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Fuji FinePix 1300 Fuji updates their entry-level 1.3 megapixel model, adding USB for fast file downloads Select a topic Reference: Datasheet FinePix 1300 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Viewfinder :(Previous) | (Next): Exposure & Flash>> Page 5:Optics Review First Posted: 11/28/2000

Optics
The FinePix 1300 comes equipped with a built-in, fixed-focus Fujinon lens. The focal length is 5.8mm, which is equivalent to a 38mm (wide-angle) lens on a 35mm camera. When set on Macro mode, the focus range is 3.1 to 5.9 inches (8.0 to 15.0cm), and in normal mode, it's about 2.3 feet (70cm) to infinity.

The camera's two aperture settings, f/4.5 and f/11, are automatically selected by the camera, even when shooting in Manual mode. Because the lens is fixed-focus, there's no autofocus function, so you have to be aware of the camera's focus limitations. Don't try to photograph a subject closer than 2.3 feet, or your image will be out of focus. Low-light situations will also challenge the camera's focal range, because the larger f/stop (aperture opening) will reduce depth of field.

If you want to photograph something close-up, you can use the Macro mode, controlled by a sliding switch on the left side of the camera. This Normal/Macro lens selector is marked with the universal flower symbol on the macro setting and a mountain symbol on the normal setting. When switched to Macro mode, the flower icon appears on the LCD monitor, and you can photograph subjects from 3.1 to 5.9 inches away. (Note: Macro mode automatically turns on the LCD monitor, which is necessary to frame the image. The relatively low resolution of the LCD monitor means it's hard to use it to judge focus though, so you'll need to pay particular attention to focusing distance when shooting in macro mode.)

In Macro mode, Auto or Red-Eye Reduction Flash settings will automatically change to Suppressed Flash until the Macro mode is canceled. Forced Flash and Slow Synchro flash modes will remain unchanged.

The FinePix 1300 does not provide an optical zoom function with its lens; however, it does provide 2X digital zoom. The zoom function is available only at 640 x 480-pixel resolution, and is activated by pressing the Up Arrow button on the rocker toggle. (Note: the LCD monitor and image display must be turned on to use this function.) When activated, the 2X digital zoom designation appears in the upper left corner of the LCD monitor.

Like most digicams, the FinePix 1300 digital zoom works by cropping in on the central area of the CCD array. As a result, the same number of pixels must be used to fill a larger portion of the frame, effectively reducing your resolution by half. So while the digital telephoto might be useful for Web applications (where you only need 72 ppi resolution), it will not take the place of a true optical zoom lens.

Optical distortion on the FinePix 1300 is moderate, with approximately 0.65 percent barrel distortion. Chromatic aberration is also moderate, showing about two or three pixels of coloration on each side of the black target lines. (This distortion is visible as a very slight colored fringe around objects at the edges of the resolution target.)