Overview
The Fuji Finepix J250 is a simple digital camera that is small enough to fit into a reasonably sized pocket. Price wise, the Finepix J250 is one of the cheaper models from a recognised brand. It has 10 megapixels and a 5x wide angle lens. Taking the price into account it is a pleasant surprise to see a larger 3 inch screen and image stabilisation available as it is here.
As is now standard the camera has a face detection mode that can focus on up to 10 faces in one photo. There is also an automatic scene recognition mode. This helps you to produce the best possible photos while retaining ease of use.
Why Buy The Fuji Finepix J250
This is a relatively inexpensive camera, is easy to use and includes one or two extra features you do not always find in this price bracket.
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The brickwork on the building at the centre of picture is in sharp focus. Only a small amount of sharpness is lost as you move out towards the edges of the shot. Sun glare is handled well and the colours remain true.
A small amount of fringing shows around the windows and along the treetops. This is unlikely to be a problem unless you are planning to make extra larger prints. The picture is on the soft side in places, but taking into account the fact this camera has a wide angle lens and a low price I think it has done well in this test.
This is another effort where the Finepix J250 has handled the test well. Zooming in as far as the lens can it does a good job of picking out detail.
Looking at all my outdoor shots taken at distance I am pleased with the level of focusing the Finepix J250 has managed. Here there is a minor fall off in sharpness as you reach the edges, but this should not pose a problem for your prints.
Portraits
There are no problems here. Focusing works well as I would expect it to. You should be able to take plenty of typical portrait shots in good lighting.
The camera does very well here. It produces enough light to reach the darker areas of the hair. It also manages to temper the light so that it does not wash all the colours from the shot.
Compared to some more expensive cameras I tested at the same time the Finepix J250 has done very well to control noise levels. If you are taking photos indoors then most of the time you will need to use flash, but you should be able to produce some window light shots when conditions are favourable.
Macro, Colours and Noise
I am very happy with the quality of this shot. Just as with my indoor portrait I have tested plenty of more expensive cameras that struggle to match the picture quality on show here.
When it comes to the depth of colours I would describe the Finepix J250 and other Fuji digital cameras as being mid range. The colours do not overpower and are well balanced.
On the whole, the camera controls noise better than I expected it to. Areas such as the names on the boats are in light shade and the noise levels are low.
Summary
Considering the price of the Finepix J250 I think it does a very good job. I found no major issues with my test shots.
Style
Picking up the Finepix J250 it felt solid in the hand. Measuring the camera I found it would fit into a pocket, but the pocket needs to be a reasonable size for a comfortable fit. Fuji has given the camera a traditional, rectangular look.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.41 seconds
16.65 seconds
1.63 seconds
20.35 seconds
3.18 seconds
Ease of Use
I found my way around the camera easily. It is a good choice for someone looking for a simple, straightforward digital camera.
Points I Like
Picture quality - ease of use - value for money
Where it Could Improve
I have no real complaints about this camera
Verdict
I was pleasantly surprised by the Fuji Finepix J250. I think it offers good value for money. If you are looking for a digital camera at the cheaper end of the scale this is a good choice.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Fuji Finepix J250 Review Fuji Finepix J250 Specification Fuji Finepix J250 Sample Images Fuji Finepix J250 Features Fuji Finepix J250 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC FS62
Review Date
December 2009
