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Fujifilm FinePix F100fd

Discontinued

Reviewed

January 2009

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Terrific performance in low light
Wide dynamic range
5x optical zoom

Cons

Few manual controls
Confusing user interface
Pink band in viewfinder
Expensive

Where to Buy

for $299.90

Our Analysis
Specs
49 Amazon Reviews

We found several worthwhile reviews of the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd digital camera. The CNet.com (Asia) report on the F100fd is well detailed and is several steps above the camera reviews typically produced by its U.S. sister site. England's TrustedReviews.com does a similarly competent evaluation. Laptop magazine's report is a little less detailed, and a couple of odd comments leave us questioning the reviewer's expertise, but it is balanced and easy to read. There are surprisingly few user reviews available at Amazon.com.

Reports say that the 12-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F100fd is an imperfect camera. However, if you do a lot of shooting in low light (such as indoors), no other camera approaches it in performance. In addition, its wide dynamic range means that it can handle difficult shots in both bright and shadowed areas better than any other camera currently available. Notable negatives include minimal manual controls and a confusing user interface. Some users report an image artifact that leaves a pink band along the left side of the image, but that issue has at least been partially addressed by a firmware upgrade. Although its low-light performance falls short of the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (*est. $405) is a much better all-around camera, although it is more expensive.

Where To Buy

Fujifilm Finepix F100fd 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom

(49 reviews)
Buy new: $349.95 $299.90 5 Used & new from $199.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. CNET (Asia)

Unlike some of the reviews posted by the U.S. version of CNet.com, the camera reports produced by CNet.com Asia are well detailed, with lots of sample photos. Reviewer Leonard Goh writes that the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd has great low-light performance, a wide-angle lens and little shutter lag, but adds that it's a little bulky.

Review: Fujifilm FinePix F100fd Overview, Leonard Goh, Apr. 7, 2008

2. TrustedReviews.com

This British website produces very good digital camera reviews. Though the reports are not as detailed as some, they are easy to read and there are plenty of test shots. The Fujifilm FinePix F100fd is one of the few digital cameras that make this site's list of recommended models.

Review: Fujifilm FinePix F100fd, Jamie Harrison, May 7, 2008

3. Laptop Magazine

Laptop magazine reports on digital cameras in single-product reports and multi-camera roundups. Dana Wollman's evaluation of the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd is more or less in line with other reviewers, praising its wide dynamic range but also noting its size and poor interface design.

Review: Fujifilm FinePix F100fd, Dana Wollman, May 27, 2008

4. ConsumerReports.org

The Fujifilm F100fd is included in tests at Consumer Reports, where cameras are tested for image quality, timing and value. Only subscribers to the Consumer Reports website can access this report, however.

Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of Consumer Reports, Updated Dec. 2008

5. Amazon.com

About three dozen owner reviews give the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS a very high average score, with almost all giving it the highest rating possible and only one giving a really negative review. Some note some purple fringing -- still, one says it's a good enough camera that he sold his SLRs.

Review: Fujifilm FinePix S100FS, Contributors to Amazon.com

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