Jump to a part
-
Introduction
-
01.Testing / Performance
-
02.Physical Tour
-
03.Components
-
04.Design / Layout
-
05.Modes
-
06.Control Options
-
07.Image Parameters
-
08.Connectivity / Extras
-
09.Overall Impressions
-
10.Conclusion
-
11.Specs / Ratings
-
12.Photo Gallery
-
13.Comments
Advertisement
Fujifilm FinePix F31fd
Digital Camera Review
Previous: Page 8
Connectivity / ExtrasNext: Page 10
ConclusionValue (7.75)
The Fujifilm FinePix F31fd has a lot of interesting technology – and this is reflected in the price. The retail tag of $399 is quite pricey especially when compared to Fujifilm’s other relatively affordable and reasonably priced cameras. Still, this model has really cool features and takes great pictures and is priced competitively within the market for its capabilities. It has face detection technology that works quickly and effectively, and IrSimple communication technology to wirelessly transfer images to enabled printers and devices. Those looking for a straight point-and-shoot digital camera can find one for much cheaper; however, for consumers looking for some trendy (and useful) technology, the F31fd has it, but they will have to pay for it. While this camera is a solid performer with a hefty feature set, at the listed price, it's really only a strong value if consumers take advantage of the face detection technology (i.e. shoot lots of portraits) and already have IrSimple enabled devices that will be able to communicate with the camera. For instance, the FinePix F30, with the same general design (internal and external) is currently selling for under $300 online.
Comparisons
Fujifilm FinePix F30 – This digital camera was announced in February and released over the summer. This 6.3-megapixel model is extremely similar to the F31fd. In terms of its physical design, the cameras are nearly the same. They have the same 3x optical zoom lenses, 2.5-inch LCD screens, and 1.1-inch thick frames. Then only body difference is the slightly less functional finger grip on the F30. It is a slippery chrome material and oddly shaped. The other physical difference is the dark window on the F31fd for the infrared sensor. The F30 does not have IrSimple technology to wirelessly transfer photos. The Fujifilm FinePix F30 has many of the same inner workings though. It has the same scene modes, aperture and shutter speed priority, and movie modes. It has an ISO range that extends up to 3200 too. The F30 has 16 MB of internal memory, which is less than the F31fd’s 26 MB – but that seems fairly minor. The biggest difference between the two cameras is the lack of face detection technology on the older F30 model. The F30 originally retailed for $399, but since the introduction of the F31fd the price has been cut to $329. The F30 is still a great digital camera, just with less frills and trendy technology than the newer F31fd. 
Canon PowerShot SD800 IS – This digital camera comes at the same $399 retail price, and it has a little more resolution at 7.1 megapixels. Canon paired its image sensor with a Digic III image processor that recognizes, tracks, and focuses on faces much like Fujifilm’s technology. Canon’s technology is fast and it has the same limitations as Fuji’s (neither can recognize faces in a straight profile). However, the Canon can recognize 9 faces at a time instead of Fujifilm’s advertised 10 (who's gonna be the first to 11?). Canon has a better 3.8x optical zoom lens, and a similarly sized 2.5-inch LCD screen. The screen doesn’t have as good resolution though, with only 207,000 pixels. However, perhaps the biggest distinction is the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS's optical image stabilization. This uses an optical element within the lens to compensate for normal hand shake, and it works very well. This makes for smooth video and blur-free pictures, along with more opportunity to shoot in low light at lower shutter speeds. The SD800 doesn’t have priority modes, but it still offers some manual control. It tops off the feature set with the My Colors picture effects, which outdo Fujifilm’s FinePix color modes by a long shot. .jpg)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 – This digital camera has a similarly plain styling. It isn’t super-trendy and isn’t homely either. The W100 has 8 megapixels, a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen that has half the resolution of the F31fd’s monitor. The Sony W100 doesn’t have priority modes, but it does have a few scene modes and a fully manual mode are available. The manual controls aren’t as intuitive, but the rest of the camera is easy to use. The ISO extends up to 1250 for decent low light photography. Pictures taken by the W100 look good, but there isn’t any cool technology to show off either. The no-frills Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 retails for $349, but it can be found online for nearly a hundred dollars less. It might be a good value for consumers on a budget or point-and-shooters who don’t need all the bells and whistles of the F31fd. Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – These consumers will appreciate the simple auto mode and the good selection of scene modes. There are plenty of exposure modes that will allow point-and-shooters to gradually do more with the camera. In addition, with the easy and accessible face detection technology, point-and-shooters can take great portraits without hassle.
Budget Consumers – With all this cool technology, the retail price of the F31fd is slated for a pricey $399. Budget consumers may have to forego the face detection and wireless connectivity and opt for a more modest model.
Gadget Freaks – This is a dream come true for these consumers with its face detection and IrSimple™ technology. The clean pictures and high sensitivity help too.
Manual Control Freaks – A fully manual mode isn’t available, although there are aperture and shutter speed priority modes. This won’t be enough to satiate the true manual control freak but does enable users to shape their images and control exposure.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists – This camera won’t be considered for professional work, but it takes clean enough pictures to be considered for more on-the-go photography by this demographic.
Loading Recently Viewed Products
Latest News
Advertisement
Latest News
& Reviews
-
11-Feb-2012
Olympus TG-820 First Impressions Review
The Olympus TG-820 is a waterproof camera that both looks and feels like a tough-cam should. Read More...
-
10-Feb-2012
Sigma DP2 Merrill First Impressions Review
Sigma is back with a new high-end compact camera with a 46-megapixel Foveon X3 APS-C sensor. With image quality promised to be on the level of their $6000 SD1, can the new DP2 Merrill compete with the Fuji X100? Read More...
Top Rated Point & Shoots
-
$459.991Panasonic Lumix FZ150
Excellent image quality, speedy performance, and a great design add up to the best superzoom that has ever graced our labs. That distinction seems to change hands every week, but trust us when we say that the FZ150 is a truly great camera. Read full 16-part review
$459.99TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$378.992Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Canon's SX30 got a CMOS makeover that resulted in the SX40 HS, an impressive ultrazoom that captures beautiful shots in almost any scenario. Read full 16-part review
$378.99TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$427.953Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
This professionally-geared ultrazoom offers some of the best color accuracy we've ever seen. It's a shame the other scores weren't quite so strong. Read full 16-part review
$427.95TypesUltra-ZoomAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels16.8 MP -
$314.954Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
Panasonic resists the urge to cram more megapixels and more focal length into their latest ultrazoom. The FZ47 instead focuses on image quality and features, resulting in an incredibly strong camera that we loved shooting with. Read full 16-part review
$314.95TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$417.005Canon PowerShot S100
Canon's PowerShot S100 improves on the popular S95 and takes its place at the top of the point-and-shoot food chain. Read full 16-part review
$417.00TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels
Features
-
DigitalCameraInfo New Year's Giveaway
Check back every day for the rest of 2011 to see what we’re adding to the grand prize package. It all starts with the Sony NEX-5N and ends with over $4000 in prizes! Read More...
-
DigitalCameraInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After a year of tireless testing and deliberation, we’ve made our selections for the very best cameras of 2011. Read More...
(add your own)