Fujifilm FinePix F30

Value
The new Fujifilm FinePix F30 will retail for $399 in May. This is the same introductory price as the F10. They have the same number of megapixels, but different versions of the same Super CCD image sensor and different image processors as well. Most notably, the new F30 adds an ISO 3200 setting, which can be invaluable in low light. Overall, the F30 is priced to sell right off the shelves and should do just that. The F10 was an excellent performer, and though we have not yet tested the F30, we estimate it will be too.

Comparison to the Fujifilm FinePix F10  - The Fujifilm FinePix F10 has a 5th generation Super CCD sensor with 6.3 megapixels on it. This is the same amount of resolution as the F30, but the new model’s sensor is 30 percent more sensitive and produces 25 percent less noise. This is yet to be tested, but is a pretty bold claim because the F10’s sensor was quite impressive. The F10 had an ISO range of 80-1600 and kept noise levels just as low as many DSLRs. The old Fujifilm FinePix F10 also has a Real Imaging Processor, but it is different than the one on the new model.

The F10 has the same so-called Manual mode that is actually a Program mode. It also had an automatic mode and a movie mode. The F10 had only five scene modes, including the Natural Light mode. The new F30 has 15 scene modes and includes a Natural Light & With Flash mode that keeps users from guessing and switching modes. The new camera also adds some manual functionality with the aperture priority and shutter priority modes. The bodies of the F30 and F10 are quite similar, although the F10 is a tenth of an inch taller and the F30 looks much more modern. The F30 has a finger grip, while the older F10 has a thicker wavy handgrip. Both digital cameras have 2.5-inch LCD screens, but the new F30 has twice the resolution of its predecessor. The Fujifilm FinePix F10 retailed for $399 when it was introduced but can be found for almost a hundred bucks less online.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This is a point-and-shooter’s dream. This digital camera can take photos in any situation: dim auditoriums, sunny outdoors, museums, concerts, theme parks, etc. The Fujifilm FinePix F30 has 15 scene modes and is fairly easy to use.

Budget Consumers – For $399, the Fuji F30 is a good deal. For a digital camera that can take pictures without blurring them, its price point is right on. But if consumers are on a tight budget, the F10 can be found for much less. It has fewer features, but is still a solid camera.

Gadget Freaks – These consumers may be tempted to purchase both the F30 and F10 just to pry them open and look at the highly marketed image sensors, but leave that to DigitalCameraInfo.com, please. Other than its remarkably low noise, there aren’t many incredibly gadget-y features on the F30.

Manual Control Freaks – These consumers will be driven crazy by the "Manual" position on the mode dial. They will turn to it and wonder how to adjust the shutter speeds and apertures. Indeed, that can only be done one at a time in the aperture and shutter priority modes.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Professionals and serious hobbyists will be attracted by the ISO 3200 setting, which they’re used to seeing on their more expensive equipment. This definitely won’t be their main camera, but would satisfy them for a short family outing.