Fujifilm FinePix A350 Digital Camera Review

Value (6.5)
Speaking only in terms of megapixels, the Fujifilm FinePix A350 is a pretty good deal at $299. However, when other options are factored in--such as the inaccurate viewing and framing options, lack of manual control, and absence of metering and AF settings--the A350 loses a good deal of its appeal. The FinePix A350 has a hundred dollar price increase over the 4-megapixel A340. Granted, the new model has an external makeover, a slightly larger 1.7-inch LCD screen, and more megapixels. However, the two cameras ultimately have very similar functions. For point-and-shooters who don't print larger than 4 x 6 inches, the A340 will probably suffice and will ease the strain on the pocket book. If users want to print larger, they'll probably want more megapixels and may take a look at the A350. For 5 megapixels, it's a decent deal, but I'd wait until the digital camera goes on sale and drops in price to justify buying a model full of limitations.

Comparisons
Fujifilm FinePix A340 - The 4-megapixel FinePix A340 is the bulkier predecessor at 4.09 x 2.42 x 1.23 inches. This point-and-shoot has similar recording options to the A350, in a simple interface, but the A340 has a less user-friendly camera body. The 3x optical zoom lens has a sliding lens door that turns the camera on and off; this cover was replaced by a snapping cover atop the lens in the A350. The A340 has a smaller 1.5-inch LCD screen and retails for $199.

Canon PowerShot A95 - Canon's A95 is comparable in megapixels, but offers more modes and a larger retail price tag of $399. The 5-megapixel digital camera is also larger at 4 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches and heavier at 8.2 ounces - and that measurement does not include the four AA batteries required to power the A95. Its 1.8-inch LCD screen folds out in a camcorder-like manor, although its movie mode is not much better than the FinePix A350's. The PowerShot A95 does offer a range of automatic and manual options and also includes 13 scene modes.

Kodak EasyShare C340 - This simple point-and-shoot model packs 5 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD, then adds 16MB of internal memory. The Kodak EasyShare C340 is similarly automatic, with manual adjustments only for ISO, exposure metering, and focus zones. There are also 12 scene modes included on the EasyShare C340. For a retail price of $249.95, the Kodak C340 offers the same megapixel count with a similar 3x optical zoom lens, a simple interface, and a slightly smaller 1.6-inch LCD screen.

Nikon Coolpix 5600 - The Nikon Coolpix 5600 also offers 5.1 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD, but with a smaller retail price of $279.95. This Coolpix has a similarly sized camera body at 1.4 x 3.3 x 2.4 inches. The Nikon 5600 has a 3x optical zoom lens and 14.5MB of internal memory. The 5600's 1.8-inch LCD screen is 98 percent accurate, which is far better than the A350's 90 percent, but still not the full view that some compact cameras offer.


Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - For the consumer who doesn’t really like viewfinders and relies solely on the LCD, the Fujifilm FinePix A350 suits your eyes-off shooting needs. Remember, however, that the LCD image is not completely accurate, so the final print will still have more picture space around the edge of the frame than you think.

Budget Consumers - With 5 megapixels at $299, the A350 offers a lot of resolution for a reasonable amount of money. However, compared to the 5-megapixel Kodak EasyShare C340 which retails for about $50 less than the Fuji, the FinePix A350 can be put into economic perspective.

Gadget Freaks - If digital camera extras and accessories were considered caffeine, then gadget freaks will take a long sip of decaf with the A350, as its offerings of cool features are pretty sparse.

Manual Control Freaks - White Balance and Exposure Compensation are pretty much the only manual options you can control. Furthermore, inside white balance controls, you can only select from the Fuji presets; there isn’t even a true manual white balance mode! Also, there is no ISO selection, so MCFs be warned.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - The FinePix A350 is completely lacking and has nothing to offer a pro or serious hobbyist.