Fujifilm FinePix V10

Value (6.75)
Value is always determined by the users’ specific needs. If consumers want a digital camera with video games on it, then this is the only one out there. If consumers just want 5.1 megapixels on an easy-to-use camera, there are cheaper options. If the search is for a slim pocket camera, then $349 seems to be the popular price tag for that genre. Many recent models of this size and caliber are retailing at $349, so the Fujifilm FinePix V10 is fairly priced right with the rest of them. While some of the competition offers optical image stabilization at the same price point, the V10 will grant users a nice 3-inch LCD screen and high ISO options.

Comparisons
Fujifilm FinePix F10 – Many people are comparing the V10 to the F10, perhaps for the numerical similarity. However, these FinePix models are quite different. The V10 has 5 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD and the F10 has 6 megapixels on a much larger 1/1.7-inch CCD. These image sensors are the same type – Super CCD – but not the same size. The older Fujifilm F10 produced incredibly clean images with low noise, great resolution, and hardly any shutter lag. The F10’s body isn’t as attractive as its specs, though. It is quite plain looking with its 1.1-inch thick body constructed of a single sheet of wrapped metal to be more durable. It has a 3x zoom lens that extends from the body and a 2.5-inch LCD screen as well. The screen resolution isn’t nearly as good as the new V10’s. The F10 had only 115,000 pixels, while the V10 doubles that on its 3-inch LCD. The two digital cameras both have wide ISO ranges with a top sensitivity of 1600. The old F10 gets 500 shots per charge with its battery, but the V10 can’t even eke out 200. The Fujifilm FinePix F10 retailed for $399 last year, but can now be found for a hundred dollars less.

Kodak EasyShare V530 – When the 5 megapixel V530 was released in July 2005, it retailed for the same price as the V10. Then in November, Kodak lowered the price from $349 to $299. The V530 is much more horizontal than its Fujifilm counterpart. It is still thin and stylish, though; Kodak offers the V530 in black, silver, red and pink. The flat camera has a 2-inch LCD screen, which is much smaller than the V10’s, but it still has the same 230,000 pixel resolution. With a 3x zoom lens, the Kodak digital camera has 20 scene modes, an auto mode and a movie mode. The movie mode has a digital image stabilization system that works along with the optical zoom while recording VGA or QVGA video. Unfortunately, there is also a green light that shines continuously in the movie mode. The Kodak V530 has some other unfortunate drawbacks: it produced poor color and resolution scores and cast an awful orange light in dimly lit photos. Still, the Kodak EasyShare V530 has a designated Share button for easy printing and a camera dock included in the package to enhance its intuitive design and excel in ease of use.

Nikon Coolpix S5 – Competing in the slim digital camera market is the Nikon S5, which retails for the same $349 and has similar features. The S5 has an additional megapixel on the same size 1/2.5-inch CCD. A 3x zoom lens stays within the 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8-inch body at all times; the lens has an electronic vibration reduction system. The camera has a 2.5-inch LCD screen with a wide viewing angle and 230,000 pixels. This makes for great viewing before and after the picture is taken. Nikon included a Pictmotion mode to spice up playback; the new mode combines soundtracks with slide shows. The Nikon Coolpix S5 has 13 scene modes, an automatic mode and a movie mode. It also has a one-touch portrait button that activates Nikon’s suite of unique imaging technology: red-eye fix, backlighting compensation and face-priority auto focus. The S5 is slim but has a wave-design on the front meant to make handling more comfortable. There is also an interesting rotary selection button that makes scrolling through hundreds of photos a breeze. Introduced in February 2006, the Nikon S5 is a formidable opponent.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 – This digital camera is slightly thinner with 3.7 x 0.8 x 2.4-inch measurements. It aims for the stylish trendsetters with its housing offered in red, silver, black and gold. The tiny T5 has a 3x zoom lens that doesn’t extend from the body and a metal cover that slides up to protect it. Like the Fuji V10, the Sony T5 has 5.1 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD. Its LCD is smaller than the V10’s at only 2.5 inches, but the 230,000 pixel resolution is the same. The two trendy cameras don’t have true manual modes, but offer a few options like exposure compensation and white balance to adventurous point-and-shooters. The T5 doesn’t have the ISO options that the V10 has; the Sony model only has a 64-400 range. The Sony T5 has 11 still shooting modes and a movie mode. Its pictures have good color and minimal amounts of noise, but the camera doesn’t fare well in low light or with fast-moving subjects. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 was introduced in August 2005 for the same $349 retail price, but can now be found for about fifty bucks less.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – Consumers looking to just snap a picture and view them on a large display will be happy with the V10. The Fuji V10 is easy to use and automatically oriented, but users will have to set ISO manually if they want optimal results. This may be a deterant to some point-and-shoot purists.

Budget Consumers – For $349, the Fujifilm FinePix V10 can be yours in March 2006. For consumers who want a decent point-and-shoot camera with built-in video games, the V10 is it. If you’re looking to replace your Game Boy and old school camera all at once, the V10 merges the two and could save you some cash.

Gadget Freaks – This digital camera does have video games and a big screen, which may be enough to attract some lukewarm gadget freaks. Still, the V10 doesn’t have WiFi or a touch screen to woo the hardcore gadgeteers.

Manual Control Freaks – The Fujifilm FinePix V10 does have a so-called "manual" mode, but it isn’t really manual. It only allows access to a few options like exposure compensation and white balance. This certainly won’t be enough to satisfy the manual control freaks.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – The lack of manual aperture and shutter speed control is enough to scare this segment of the market away. While the V10 may intice some consumers with its high sensitivity settings, many competing models are now including high ISOs with optical image stabilization.