S$699
Product Summary
8
out of 10View score
The bad: Boring design; lackluster continuous shooting mode; proprietary memory card format; no optical image stabilizer; lens could be wider.
The bottom line: 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.
Read full review of the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd »
Average User Rating
from 8 users
8.5
out of 10CNET Asia Review
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.
Rate It Now
User Reviews
Not as good as publicized
Jul 16, 2007Rating: 5 out of 10 (Average)
Pros: Acceptable noise level up to ISO 800
Cons: Images lack depth (something unnatural about the image)
Opinion:
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
One word to describe EXCELLENT!
Jun 7, 2007Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Low light KING
Cons: Design too boxy
Opinion:
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!
The best digital camera I have had in ten years (and the cheapest)
Feb 24, 2007Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
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.
Opinion:
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 ... Read more
