Fujifilm FinePix F series
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TheFujifilmFinePix F seriesis a line of compactdigital camerasthat was known for its low-light performance in 2005,[1]with relatively lowimage noiseand natural colors even at highISOsettings. With its relatively large, but moderate resolutionSuper CCDsensors, it concentrated on image quality, and low-light shooting without flash, which was mostly restricted toprosumermodels at the time.
Image comparisons show that Fujifilm's sixth-generation, 6.3-megapixelSuper CCDsensor (used onF10/F20/F30/F31models) set the benchmark[2]for low-noise, high ISO performance among point-and-shoot cameras and has not yet been matched by any of Fuji's higher megapixel Super CCD sensors.
TheFujifilm FinePix F200EXR(February 2009) has low light capabilities similar to theF31fdin pixel binning mode, but allows for double the resolution in good light. However, at the same focal length the lens of theF200EXRis about 1/2 stop slower than that of theF31fd.The key feature of theF200EXRis its very large dynamic range (estimated to be 11 stops) when used in its dual-capture mode.[3]
Flagship line
[edit]F10
[edit]The first breakthrough model of the F series, the 6.3-megapixelFinePix F10,was announced in February 2005 and became available on April 30 of that year. TheF10was met with widespread critical acclaim and became a hit seller for Fujifilm.[4]It was the first time that such low noise levels had been seen at ISO 800 and 1600 in a digital compact camera.
In addition to its ISO capability, the F10's success was also fueled by its excellent battery life, speedy shooting, and overall picture quality. One of the camera's weaknesses, however, was manual shooting. Lackingapertureandshutter speedpriority modes, theF10was mostly apoint and shootcamera. Other criticisms included the proprietarydongleneeded to make any connections to the camera and a relatively high level ofpurple fringing.
F11
[edit]TheF10'ssibling, theFinePix F11,which was not released in theUnited Statesexcept in the state ofHawaii,added aperture and shutter priority modes but still did not provide full manual control. It also had a slightly improvedLCDscreen and a few other minor improvements to theF10.
F30
[edit]In May 2006, theF11was succeeded by theFinePix F30,which added 3200 ISO in full resolution using a 1/1.7 "6th generationSuper CCDchip and 2nd generation "RealPhoto technology" including an "intelligent flash". Based on sample images, noise reduction was improved slightly over theF10/F11.Although there is definite noise in pictures taken at 3200 ISO, they are often usable, and theF30was seen as another leap forward in low-light abilities for a compact camera. As one reviewer stated,
The F30's claim to fame is its high ISO performance, which is unmatched in the compact camera arena. [...] It offers low light performance that approaches (but doesn't match)digital SLRs,and it's pretty good at the other stuff too.
— Jeff Keller, DCResource[5]
TheF30also added a new, much higher-resolution LCD screen, improved battery life, an improved menu system, and several new modes including "Natural Light & Flash" in which the camera shoots two pictures in quick succession, one with flash and one without, so the better picture can be chosen later.
F20
[edit]In July 2006, Fujifilm announced theFinePix F20,a lower-priced, slightly scaled-down version of theF30that maintained most of the same features but was geared more towards non-enthusiast users. Compared to theF30,theF20had a lower-resolutionLCD screen,lower capacity battery, a maximum ISO of 2000, and a few other changes to the body and menu system. It also lacked Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes. However, considering that theF20kept all the features that made theF30great, including the same Super CCD sensor, high-ISO capability,Fujinonlens, and low-noise Real Photo image processor, theF20was a superb bargain at a street price as low as US$155. A small number ofF20swere sold under the namesF20SEandF20 LE.The LE version was primarily distributed by a large UK Electronics Retail chain with the only difference being a 'gunmetal' finish.
F31fd
[edit]In September 2006, theF30was succeeded by theFinePix F31fd.[6]
Compared to theF30,theF31fdhas a better matrix meter (much less prone to blow highlight detail), a highly useful AUTO ISO 800 mode, and slightly less noise reduction, which preserves more detail in the resulting images compared to theF30.
Moreover, theF31fdfeatures hardware-basedFace Detectiontechnology (which debuted with the introduction of theFinePix S6500fd), which allows the camera to automatically focus on and expose for faces. TheF31fdalso has a newIrSimpledata transfer capability for wireless printing and photos viewing on IrSimple enabled TV sets.
