Fujifilm FinePix F31fd Digital Camera Review

by Emily Raymond
Published on December 28, 2006

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs / Ratings
Photo Gallery

 
 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.