Overview
The Fuji Finepix F50 is a 12 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. It is just about small enough to fit into a pocket. This is a fairly standard compact model with a few extra features such as image stabilisation, shutter priority mode and aperture priority mode. One of the big attractions of the Finepix F50 is its ease of use.
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The first outdoor scenic shot wins the Finepix F50 plenty of early brownie points. The sharpness of the photo may not quite be up there with the very best, but it is not far behind. The sharpness levels are also retained up to the edges of the photo.
One of the other big plus points is how well the camera is able to handle sun glare. This is a big problem at this time of the year, but the Finepix F50 is able to cope with it better than just about any other camera I have tested recently.
This is quite a distant scene and with the lens zoom out many digital cameras struggle with focusing. The Finepix F50 does well though and I am impressed with the definition in the photo. There is also plenty of colour in the shot.
With the lens zoomed into its full capacity the camera is again able to produce a sharp photo. All three outdoor scenic test shots are above average.
Portraits
The point I like most about this shot is the colours the Finepix F50 manages to produce. They give the photo a healthy look without going overboard. The face detection setting gives another sharp photo.
Moving indoors and turning on the flash produces a bright photo. Despite using the flash the photo has retained plenty of colour. There is no evidence of red eye in the test shot. This means I am unable to test out the built in red eye correction tool.
Fuji digital cameras have a good reputation for photos in lower light. So it is no surprise that I managed an impressive shot considering the conditions. Although there will be plenty of times when you still need to use flash, the Finepix F50 is one of the better lowlight, compact digital cameras.
Macro, Colours and Noise
This is not the strongest macro shot I have ever produced. Sharpness is good, but I would not say it is spot on. There is also a slight purple tinge to the photo. This is unlikely to be a problem if you are planning to use the camera for nature close ups, but may be an issue if you are planning to use the camera to photograph jewelry under artificial lighting.
I like the colours produced by the Finepix F50. They have a natural feel to them, but there is also plenty if strength to them. This is especially noticeable in my first two test shots.
Pushing the ISO setting up to 400 has less affect on picture quality than with many digital cameras. Although noise does start to creep in it is still a fair effort.
If you go as far as ISO 1600 it is a different matter and picture quality really does fade.
Summary
I have been very impressed with the picture quality produced by the Finepix F50. It is some way above average and is especially impressive in lower light.
Style
The Finepix F50 is a neat and tidy digital camera. It has an unfussy design. Although the camera does not look radically different to so other many slim, rectangular cameras its shamphered edges and a rounded corner stop it from looking completely identikit. It is available in black and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.31 seconds
13.19 seconds
0.33 seconds
14.97 seconds
Ease of Use
Most of the key controls can be selected by pressing a button on the back of the camera. When you do need to use the menu you should find it easy enough to get around.
Points I Like
Picture quality - shutter lag with flash - easy of use
Where it Could Improve
It is hard to find fault
Verdict
The Fuji Finepix F50 has a lot going for it. It has some useful features you do not usually see with a pocket sized digital camera. These include a red eye removal feature and a larger than standard LCD screen. Picture quality is very good indeed and the camera is available for a reasonable price. This is one of the best pocket sized cameras on the market. Recommended.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Canon IXUS 510 HS Rating 86/100
If you are prepared to pay a bit more for extra quality then the Canon IXUS 510 HS is likely to be of interest to you. For a pocket camera picture quality is very good. Add in the impressive set of features including a touch screen and Wi-Fi and you can start to see that you do get more for your money compared to a lot of digital cameras. The power of the lens also gives you plenty of scope for capturing a wide range of photo opportunities. It is true you pay a little extra than with more standard pocket cameras, but if you also include the stylish look of this model there is a lot on offer for the price tag.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 510 HS Review
Canon IXUS 125 HS Rating 86/100
If you are looking for a pocket camera and you are prepared to pay extra for picture quality and build quality then the Canon IXUS 125 HS is a good choice. Although it doesn’t have all the latest features like 360 degree panoramas it does an excellent job when it comes to taking pictures. It is straightforward, easy to use and will fit into just about any pocket.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 125 HS Review
Canon IXUS 1100 HS Rating 85/100
The Canon IXUS 1100 HS is a very good choice if you are looking for a pocket digital camera with a combination of a longer zoom lens and touch control. Once you get used to the screen and improve your touch accuracy it responds well. Picture quality compares favourably with other pocket cameras. The style and build suggest a bit of extra class too. The IXUS 1100 HS ticks most of the boxes for a camera in this category.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 1100 HS Review
Related Pages
Fuji Finepix F50fd Review Fuji Finepix F50fd Specification Fuji Finepix F50fd Sample Images Fuji Finepix F50fd Features Fuji Digital Cameras
Review Date
December 2007