As of 2007, theF31fdwas considered the best of the low-light compact small sensor cameras.[7]It also performs remarkably well even against theSigma DP1,one of very few compact cameras with a Foveon-sized sensor, almost as large in size as the APS-C-sensor in theFuji X100.[8]
F40fd
[edit]In March 2007, Fujifilm released theF40fd,priced at $299. TheF40fdis considered to be the successor to theF20,with many new features, most notably a bump to 8.3 megapixel resolution and face detection. TheF40fdis noted for its relatively powerful flash; however, it shares the reduced battery capacity and reduced ISO of theF20(2000 maximum, compared to 3200 on theF30/F31fd). The F40fd introduced support forSD memory cards(in addition toXD-Picture Card;i.e., it supports both).[9]Support forSDHC memory cardswas added by the free 1.10 firmware update available from Fujifilm's website[1].TheF40fdwas also sold under the nameFinePix F45fdwith only cosmetic differences.
The FujifilmFinePixA800andA805share the same 8.3 megapixel Super CCD sensor and a similar lens to theF40fd.
F47fd
[edit]TheFinePix F47fdis identical to theF40fdexcept its sensor has 9 megapixels. It is not firmware compatible with theF40fdbut it has its ownfirmware update availableto add support for SDHC memory cards.
F50fd
[edit]On July 26, 2007,FujiFilmannounced the latest incarnation in the Finepix 'F' series, theF50fd.Succeeding its 2006 predecessor, theF31fd,this latest model is greatly improved over theF40fd.Boasting a 7th generation 12-megapixel Super CCD, a 2.7 inch amorphous silicon TFT LCD screen and a sleek new design, the F50fd is the first model in the Finepix 'F' series to feature optical-basedimage stabilization,referred to asDual Stabilization Mode.Face recognition has been updated to 2.0, now featuring an automatic red-eye removal. No longer does the camera need a direct-frontal shot in order to identify a face, it can capture faces at different angles without the subject having to look straight to the camera. ISO sensitivity has also been extended up to 6400, from 3200 on theF31fd;however, comparisons show that the sensor used in theF30/F31fd/F20has significantly greater sensitivity. The F50fd is slated for a September 2007 release at an MSRP of $300. A small number ofF50fdswere sold under the nameF50SE.
F100fd
[edit]On 24 January 2008,FujiFilmannouncedF100fd.It features a 12-megapixel chip, a wide angle zoom (28-140mm equiv.), and ISO capabilities up to ISO 3200 (full resolution) or up to ISO 12800 at 3M recorded pixels. The F100fd does not contain aperture priority or shutter priority modes, hence it cannot be considered a successor of theF11, F30, F31, F50models. The camera suffers from "pink banding"[10]within high ISO exposure photographs starting at ISO 400. The pink band can be seen on the left side of the photograph. FujiFilm attempted to address the situation with a firmware update. Not allF100's exhibit this problem, and in real world shooting, not artificial 'black space', it is not noticeable in the vast majority of cases.
A drawback of the new wide angle lens in theF100that the associated aperture has only two positions: wide open and closed. TheF100fdhas no continuous aperture. For this reason theF100fd(or a successor with the same lens system) cannot be equipped with the creative shooting modes (i.e. aperture or shutter priority).
In December 2008, theF100fdwon theDigital Photography Review"premium compact camera" group test[11]because of its image quality.
F60fd
[edit]TheFujifilm FinePixF60fdwas announced on 12 August 2008. It is almost identical to the FinePixF50fdexcept for a larger 3 "LCD and updated firmware that includes in-camera relighting (high dynamic range) functions and intelligent scene recognition. In contrast to theF100fd,theF60fddoes have photography modes for creative shooting (i.e. aperture and shutter priority).
F200EXR
[edit]TheFujifilm FinePixF200EXRwas announced on 4 February 2009.[12]It is the first camera to use the new 12 MP EXRSuper CCDsensor. The camera offers several manual modes and automatic scene recognition. Its most remarkable feature is the choice between three different sensor modes: full resolution mode, high dynamic range mode, and low light mode. The latter two modes work at effective 6 MP and use two simultaneously taken pictures and pixel binning respectively. The lens of theF200EXR(F/3.3) is slower than that of theF31fd(F/2.8) due to the extended zoom range (5x optical zoom rather than 3x). TheF200EXRalso features sensor stabilization.
