix A330 did not perform well, receiving a 4.76 overall color score. With the exception of the “cyan” #18 and “bluish green” #6, nearly all of the tones strayed from their targeted hue. Often cameras will over-saturate all of the tones to gain more vivid colors with greater overall intensity; however, the degree of error in each of the tones produced by the A300 is not consistent. While consistent error will not provide a realistic rendering of the scene, it will act as a form of color balancing, creating a scene that the eye can adapt to. However, when there is such a wide discrepancy between the various tones, the error in each color is emphasized, creating a scene that does not look correct to the human eye.

The 101.6% mean saturation score the A330 received is not terribly high; however, the reason for this is again attributed to inconsistency. While “green” #14, “yellow green” #11, and “yellow” #16 are all significantly duller then the ideal, the A330’s rendering of “red” #15, “moderate red” #9, “magenta” #17, and “purple” #10 are all substantially over-saturated. The over-saturated tones can be attributed to Fujifilm’s attempt to emphasize the colors that impact skin tone, as many other point-and-shoot cameras do to gain a slightly embellished, glorified rendering of people; however, there is no clear justification for the dull tones. Unfortunately, this discrepancy results in images that are tonally inconsistent and disconnected from the original color balance of the scene, making images appear awkward and unnatural.

Still Life Scene
Below is a shot of our fancy still life scene taken with the Fujifilm FinePix A330.

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: The linked file is VERY large!)

Resolution/Sharpness (1.97)
We test the resolution of each camera using an ISO resolution chart and Imatest Imaging Software. The software is used to determine the “actual resolution” within a recorded image. While today’s digital cameras are often sorted by their megapixel count, these numbers can be quite deceiving. A camera’s marketed resolution is a reflection of the largest image size the camera is capable of producing; however, most cameras stray significantly in the actual pixels utilized within the recorded frame. Therefore, it is necessary to understand these numbers in a new light. We do this by contrasting the recorded pixels with the projected pixel count to get a percentage score of the camera’s resolution. Cameras which record images at 70-79% of their projected megapixel count are considered to be “good” performers, while a camera that scores 80-89% is viewed as “very good” and any camera that exceeds 90% is “excellent.”

The Fujifilm FinePix A330 recorded images with 1.97 “actual” megapixels, which is just over 65% of its marketed resolution. While the total megapixel count is not overwhelming, the more discouraging aspect of the score is that the A330 only recorded 65% of the projected megapixels. This is disappointing regardless of the grade or styling of the camera. While more megapixels does not necessarily equate to a better camera, a certain amount is necessary to attain decent images with crisp detail and sharp accents. Obviously, when larger prints are sought, more megapixels are needed to maintain sharpness, though for prints 8 x 10 and below, 3.0-3.5 megapixels should be adequate. Therefore, with the FinePix A330’s 1.97 megapixels of resolution, it will be difficult to produce substantial size prints with any definition and the user should really stay within the 4 x 6 range.

Noise Auto ISO (4.18)
The FinePix A330 is made with a fixed ISO speed of 100. This is puzzling as most automatic point-and-shoot cameras contain an ISO range regardless of user control options. The single setting substantially restricts shooting flexibility as the A330 user will either have to shoot exclusively under profuse lighting or will have to be married to the flash. The included stock flash will provide enough illumination to expose most subjects at short distances; however, all of the images will contain the harsh, straight-on glare of direct lighting, without opportunity for alteration.

Noise Manual ISO (0.0)
The A330 is intended for the point-and-shooter and is designed to provide automatic imagery with little effort. Therefore, no manual ISO settings are included on this model.

Speed/Timing
Start-up/First shot (6.28)
Boot-up time on the A330 takes 3.72 seconds to fully power on and record an image. This is relatively slow and definitely will not provide the instantaneous response time some photographers demand in recording a fleeting moment. Therefore, if it’s quick responses and immediate imagery you are after, another camera may be a better fit.

Shot to shot (7.57)
Shot to shot time is far faster on the A330 than its initial start-up. Taking 2.43 seconds between shots, the A330 grants substantial speed for the snapshot shooter and should meet the needs and demands of most of its users as it also contains a burst mode that will record images at 1.5 frames per second when added speed is necessary.

Shutter to shot (8.48)
From the time the user depresses the shutter release to the time the image is captured takes .26 seconds on the A330. This is quite fast for nearly all cameras and will help to minimize unwanted movements and stray objects from seeping into the shot as it is recorded.