Overview
The Fuji Finepix J30 is a simple, pocket digital camera. It is one of the cheapest small compact cameras around. As you would expect at this price point it lacks some of the advanced features you will find on more expensive models, but this helps to make the Finepix J30 very easy to use.
This is a 12 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. It measures around 20mm wide and has a 2.7 inch LCD screen. Fuji has made four different coloured versions. These are red, blue, black and silver.
Why Buy The Fuji Finepix J30
The main attractions of this camera are its size, price tag and ease of use.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
3x
2.7 inches
92 x 55.9 x 20mm
113g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
10cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
All four of my outdoor scenic test shots work well, especially for a camera at this level. In my first shot focusing is surprisingly sharp. The Finepix J30 manages to inject plenty of colour into the shot. There is also a good level of detail showing in areas of light shade.
Sharpness is very good once again when compared to other smaller compact cameras. I am impressed by the level of detail in the shots.
When you zoom right in the Finepix J30 still manages to do a good job. As with my other outdoor scenic shots sharpness works well and there is plenty of colour in the photo.
This is another effort where sharpness is above average. What impresses me the most is the fact that sharpness is retained up to the edge of the shot.
Portraits
Quite a lot of pink shows up in the skin tones in this picture. It was taken on a cold winter's day and that has contributed to a lack of warmth in the colours despite white balance being adjusted to compensate.
For some reason this shot has gone horribly wrong. Although I retried this test my result was just the same.
This shot generates a lot of noise. In my tests it looks like the Finepix J30 finds lowlight work difficult. Winter is a tough time of year to test cheaper compact cameras like this one. They tend to need all the light they can get.
Macro, Colours and Noise
There is a slight colour caste to this picture. Otherwise it is a decent attempt. If you are taking photos in natural light you should not have a problem with a colour caste. There are also options available to you such as white balance that can help to resolve the problem.
I like the depth to the colours in my outdoor scenic shots. All colours show up well.
As you can see with my indoor portrait without flash noise can be an issue when light is poor. In other areas such as light shade the Finepix J30 does well.
Summary
It is a shame I struggled with my indoor shots. Aside from that issue I was very impressed by the quality of the photos this camera managed to take.
Style
The design is plain and simple. There is a lacquered finish that adds a little extra sheen to the camera. It is available in red, blue, silver and black.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.4 seconds
10.15 seconds
0.42 seconds
15.16 seconds
3.19 seconds
Ease of Use
The menu layout is straightforward and there are only a small number of buttons to get used to.
Points I Like
Ease of use - price tag
Where it Could Improve
I had problems with lowlight photography.
Verdict
Despite the issues with my indoor tests I still like the Fuji Finepix J30. It is hard to fault its ease of use and the picture quality of my outdoor scenic shots was very good indeed.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Fuji Finepix J30 Review Fuji Finepix J30 Specification Fuji Finepix J30 Sample Images Fuji Finepix J30 Features
Review Date
January 2010
