Overview
The Fuji Finepix F60FD is a 12 megapixel, compact camera. It has a large 3 inch LCD screen, image stabilisation and automatic red eye removal.
Why Buy The Fuji Finepix F60fd
Most smaller cameras are basic point and shoot models. Although the Finepix F60fd remains easy to use it also has shutter priority and aperture priority modes. These can give you some added control over your photos. It also scored a fast time in my shutter lag tests.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
3x
3 inches
92.5 x 59.2 x 22.9mm
163g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
7cm
No
Yes
Lithium ion
XD/SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Focusing is above average and it is good to see that little sharpness is lost as you move out towards the edges of the shot. All cameras struggle with sun glare at this time of year, leading to a loss of detail in the lightest areas of the photo. In this instance detail is lost on the white wooden slats of the building and on the front boat. Where the Finepix F60fd does well compared with other cameras is it manages to retain true colour even where the sun strikes the boats.
This is the toughest test for focusing with parts of the scene being very distant. The Finepix F60fd outperforms most cameras. The detail on the boats on the far bank is superior to the levels I am used to seeing.
3x zoom is now the minimum you are likely to find on this type of digital camera from a leading brand. So with this camera you will not be able to get in quite as close as many other models allow you to do. Even so this is another sharp photo and the level of detail is impressive once more.
Overall all I am very happy with both the sharpness and level of detail the Finepix F60fd is able to produce. You should have no problem creating crisp snapshots.
Portraits
This shot works well because of the natural colours in the picture. The skin tones are more or less spot on and although there is no problem with sharpness there is a pleasant, soft feel to the shot.
One of the first points I noticed is how well the camera handles the strength of the flash. There is very little reflecting back of the face and in this area the Finepix F60fd outperforms many of its rivals.
Using available light rather than flash there is more noise showing in this photo than some cameras manage. Even when the light is good indoors or the light begins to fall outside you are likely to need to resort to flash quite quickly.
Macro, Colours and Noise
The clarity and sharpness of the macro shot are good without being perfect. Under the studio lighting used to take the shot I did have problems getting the Finepix F60fd to get the colouring right. It was difficult to get a picture without a blue or purple tinge. This should not be a problem when taking close up shots under natural lighting, but could cause issues if you are planning to take pictures under lighting for Ebay etc.
I really like the colours this camera creates. They help to make smaller objects stand out helping to add interest to your photographs. For example when I first looked at the building test shot my eye was drawn to the red flowers on the left hand side of the shot. I found myself noticing detail that I do not tend to see with other cameras.
ISO 400 may work outside in good light if you are trying to freeze action, but anytime the light is not perfect noise will start to creep into the shot. Only use higher ISO ratings when there is no other way to get the shot.
Summary
I am very happy with my test results. Both the level of detail and the colours the camera produces are impressive.
Style
This camera is not as stylish as some compact cameras. It has a slight slope on the top of the camera and a very small grip on the front. You can buy either a black or silver version.
Shutter Lag Times

Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.24 seconds
12.57 seconds
0.34 seconds
13.83 seconds
3.09 seconds
Ease of Use
Despite have shutter and aperture priority modes available the Finepix F60fd is simple enough to use.
Points I Like
Colours - detail in photos - shutter lag speeds
Where it Could Improve
Nothing springs to mind
Verdict
The Fuji Finepix F60fd offers a good quality alternative to other, perhaps better known brands such as Canon and Sony. I found it hard to find fault with this camera and I have enjoyed using it.
Product Shots
Front View

Back View

Top View

Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Panasonic DMC FS30 Rating 85/100
I really like this camera. It offers some extra zoom and takes excellent snaps. I found it easy to use and struggled to find anything I did not like about it. If you are looking for a smaller compact camera with some extra zoom then this one is a good choice.
Read Review: Panasonic DMC FS30 Review
Pentax Optio i-10 Rating 79/100
The Optio i-10 looks radically different to other digital cameras. It has a design based on vintage SLRs. In my tests I found more distant shots lacked sharpness. Aside from the design the features included in this camera are fairly standard.
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Related Pages
Fuji Finepix F60fd Review Fuji Finepix F60fd Specification Fuji Finepix F60fd Sample Images Fuji Finepix F60fd Features
Review Date
November 2008





