Overview
The Fuji Finepix Z100 fd is an attractive, pocket sized digital camera. Where it differs from many other similar sized models is with a longer than standard 5x zoom lens. This helps you get that bit closer in for a shot. The Finepix Z100 fd has 8 megapixels. In terms of features this is a typical point and shoot camera. The emphasis is on ease of use and snapshot photography.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
8
5x
2.7 inches
92 x 55.7 x 19.8mm
138g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
9cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
xD
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
This is a about par for the course. The sharpness of the photo is about average. The Finepix Z100 fd struggles a little with sun glare and detail is lost from parts of the boats and in the white, wooden slats under the roof of the building.
There is plenty of colour in the picture and the sky shows up a deeper shade of blue than some of the other cameras I tested at the same time.
This photo is a tough test for the lens with many parts of the scene being somewhat distant. Focusing is once again in line with expectations. The colours in the shot are vivid. I can also detect some purple fringing showing on the boat on the left hand side of the picture.
With the lens zoomed into its full capacity focusing is good in the centre of the photo, but does slip as you move out towards the edges of the shot. The glare of the sun is also noticeable. This causes a particular problem with the floats hanging on the side of the boat.
Portraits
I like the sharpness of the picture. As the picture was taken in the shade I have used the shady white balance setting. This has contributed to the picture having a slightly overcooked look, giving the shot an orangey glow. With white balance left as auto the photo had looked a bit lifeless.
This is a good effort compared with other cameras. Without flash the camera automatically boosts the ISO setting. This leads to some noise creeping into the picture, but it still suggests that as long as the lighting is acceptable you can take more natural shots without flash. I would suggest experimenting with the camera before you take any important shots, so you build up an understanding of the type of lighting the camera is able to operate in.
With the flash on the Finepix Z100 fd produces a very bright picture. It still manages to retain just enough colour. When selecting the flash setting to use I would suggest red eye with added automatic red eye removal is the best one for indoor portraits.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Again this is a shot roughly in line with what I would expect to produce. It is sharp enough and clear enough. The only downside is that there is a slight blue tint to the picture. This should not pose a problem for close up shots taken in natural light.
The colours produced by the Finepix Z100 fd are quite strong. The only time this concerned me was with the outdoor portrait. In other instances I liked the added zest the colours added to the shot.
At this level picture quality stands up well when compared to other cameras. Noise does show in the picture, but the level of detail remains impressive.
Even at ISO 1600 picture quality is good enough to make it worth printing a photo. The colours hold together well enough although purple fringing starts to become evident.
Summary
There are not many pocket sized cameras with a 5x optical zoom lens to compare this one against. Picture quality may not be perfect, but you should be able to take decent shots with the Finepix Z100 fd.
Style
I like the way the Finepix Z100 FD looks. Although it has a fairly simple design I like the way the lens cover slides diagonally. This is minor point, but it makes the camera a little different to others. The camera is available in four colours; brown, silver, pink and black and white.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.33 seconds
11.19 seconds
0.48 seconds
12.75 seconds
Ease of Use
There is nothing especially frightening about this camera. It is a pretty straightforward model.
Points I Like
Ease of use - choice of colours - large internal memory - good at higher ISO settings
Where it Could Improve
Nothing really stands out as a serious problem
Verdict
This is a fairly standard pocket sized digital camera. The main attraction is likely to be the extra capacity of the zoom when compared to other digital cameras. I also think that this is an attractive camera too.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Fuji Finepix Z100 fd Review Fuji Finepix Z100 fd Specification Fuji Finepix Z100 fd Sample Images Fuji Finepix Z100 fd Features
Review Date
January 2008
