3. Other Features

The specs tell you a lot about the FinePix F30. So, I'll cover other features as briefly as possible. At first, the xD memory card was a pain to deal with, because most of my digital cameras use either SD or CompactFlash cards. I finally found a 1 GB xD card. Annoyingly, while the card worked fine in the camera, my multi-card reader was unable to read it, even though it can handle the xD form factor. It turned out that the problem was with the reader; the firmware version was unable to handle xD cards larger than 512 MB. I got a hold of an ImageMate 5-in-1 reader (model number SDDR-99 v.3) and all is now well.

Let's take a quick tour around the F30.

FujiFilm FinePix F30 with lens cover in place

With power on the lens cover opens and the F30's lens emerges. On the right side from top to bottom: flash, flash assist light and self-timer countdown light, microphone (two little holes near the bottom).

The top of the F30 from left to right: power button, mode dial, shutter button.

The back of the FinePix F30 is the business end. The left side is taken up by the LCD display; on the right side from top to bottom: zoom rocker switch (zooms lens in photo mode / zooms images in image view mode), multipurpose indicator lamp (tiny hole to the left of 7 tiny holes), playback button (with triangle), photo mode button (across from playback button) quickly sets ISO, image resolution and special color settings, 4-direction button (quickly sets flash, close up, LCD backlighting and self-timer options in photo mode and deletes or moves zoomed images in image view mode), Menu activation and deactivation button (in the center of the 4-direction button, DISP/BACK button (DISP places text and other helpful information on the display during shooting; BACK selects display format in image view mode).

I find the F30's 2.5 inch LCD display easy to see in almost all kinds of light. Images are sharp on the LCD and there's plenty of real estate for the various kinds of information that different menus and functions place on the screen.

On the bottom of the FinePix F30 you'll find a tripod socket, the speaker and a covered compartment that holds the battery and xD card. Speaking of the battery, it lasts and lasts. I've had the camera for 5 months, use it quite regularly and I've only had to charge the battery once.

On the left side of the camera viewed from the back you'll find a covered compartment that contains an audio/video output socket that doubles as a USB socket and an input socket for a 5 volt DC power supply. The right side has holes for a carrying strap.