Fujifilm FinePix F31fd Digital Camera Review

The Fujifilm F31fd comes with FinePix Viewer version 5.3 for Windows and version 3.4 for Macintosh. This is a basic viewing and editing program that has typical options of a free software package. It lets users browse photos in three different modes, and then perform simple editing tasks like removing red-eye, rotating, and adjusting saturation and such. There are also color modes, but nothing more than what is offered on the camera. Also included on the CD-ROM is the ImageMixer VCD2 LE for FinePix program; this burns CDs and DVDs for users who want to backup files or send the photos to grandparents.

 

All of this camera’s connective elements are located on the left side. There is a rubber flap that can be pried open to reveal two jacks: one for USB/AV and the other for DC-in. All of the cables are included, and the power adaptor is made up of two separate cables. The video out function can be set to NTSC or PAL standards within the playback mode. Above the rubber flap is a dark window that covers the infrared sensor. The sensor blinks when attempting to connect to other devices. With the sensor, the camera can connect to IrSimple enabled devices and other Fujifilm FinePix F31fd digital cameras. This technology can be accessed through the “F” menu in the playback mode. Users can choose to transmit or receive communications through this simple menu.

 

The Fujifilm F31fd is PictBridge compatible and print orders can be made within the playback mode. Pictures can be chosen and tagged to create 0-99 copies of each picture. The date can be stamped on the pictures or left off. The IrSimple technology can wirelessly transfer the print orders to enabled printers, or users can connect to printers with the included USB cable.

 

The F31fd’s NP-95 rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts an incredible 580 shots. This is the same battery that is in the F30. There is a battery indicator that appears on the LCD screen, but there are only three bars in it which doesn’t really seem enough for the amount of life. The battery can be charged within the camera with the included power adaptor which consists of two cables. An optional battery charger can be purchased, but isn’t necessary for everyone. Although, it would be convenient for frequent travelers. The battery loads into the bottom of the camera on the right side, and it weighs down that side considerably.

The Fujifilm FinePix F31fd has 26 MB of internal memory, and it accepts up to 2 GB xD-Picture cards. The card is loaded into the same compartment as the battery on the bottom. In the playback mode, users can copy pictures from the internal memory to the memory card and vice versa. In the “F” menu where the image sizes are listed, users can view just how many pictures are left on the memory with the selected image size. The included 26 MB is about average for included memory, but users will need to purchase more.

 

IR Communication – An infrared sensor on the left side of the camera wirelessly connects to enabled devices like Kodak Picture Kiosks, Sony Ericsson Mova SO506i mobile phones, and a few HP printers. It can even connect to other F31fd digital cameras and other IrSimple devices. The camera searches for other devices in range within the “F” menu and connects, transfers, and receives there too. The technology is very accessible and easy to use.

 

Optional Waterproof Housing – The F31fd has an underwater scene mode that can be used with the optional WP-FXF30 underwater housing. It costs about $150 and can take the camera to depths of 130 ft/40 meters.

 

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