Fujifilm FinePix F50fd Zoom Review

The Auto record mode is a simple "Point-n-Shoot" mode. The line of icons across the top indicates the settings of the camera. The camera is in "auto" mode, auto ISO(400) steady shot "2" (shooting only) is on and the face detection option is enabled with the flash off. The "12M" represents image resolution of 12 megapixels, "F" indicates Fine compression, and "160" is the number of remaining frames. Below the "auto" is the battery indicator.

Half-pressing the shutter release locks the autofocus, showing the setting of the flash, aperture and shutter speed values.

The Manual record mode lets you select values for many exposure options - see menu below. Shown here we have set the auto flash with steady shot and face detection and an ISO of 100. The aperture and shutter speed are still automatically selected for you in this mode. To change them you need to use the aperture or shutter priority modes.

In Dual IS (Image Stabilization) mode, the camera boosts the ISO sensitivity and uses a new gyro-sensor and shifting CCD to reduce motion blur and camera shake to keep the ISO settings lower than that of other image stabilization systems.

PHOTOMETRY - Multiple, Spot, Average (only accessible it face detection is turned off)
WHITE BALANCE - Auto, Manual Preset, Daylight, Shade, "Daylight" Fluorescent, "Warm White" Fluorescent, "cool white" Fluorescent, Incandescent
CONTINUOUS - Top 3, Final 3, Long-Period Continuous, Top 12 and Final 12
AF MODE - Center, Multi or Continuous (only accessible it face detection is turned off)
SET-UP - enter the SETUP menu

Auto - automatic settings based on shooting conditions
Natural Light - Retains natural light without the flash
Portrait - Portrait with soft overall tone and beautiful skin tones
Landscape - Clear scenic shots
Movie - Movie recording with sound
Aperture/Shutter Priority - Choose aperture or shutter speed settings
Manual - Automatic mode with several manual overrides
Natural + Flash - 2 shots taken continuously with and without the flash

POWER MANAGEMENT - Power save, Quick AF, Clear Display
ISO - Auto (400), Auto (800), Auto (1600) or 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (6M), 6400 (3M)
QUALITY - 12M Fine, 12M Normal, 3:2 (12M mode for 4x6" prints), 6M, 3M, 2M, .3M
COLOR MODE - Standard, Chrome (vivid), B&W

The F50fd's Macro focus mode allows you to focus from approx. 2.8 in. to 2.6 ft. at Wide angle or 12 in. to 2.6ft at telephoto.

Movie record mode, the recording size can be 640x480 or 320x240 @ 30fps with sound. The length depends on space available on the xD Card. The optical zoom lens can be set before recording begins but it can not be used during. The Dual IS is also available to steady your shots.