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Fujifilm's FinePix F-Series by Jon Sienkiewicz Fujifilm's F-Series Compacts are Stellar Performers - Even in the Dark Article rating: 9.50

Everyone knows that digital camera prices keep falling lower and lower—while image resolution continues to increase megapixel after megapixel. Cameras that are a couple years old aren’t worth much these days, right? Well picture this: certain second-hand Fujifilm Finepix F-series cameras sell for more than double their original price when new. That’s no exaggeration. The 6-megapixel Finepix F30, for example, which was introduced in February of 2006, now sells for more than $400 used. Why?

Noise. Or rather, lack of noise. The F30, F31 and to a certain extent the F20 and F10 have all become highly prized because they produce outstanding image quality at ISO 800 (and higher) in dim light without flash—and without the irritating digital noise that haunts some camera models. This highly-desirable characteristic can be attributed to two factors. First, all of these cameras contain a 6-megapxiel CCD that measures 1/1.6 inches (i.e., 1 divided by 1.6, or 0.625 inches). Most camera manufactures try to use as small a CCD as allowable, often 1/2.5 (0.40) inches, even in cameras of higher resolution. The difference is easy to understand—a physically larger CCD makes it possible to spread out the pixels and that means less noise. The second reason is equally important. The CCD Fujifilm used in these F-series cameras is a Super CCD.

Finepix F30 at ISO1600, f2.8 @ 1/41 seconds (click for full size) © Jon Sienkiewicz

The Super CCD is constructed of photodiodes that are octagonal and arranged in a 45- degree pattern to provide the combination of high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, high signal-to-noise ratio, and high image resolution. The first-generation Super CCD was developed in 1999 and the fourth-generation Super CCD was introduced in March 2003. The current Super CCD led to the development of two new CCDs, the Super CCD HR (High Resolution) and the Super CCD SR (Super Dynamic Range). Fujifilm Corporation spends over $2.5 billion a year on R&D and apparently a lot of it has gone into producing outstanding image sensors.

Fujifilm currently offers three F-series cameras, each with its own set of pluses and minuses. All three produce outstanding images and make perfect pocket companions for serious photographers. None of the three produce the same level of noise-free low-light images as the original F30 or F31; however, they came quite close. In fact, in dim light they outperform virtually every other compact camera currently on the market. And they offer a powerful set of additional features that owners of the older models can only dream about—including the ability to use SDHC memory cards as well as xD Picture Cards.

The Fujifilm Finepix F45fd (which is also known as an F40) is the best low-light performer. Shadow areas are sharp and rich with detail, and highlights are clean and not clipped. The maximum ISO that the camera can select is ISO 2000 (although the maximum that can be set by the user is 1600). Like other Fuji compacts it has a unique ISO setting arrangement that allows you to set the maximum value that the camera can automatically choose. In other words, you can tell the camera “use up to ISO 400.”

The F45 also is great for close-up shots. © Jon Sienkiewicz

The F45 features an 8.3-megapixel Super CCD HR sensor, 3X zoom and Face Detection (hence the “fd” in the model name). It has a 2.5-inch LCD and sells for less than $200—or about half the price of a used F31.

Black and White mode, F50. Other options are Chrome and Normal. © Jon Sienkiewicz

Next in line is the F50fd. It sports a whopping 12-megapixel, 1/1.6 inch Super CCD HR, second generation Face Detection and 3X zoom. The F50 has a couple of features that make it more tempting than the F45. Image Stabilization is a big upgrade. It also allows ISO settings as high as 6400 (at reduced resolution). But the biggest reason to give the F50 a closer look is the fact that is has Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority exposure mode options.

Fujifilm Finepix F50fd at ISO400 – look, ma, no noise! © Jon Sienkiewicz

In low light, the F50fd outperforms most cameras, but does not quite equal the F45. When you consider that both use the same sized CCD but one has nearly 50% more pixels, it’s not surprising.

Fujifilm Finepix F100fd at ISO400. This shot is absolutely noise free. © Jon Sienkiewicz

At the top of the line is the Fujifilm Finepix F100fd. Images are captured and processed by a 12-megapixel Super CCD HR VIII and RP (Real Photo) Processor III. The F100 includes all of the features that the F50 includes but one: strangely, the F100 does not offer Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority exposure modes. On the other hand, it has a number of features that may make you willing to overlook that.

F100’s 28mm wideangle adds to the camera’s overall versatility. © Jon Sienkiewicz

Start with a 5X zoom that ranges from a delightfully wideangle 28mm and extends to 140mm. Compared to the F50 or F45, the zoom range of the F100 offers significantly more versatility. As a tradeoff, however, the maximum aperture is f3.3 or about one-half of a stop slower than the F50 or F45. It also features Face Detection 3.0 that works even if the faces are moving or at a strange angle. The F100 also has Image Stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD.

Wide Dynamic Range means more detail in shadows and highlights. © Jon Sienkiewicz

Last but not least, the Fujifilm Finepix F100fd offers enhanced dynamic range settings of 100% (normal), 200% and 400% (4X wider range). Dynamic range is defined as the steps or levels of light intensities that a sensor can detect and record between total black and total white. What Fujifilm means when they say Wide Dynamic Range is this: more shades of gray visible between pure black and pure white. What this means to you is more detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of your images. To professionals this means fewer blocked shadows and fewer clipped highlights.

The F100fd’s low-light performance is about equal to that of the F50fd, which is to say not quite as good as the F45fd. Then again, it’s still better than most cameras out there. And it offers an astronomical ISO 12800 setting (at reduced resolution). Let’s face it—no one shoots at ISO 12800 because the resultant images look vaguely like they were shot through a screen door. But isn’t it really cool to be able to shoot at ISO 12800?

The bottom line is that you get great color and terrific pictures. © Jon Sienkiewicz

So, which Fujifilm Finepix F-series cameras is the right one for you? Even if they all cost the same, it would still be a tough decision. The F100 has a great, 5X wideangle 28mm zoom lens. The F45 is unbeatable for flash-free, low light candid shots. And the F50 is a great compromise and offers both Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority exposure mode options. Or, if you’re into classics, you can dig around and pay even more for a used, two-year-old Fujifilm Finepix F30.

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