Fujifilm Z30 Review

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Z30 Overview

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Z30 Overview
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Fujifilm FinePix Z30fd
Resolution:	10.00 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.3 inch (6.2mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	3.00x zoom (35-105mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	LCD
Extended ISO:	64 - 1600
Shutter:	1/1000 - 3 sec
Max Aperture:	3.7
Dimensions:	3.6 x 2.3 x 1.0 in. (91 x 59 x 26 mm)
Weight:	3.9 oz (111 g)
MSRP:	$180
Availability:	03/2009
Manufacturer:	Fujifilm
Full specs:	Fujifilm Z30 specifications

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10.00 Megapixels	3.00x zoom	1/2.3 inch size sensor

Replacing the FinePix Z20 in the company's Z-series lineup, the Fujifilm FinePix Z30fd has a completely redesigned body whose front panel holds a Fujinon-branded 3x optical zoom lens offering a range from a 35mm-equivalent wide angle to a 105mm-equivalent telephoto. Behind this lens sits a 1/2.3" CCD image sensor with ten megapixel resolution. The Fujifilm Z30 includes no form of mechanical image stabilization - only what the company calls "Picture Stabilization mode". Essentially, this boosts ISO sensitivity / shutter speeds to freeze blur, at the expense of some image noise / detail. ISO sensitivity in the Fuji Z30 ranges up to a maximum of ISO 1,600 equivalent at full resolution. The Fuji FinePix Z30fd's rear panel also has no provision for an optical viewfinder, instead opting solely for a 2.7" LCD display with 230,000 dots of resolution.

Not surprisingly given its affordable pricetag, the Fuji Z30fd doesn't offer much in the way of manual controls - instead focusing on simplicity and ease of use. Focusing choices are either Multi or Center AF with Face Detection capability. As well as being linked to the autofocus system, the Fujifilm Z30fd's face detection function offers automatic red-eye removal. Shutter speeds range from 3 seconds to 1/1000 second, and apertures from F3.7 - F8.0 at wide angle, or F4.2 - F9.0 at telephoto. These are controlled automatically, with sixteen scene modes offering the Z30fd's main method of controlling the look of images. There's also an SR Auto scene recognition mode which automatically selects from a subset of six different common scene types and adjusts for exposure, focus, white balance and ISO sensitivity as appropriate. The Fuji FinePix Z30 is also capable of recording VGA or QVGA videos at 30 frames-per-second with monaural sound. Movies are saved in AVI format using QuickTime Motion JPEG compression, and are captured using a dedicated Movie record button which is separate from that used to trigger still image capture. Note that it is it is not possible to use the Z30's optical zoom lens during movie recording.

The Fujifilm FinePix Z30 stores its images on SD or SDHC cards or in 50MB of built-in memory. Power comes from an NP-45 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Available from March 2009 with pricing of about $180, the Fuji FinePix Z30fd will be available in black, pink or orange finishes for US market customers.