Fujifilm FinePix F50fd Compact Digital Camera - Performance and Image Quality
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Performance and Image Quality
The experts seem to agree that while the F50fd does produce solid photos, its performance isn't quite up to its predecessor's standards in both performance and image quality. Here is a quick summary of what some of the experts have found in their tests of the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd.
CNet
CNet tests showed mixed results when it came to the performance of this camera. They measured shot-to-shot times without flash and then with flash at 2.9 seconds and 3.1 seconds respectively. These numbers are relatively high when compared to the competition. This sluggish performance is probably due to the 12 MP resolution, which causes any compact camera to be a bit slower than say a 6 or 8 MP camera.
On the other hand, the shutter lag performance was exceptional. CNet measured shutter lag times in both bright and dim lighting conditions at 0.5 and 0.9 seconds respectively. Also very impressive was the burst mode shooting performance, which CNet measured to be 3 fps - much better than the competition.
In terms of image quality, CNet's tests showed that the F50fd produces good quality shots throughout the ISO range, although they recommend staying below ISO 1600. They also go on to say, "Colors look accurate, I saw almost no fringing, and images are quite sharp with a wide dynamic range that does a good job of maintaining details in highlights."
Camera Labs
Camera Labs agreed with CNet in their performance and image quality tests of the F50fd. They seemed to think that while the ISO performance of the F50fd is good compared with the competition, it should have been better considering the quality of its predecessor's ISO performance. Ultimately, they didn't like the jump from 6 MP in the F31fd to 12 MP in the F50fd.
And though they weren't impressed with Fujifilm's focus on megapixels rather than ISO performance, they liked the F50fd as a good all-around point-and-shoot camera. They said, "...the new FinePix is a great indoor party camera, focusing and exposing faces perfectly and increasing the ISO (if you allow it) to record greater background detail. Outdoors it also performs well and offers manual control over the aperture and shutter for creative effects."
Digital Camera Review
Digital Camera Review again recognized the slight loss in ISO performance from previous Fujifilm cameras to the F50fd. They still thought, though, that the F50fd's ISO performance was better than any other 12 MP camera currently on the market. They liked the overall image quality of the F50fd, saying "image quality and color reproduction are good, and a full suite of automatic scene modes are complemented by aperture and shutter priority manual settings."
They were impressed by the performance of this camera, saying "the camera offers good shutter performance and a surprisingly good continuous shooting capability at reduced resolution."
Digital Photography Review
DPReview seemed to like the performance of the F50fd, although they disliked the flash recycling times. They said, "the slow AF in macro mode and flash recycling is something that the F50fd inherited from its predecessor but overall the camera rarely feels anything but very responsive and is certainly one of the more snappy compact cameras to work with." They also called the battery life "average, but disappointing" considering that its predecessor was a leader in battery performance.
In terms of image quality, DPReview felt that the F50fd produced very good quality images, although not quite as good as its predecessor. They said, " From ISO 200-800 it puts most of the competition to shame, and even ISO 1600 can produce usable output within limits. Images show natural colors and good detail, there's no need to spend hours with your imaging software to get pictures ready for print, they are perfect straight out of the box."
Conclusion
Overall, it's easy to see that Fujifilm may have taken a step backwards in terms of ISO performance, but they still seem to be among the leaders in this department with the F50fd. This camera has solid performance numbers in most respects, and it produces good image quality - even at high ISO levels. This compact point-and-shoot camera would be a good choice for anyone looking for a 12 MP camera at just over $200.
Overall Ratings
CNet: 7.5/10
Camera Labs: 83% out of 100% - "Recommended" Award
DPReview: 55.50 out of 70 - "Highly Recommended" Award (Barely)
Sources: CNet , Camera Labs , DPReview , Digital Camera Review
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