Fujifilm FinePix F31fd

Opinion: I bought the F31fd rather than the F30 because I hoped that the image quality problems highlighted in the detailed review here of the F30 had been tackled by Fuji. I don't believe that they have, other than the metering which appears to be better than reported. There is a tendency to overexposure, highlights are often clipped and shadows are over-dark. Automatic white balance is not always accurate. While the files have too much contrast, I don't think the criticism of flat midtones is really valid. There's often a large amount of purple fringing in high contrast areas. Having said all that, the results are perfectly adequate and often very pleasing and it's not at all difficult to improve on them in PP.

What distinguishes the F31, as with the F30 is the extraordinarily good results at high ISOs and this is a reason in itself to have the camera. It's the only small digital camera where an automatic ISO setting (with an optional top limit) makes any sense. And this helps the flash results enormously. The USP of this particular model - face detection - works well and so it's a brilliant little p&s for social occasions. But if you don't need the face-detection you should get the F30 which is now a good 15% less.

It's a great shame that Fuji has not provided menu options for different levels of sharpening, contrast and colour depth (in this case only add a "natural" option) and perhaps the ability to save custom settings. My other p&s, Ricoh R4, does this as well as having a great zoom range of 28-200 and image stabilisation but on the other hand it's very noisy at ISO 400 and up and doesn't have aperture priority or shutter priority modes. Put these two cameras together though and they become a first-class kit when carrying a digital SLR isn't an option.

Opinion: Firstly let me say that I am a Camera taster. I have had several P & S cameras but find that the colours from Fuji are the best. From the very first A200 2 megapixel cams onwards. I have upgraded from the F10 and find that the f31fd has a much stronger outercase and has the added benefit of the Face detection which works well. I also own the Nikon D80 with the nikon 18-200 VR lens. Of course there is no comparison - however the F31fd is tiny and so much lighter and you can carry it anywhere and take pictures without looking like you are from the national nespapers and this is the great advantage of this quality, weight and size of camera. I travel abroad and find that no one minds someone taking snap shots in public with the point and shoot but a big SLR draws attention and makes people nervous especially in thrid world countries. I particularly like the option of taking two shots automatically - one with flash and one without.
Hope this short note helps those thinking of buying this camera.

Opinion: This camera is ideal for me for many reasons.

I haven't used other digital cameras, so I only can tell you what I like about this camera without comparing to any others

Firstly I teach little children (aged 3) mostly indoors. They can't sit still even for a photo, but my results for pics of them has really pleased me. The natural plus flash mode lets capture the scene and I can see which one I want to keep!

Secondly I juggle fire, so I am out at night a lot. As I am carrying large staves and sticks I don't notice any more weight from bringing a tripod out with me. The pics of my friends, and during performance look great, and the movie mode while using a tripod is fantastic. Even handheld movies look good, but of course have camera shake.

As I haven't had a digital camera before I really enjoy taking more pics than I really need! This helped me to learn about settings. I take a lot of long exposure pics with it, and can learn the differences by doing it and making the mistakes first hand. It doesn't take much time at all to see the differences between multiple shots of the same thing.

All in all, I really love this camera. Over the next year I will buy either a dSLR or a superzoom for my other (zoom) needs. Until I do I've got plenty to learn!

Opinion: The picture quality is very good for a Point & Shoot. I prefer it to the Canon. I compared it to a Canon 800 IS which I have extensive experience using. The Canon face detection is much much better and works instantly. The Fuji is slow, and sometimes does not work. Much of the time it is easier to use the central AF sensor . I would recommend the F30 instead for less money if this is the only difference. I never tried the F30 so I have no comments.

Things missing:

Face detection in manual mode.
28 MM but not a big deal. (use your feet, I still miss my Olympus Stylus w. out zoom - film camera - great pictures, nothing to break except my feet walking close or far)
Flash exposure compensation(honestly needed). Bring the ISO down to 100 to help.
Direct access to ISO though not bad.
More picture modes, such as in camera sharpening etc.
Slower processor.
Image stabilization.
The Wow factor of some other digital cameras (not really needed, but Fuji can work on their branding as they have an excellent product, they need to have some bells & wistles)
You can't adjust the playback time to your liking. There is no 5 second setting. Only 3 seconds. Canon allows you to choose many more (but no zoom mode - read below).

Things I love.

Image Quality (this above all)
Useable 800 ISO. Kills the Canon.
Great colors.
Strong design, already fell 2 feet. Nothing happened. My Canon 400 broke from the same distance.
The ability to brighten the LCD at the touch of a button to view the LCD in bright light temporarily.
The Manual adjustability that Canon completely lacks. Aperture & Shutter priority.
Some of the custom modes are incredible. I love the option to take 2 pictures at once, one with flash and one without at the touch of a button. It does it automatically. Way cool for fill flash or natural light composition & it happens fast.
Great battery life. Really amazing.
You can have your viewing time of the image set to ZOOM. This allows you to view the image close up to inspect it carefully without having to hit play & zoom. You need to hit the OK button to take the next picture but that is fine. Very cool feature.

Overall this camera has more features for serious photographers than most other cameras this size. I was debating the G7 but it is not worth double the price & the size.

I purchased the camera from B&H for $350 less a $50 rebate available through January.

The Point & Shoot people at B&H were pushing higher megapixels as better. Kind of funny.

I purchased the camera anyway. I then went to the Pro Counter to look at some big glass for my 5D (tempting, but I am waiting). Both representative I spoke to own a F30 & love it. As they put it, it isn't perfect but it is one of the best ones out there. They agreed that more megapixels is better but only in an DSLR. In a piont & shoot the sensor is too small.

PS 1600 ISO is OK but only for emergencies.

Hope I help everyone with their decision. I can't wait for the next generation if they get it right.