F70EXR/F72EXR/F75EXR
[edit]Fujifilm announced theFinePix F70EXRon 22 July 2009. It uses the same Super CCD EXR technology as theF200EXR,only on a smaller 1/2 "10 MP sensor (vs. 1/1.6" 12 MP for theF200EXR). The smaller sensor is mainly due to the long 10xFujinonzoom lens (27-270mm, F/3.3-5.6). TheF70EXRhas many of the same features of theF200EXRwith a few new features including Pro Focus mode, used mainly for portraits and Pro Low Light mode, used in situations that do not have adequate light. TheF72EXRis identical to theF70EXRbut has a black body instead of theF70EXR'sgunmetal gray color.
F80EXR/F85EXR
[edit]Fujifilm announced the FinePixF80EXRon 2 February 2010. TheF80EXRis visually identical to theF70EXRexcept for some minor differences. TheF80EXRuses a 12-megapixel, 1/2 "Super CCD EXR sensor (vs theF70EXR's10-megapixel sensor). The camera also supports 720P (1280x720) at 30fps video recording along with a slightly larger 3 inch LCD display (vs theF70EXR's2.7 inch LCD). New "Pet detection" and an integrated orientation sensor are also included.
F300EXR/F305EXR
[edit]Fujifilm announced the FinePixF300EXRin late 2010. It does not follow the previous F-series camera's large sensor in a small body moto. TheF300EXRnow sports a 12MP 1/2 "sized SuperCCD EXR sensor, unlike the larger 1/1.6" sensor on theF200EXRwhich it replaces. Also new to the F series is a long 15X optical zoom lens (24-360mm) and a hybrid autofocus system which uses both TTL Contrast detection and Phase detection, similar to auto focus systems used in DSLRs. 2 dedicated pixels on the sensor divide incoming light into image pairs to determine the direction and the amount of focus adjustments to achieve faster level of focus compared to TTL contrast auto focus systems. Other new features include a double sliding lens structure which make the lens both a wide angle and telephoto lens in a smaller package and a pop up flash. TheF300EXRis also capable of 720P high definition video recording.
F500EXR
[edit]Fujifilm announced theF500EXRin August 2011. The 16 megapixel camera comes with an EXR CMOS sensor and 15x zoom as well as a 3.0 inchLCD monitor.[13]Other features include full HD movie capture, a Photobook Assist function, face detection & recognition, dog/cat detection, Motion Panorama 360 mode, and Multi Frame Composition.[13]
F550EXR
[edit]This 16 megapixel camera features a 1/2 "EXR CMOS sensor, 15x zoom, a 3.0 inch LCD screen, 1080p Full-HD recording at 30fps, RAW (RAF format) support and GPS.
F770EXR
[edit]Released in March 2012, theF770EXRis standardly black, but also available in red, blue, white, and silver. It features a 20x optical zoom, 3-inch 460,000-dot LCD screen and 1080p Full-HD recording at 30fps, RAW (RAF format) support, 3D still image (MPO compliant) and GPS.[14]
Other models
[edit]Prior to the current generation, Fujifilm released a number of cameras with the "F" designation. These included the compact, uniquely shapedF401, F402, F410, F420, F440, and F450,the larger but well-regardedF700andF810,and theF601Zoom andF610.Some of these cameras had earlier versions of the Super CCD sensor, but Fuji had not yet refined the use of the sensor specifically to reduce noise, and had not yet combined other low-light performance features to make them stand out. TheF700andF601Zoom, for instance, were capable of ISO 1600 but only in 1-megapixel mode. Most of these earlier cameras did not haveautofocus assist beams,and none of them had remarkable battery life.
As of July 2006, the current F series lineup also includes two other mid-level compact cameras (theF470and theF650); although they are positioned above Fuji's entry-levelA seriescameras, they do not have the Super CCD, manual controls, or many other features of theF20/F30.
As of August 2007, Fujifilm has released a Z series of cameras, including theFinePix Z5fd
Discontinued models
[edit]- FinePix F10
- FinePix F11
- Finepix F30
...
