A review of the Fuji Finepix F31FD Digital Camera
Fuji have the knack of producing particularly easy to use digital cameras that have great features. One of their latest models is the Fuji Finepix 31FD, which comes equipped with FD (Face Detection) Technology, which will focus on faces within the image so they are produced with absolute clarity. This latest feature that Fuji have created works really well and you just have to see the results to believe it. Design |
| The Fuji F31FD looks very much like every other digital compact camera that is around these days. The common ultra compact size and look of it doesn’t exactly make it stand out in a crowd but it is pleasing on the eye and has some swish chrome finishing that gives it an air of sophistication. The front of the camera has the Fujinon lens which elegantly and quickly extends from the body in record time too. A nice, shiny chrome ring surrounds the lens. There is small flash above the lens and to the left is a finger grip with a black rubber section to aid with holding the small camera. On the top is the power button, mode dial and shutter release button. On the back is the 2.5” LCD screen with the zoom rocker to the right at the top. Under the zoom rocker is a couple of rows of rubber dots, which are a holding aid too, and are in the perfect place when taking a shot. Below, is the playback button, a Finepix button, the d-panel, display button and face detection button. Overall, the Fuji F31FD is a nice camera to hold with the handy grips that have been included and it will easily fit into your pocket or handbag. |
| Features |
There are some great features on the Fuji F31FD and because of this we struggled to decide which to write about first. As there are many similarities to the Fuji F30, we decided to start with the differences, the main one being the Face Detection Technology. This intelligent feature is an amazing leap for Fuji and the results we have seen are just fantastic and it works in the way that it will focus individually on each face that it detects (up to 10) in an image and then optimises the camera’s exposure and focus settings to fit those faces. Therefore, the faces in your images will be sharper and better exposed than if the FD wasn’t used. We took test images of before and after and a clear difference could be seen. It is very easy to use too, as all you have to do is switch it on and away you go. There is a shortcut button on the back of the camera so you don’t even have to find it in the menu. Another great feature is the high ISO settings that go up to 3200. Fuji are the only manufacturer that have produced settings this high and we were wary of the images it would produce, but we were pleasantly surprised as there was minimal noise at this setting and below were just even better. The rest of the features are pretty standard and mirror its older brother the Finepix F30, with 6.3 mega pixels, 3x zoom and a 2.5” LCD screen, it even looks quite like it. Unfortunately, the Fuji F31FD doesn’t sport the impressive Image Stabilisation that is such a must in a digital camera today, we looked for it, but it just wasn’t there. However, the high ISO more than made up for it. |
| Performance |
| With slightly above average lag times, the Fuji Finepix 31FD could do with improving its pace. The start up to shoot time was 2 seconds, with 2.5 seconds between shots without the flash on and a little longer at 2.7 seconds with the flash. The shutter lag was a tremendously quick 0.4 seconds with it slowing slightly in low lit conditions to 0.9 seconds. Continuous shooting was pretty impressive with the choice of settings, you can choose from Top 3 or Final 3, where the camera will continuously shoot 40 images and choose either the best three or the final three depending on your subject. Simply choosing the Sports mode will automatically select this mode for you. The images we achieved with the Fuji F31FD were of a particularly high standard and we did struggle to find many faults. The colours were accurately reproduced and were sharp and bright, but also soft in the right places. The higher the ISO setting the more noise crept in, but we did expect this as with all digital cameras and as we said before it was only minimal and images taken at these setting could be used. The rechargeable battery that was supplied with the F31FD managed to take around 575 images before it flaked, which impressed us. |
| What's In The Box? |
| Lithium-Ion Battery, USB Cable, AV Cable, AC Power Adapter, Handstrap, Software CD-ROM |
| Overall Opinion |
| We like the new features introduced with the Fuji Finepix F31FD digital camera as it is still very user-friendly but provides some great results. It is an ideal digital camera for holiday snaps and for special occasions such as weddings so you can make good use of the Face Detection feature. Good technology for a good price. We recommend it. |
| By Hayley Malyon |
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Pros + Face Detection Technology + High Sensitivity + User-friendly + Quick start-up times |
Cons - No Image Stabilisation |
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Picture Quality 9/10
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Battery Life 9/10
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Setup Simplicity 9/10
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Build Quality 9/10
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Ease of Use 9/10
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Overall Rating 
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Read Fuji Reviews
| Web Reviews - beta | |||
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Fujifilm FinePix F31fd The new Fujifilm FinePix F31fd is a 6.4MP camera featuring a 3X optical zoom and face detection... read | |||
Ecoustics
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Fuji Finepix F31fd Video Guide The Fuji Finepix F31fd is a good looking digital camera with a metal body. It offers both face detection software and special technology to combat problems raised with lowlight photography... read | |||
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cameras.co.uk
21/3/2007 10:55:00am
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Fuji Finepix F31fd Review The Fuji Finepix F31fd is a top digital camera. The sharpness of the photos it takes is striking. This is supported by natural colours. The camera excels in lowlight, is compact and stylish... read | |||
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cameras.co.uk
3/4/2007 7:39:00pm
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Review: Fujifilm Finepix F31fd digital camera Gavin Stoker, , Wednesday 2 May 2007 at 000000 Vogueish low light, metalbuild compact also gives good face Last year Fuji boasted of its compacts' ability to take pictures in lowlight conditions where most others would struggle, and we suitably rewarded the F20 and F30....gt; .. read | |||
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