Overview
The Fuji Finepix J10 is a very simple, 8 megapixel digital camera. It has a standard 3x optical zoom lens and will slide easily into a pocket.
Why Buy The Fuji Finepix J10
This is the cheapest pocket sized camera on the market that I'm aware of. Therefore if a handy size is a big attraction and you do not want to spend too much then the Finepix J10 is a serious option. Fuji have also created a digital camera that is very easy to use.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
8
3x
2.5 inches
91 x 55 x 19mm
110g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
15cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
xD
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The most noticeable point about this photo is how dark it is. In fact it is the darkest copy of this test shot I can remember. I have no real explanation as to why the Finepix J10 has produced such a dark shot. All controls were set to the factory defaults in fully automatic mode. The probability is that the camera simply finds it difficult to cope well with more shady areas in scenes. Certain areas of the photo are so dark it is difficult to asses other factors such as focusing.
This is a brighter effort, but it is still darker in places than I would like to see. There is also a degree of darkness creeping into the corners of the photo. Focusing and colours are better than with some other entry level cameras.
My third test shpt throws up the same problems with darker areas as my first two tests do. I can also see some of the very light areas, such as the boats, lose detail.
With less contrast in the scene the Finepix J10 produces a much better shot. Focusing is not quite as sharp as you would expect with more expensive models, but overall the camera makes a good fist of this shot.
Portraits
All three portrait shots work better than the scenic shots. There is plenty of colour in the outdoor portrait. This helps to produce a photo with a warm feeling. I helped the camera along a bit in this area by using the cloudy white balance setting.
Moving indoors and using flash the Finepix J10 does a good job. There is plenty of colour in the photo and the camera also manages to retain a good level of detail.
With flash off noise does begins become a problem. This is more so than with other cameras I have tested recently. Again I would like to have seen a bit more brightness in the picture.
Macro, Colours and Noise
My test photo had to be cropped as the Finepix J10 can only focus from 15cm away from the subject. This is one of the compromises you have to be prepared to make for the lower price tag. This may be of little concern to you if you are not planning to go overboard with close up shots. My macro shot is sharp enough, but has a slight blue caste to it.
I like the colours the camera has produced throughout all my tests. They are not too strong, but have plenty of depth.
This is a fair effort from a cheaper camera. The Finepix J10 does a good job of keeping noise levels down, although this is still likely to show in any print.
At ISO 1600 noise is a serious issue. Fuji digital cameras have a good track record when it comes to shooting at higher ISO levels, but the Finepix J10 struggles here.
Summary
It's a shame that the Finepix J10 finds scenes with high contrast so difficult. Outside of the scenic shots the camera coped well with my tests.
Style
Neat and tidy, standard rectangular design. Available in black and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.34 seconds
12.73 seconds
1.1 seconds
13.19 seconds
Ease of Use
With so few features this camera is a synch!
Points I Like
Ease of use - low price for pocket camera
Where it Could Improve
Dark photos in high contrast scenes - small internal memory - macro mode could be better
Verdict
The Fuji Finepix J10 is not far off being a super, inexpensive camera. The darkness of the outdoor shots is a drawback though. This is a shame because it scores very well for ease of use and shutter response times are good when compared to competing digital cameras. Overall it offers good value for money.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Fuji Finepix J10 Review Fuji Finepix J10 Specification Fuji Finepix J10 Sample Images Fuji Finepix J10 Features
Review Date
April 2008