- FinePix F50fd
- FinePix F60fd
- FinePix F70EXR/F75EXR
- FinePix F100fd
- FinePix F200EXR
- FinePix F480
Comparison of Fujifilm FinePix F-series cameras
[edit]Model | Release date | Sensor res., size |
Sensor type |
Lens (35 mm equiv.) aperture |
Optical zoom | Digital zoom | Shutter Speed seconds |
Image processor | LCD screen size, pixels | Memory | Battery | Dimensions W×H×D (mm) |
Weight (-batt.) | Photo | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F10 | February 2005 | 6.3 MP 2848×2136 1/1.7 " |
Super CCD HR V | 36–108 mm f/2.8–5.0 |
3× | 3 to 1/2000 15 to 3 night mode |
2.5 " 115,000 |
xD-Picture Card | NP-120 | 92.0 × 58.0 × 27.0 | 200 g | ||||
F11 | 6.3 MP 2848×2136 1/1.7 " |
Super CCD HR V | 36–108 mm f/2.8–5.0 |
3× | 6.2× | 3 to 1/2000 15 to 3 night mode |
2.5 " 153,000 |
xD-Picture Card | NP-120 | 92.0 × 58.0 × 27.0 | 155 g | ||||
F30 | May 2006 | 6.3 MP 2848×2136 1/1.7 " |
Super CCD HR VI | 36–108 mm f/2.8–5.0 |
3× | 6.2× | 3 to 1/2000 15 to 3 night mode |
2.5 " 230,000 |
xD-Picture Card | NP-95 | 92.7 × 56.7 × 27.8 | 155 g | |||
F20 | July 2006 | 6.3 MP 2848×2136 1/1.7 " |
Super CCD HR VI | 36–108 mm f/2.8–5.0 |
3× | 6.2× | 4 to 1/2000 | Real Photo Processor II | 2.5 " 153,000 |
xD-Picture Card | NP-70 | 94 × 57 × 27 | 150 g | ||
F31fd | September 2006 | 6.3 MP 2848×2136 1/1.7 " |
Super CCD HR VI | 36–108 mm f/2.8–5.0 |
3× | 6.2× | 3 to 1/2000 15 to 1 night mode |
Real Photo Processor II | 2.5 " 230,000 |
xD-Picture Card | NP-95 | 92.7 × 56.7 × 27.8 | 155 g | ||
F40fd | March 2007 | 8.3 MP 3296×2472 1/1.6 " |
Super CCD HR VI | 36–108 mm f/2.8–5.1 |
3× | 6.9× | 3 to 1/2000 | Real Photo Processor II | 2.5 " 230,000 |
SD, xD-Picture Card | NP-70 | 95.7 × 59 × 23.3 | 155 g | ||
F47fd | June 2007 | 9.03 MP 3488×2616 1/1.6 " |
Super CCD HR VI | 36–108 mm f/2.8–5.1 |
3× | 7.6× | 3 to 1/2000 | Real Photo Processor II | 2.5 " 230,000 |
SD, SDHC, xD-Picture Card | NP-70 | 95.7 × 59 × 23.3 | 155 g | ||
F480 | July 2007 | 8.2 MP 3264×2448 1/2.5 " |
28–112 mm f/2.8–5.6 |
4× | 5.1× | 4 to 1/1500 | 2.7 " 230,000 |
SD, SDHC, xD-Picture Card | NP-40N | 95.6 × 55.4 × 23.0 | 140 g | ||||
F50fd | July 2007 | 12 MP 4000×3000 4224×2816 1/1.6 " |
Super CCD HR VII | 35–105 mm f/2.8–5.1 |
3× | 8.2× | 8 to 1/2000 | Real Photo Processor II | 2.7 " 230,000 |
SD, SDHC, xD-Picture Card | NP-50 | 92.5 × 59.2 × 22.9 | 155 g | ||
F100fd | January 2008 | 12 MP 4000×3000 4224×2816 1/1.6 " |
Super CCD HR VIII | 28–140 mm f/3.3-5.1 |
5× | 8.2× | 4 to 1/1500 | Real Photo Processor III | 2.7 " 230,000 |
SD, SDHC, xD-Picture Card | NP-50 | 97.7 × 58.9 × 23.4 | 153 g | ||
F60fd | August 2008 | 12 MP 4000×3000 4224×2816 1/1.6 " |
Super CCD HR VII | 35–105 mm f/2.8–5.1 |
3× | 8.2× | 8 to 1/2000 | Real Photo Processor II | 3.0 " 230,000 |
SD, xD-Picture Card | NP-50 | 92.5 × 59.2 × 22.9 | 155 g | ||
F200EXR | February 2009 | 12 MP 4000×3000 1/1.6 " |
Super CCD EXR | 28–140 mm f/3.3-5.1 |
5× | 4.4× | 8 to 1/1500 | 3.0 " 230,000 |
SD, SDHC, xD-Picture Card | NP-50 | 97.7 × 58.9 × 23.4 | 175 g | |||
