Fujifilm FinePix F50fd

Reviewed October 2007

Image Quality

On the heels of the F40fd, an 8 megapixel model, Fujifilm has opted to equip the F50fd with a 12 megapixel Super CCD HR (High Resolution).

Since the physical dimensions of the sensor used on the F50fd are the same as those of the F40fd, it is obvious that the 12-megapixel Super CCD of the F50fd represents a major increase in pixel density, the effect of which has often been noted to correspond to an increase in the noise contained in images.

In our opinion, this is the case with the F50fd, and the camera yields images that are somewhat noisier than those of the F40fd.

As of 100 ISO, when the lighting conditions are less than perfect, noise can be detected in the shadow areas of images. But, as was the case with the F40fd, noise increases only marginally up to 400 ISO, allowing that range of sensitivity to be very useable. Above that, at 800 ISO, noise becomes quite noticeable and the image processing the camera does before saving the photo engenders a noticeable loss of detail.

And, as noted with other compact cameras that offer it, images captured at sensitivities of 3200 and 6400 ISO, although recorded at a resolution equal to or inferior to 6 and 3 megapixel respectively, are only "photos" in name, and in fact bear more resemblance to impressionistic paintings.

This said, it means that the Auto ISO can be used if limited to a maximum gain of 400 ISO (Auto 400), which allows, for example, capturing sharp images of moving subjects. Moreover, as the FinePix F50fd is equipped with a CCD shift image stabilization system which operates so as to counteract the involuntary movements of the photographer, when it is combined with the Auto 400 ISO, it allows clear images to be captured under very poor lighting conditions.

The F50fd benefits from a fast auto focus that produces no perceptible shutter delay. The default Multi metering that divides the frame into 256 segments is likewise superb and reliable, delivering well-balanced exposures. Similarly, the colour rendition of the camera is excellent using the default settings. And, if desired, the F-Chrome setting available in the Photo menu can be used to boost saturation.

Optically the F50fd uses a lens that seems to be similar to the one that was used on the F40fd. A good 3X optical zoom, its only weakness seems to be a lower sharpness when it is used at the wide end, a phenomenon that dissipates as soon as the zoom moves past the widest angle.

Indeed, sharpness is excellent and uniform at all other focal lengths, and there are no distortions or any chromatic aberration.

Offering a 12 megapixel resolution, the F50fd has a high enough resolution that shots can be cropped and still allow for an 8 x 10 inch (20 x 25 cm) print. Regrettably, however, the highest image quality is only offered at the highest resolution, while all other image sizes are disadvantaged by a significantly stronger compression that lowers image detail.

Set to the 12M Fine image quality, the camera applies a compression that has an average compression ratio of 7.5:1, which is relatively strong and, with complex subjects, the compression seems to cause a decrease in detail, something that is visible when the image is seen at 100% on a monitor. Moreover, when the image is noisy, it appears that in combination with the compression process, there is a further loss of detail. But, when images are printed, images look better than when seen at full size on a monitor.

The built-in flash of the F50fd has a limited range, particularly at the lowest ISO sensitivities, and to increase its reach the Auto (400) ISO is best used. More often than not, that means that flash images are captured at 400 ISO, with some noise detectable in shadow areas, but that the images are sufficiently bright. Worth noting, however, using the zoom with flash photos reduces the aperture and can lead to darker images.

Our experience with the Fujifilm F50fd left us with mixed feelings. While the camera offers advanced modes — Aperture and Shutter priority and a Night mode that has a maximum exposure time of 8 seconds — these are offset to some extent by the fact that some noise can be detected in images as of 100 ISO. Still, the camera delivers images, and colours, that are excellent when seen at less than 100% or when printed out to 8 x 10.