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Connectivity
Software (6.75)
The F30 comes with version 5.2 FinePix Viewer software on a CD-ROM that also includes ImageMixer VCD DVD2 LE to burn images and video clips to CDs. The FinePix Viewer software is pretty typical of the free software packaged with compact cameras. It automatically loads all images from the computer into the program and lets users browse in three different viewing modes: thumbnails, preview, and details.
The thumbnails mode lets users control the size of the images displayed on the screen. Users can also rotate and delete pictures easily from here.
The preview mode not only lets users rotate and delete pictures, but can zoom in and out of individual pictures. There is also a unique Face Zoom feature that recognizes faces and zooms in on one at a time so users can ensure proper focus. This mode also lets users add comments or edit pictures’ dates and times.
The details mode doesn’t show very many details. It shows a tiny thumbnail of the image on the left, then the accompanying file type, file title, file size, date and time, and pixel size.
More options are available in all of the modes across the top of the FinePix Viewer window. These include correcting red-eye, adjusting the image quality, and adding text. These options are located beneath the Image tab, but should really have a more easily accessible--or at least more obvious--place near the pictures. Image adjustments can be automatic or manual, and users can tweak four sliding scales that control brightness, saturation, contrast, and hue. There are also options to soften or sharpen pictures or add black-and-white or sepia filters. All of the manual adjustments have before and after previews so users can make more informed decisions.
Users can also play slide shows with specified intervals, loops, information, fade effects, and even loaded background music. The slide show can be started from the Image tab, but the settings can only be changed under the Settings tab. Once again, it would be more helpful to group all of these things together.
The ImageMixer program can burn still images to CDs or DVDs, but the serial number of the software is required for DVD burning. If users want to burn videos to a CD, they can do so up to 3 times as a sort of trial, then must pay for an upgraded form of the software. Photographers who plan on burning all of their video clips onto backup discs will need a better program – one that lasts more than three times.
 Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)The Fujifilm F10 required an annoying terminal adaptor through which all other cables connected before heading to the wall outlet. The F30 eliminates this requirement. Instead, users can connect directly to a television with the AV-out cable – although the image will only play in black-and-white. The AV-out function can be set to NTSC or PAL standards within the setup menu. The camera can also directly connect to computers and printers with the included USB 2.0 cable, and even comes with a power adaptor that charges the battery within the camera body. These wires connect to two ports beneath a flimsy rubber door that doesn’t snap well into the camera body and will be flapping in the wind after a few uses.
Direct Print Options (6.0)
The Fujifilm F30 can print directly to PictBridge compatible printers when connected with the included USB cable. Pressing the print button makes orders in the playback mode. Users can print pictures with or without a date stamp and can choose how many prints of each image, from 0-99, they want. The camera saves the DPOF print order until it is connected, then sends the whole batch all at once so users don’t have to slave over which pictures to print when actually connected.
Battery (8.25)
The Fujifilm FinePix F30 is incredibly efficient with its battery power – although it’s hard to tell. That’s a good thing. It means that Fujifilm has found a way to get lots of mileage out of its battery without dimming the LCD too low or shutting the camera down every three seconds. The F30’s battery is smaller than the F10’s battery, but its battery life is even better. The included NP-95 lithium-ion battery can get 580 shots per charge. Once the battery has drained sufficiently (and this takes a while), users can connect the camera to the power adaptor and let it charge within the body. This FinePix does have a Power Save mode that dims the LCD screen after 10 seconds; users can turn this feature on and off in the setup menu.
Memory (3.0)
The F10 didn’t have any internal memory, but the F30 includes a tiny bit. It isn’t much-- 10 MB--but it’s enough to save 3 pictures at the finest resolution or 6 pictures in the normally compressed 6.3-megapixel size. The digital camera has a slot for an xD-Picture card, which should be used if photographers wish to take more than 3 shots at a time. In the playback menu, users can move pictures from the internal memory to the card and vice versa.
Other features (2.0)
Voice memo – The Fujifilm F30 has a voice memo feature, available from the playback menu, that attaches up to 30 seconds of audio to each image. The monaural audio is recorded in WAV format and can be played back within the camera.
Value (7.5)
The Fujifilm FinePix F30 has a lot of features for a fair price. It comes with a highly effective 6.3-megapixel image sensor and an incredibly efficient Real Photo Processor. These work behind the scenes to produce excellent quality pictures. The F30 takes great shots and offers plenty of automatic and manual control for all sorts of users. There are quite a few scene modes, including a few that include more natural lighting rather than using the flash. Shutter and aperture priority modes allow users a certain amount of manual exposure control.
Besides the great imaging technology and mode offerings, the camera’s body is compact and flat for easy portability. It also has a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels for one of the best views available on a digital camera. The Fujifilm FinePix F30 retails for $349, a fair price for its great mode selection and quality.
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