Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd 10MP Digital Camera Review

2009-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed there hasn't yet been a customer review on this amazing gadget. The Z200fd is the latest in the Z series from Fujifilm. I've owned the Z1, Z3, and Z10, and first thing I noticed on holding this is that it's heavier. This is due to the more expensive looking and feeling finish; shiny black enamel-like finish to the front, and stainless steel back, which makes me realize now just how cheap the plastic Z10 felt. As ever, the design is eye catching, and the camera is incredibly miniscule for the hefty punch it packs, smaller than a 160gb iPod (though a bit thicker). The Kate Moss of digicams. :-)

Powering on is still by sliding back the front panel, though this time it is done diagonally. Now while this may look fancy (which it is), I find it also makes it more difficult to accidentally turn the camera on while putting it in ones pocket or bag, something I found out rather painfully with the Z10 when I whipped it out at a dinner party to find the battery was totally drained as the cover panel had slid open when I put it in my pocket. The "Z" symbol in front lights up (nice and Star Trekky) for a few seconds and also serves as a countdown timer (for self timed photos) by flashing until the photo is taken.

The major attractions for me were the larger pixels; 10 megapixels (my 1gb XD card takes 207 shots at full resolution or 18 minute movie clips at 30 frames per second at a resolution of 640x480. You can get more images in, or longer movie times by lowering the resolution), the larger, very crisp toughened scratch resistant 2.7" LCD (on which you can preview 4, 9 or up to a hundred images in a 10x10 arrangement, or images as a slideshow), and the larger optical zoom reach of 5x (as with all others in the Z series, the zoom lens is non-extending) which is also wide angle (No more stepping away from the subject and landing in the pond behind :-)).

The rear (made up almost entirely of the 2.7" LCD) reverts to just one wheel (the 2 wheels on the Z10 confused me from time to time) which scrolls, as well as clicks up, down, left or right, through easy to follow menus or images, as well as zoom button, and the menu/playback button.

The camera takes XD and SDHC memory cards, and additionally has 52mb internal memory (good for 10 images at full resolution). Images can be stored in folders; My pictures, Family, Travel, Events, Favorites, as well as a folder that can be password protected, keeping safe those your torrid shots. Battery life is excellent, I almost always forget I need to recharge it.

Now, onto image quality, what it was built to do. Incredible! Especially in low light conditions; dinners, outdoors at night, etc. There are various photo modes (I noticed there's a new one for underwater shots, hmm!) flash and ISO settings to twiddle with, though not enough for you if one is a pro. Good enough for me, especially the face detection/automatic red eye removal (this now gets a separate button atop, beside the shutter button) which basically takes the photo for you. I still wish there was a separate button though enabling one to switch from still to movie mode. As it is, one has to go through the menu to access that.

You can edit photos too; clip, rotate, reduce to blog size (convenient for emails as file sizes at maximum resolution is close to 5mb) and even send or receive images with other IR enabled cameras by infra red. I tried it with my PC (which is IR enabled) and it didn't work though, shame!

There's an AV cable to connect to your TV to view images or movie clips (it uses the same port as the USB and has a nice little cover for the port on the side), and as ever, the Finepix software is first class. Photos up to A3 size can be printed in crystal clear resolution.

This camera will not please those who are used to extensive manual settings and loads of tinkering with ISO levels, white balance, and other photographic jargon, but if you're like me, and just want to be able to whip out your camera, and without much fuss, capture the moment, this camera is for you. Super!

UPDATE:

This is my fourth Fuju digital camera and my third "Z" camera. I love this camera. I purchased this to take photos I can enlarge and have printed several 16" by 20" prints that look great. I like available light indoor pictures for a more natural look and this camera's dual anti-shake feature makes it possible to take clear pictures indoors without a flash. I have made several videos that look great also. The camera is a great size and a beautiful deisgn. My favorite camera ever, by far. I recommend this camera 110%.

See more Reviews about: Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

Best Fujifilm Digital Camera

Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd 10MP Digital Camera Review