Fujifilm F20 Review

Stylistically, the Fujifilm FinePix F20 has quite similar styling to the F30, which was first described at this year's Photo Marketing Association spring tradeshow last February. Both cameras are of similar size and weight, with the F20 being just a touch lighter even though it is slightly wider than its sibling. They also share the same 6.3 megapixel Super CCD HR image sensor, although Fuji has dialled back the maximum ISO sensitivity slightly from the F30's maximum of 3200 to a maximum of ISO 2000 equivalent in Anti-blur or Natural Light mode on the F30. Both cameras are based on the same second-generation Real Photo processor, so the difference is likely either to reduce noise levels somewhat, or to help provide differentiation between models.

Both cameras also share the same F2.8 - F5.0 3x optical zoom lens, with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 36 - 108mm - a fairly standard range for a compact, pocket-friendly digicam. They also both offer 2.5" LCD displays, although where the F30 offered a relatively high resolution 230,000 pixel type, the FinePix F20 substitutes this with a lower-res 153,000 pixel display. Other features of the FinePix F20 include a built-in six-mode flash with slow synch capability, NTSC / PAL and USB 2.0 High-Speed connectivity, xD-Picture Card storage plus 10MB of built-in memory, power from an NP-70 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, and the ability to shoot photos completely manually if you're a creative type, or using one of 15 preset scene modes if you want the ultimate in ease of use.

The Fujifilm FinePix F20 ships this August, priced at $299.95.