Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Review

Click on the FinePix Z1 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The 5.1 MegaPixel FinePix Z1 is a slim and stylish digital camera that is the perfect accessory for a night out on the town. The FinePix Z1's sleek and strong all-metal body is sure to draw attention. Available in two colors -- sophisticated black and a stunning brushed silver -- the Z1 is as trim as they come in the world of digicams, measuring a mere 18.6 millimeters thick - thinner than a deck of cards. This slenderness, which is possible thanks to a non-extending, refractive 3x optical zoom lens, allows the camera to stow easily in a pocket or small handbag for quick access when those special moments with friends occur.

Taking pictures when out dancing or at dinner does present challenges to a digital camera, as many of these picture-worthy moments occur in very low light. Low light calls for higher, more light-sensitive ISO settings, which can lead to "noisy", grainy pictures or blurriness when a camera's shutter stays open in order to bring in more light. The FinePix Z1 is up to the low light challenge thanks to a new technology developed by Fujifilm called Real Photo Technology, this breakthrough links the camera's 5th generation Super CCD HR sensor with a new, advanced RP Processor. The results are pictures taken at ISO settings as high as 800 (in full resolution) with reduced noise and extra sharpness. This higher sensitivity also enables higher shutter speeds, which helps minimizes blur.

Another benefit to the Real Photo Technology is speed of operation. The Fujifilm FinePix Z1, with its smooth and curvy bodylines, looks fast and it performs to type, going from off to on in an incredibly fast 0.6 second. Shutter lag, the time it takes for the camera to fire after depressing the shutter button, has been reduced to an almost negligible 1/100th of a second. The camera also has a high-speed shooting mode that speeds up the exposure and focusing processes, automating the capture of moving subjects and ensuring that even the most unexpected moments can be captured in famous Fujifilm color.

The FinePix Z1 has a large 2.5" LCD that is great for sharing just-taken pictures with friends or family. LCDs were designed chiefly for the review of photos, but they have increasingly become the primary scene-framing tool of many consumers -- even though many lament over their performance in low-light situations. To combat this and improve low-light performance, the Z1 has a gain-up function that improves the brightness and quality of the image in the LCD. With this feature picture-takers can preserve the mood of any scene, such as keeping the lights off when the birthday boy or girl blows out the candles. Fujifilm also improved the toughness of the LCD by giving it a reinforced glass coating that is 35 times more resistant to scratches than previous models.

The Z1 is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery that is good for up to 200 shots per charge. The camera is recharged whenever it is placed in the included Picture Cradle which also provides a USB 2.0 hi-speed port for data transfer and an A-V Port for connection to a TV set for slideshow playback.

FinePix Z1 Features:

• 5.1 million pixel 5th Generation Super CCD HR image sensor
• 3x non-extending zoom lens (36-108mm equiv)
• Compact, lightweight and super-slim design
• Movie Mode; 640x480 30fps w/sound AVI format
• Program AE and 5 Scene modes: Sports, Night, Portrait, Landscape, Natural Light
• Large 2.5" LCD color monitor with Gain-up
• Real Photo Technology for low noise at ISOs as high as 800; fast shutter speeds prevent blur in low or natural light scenes
• 0.6-second boot-up time; shutter lag down to 1/100th second after AE/AF locked
• High-Speed Shooting mode provides quicker auto exposure and focus lock for even faster operation
• Uses removable xD-Picture cards (16MB included)
• Powered by rechargeable Li-ion battery
• USB 2.0 connectivity and PictBridge direct-print
• Picture Cradle/Charger base is included

Physical Views

The FinePix Z1 and a standard CD for size comparison.

The 5-megapixel FinePix A350 and the super-slim FinePix Z1.