Value (8.0)
When judging the value of a digital camera, we must consider the price against the makeup of the camera. The Fujifilm FinePix F10 retails for $399.95, which is similarly priced to other models with comparable functions and features, but can currently be found online for around $330 (USD). In terms of the price and features such as automatic modes, lack of manual control, 2.5-inch LCD, and 3x optical zoom, this is a modestly good deal. When the real imaging capabilities of the F10 are considered, this is an incredible deal. It’s like buying a Mercedes engine in a Chevy body at a Chevy price. A steal! This camera produces high resolution and low noise, making it one of the best compact models we’ve ever tested. There are some questionable areas of construction, but what do you expect from a $400 or $500 camera that sells for $330? There will always be sacrifices, but for straight performance, this is a strong value.
Comparisons
Canon PowerShot SD500 — When we tested the PowerShot SD500, the camera performed well on color, resolution and noise tests. It advertises 7.1 effective megapixels and has similar automatic modes as the F10, although the SD500 packs in nine scene modes and numerous color modes. The SD500 also racks up style points with its sleek 1-inch thick body. It also has a fantastic movie mode that includes three sizes (640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120), all at 30 or 15 fps and a fast frame rate mode that records 320 x 240 pixels at 60 fps for a minute. The Canon PowerShot SD500 has a smaller 2-inch LCD screen, but has an optical viewfinder. Unlike the F10, the Digital ELPH model does not have the expansive ISO range and performed dismally when using on the ISO 400 setting. A 3x optical zoom lens and 2 frame-per-second burst mode round out the features on the SD500, but perhaps most noteworthy, the SD500 lists for a hundred bucks more at $499.
Fujifilm FinePix F700 — The FinePix F700 has a long and lanky look with unattractive measurements of 4.3 x 2.1 x 1.1 inches. Looks are not everything though, as the F700 packs 6.2 megapixels on its 1/1.7-inch CCD. Coming to the digital camera market after an October 2004 announcement, the Fujifilm F700 has a 3x optical zoom lens and 1.8-inch LCD. It has more manual, priority, and automatic modes than the F10, giving it far more versatility. Both F-series models contain the expanded sensitivity range extending to ISO 1600. Currently, the new F10 retails online for about $75 more than the F700.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200 — This Cyber-shot remains true to its P-series roots with its flat rectangular body that has one rounded side. With 7.2 megapixels and a range of manual and automatic controls, the P200 offers more for the manually minded consumer, while the 2-inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens provide the basics for point-and-shooters. This Sony lists for a similar $399.
Nikon Coolpix 7900 — With 7.1 megapixels on a 1/1.8-inch CCD, the Nikon 7900 offers limited manual control and extensive automatic options. 16 scene modes, a 3x optical zoom lens, 13.5 MB of internal memory, and a 2-inch LCD make this camera attractive to point-and-shooters. The 7900 has interesting features such as in-camera red-eye fix, backlighting compensation, and an auto focus mode that automatically detects faces. The sleek black body measures 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches and retails for a far pricier $449.95.
— With 7.1 megapixels on a 1/1.8-inch CCD, the Nikon 7900 offers limited manual control and extensive automatic options. 16 scene modes, a 3x optical zoom lens, 13.5 MB of internal memory, and a 2-inch LCD make this camera attractive to point-and-shooters. The 7900 has interesting features such as in-camera red-eye fix, backlighting compensation, and an auto focus mode that automatically detects faces. The sleek black body measures 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches and retails for a far pricier $449.95.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters— Users in this category will be attracted to the simple menus, but may be disappointed with the relatively short list of automatic scene modes. The Auto mode is simple to use, but requires users to set the ISO (it doesn’t automatically switch to auto in the auto mode), so even automatically-reliant users will have to be aware.
Budget Consumers— Buying a Mercedes for a Chevy price sounds like an attractive deal for a budget consumer. The F10 is similarly priced to comparable models of other brands, but comes with better resolution and less noise. For $330-$399 (depending on where you shop), this should be an attractive choice for budget consumers.
Gadget Freaks— Gadget freaks may be intrigued with the numerous wires required to charge the battery or print a picture, but will be bored or frustrated shortly thereafter with the rest of the camera.
Manual Control Freaks— Without manual shutter speed or aperture controls, the Fujifilm FinePix F10 probably won’t compete for attention in this category.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists— Serious hobbyists looking for a compact digital camera may want to check this one out if they’ve been disappointed by noisy, low resolution images before. The F10 takes surprisingly high quality pictures; its loud automatic focus and seemingly substandard construction may be the drawbacks that prevent some serious users from purchasing it.
