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Fujifilm FinePix Z35 Review |
Review
Date: Oct 04, 2009 |
Category: Point-and-Shoot
USER'S EXPERIENCE
Wednesday, Sep 23, 2009 - Here's what I receive in
the box:
- FinePix Z35 [White & Pink]
- No memory card [Fujifilm sent me a 2GB SD memory card for the review]
- Li-ion Battery NP-45A 3.7V 700mAh 2.6Wh
- AC Adapter
- Wrist Strap
- USB cable (no A/V Cable)
- Documentation (English & French): User Guide 1, 2
- Software CD: Owner's Manual, Software for FinePix CZ Version
5.5a for Windows and Macintosh
The Fujifilm FinePix Z35 is squarely targeted to the teen crowd with a stylish digital camera that is quite an eye-catcher, especially the two-tone models. Flick the sliding lens cover open and you're ready to shoot.
The Fujifilm Z35 is your average point-and-shoot digital camera, taking good pictures at base ISO 100 in good lighting. In low light, you'll face a couple of challenges. The FinePix Z35 does not have optical or sensor-shift image stabilization, which means that it relies on Picture Stabilization, aka use a higher ISO, to help reduce camera shake. In low light (standard 2 bulbs on ceiling), even if you go as high as ISO 1600, the camera needs a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. at F3.7 (the max. aperture at the 35mm (equiv.) wide-angle). The rule of thumb says you need at least 1/35 sec. to negate camera shake. Add to that a small shutter release button and it can be really challenging to avoid camera shake as you press on that shutter release button. For low light shooting, I recommend that you find something to rest the camera on, or brace yourself, and limit yourself to small prints and for Web display only.
On the performance front, the FinePix Z5 is
fast at startup, has no practical shutter lag,
and the AF is fast in good lighting.
The marketing pages claim there is a Web mode with 12 "In-camera" visual effects that you can instantly apply to your images [the original images are untouched] and trim them to a smaller size for easy upload to social network sites, such as Facebook, You Tube, or your own blog. Well, I'm not sure what the "Web mode" is but there is a "Trimming to Web" option in Playback that allows you to zoom into a portion of your image and crop it to a smaller size.
The Fujifilm Z35 is not for those who know somewhat about photography already and want a digital camera to learn and grow. It is also not for those who want to enlarge their prints. This is strictly for an entry-level first time camera user who will only take snapshots, print regular 4x6 in. prints or display on the Web.
FinePixViewer v5.5.00E
The FinePixViewer software is one of my favorite
because all the information is contained in one
screen. Each image's filename is clearly visible
and you do not need to launch another window to
view the EXIF info. You can also do basic image
editing, re: auto adjust, manual adjust of brightness, saturation, hue, contrast, sharpness, sepia, B&W, correct red-eye.
The Fujifilm Z35 now comes with 2 User Guides, aptly named User Guide 1 (Inserting battery, Shooting, Playback) and User Guide 2 (Shooting Modes). The Owner's Manual is now on the CD, which means you can't carry it with you, but on the other hand it is easily searchable.
If you are looking for a digital camera for a child or even for a teen as their first camera, the Fujifilm FinePix Z35 should be on your list. It is very affordable at under $200. It is easy to use, pocketable and stylishly cool.
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