Fujifilm Z200fd Review

The Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd is almost identical in size to the previous Z100fd model, but just a few grams lighter. The most significant change from its predecessor is the Z200fd's use of a slightly higher resolution, slightly larger 1/2.3"-type CCD image sensor with ten megapixel resolution, in place of the 1/2.5" eight megapixel chip of the Z100. The slight increase in sensor size in the Fuji FinePix Z200fd means that although the lens is unchanged, the 35mm equivalent focal range is just a little wider. It's still not very generous at wide angle though, yielding 33 to 165mm equivalent, instead of 36 to 180mm in the previous model. To help keep images free from camera shake-derived blur in low light or when using the telephoto end of the lens, the Fujifilm Z200fd has sensor shift image stabilization.

The Z200fd includes a 2.7" LCD display with a higher-than-average 230,000 dot resolution, and as with other models in the Z-series, the Z200fd forgoes any form of optical viewfinder. As with its predecessor, the Fuji FinePix Z200fd features a dual media (SD / SDHC or xD-Picture Card compatible) flash memory card slot, although the available built-in memory has fallen just slightly to 52MB. The minimum ISO sensitivity in the Fuji Z200fd is ISO 64, ranging to a maximum of ISO 1,600 equivalent. Metering is fixed at 256-zone multiple. The higher-res sensor has proved an Achilles heel for the camera in one area: were Fuji rated the Z100 as good for 1.4 frames per second (0.7 seconds between successive shots) in top / final three modes, the Z200fd can only manage half this speed, being rated for 0.6 frames per second (1.7 seconds per shot). Power comes from an NP-45 Lithium Ion battery, and connectivity options include USB 2.0 High-Speed data as well as NTSC / PAL standard definition video.

Fujifilm's FinePix Z200fd is priced at US$300 or thereabouts. Four color schemes are available in the US market - Pink, Silver, Black, or an eyecatching two-tone Red and Black version.