Fujifilm FinePix F31fd
The Fujifilm FinePix F31fd carries on the leading high ISO performance from the F30 and is a solid all-round compact camera for general photography and low-light shooting.
| The good | Face detection; wireless connectivity to IrSimple devices; increased built-in memory; low noise at high sensitivity settings. |
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| The bad | Boring design; lackluster continuous shooting mode; proprietary memory card format; no optical image stabilizer; lens could be wider. |
CNET Editors' Rating
Given that the FinePix F30 was an excellent performer, we've come to expect no less from its successor, the FinePix F31fd. Other than throwing in some new features and increasing the built-in memory, the F31fd remains largely similar to the FinePix F30. The catch is this FinePix, like all other Fujifilm (and Olympus) cameras, uses xD-Picture Cards instead of Secure Digital cards which are less costly and available in larger capacities.
| Editors' note:
Fujifilm has confirmed that the NTT Docomo Foma SH702iS, SH902iS and SH902iSL mobile phones are compatible with the IrSimple protocol on this FinePix. Unfortunately, these handhelds are available only in Japan.
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A full review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 can be found here.What's new?
If there's any one feature that stands out on the FinePix F31fd, it definitely isn't its silver-gray hue. This Fujifilm feels very familiar in our hands since its design is nearly identical to its predecessor--the FinePix F30--as if both came out from the same mold. The exposure compensation button has been relegated to second-class citizen with the new face detection taking its place via a dedicated button. In program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority modes, the same key allows you to adjust exposure, shutter speed and size of aperture. The only thing that's missing is full manual mode.
For true printing on-the-go, the FinePix F31fd is equipped with IrSimple--a high-speed infrared-based wireless communication protocol that allows you to transfer pictures to another similar model or to other IrSimple-enabled devices, for example, the MP-100 mobile printer. You can find the wireless port just above the DC-in and AV-out connectors on the side of the camera.
Over at the front, there's also a slight improvement in the grip of the shooter. The gently curved nub has been replaced with a raised rectangular platform and a slab of rubber in the middle. Although that's a change for the better since the rubber is supposed to improve the handling of the camera, in actual use, it didn't make too much difference. We would still recommend shooting with both hands on the unit.
Fujifilm has also increased the built-in memory from 10MB to 26MB which will probably allow you to take another 10 more shots. Nothing to shout at, but you'll almost find it a lifesaver if you just need those couple more shots on days you've left your xD-Picture Card at home.
What's on the F31fd compared with the F30 are a 6-megapixel resolution, 2.5-inch 230K-pixel LCD, maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 3,200 and VGA movie recording at 30fps. You also cannot use the optical zoom when recording movies.Performance And Image Quality
The FinePix F31fd uses the same image sensor and processor as the FinePix F30, so we've come to expect similar performance and image quality. Overall, this new Fujifilm is still a zippy camera but it falls short, like its predecessor, with noisy autofocusing and the sluggish continuous shooting.
Auto white balance didn't fail us on most occasions, though it did falter a little under incandescent lighting. We noticed the same issues on the earlier F30 and the current F31fd where our pictures tended to clip the highlights in bright outdoor scenery, losing slight details in the extremities. One way to overcome the earlier problem is to shoot slightly underexposed. Purple fringing was also evident especially in high-contrast areas.
Like the F30, we were happy to shoot up to ISO 1,600 without any qualms. While an increasing number of compact cameras claim to achieve the same sensitivity settings, the pictures at ISO 800 and ISO 1,600 usually look like they are coated with a layer of sand and are passable only for viewing on the camera's LCD or on the computer. In comparison, our shots with the F31fd at ISO 800 and below can rival almost any compact shooters in the market or, in some cases, better them. Though unlikely, but if the situation called for it, we'd use ISO 3,200 on the F31fd.
A full review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30 can be found here.
Conclusion
Noise, or the lack of it, is this FinePix's claim to fame. Like its predecessor, the FinePix F31fd excels in low-light shooting conditions where using flash is frowned upon. The build quality of the camera is also top-notch and lends a solid feel in use. While some may bemoan the "lower" resolution compared with the high-resolution competition, 6 megapixels is, in fact, sufficient for most uses. Given an optical image stabilizer and wider lens, this Fujifilm would have been perfect. Nonetheless, the FinePix F31fd is still in a class of its own when it comes to low-light performance, keeping its competition at arm's length.
Latest comments
Pros: Acceptable noise level up to ISO 800
Cons: Images lack depth (something unnatural about the image)
Summary: Not as good as publicized
Weak flash. Underexposed images if you take pictures at 3x Zoom at ISO 100 in a dimly lit room. This camera tends to utilize ISO of 800 in indoor photography in the auto mode. The resultant images lack depth and dynamic range due to loss of details from the image processing (which is intended to reduce noise). Lack of image stabilizer. If you want to take well-exposed pictures in dim conditions (parties, museum etc) but do not mind the compromized image quality, buy this camera. If you want both, stick to Canon
Pros: Low light KING
Cons: Design too boxy
Summary: One word to describe EXCELLENT!
