Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-02-21
The Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd is Fuji's latest entry into the ultra-compact, high resolution digital camera category. Featuring a 10.0MP resolution and 5X optical zoom, the camera has a sleek, handsome body that is only 20mm thick. Packed with features, the camera includes sensor-shift image stabilization, face detection technology, a 2.7" 230,000 pixel display and an intelligent auto-flash. Additional features of the Z200fd include a lens focal length of 5.9 - 29.5mm (35 mm equivalent of 33 - 165mm), an aperture range of f3.8 - f6.4 (wide) and f4.8 - f8.0 (tele), and compatibility with SD / SDHC / xD memory cards. The unit also features wireless IR communication that allows users to transfer pictures to other wireless IR cameras, a shutter speed range of 4 sec. - 1/1/000 sec., and a host of shooting modes. The Z200fd also features a macro focusing mode with a minimum focus distance of 9cm (wide) and 30cm (tele).
FeaturesThe Z200fd is definitely long on features, some of them new and innovative. The camera features a new self-timer mode that works in conjunction with automatic face detection to detect when everyone is positioned and ready in a group shot and snaps the shot automatically. No more rushing to get in position before the self-timer goes off. The camera also has advanced playback features, with a 10 x 10 thumbnail view of the photos contained in the camera's memory. And thanks to the high resolution LCD the photos are quite recognizable in this mode. PerformanceWhile this camera is chock full of features, it doesn't' fair too well in the image quality department. The image quality is not as good as most of the other ultra-compact cameras in its price range, including some that are less expensive. There is a significant amount of noise in images at the higher ISO settings and the camera also suffers from considerable chromatic aberration throughout the ISO range. If you don't plan to make large prints of your photos (8X10 or more), then you will probably never notice these problems except at the higher (above 200) settings. Also, the camera's continuous shooting mode is rather slow at .3fps. SummaryFuji has managed to pack a lot of advanced features into a very small package that looks great. The camera is available in 4 colors - Pink, Silver, Red & Black, and Black and the controls and menus are easy to use. As mentioned previously, if most of your shooting is for 4x6 or 5x7 prints, this is an excellent camera, although a bit pricey when compared to some of the competition. But if image quality is paramount, you should probably look elsewhere for an ultra-compact in this class. Pros
Cons
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