Expert Recommendation
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Overview
It’s surprising that even after stuffing so many pixels on its tiny sensor, the Fuji F50fd has still managed to retain the low light performer crown in this category. An excellent lens, unique super CCD sensor design and better image processing delivered class-leading high ISO performance. Featuring useful Aperture/Shutter Priority modes and tons of useful features for shooting in low light, the Fuji F50fd is the best-in-class compact camera that offers terrific value for your money.
My Best In Class Pick
Fujifilm FinePix F50fd
For the last few years, Fuji F series cameras, equipped with super CCD sensors, have become synonymous with good image quality in low light. This camera is one of the latest additions to this series. It packs a high resolution 7th generation super CCD sensor and a 3x zoom lens in a sturdy body.
Although the resolution has been doubled, its detrimental effect (smaller pixels produce more noise) on low light (i.e high ISO) performance has been mitigated somewhat by improved processing and a slight increase in sensor size. Consequently, along with its high quality optics, it just manages to retain its crown as value-for-money low light performer.
The Fuji F50fd offers many features that are useful for low light shooting:
- Dual-stabilization mode To freeze moving subjects it automatically raises the ISO setting. It also uses mechanical image stabilization to mitigate the effects of camera shake.
- i-flash It tries to strike a balance between flash output and high ISO that results in a good image with natural tones and without a “washed-out”; effect.
- Dual shot mode It quickly shoots two images in rapid succession – one with the flash and one without – and saves both.
- Face detection 2.0, featuring Automatic Red Eye Removal The camera is able to identify faces at much more extreme camera angles than before and correcting focus, exposure, and white balance automatically. It removes red-eye too.
The images retain corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the zoom range and image quality is good with rich colors and lots of detail. The Fuji F50fd is snappy performer too.
The camera also has useful Aperture/Shutter Priority modes for more experienced users.
(The Fujifilm FinePix F60fd is a more recent and more expensive minor upgrade that has a few extras features such as a larger 3.0” LCD screen, upgraded Face Detection and Auto- Scene Recognition mode.)
Comparison with Canon PowerShot A1000 IS
The Fuji F50fd has slightly better low light performance (tad more fine details, lower noise), higher resolution, sharper lens, and the availability of Aperture/Shutter priority modes.
Comparison with Canon PowerShot A590 IS
The Fuji F50fd has better low light performance (more fine details, lower noise), much higher resolution, sharper lens, and smaller size.
Pros
- +Good image quality
- +High resolution
- +Sharp lens (best in class)
- +Rich feature set
- +Good high ISO performance (best in class)
- +Well built
Cons
- -No optical viewfinder
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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| Customer Rating |
 
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| Price | $164 - $299 | $138 - $233 | $100 - $1500 | |
| Size (W x H x D) | 3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9 in. | 3.8 x 2.5 x 1.2 in. | 3.7 x 2.5 x 1.6 in. | |
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Sensor Size
Most digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement.
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8.0 x 6.0 mm | 6.0 x 4.5 mm | 5.8 x 4.3 mm | |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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12.0 megapixels | 10.0 megapixels | 8.0 megapixels | |
| Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time) | 0.6 sec | 0.5 - 0.7 sec | 0.5 - 0.7 sec | |
| Power to First Shot Time | 2.8 sec | 1.5 sec | 1.8 sec | |
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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 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | |
| Optical Zoom | 3.0x | 4.0x | 4.0x | |
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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 | Yes | Yes | |
| Auto Focus Assist Light Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.8 | f/2.7 | f/2.6 | |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/5.1 | f/5.6 | f/5.5 | |
| Max ISO Setting | 6400 (1600 at full resolution) | 3200 | 1600 | |
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Viewfinder Available
A viewfinder is a window that you look through to compose the picture. Some cameras do not have a viewfinder and instead use the LCD display. The LCD display may be difficult to see in bright light and may make it more difficult to capture fast-moving subjects because of the time required to update the display.
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No | Yes | Yes | |
| Flash Recycling Time | 3.1 sec | 3.0 sec | 5.2 sec | |
| Battery Life | 230 shots | 450 shots | 450 shots | |
| Body Material | Metal and Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | |
| Image Quality | ||||
| Corner to corner sharpness | very good | very good | very good | |
| Low light (high ISO) performance | good | above average | above average | |
Canon PowerShot A1000 IS
Canon has consistently matched rivals at increasing resolution while not compromising as much on low light image quality. The Canon A1000 IS is one of the latest in the value-for-money A series compacts. The camera is slimmer than its predecessor (Canon A580) and adds image stabilization to the 4x zoom lens.
It has an optical viewfinder too which comes in handy if the subjects are moving (especially in low light situations).
Other useful features are:
- Face detection Adjusts exposure based on faces in the scene and removes red-eye automatically.
- Motion detection technology Combining inputs from Face Detection Technology, the optical Image Stabilizer, changes in scene brightness and changes from frame to frame, it raises ISO to freeze the action.
- ISO3200 mode.
Camera’s acclaimed DIGIC III processor tries to control noise at higher ISOs in low light situations resulting in images which are grainy but retain fine details.
Comparison with Canon PowerShot A590 IS
The Canon A1000 IS is slimmer and has an ISO3200 option, higher resolution, a faster flash recycle, a wide viewing angle LCD. However, if one wants Aperture/Shutter priority modes, the Canon PowerShot A590IS is the better option.
Pros
- +Good image quality
- +Optical viewfinder
- +Rich feature set
- +ISO3200 option
Cons
- -High noise at ISO1600
Canon PowerShot A590 IS
This is another successful A series model from Canon. The camera offers full Manual & Aperture/Shutter priority modes which are rare at such a low price point. It has an optical viewfinder too which comes in handy if the subjects are moving (especially in low light situations). It also has an optical viewfinder. Other useful features for low light photos:
- Face detection
- Motion detection technology
- DIGIC III processor Low light Image quality is good.
Pros
- +Good image quality
- +Optical viewfinder
- +Rich feature set
- +Aperture/Shutter priority modes
- +Cheap
Cons
- -High noise at ISO1600
- -Slow flash recycle
- -Bulky
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
