Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd

Latest - Review and Sample Photos at DigitalCameraReview (added 30 April ’08)

Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd features:

• 8 megapixel
• 5x zoom
• 2.7 inch LCD
• ISO range from 100 to 1600

Read More Reviews - (updated 30 April ’08)

DigitalCameraReview
Geekanoids N/A
StevesDigicams
WhatDigitalCamera
TrustedReviews
CNET.co.uk
Cameras.co.uk
PhotographyBlog
Pocket-lint
CNET Asia

DigitalCameraReview has reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and they write -
“The Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd is a good camera all around. Beyond its styling, it never really stands out, though it never fails terribly in any category either. Overall, the Z100fd is a solid camera that performed well if unremarkably for a compact point-and-shoot, and even if its performance isn’t always stunning, the Z100fd never lets fashion get in the way of function.

I would recommend this camera to the “Average Joe” who wants a slim, relatively affordable, solid, quality camera to take snapshots of friends and family. Obviously, professionals and serious shooters looking for a “bag camera” with lots of manual control should look elsewhere. For casual shooters, though, the Z100fd a stylish camera and a good value.”

Geekanoids has reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd

StevesDigicams has reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and they write -
“The fully automatic Auto and multiple scene modes make it a snap for anyone to use, and manual mode gives more control to the experienced user. Combine that with the good quality images and you have a very attractive little package. The only real problem we had with this model was the slower shooting performance. With an MSRP of US$250, this is a camera that you will be paying a little extra for the size and looks, as their are other cameras that perform just as well, if not better, for a little less money.”

WhatDigitalCamera - 14 February’08 - reviews the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and felt the it give great images. Here is a summary of their review -
“It’s not the fastest camera out of the speed blocks but it sure looks good. Complaints are the menu system is unnecessarily long and complicated and the lens is located so close to the top edge of the camera fingers have a way off accidentally getting in the picture. While the photos are good the reviewer did notice a bit of purple fringing.”

TrustedReviews - 22 January’08 - reviews the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and thought the lens had almost zilch distortion. Here is a summary of their review -
“High on style and features this camera takes reasonably good photographs and does it all for a price that’s less than the competitors. For the social photographer who find themselves in low light this cameras mechanical image stabilization and accurate low light focus could come in handy. Yet it’s not the fastest performer on the block and the battery like sucks, literally.”

CNET.co.uk - 18 January’08 - reviews the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and didn’t like the fact that you can open the lens cover while it’s in your pocket. Here is a summary of their review -
“Experienced photographers will be disappointed in the lack of manual controls. But the reviewer was particularly impressed with the accuracy and efficiency of the face detection system. Image quality suffered in low light due to blurry photos caused by the camera selecting slower shutter speeds.”

So all in all the 100fd is a run of the mill digital camera that looks good but chokes in low light.

Cameras.co.uk - 16 January’08 - reviews the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and thinks it’s a nice looking camera with a hefty zoom. Here is a summary of their review -
“Not an outstanding camera with picture quality and performance average. One nice aspect is the ISO performance which even at 400 did not display a lot of digital noise, even photo detail holds up. color reproduction was a little on the strong side and actually the only time this was a concern when taking pictures of people.”

PhotographyBlog - 12 December’07 - reviews the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and noticed average image quality and digital noise showing up even at ISO 200. Here is an excerpt from their review -
“The Fujifilm Finepix Z100fd is a surprisingly good point-and-shoot digital camera. It’s stylish enough to appeal to the fashion-conscious, built well enough to survive a few bumps and scrapes, and offers enough features to appeal to both beginners and more experienced photographers alike. The 5x zoom lens in particular sets the Z100fd apart from the vast majority of affordable compacts, which usually offer a bog-standard 3x zoom. Admittedly the Z100fd’s lens isn’t particularly wide at 36mm, but you’ll really appreciate the longer telephoto range on offer. Fujifilm have sensibly added an effective mechanical image stabilisation system to ensure that the majority of your pictures will be sharp.”

Pocket-lint - 30 November’07 - reviews the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and points out the cameras flash exposure performance was outstanding. Here is an excerpt from their review -
“In short, the Z100fd provides combinations of nice design and build, good image quality and a range of clever and, importantly, truly useful features – that work – plus the great flash performance being a real stand out.

Overall, then, the Z100fd is good rather than great but still certainly worth a closer look particularly if you want a camera with slim and stylish build without the bulk.”

CNET Asia - 22 November’07 - reviews the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and indicates this a nice looking camera but too bad its quality is not up to speed. Here is an excerpt from their review -
“But we didn’t like how the scene selection, camera modes and camera settings are all accessed through the same button. Unlike the F50fd, which splits up access among three buttons, and thus quick access; the Z100fd have them all cobbled up together. This makes menu navigation irritating.”