F70EXR F72EXR F75EXR |
July 2009 | 10 MP 3616×2712 1/2 " |
27–270 mm f/3.3-5.6 |
10× | 4× | 2.7 " 230,000 |
SD, SDHC | NP-50 | 99.3 × 58.9 × 22.7 | 180 g | |||||
F80EXR F85EXR |
February 2010 | 12 MP 4000×3000 1/2 " |
Super CCD EXR | 27–270 mm f/3.3-5.6 |
10× | 4× | 8 to 1/2000 | 3.0 " 230,000 |
SD, SDHC | NP-50 | 99.3 × 58.9 × 28.4 | 183 g | |||
F300EXR F305EXR |
12 MP 4000×3000 1/2 " |
Super CCD EXR | 24–360 mm f/3.5-5.3 |
15× | 4× | 8 to 1/2000 | 3.0 " 460,000 |
SD, SDHC | NP-50 | 103.5 × 59.2 × 32.6 | 195 g | ||||
F500EXR | August 2011 | 16 MP 4608×3456 1/2 " |
EXR CMOS | 24–360 mm f/3.5-5.3 |
15× | 5× | 8 to 1/2000 | 3.0 " 460,000 |
SD, SDHC | NP-50 | 103.5 × 59.2 × 32.6 | 195 g | |||
F550EXR F505EXR |
August 2011 | 16 MP 4608×3456 1/2 " |
EXR CMOS | 24–360 mm f/3.5-5.3 |
15× | 5× | 8 to 1/2000 | 3.0 " 460,000 |
SD, SDHC | NP-50 | 103.5 × 59.2 × 32.6 | 195 g | |||
F600EXR | August 2011 | 16 MP 4608×3456 1/2 " |
EXR CMOS | 24–360 mm f/3.5-5.3 |
15× | 2× | 8 to 1/2000 | 3.0 " 460,000 |
SD, SDHC | NP-50 | 103.5 × 62.5 × 32.6 | 201 g | |||
F660EXR F665EXR |
16 MP 4608×3456 1/2 " |
EXR CMOS | 24–360 mm f/3.5-5.3 |
15× | 2× | 8 to 1/2000 | 3.0 " 460,000 |
SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I) | NP-50A | 103.5 × 59.2 × 32.6 | 196 g | ||||
F770EXR | March 2012 | 16 MP 4608×3456 1/2 " |
EXR CMOS | 20× | |||||||||||
F800EXR | 16 MP 4608×3456 1/2 " |
EXR CMOS | 20× | SD, SDHC | |||||||||||
F850EXR | 16 MP 4608×3456 1/2 " |
EXR CMOS | 20× | SD, SDHC | |||||||||||
F900EXR | 16 MP 4608×3456 1/2 " |
EXR CMOS II | SD, SDHC |
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^FromDPReview review of F10,page 10
- ^Comparison of test images from F30, F100fd, F200EXR, and F70EXR
- ^F200EXR High dynamic range test samples (translated from Czech)
- ^Fujifilm 3rd Quarter investor's reportArchivedSeptember 27, 2007, at theWayback Machine
- ^FromDCResource review of F30
- ^Fujifilm launches the FinePix F31fd with the world's fastest Face Detection technology
- ^Compact Camera High ISO modes: Separating the facts from the hype
- ^FromDP1 Shootout on SeriousCompacts
- ^Fujifilm Finepix F40fd official site
- ^F100FD - Pinkish Band at ISO400
- ^Holidays '08 Premium Compact Camera Group Test
- ^Adam Frucci, Gizmodo. "Fujifilm's FinePix F200EXR Delivers a New Image Sensor for Low Light Shots."Feb 5, 2009. Retrieved Dec 15, 2016.
- ^abStaff, India Infoline News Service. "FUJIFILM unveils FinePix F500EXR camera."August 10, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
- ^"7 Precise Points of Control That Make the Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR an Excellent Digital Travel Camera".PhotographyTalk. 17 May 2012.RetrievedSeptember 5,2012.
External links
[edit]F30 or F31fd reviews
[edit]- Arn reviews Fujifilm Finepix F30
- Petteri Sulonen reviews the Fuji Finepix F30
- F30 Review (dpreview)
- F30 Review (dcresource)Archived2008-10-26 at theWayback Machine
- Eric Jeschke reviews the Fuji Finepix F31fd
- F31fd Review (dpreview)