Verdict

Pros

• Price, build, simple operation

Cons

• AF can be slow and struggle to lock on

Fujifilm FinePix Z90 review – Features

The FinePix Z90 from Fujifilm is a slim-line compact designed to appeal to those wanting a simple point and shoot compact camera that they can stow easily in a small bag or shirt pocket.

The FinePix Z90 features a reasonably standard 14.2MP CCD chip with a ISO range of 100-3200. Crammed inside is a 5x optical zoom with a decent range of 28-140mm – plenty wide enough for most group shots, while giving a decent amount of reach to get closer into your subjects. Image stabilisation is digital, so expect an ISO boost to combat any signs of camera shake.

At the rear is a 3in 16:9 aspect ratio touch screen, with a lowly resolution of 230K-dots. The touch screen does mean external controls are kept to a minimum, with two buttons at the rear to switch between shooting and playback, along with a zoom control and video button along the top. Video capture is at 720p – files are outputted as AVIs with mono sound. There’s also the feature to automatically upload images to both Facebook and YouTube accounts once connected to a PC.

As you’d expect for a camera of this class, there are no manual controls, relying instead of a range of scene modes (there are 12 to choose from), along with an automated Scene Recognation mode, Program and a motion panorama mode that stitches 3 images together.

Fujifilm FinePix Z90 review – Design

The FinePix Z90 is cloaked in a slim-line metal body available in a range of colours – as well as black, there’s pink, purple, red, blue and silver. There’s a vertical sliding lens cover that adds to the overall quality feel of the camera. The dimensions of the camera are also pretty compact, though it feels somehow chunkier than the dimensions may suggest.

Fujifilm FinePix Z90 review – Performance

Most of the FinePix Z90’s controls are activated by via the touch screen – the finger activated controls are nice and large, with the touch screen behaving itself the majority of the time, though you may find you have to make the odd double-tap to apply the change. Focusing and be slow at times, struggling to lock on to subjects in low contrast lighting – we tried the Z90 on an evening it – the kind of place the Z90 expects to find itself, but we missed shots because the AF was too slow, or we kept people posed for longer than was desired while the Z90 struggled to find a point of focus. There’s also a ‘Touch & Shoot’ mode, allowing you to tap the screen where you want to focus and fire the shutter all at the same time and performs well for a camera of this class – just make sure there’s plenty of contrast in the scene first to avoid AF problems.

Fujifilm FinePix Z90 review – Image Quality

Results from the 14.2MP were sound for a camera aimed at the non-enthusiast. There’s a decent amount of detail to produce a print up to A4, but we expect most images from the Z90 to end up online. Colours are neutral and not over-saturated,  while the Auto White Balance did a good job too. At higher ISOs, there was some smearing where noise reduction had come into play, but for a camera of this class, results were solid.

Fujifilm FinePix Z90 review – click for full size image

Fujifilm FinePix Z90 review – Value

For a pound shy of £120, the FinePix Z90 is good value considering the features you get for your cash, while those looking for a slim-line alternative will have to dig a lot deeper.

Fujifilm FinePix Z90 review – Verdict

The Fujifilm FinePix Z90 is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable, compact and we’ll specified camera that’s easy to use. As long as you don’t expect too much from it when it comes to performance and are prepared to work with the AF, then the Z90 will keep you happy.

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