S$669
Product Summary
6.8
out of 10View score
The bad: Connectivity ports are all on the accompanying docking cradle; no optical image stabilization; limited manual controls and scene modes; high ISO levels allows for dim-light shooting but images noisy above ISO 800.
The bottom line: While the FinePix Z2 offers what a basic snapshot photographer would need in his daily shooting needs, the unit is crippled without its docking cradle which houses all the necessary but essential connectivity options.
Read full review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z2 »
Average User Rating
from 2 users
7
out of 10CNET Asia Review
This stylish and solid digicam from Fujifilm can be easily mistaken for its predecessor going by its exterior. There aren't many creative controls to grow with you, but the Z2 offers a noteworthy improvement with the inclusion of the continuous shooting mode which was blatantly missing on the Z1.
Design
The brushed metal surface on the FinePix Z2 comes with a smooth reflective coating which, surprisingly, doesn't attract fingerprints like on the Konica Minolta's Dimage X1. Sporting a similar design as its predecessor, the Z2 should win over style-conscious females. There is no power switch on the camera. Instead a sliding door activates the unit, revealing its 3x optical Fujinon zoom lens.
A 2.5-inch LCD screen occupies most of the rear estate on the Z2. All the controls on the back of the camera are clearly marked with easy-to-understand symbols and text so it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where each button brings you. In addition, FinePix Z1 users will find using the Z2 a total breeze. Initially we thought the three translucent circles below the zoom lever would light up in different hues--like what you get from a hovering spaceship in E.T the movie--but realized that only the leftmost blob functions as an indictor lamp. The other two are simply for slip prevention.
In dim-light situations, pressing Up on the directional keys activates the low-light view capability on the Z2. The brightness of the LCD display is enhanced, making it easier for you to frame and review your shots. We noticed a slight increase in speckles on the screen when we switched on this function, which otherwise shouldn't affect the quality of your images.
The lens on the Z2 is located on the extreme right from the front. So if you encounter some beige blurring in your shots, it's probably due to your finger wrapping around the lens at the corner. Double check your pictures because you don't want to be cursing yourself after your vacation just because your finger unwittingly encroached on your award-winning snapshot.
Features
For mobile photographers, the FinePix Z2 comes with a built-in infrared port for on-to-go printing. You can send your images to a Fujifilm printer (MP-100) via the wireless connection and print nearly wherever you are. However, there are limitations to such a convenience. Only the Fujifilm MP mobile printer series supports infrared transmission for data printing; the company cannot guarantee compatibility with other brands or models. In addition, images are reduced to 0.3 megapixels during transmission. While that may seem pathetically small, we found it sufficient for a 2.4 x 1.8-inch printout. Some retailers may bundle the printer with the purchase of the Z2. Otherwise the MP-100 can be purchased separately at a street price of S$299 (US$211.08). Each photo pack of 10 cost S$10 (US$7.06)--not exactly cheap for the size you get. If you willing to fork out a dollar more, you can get those with Disney characters on it.
Several models in the snapshot digicam category now sport optical image stabilization, including Panasonic's Lumix FX range and the newly introduced Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9. On the FinePix Z2, the unit has an extended ISO range of up to 1,600 which, according to the company, reduces image blurring caused by camera shake or moving subjects.
With a 232k-pixel, 2.5-inch LCD screen, we have no complaint about the resolution and clarity of the display even under direct sunlight. The company claims that with the reinforced glass coating, the screen is 35 times more resistant to scratches than the usual acrylic surface. However, we encountered slight difficulty in viewing our pictures at certain oblique angles as the display would appear washed-out.
There are limited manual controls onboard the Z2. However, should creativity strike, photographers can adjust the exposure and white balance settings in the menu. Other options like aperture and shutter are omitted in this successor to the Z1. Even the number of scene modes is limited to just five.
We have mixed feelings with the cradle that comes with the Z2. Although the dock houses the standard host of connections including the tripod receptacle, it also increases the burden of having to carry the unit and its requisite cables around on our trips. On one occasion, we had the USB cable in hand, but forgot to carry the cradle along--adding to our frustration of not being able to transfer our pictures out of the camera.
Prepare to spend more for storage if you intend to get the Z2, as the commercial unit comes with only a 16MB xD-Picture Card--which allows you to take a total of six pictures at the highest resolution and quality setting.
You can take VGA-quality movies (with sound) at 30fps on the Z2, but you cannot zoom during recording, so you will have to frame your subjects before pressing the shutter button.
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User Reviews
The best ultracompact, point and shoot digital
May 11, 2006Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Slim, stylish, light weight, fast shutter speed, great pictures
Cons: I do not mind carrying the cradle to recharge it when I travel
Opinion:
A really great ultra compact, point and shoot camera. This is the third digital camera I bought and I love it. I bought an additional 1MB memory card with it. I always carry the camera with me, in my pocket or shirt pocket. It is a slim, stylish camera (I have the black version)and light weight. Fast shutter speed, ISO up to 1600. The "N" natural light feature allows to take good pictures without flash in lower light conditions. Five scenes modes is plenty, if you have more, this not a point and shoot any more. Nice 2.5" LCD to review the pictures taken.The 5.1 million pixels gives very good prints for pictures that are cropped. The 3 optical zoom is all internal and is very useful when you do not want to be too close to the subject.Continuous shooting is a good feature. The movie mode gives additional flexibility. Very easy to use.
Great pics but not for beginners
May 3, 2006Rating: 5 out of 10 (Average)
Pros: small, takes sharp, crisp pics with flash at right lighting
Cons: very sensitive to blurr images due to camera shake when not using flash, lousy warranty scheme
Opinion:
the function "N" (natural light) is very useful, produces v good pics, but ONLY if you don't shake, easily causing blurred images when not using flash, which is v unsatisfying. sometimes flash doesn't work well in normal light situations e.g. the image is all blackened. what i didn't like the most was - the cradle tt came along with the digicam, which is also the battery charger was spoilt after only 2 mths of use, i sent it in for repair under warranty - but the service ctr said this is not covered! ?!? how can they not cover the proprietary battery charger? and wanted to charge me S$42 for a new charger/cradle! absurd!
overall, v unhappy and unsatisfied customer due to faulty battery charger which is, worse still, not under the warranty scheme. good sharp images - only if taken with flash, very sensitive to camera shake when taking without flash
