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This story was printed from CNET Asia.
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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.
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.
