Expert Recommendation
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Overview
As Fuji’s flagship compact model, the F50fd is the only compact camera on the market today to combine the two most useful low-light features: good high ISO performance and an image stabilization system. Using Fuji’s unique SuperCCD sensor, the F50fd is capable of dramatically better high ISO images compared to the average camera on the market. Topped off with an image stabilization system to compensate for a shaky camera, and you have the most capable low-light camera on the market today.
My Best In Class Pick
Fujifilm FinePix F50fd
With their unique SuperCCD sensor, Fujifilm has a monopoly-like dominance over the low-light market - there are simply no cameras anywhere else in the market that can compete with the F50fd, F40fd, or other SuperCCD cameras purely for low-light use.
The F50fd is the best overall choice for low-light performance in a compact choice. While its high ISO is slightly worse than the budget F40fd model, its image stabilization makes up for this, for static subjects at least. Thus, given that most photographers take a good mix of both active and static subjects, the F50fd is the best overall choice.
However, if you plan on taking pictures of fast-moving subjects almost exclusively, the F50fd’s image stabilization won’t help at all, and the F40fd, with its slightly better motion-freezing high ISO, will be the best choice.
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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| Customer Rating |
  
(from 50 reviews)
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(from 67 reviews)
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| Price | $172 - $491 | $149 - $349 |
| Size (W x H x D) | 3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9 in. | 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 in. |
| Weight (without batteries) | 155g | 155g |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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35-105mm (3x) | 36-108mm (3x) |
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Image Stabilization Available
Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
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Yes | No |
| Storage Media | xD, SD | xD, SD |
| Battery Type | Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable | Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable |
| Battery Life | 230 shots | 300 shots |
| Max Usable ISO (subjective) | ISO800 | ISO800 |
Fujifilm FinePix F40fd
The Fuji F40fd is the ‘budget model’ in Fujifilm’s F-series of SuperCCD camera, another 3x zoom (36-108mm) compact camera (0.9” thick). Like the F50fd, the F40fd has a SuperCCD sensor that provides incredibly usable high ISO images. In fact, because of the use of a lower-pixel sensor (more light means less noise (and better pictures): the F40fd’s 8MP sensor means more light for each individual pixel compared to the F50fd’s 12MP sensor), the F40fd has significantly better high ISO capabilites than the F50fd (which was already significantly better than other cameras on the market).
Unlike the F50fd, the F40fd lacks any kind of image stabilization - inconsequential when shooting moving subjects, but overall this makes the F40fd slightly less capable in overall low-light situations.
As with almost all other compact cameras, the F40fd’s flash is embedded into the body, so it will perform like most other cameras on the market. Like the F50fd, the F40fd’s incredible low-light abilities means you’ll be using flash sparingly, anyway.
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix F40fd
- Beach Camera : $149.99 (Best Price)
- Compare Prices : $149 - $349
How It Works
Unbiased experts recommend the best digital camera for you based on the types of photographs you intend to take, your budget, and desired features.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
