PROS
Excellent high ISO images, nice LCD, selection of user adjustments, solid body

CONS
Occasional purple fringing, uses less popular xD memory

COMMENTS
After much research, I got a new Fuji F20 in an effort to shoot in low light conditions without flash. The F20 (as well as its virtually identical sibling the F30) includes Fuji's 6th generation SuperCCD sensor that promises high sensitivity in low light conditions not having the usual image noise associated with conventional camera sensors. The F20's ISO collection of 100 2000 turns out to be quite useable during the entire range. I've taken thousands of pictures in low light at ISO 800, 1600, and 2000 and also images are merely unmatched for clarity, color fidelity, and a shortage of noise. There is absolutely no other point and shoot camera which may hold a candle to Fuji sensor's low light capabilities. The noise "grain" at high ISOs has no multicolored pixels that dominate the high ISO images from competitive cameras. Aside from that, the Fuji comes wrapped in a fantastic, solid body with good ergonomics and features to its small size.

Prior to purchasing the F20, Appears using a Canon A610 (a terrific camera all around) and provide been spoiled via the fine Canon image quality under normal lighting conditions (using ISO 50 200). It is difficult to get rid of the canon eos in daylight featuring its low ISO settings. When pushing canon's to its ISO 400 limit, the photos are good but the multi colored pixel noise is obvious in any other case distracting. The Fuji F20, even so, produces images at ISO 800 that are easily corresponding to the Canon's ISO 400 and, often, even its ISO 200 setting. The Fuji can snap photos under low, natural lighting the fact that Canon can't even attempt without needing its flash. At normal print sizes, I discover F20's ISO 1600 images completely printable and useable. Several professional reviews have compared the Fuji F20/F30 image quality at ISO 800/1600 against dslr output at similar ISOs and located the Fuji output to grasp its own remarkably well. Given that I've used the F20 in a variety of shooting conditions I'm able to say that its low light output indeed sets the latest industry benchmark. The Fuji F20/F30 has opened up the entire new variety of shooting modes which have not been possible without purchasing high end SLR equipment.

For those who've been wondering if you should buy the F30 or save some dough in the F20, here's my take. First, the F20 and F30 share the same 6MP sensor, processor, and lens. There won't be any difference in image quality within two cameras. What F30 offers is aperture or shutter priority modes, a slightly higher resolution LCD monitor, ISO 3200 as an alternative to 2000, and also a longer battery runtime. However, the F30's pseudo manual mode may possibly be marginally satisfying to individuals craving full manual control since, similar to point and shoot digitals, the f stops are tied to the zoom setting you've chosen. May possibly seldom relied on using aperture or shutter priority modes inside my compact digital cameras as being the program modes are perfect for most of my shots. Furthermore LCD, Relating to compared the F20 and F30 side by side and there's little to differentiate them especially as the F20 is known for a 153,000 pixel LCD this really is already from a higher resolution than other 2.5 inch screens on competitive cameras. The LCD alone must not be the deciding factor. Battery life is definitely good relating to the F20 and usual for most consumer cameras at about 250+ shots per charge; however, the F30 nearly doubles the capability per 1 charge which could be significant for most people users who don't wish to possess a spare battery accessible. Personally, I like to use a spare battery handy since i have will not have a detailed charge in the in camera battery while i go shooting. That's just my preference to shield against being totally stuck. Finally, the F30 possesses an ISO 3200 at its top quality than the F20's ISO 2000. But most people is in the opinion the F30's ISO 3200 costs much less useable versus F20's ISO 2000 (this also may explain why Fuji reduced the F20 setting to something more realistic). All of those other controls just like ISO selection, focus modes, scene modes, LCD refresh rates, and low light ("anti blur" as Fuji likes to it is known as) are identical between your F20 and F30. To summarize: The F20 and F30 are similar cameras in terms of image quality. The F30 comes in a competitive price with many nice additions (though not quite deal breaking if image quality has to be your goal). Nevertheless F20 value in fact is remarkable and therefore the price difference goes a long way towards buying that you 512 MB xD memory card and spare battery.

There can be quite little to dislike about the F20. Fuji's 6th generation sensor delivers on its promise for high ISO performance. Some folks believe Fuji's color saturation is understated but I realize its quite natural and many more associated with an original scene. The preference for enhanced color saturation are few things new people like "better than real life" colors for that reason many manufacturers increase the saturation in order to generate just what the customer believes looks good. To deal with this, the F20 gives a "FujiChrome" color setting to reinforce saturation but I choose the Standard setting being one of the most accurate.

As for lens performance, I have found moderate numbers of purple fringing inside high contrast areas of some images. I believe Fuji will in the end solve hemorrhoids as several other manufacturers have. I've been impressed at how my Canon A610 is totally totally free of purple fringing rrn any way focal lengths. Take into account that this purple effect usually is only noticeable as soon as you view the remote specifics of your images at full size using your laptop screen. You can seldom detect it in printed photos unless your prints are huge or highly cropped. Focusing performance happens to be good with not many mis focused shots in reduced light settings along with the flash disabled. Nothing unusual here.

On the controls front, Fuji has provided a good assortment of controls which includes exposure compensation, multiple scene/low light modes, various flash modes, and an unbeatable ISO range. There's a really neat mode called Natural+Flash that shoots your scene with and without flash having single shutter press. This shows that you'll always obtain a good picture to choose from and you also won't be required to ask website visitors to wait although you change camera modes. Very, very clever. Also find Fuji's menu system to become fast and logical to manipulate which happens to be especially useful probably will modes are accessed (quickly) in the menu system.

Besides manual ISO settings, Fuji also is known for a couple modes called AUTO (400) and AUTO (1600) that limits very high ISO that this camera can select. Thought about wish make use of them have thrown in a vehicle (800) setting since i have haven't any problem allowing the F20 to choose around ISO 800 for virtually any photo purpose. Take note to dial in 1/3 or 2/3 compensation if when you find yourself shooting in bright outdoors you'll assist in avoiding blown highlights which may never be recovered in pp.

The only other minor issue is that often Fuji continues sticking against each other with xD memory since the entire world has virtually standardized on SD cards. As opposed to a major deal, nevertheless may need you to buy an xD card (I did to) even a brand new card reader for everybody who is coming from a different brand camera. I'm going to probably opt for the reader since That's not me attached to downloading images by plugging in your camera to my PC when. It might be nice if Fuji included an independent wall charger as an alternative to requiring the digital camera turn out to be connected for charging. But this is actually concession in making this camera bought at such type of low price i really won't blame Fuji for this.

Having owned three Canon camcorders (S10, A60, and A610) I figured for a while about the exchange signal of Fuji. The Canons are superb cameras and you are hard pressed to buy a bad image from. However, I've increasingly found i always would prefer to shoot natural light/low light scenes without flash and it's under these conditions that the limitations of conventional imaging sensors become apparent. And here , the F20 shines and i also haven't found any competitive sensor technology that comes close.

Fuji is poised to introduce some amazing cameras by using 6th generation sensor. But additionally will be needing the resolve for be sure their entire camera line up performs well from lowest model with the highest. Success can not be built on just one or two successful models amongst a line up of average offerings. This might well explain the achievements Canon every one of their cameras is actually a generally a healthy performer in the market segment. If Fuji implements their remarkable new sensors over the board and standardizes on SD memory, i mean the choices we'll have! I applaud Fuji for bringing revolutionary CCD technology (that delivers on its promise) to your low end market.