From the time I purchased till now, I have been admiring the features and the output. Excellent product after 6 Auto digital cameras used from Canon Ixus, Olympus & Nikon. No regrets!
Pros: High and effective ISO. High build quality. Really useful scene modes. Great LCD.
Cons: XD ancient standard limits you to 2 Gb. Miss video editing and DIVX format.
Summary: The best digital camera I have had in ten years (and the cheapest)
Is the best digital camera I have had in more than ten years, and the cheapest (more than 20 digital cameras in this time, more of them Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Kodak top of class prosumers models. Canon remains to me as the best brand in global, but this little Fujifilm wonder can be very effective in low light conditions, have the most decent flash in its class, very successful when using outdoors with nice saturated and natural colors and really useful scene modes, like that which combines natural light with flash, two shots in one pass. Just miss DIVX video mode, in order to reach good quality in smaller file sizes (but right now, any quality digital cameras use this format). Miss some video editing tools in camera, like cut videos at beginning or end. Don't know why little cameras in this market segment can't have a way to attach external lenses, shades or filters without using rare and impractical adapters. But believe me, you can't be dissapointed with Fujifilm FinePix F31d. Right now is the best non-SLR digital camera in the market.
Pros: High ISO/low noise, manual aperture and shutter control, fast focusing
Cons: No manual selection of ISO at Auto modes
Summary: Absolutely Fabulous
Having read all the rave review of this ace performer, i decided to purchase it. It lives to its raved expectations - low light capability, high ISO/low noise, fast focusing, clever face detection (although this is only achieved at auto mode which tends to bunk up the ISO without manual selection), even flash photography is good without blow-outs. At first I was not really impressed with the colours but then, having gotten used to it or perhaps I was influenced by some reviews of the colours, the colours are not that bland. Battery life is fabulous too! Highly recommended!... for now till the next brilliant Fujifilm camera is announced.
Pros: High ISO, great for low light photography, face recognition, some manual controls & user friendly
Cons: No date imprinted on pics, a little chunky in size
Summary: All-In-One Camera!
This is the perfect camera for me! My mom can't even take a blur picture. I travel a lot so I can't lug around too many equipment so the F31fd has all the features I need to take good shots in many situations e.g landscape, indoors, portraits High speed focusing allows me not to miss a shot and with high ISO (up to 3200) I don't worry about lowlight photography anymore. The color is a bit dull compared to my Sony T-9 but you can change some settings to suit your preferences. Face recognition feature is easily turned on with a press of a button and good for people who don't "pre-focus" before taking a picture The size is a bit thick to put in my pocket & I don't know why Fujifilm won't allow for the date to be imprinted on the digital picture, only during printing (with Fuji equipment of course) The price is pretty good too, I paid RM1299 for the camera, 1GB original Fujifilm XD card & screen protector
Pros: Compact, face recognition, able to take photos in low light
Cons: Can't Zoom During Video Mode, Too Heavy for Carrying in Pocket, Poorly Designed (Difficult to Hold),
Summary: Regard for F31 pricing
May I know where to get F31 for $535 nett sir or the price is for F30?
Pros: Takes Superb Indoor Pictures and Night Photos Without Flash nor Tripod, Low Noise Even at ISO 1600
Cons: Can't Zoom During Video Mode, Too Heavy for Carrying in Pocket, Poorly Designed (Difficult to Hold),
Summary: Best Compact Digital Camera Money Can Buy from a Person Who Owns 9 Compact Cameras and 4 DSLRs.
Paid S$535 nett (after GST) in Sim Lim Square on 6th Dec 2006. Came with a free carrying case (strap to belt) and 1GB XD card (no tripod nor screen protector given at S$535). Finally, a camera company that invest its R&D budget to bring superior picture quality rather than useless Mega Pixels at the expense of picture quality (10mega pix and above). If you take a lot of pictures indoors e.g. parties, at pubs, disco, museums, weddings, dinners, in the evenings (e.g. Christmas light up at Orchard Road), the F31fd pic quality will astound you. This is absolutely the best compact (pocket size) digital camera money can buy for night photography. The noise level, even at ISO 1600, is low. Definitely beats every compact camera that Sony, Canon, Nikon, Samsung, Panasonic, have in the market or in their arsenal right now (except for DSLR from Canon which are in a different league). By the way, contrary, to the previous reviewer, it is possible to review the pictures immediately after shooting it (without having to on/off the camera).
Pros: Compact, face recognition, able to take photos in low light
Cons: Need to turn off and turn on camera to switch from viewing to shooting mode
Summary: Solid performance!
I've had this camera for a few days now. Compared with my previous F700 camera, it's more compact, able to take reasonably bright photos under low light (really useful indoors, esp. when I need to take fun shots during parties and wedding dinners) and has a face recognition feature. It has a large, clear screen and is a breeze to use. A single push of a button allows you to switch from shooting to viewing mode. My only complain is the need to power off and on the camera in order to switch from viewing to shooting mode. It's a hassle to do that if you wish to view your picture after every shot you take. That said, powering up the camera takes a mere 3 sec, which allows you to return to shooting mode quickly.
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