Sample Test Photos

[Sample Test Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Test Photos at WhatDigitalCamera]
[Sample Test Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample test Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample test Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample test Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Test Photos at Fujifilm]

Specifications

[Official Fujifilm Specifications]

Press Release

Fujifilm today announced the launch of the 8 megapixel FinePix Z100fd, the latest addition to its popular range of ultra-slim, metal-bodied, high performance compact digital cameras. Available in four stunning color schemes the Z100fd is sure to be a hit with anyone who cares about their image as much as they care about the images they shoot. Despite being only 19.8mm thick the FinePix Z100fd is packed with state-of-the-art technology and advanced features including a 5x optical zoom lens, Fujifilm’s acclaimed Face Detection system, intelligent red-eye removal and CCD-shift image stabilization. Dual xD-Picture Card and SD/SDHC compatibility gives users the freedom to choose from a wide range of high capacity memory cards.

Cutting edge design Designed for the most demanding style-conscious buyer wanting a truly pocketable camera without compromises, the FinePix Z100fd features a totally redesigned metal body that is guaranteed to turn heads whenever and wherever it is used. From the unique diagonal slide lens cover, to the cool illuminated logo, to the eye-catching two-tone colour variations, the FinePix Z100fd’s refined styling and high quality finish set a new, luxurious standard. The FinePix Z100fd will be available in four sophisticated, subtle two-tone colour schemes; Shell Pink, Satin Silver and Cappuccino Brown , plus Tuxedo Black, a striking black special edition with a contrasting white sliding cover panel. The slender design is almost totally flat, meaning the camera can be carried in a shirt or jacket pocket despite offering the power and versatility of a 5x optical zoom.

The FinePix Z100fd features a large high-resolution 2.7 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD screen, which has a reinforced glass coating for scratch-free durability. A new micro thumbnail view (showing 100 shots on one screen) and new control wheel make sharing the largest collection of images a pleasure.

Feature-packed Of course style is nothing without substance, and the FinePix Z100fd’s body may be slender, but it is packed with powerful features and advanced technologies designed to make getting perfect pictures shot after shot - easier than ever. The FinePix Z100fd boasts an impressive 5x optical zoom lens covering a useful wide angle to telephoto range equivalent to 35-177mm on a 35mm camera. To avoid the problems of camera shake at longer focal length this is also the first Z series model to feature CCD-shift image stabilization . To further reduce the chance of blur spoiling shots in low light the FinePix Z100fd also features sensitivity settings up to ISO 1600, allowing natural images that retain the atmosphere of evening events to be taken without the use of flash.

For users who prefer to use flash the FinePix Z100fd boasts Fujifilm’s Intelligent Flash system, which sets the power output to achieve natural foreground illumination with balanced background exposure. Intelligent Flash results in visibly more pleasing, natural looking photos, avoiding the harsh lighting effect that can occur with traditional in-camera flash. For times when a decision about lighting could mean a missed photo opportunity, the FinePix Z100fd’s Natural Light plus Flash mode takes two photos in quick succession, one with flash and one without. Both photos are then displayed side by side for quick comparison so users won’t miss the moment fiddling about with flash settings.

Face Detection The FinePix Z100fd makes perfect portraits simple with Fujifilm’s Face Detection technology. Face Detection works by triangulating eyes and mouth, using an algorithm to optimize focus, white balance and exposure for up to ten faces in a single frame. A green square surrounds the face of the primary subject on the camera’s LCD screen, whilst white squares identify up to nine other subjects. Movement tracking keeps the camera ‘locked on’ to its subjects until they move out of the picture. The technology works irrespective of the subject’s position in the frame, and is not confused by spectacles.

Say goodbye to red eye for good The FinePix Z100fd is among the first of Fujifilm’s compact digital cameras to offer automatic red eye removal, advancing the company’s acclaimed Face Detection system one step further. The FinePix Z100fd uses the system to find and instantly correct any red eye from every face in the frame. The FinePix Z100fd’s red eye removal system is not confused by lips or red colored jewelery, as some other systems can be, as it works in tandem with Fujifilm’s Face Detection system to identify eyes and nothing else. Letting the camera do this retouching is so much quicker and easier than struggling at home with a paintbrush on a PC!

Real Photo Technology Driving the FinePix Z100fd is Fujifilm’s unique Real Photo Technology (RPT). The guiding principles behind RPT are simple; to set the highest possible standards for overall image quality, to expand digital photography opportunities and to give users fewer wasted shots.With the human eye as the ideal, Real Photo Technology cameras are designed from the ground up to capture real photographs with stunning quality - giving users the power to capture the moment exactly as the eye sees it, no matter how challenging the shooting conditions. Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Photo Products, said: “The FinePix Z100fd is the perfect social camera for the user looking for a combination of classic styling and cutting edge features. We believe that consumers wanting a super-slim camera shouldn’t have to make compromises on image quality or features, and with the Z100fd they don’t.

FinePix Z100fd features at a glance

• Ultra slim (19.8mm thick) styling with two-tone all metal body
• 5x optical zoom lens (35-177mm equivalent)
• CCD-shift image stabilization
• Face Detection Technology and automatic intelligent red-eye removal
• 54MB internal memory plus xD-Picture card, SD and SDHC compatibility
• ISO 100-1600 sensitivity at full resolution
• Wide view 2.7-inch high resolution screen

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See also: Fujifilm, Fujifilm Review Roundups