The Imaging Resource

Quick Review

Fuji FinePix A330 Digital Camera

	Camera QuickLook
	Review Date	1/12/2005
	User Level	Novice
	Product Uses	Family, entry-level camera
	Digicam Design	Point and Shoot
	Picture Quality	Good, 3.2-megapixel CCD
	Print Sizes	Up to 8x10
	Availability	Now
	Suggested Retail Price (at time of introduction)	$199

 

Introduction

Camera Overview

Updating the popular point-and-shoot options of Fuji's FinePix line of digicams, the FinePix A330 is an affordable entry-level digicam that offers good quality and value. Small, compact, and very lightweight, the A330 offers a 3.2-megapixel CCD, along with a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens. Exposure control remains automatic, with the convenience of point-and-shoot control. However, the Fuji A330 does offer four preset scene shooting modes, for capturing good images in common, yet tricky, shooting conditions. The A330's CCD captures high enough resolution for printing images with nice detail as large as 8x10 inches. Lower-resolution settings are available for email attachments. The Fuji A330 sports a 3x optical zoom lens that increases the camera's flexibility. The camera's dimensions are just a little too large for most shirt pockets at 4.09 x 2.42 x 1.23 inches (104 x 62 x 31 millimeters), although you could feasibly stow the camera in a larger coat pocket or an average-sized purse. Despite its size, the all-plastic body is extremely lightweight at just 7.2 ounces (204 grams), including batteries and memory card. A sliding, built-in lens cover keeps the Fuji A330's front panel nearly flat when closed, allowing the camera to easily slip into a pocket or purse without snagging.

The Fuji FinePix A330 is equipped with a 3x, Fujinon lens equivalent to a 38-114mm lens on a 35mm camera. Aperture is automatically controlled from f/2.8 to f/9.5, with actual values depending on the zoom position of the lens. Focus also remains under automatic control, ranging from 2.0 feet (60 centimeters) to infinity in normal mode, with a Macro setting ranging from 3.9 inches to 2.6 feet (10 centimeters to 80 centimeters). The camera also offers up to 1.6x digital zoom when in 2 or 1 megapixel mode, but keep in mind that digital zoom decreases the overall image quality, since it only enlarges the center pixels of the CCD image. For framing shots, the Fuji A330 offers both a real-image optical viewfinder and a 1.5-inch color, amorphous, silicon TFT LCD monitor. The LCD monitor reports some camera settings, and can overlay an alignment grid. The grid divides the image area into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, making it easier to line up tricky subjects.

Exposure is automatically controlled at all times, despite the Fuji FinePix A330's selection of Auto and Manual exposure modes. (The "Manual" setting simply expands the Record menu to include Exposure Compensation and White Balance options.) Four preset Scene modes optimize the camera for common, yet special, shooting situations, and include Portrait, Night, Sports, and Landscape settings. Shutter speeds range from 1/2,000 to two seconds (extending the camera's low-light shooting capabilities slightly), but the LCD display doesn't report it or the lens aperture setting. To determine the best exposure, the A330 employs a TTL (through-the-lens), 64-zone metering system, which averages readings taken throughout the frame for the best overall exposure. The camera's Exposure Compensation setting lets you increase or decrease the overall exposure from -2 to +2 in one-third-step increments. White balance options include an Auto setting, as well as Outdoors, Shade, Daylight Fluorescent, Warm White Fluorescent, Cool White Fluorescent, and Incandescent presets, to match most common light sources. Although it's not adjustable, the Fuji A330's sensitivity is equivalent to ISO 100, good for most average shooting conditions.

The Fuji FinePix A330's built-in flash is effective from 2.0 to 11.5 feet (0.6 to 3.5 meters) depending on the zoom setting, and operates in Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Forced, Suppressed, or Slow-Synchro. In Manual mode, the flash also offers a Red-Eye Reduction with Slow-Synchro combination mode. A Self-Timer mode provides a 10-second delay between a full press of the Shutter button and the time that the shutter actually opens, helpful in self-portraits or group photos. The A330 also features a Movie mode, which captures movies without sound at either 320 x 240- or 160 x 120-pixel resolutions. Maximum recording times vary depending on the size of the card, but recording can commence until the card is full.

The Fuji A330 stores image files on xD-Picture Cards, and comes with a 16MB starter card. You'll want to purchase a larger size fairly soon, given the A330's maximum 2,016 x 1,512-pixel resolution. (The xD-Picture Card itself is very tiny, rivaling the popular SD memory cards in size.) The Fuji A330 uses two AA-type batteries for power, either alkaline or NiMH, and an optional AC adapter is available. A set of single-use AA alkaline batteries comes with the camera, but I strongly recommend purchasing a couple of sets of high-capacity NiMH batteries and a good charger, and keeping a spare set of batteries charged at all times. Click here See my "NiMH battery shootout" page to see which batteries currently on the market are best, or read my review of the Maha C-204F NiMH battery charger, my long-time favorite. The A330 is compatible with Fuji's separate accessory PictureCradle, which allows quick image downloading when connected to a computer. (The camera actually fits into the cradle sideways, lining up the USB/Digital jack with the cradle's jack.)

Basic Features

• 3.2-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as high as 2,016 x 1,512 pixels.
• Real-image optical viewfinder.
• 1.5-inch color LCD monitor.
• Fujinon 3x, 38-114mm (35mm equivalent) lens.
• 1.6x digital zoom.
• Automatic exposure control, plus four preset "scene" modes.
• Adjustable white balance with seven settings.
• Sensitivity equivalent to ISO 100.
• Apertures from f/2.8 to f/9.5.
• Shutter speeds from 1/2,000 to two seconds.
• Built-in flash with six modes.
• xD-Picture Card storage (16MB card included).
• Power supplied by two AA-type batteries or optional AC adapter.
• Interface software and USB drivers included for Windows and Macintosh computers.

Special Features

• Movie mode (without sound).
• 10-second Self-Timer for delayed shutter release.
• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
• USB cable for connection to a computer (driver software included).

Recommendation
Lightweight, portable, and easy to use, the Fuji's FinePix A330 digital camera offers the point-and-shoot convenience that novices enjoy, with the benefit of a 3.2-megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom lens for good resolution and sharpness. Although exposure remains under automatic control, you can adjust Exposure Compensation and White Balance if needed, and the four scene modes are useful under common conditions. A simple, straightforward user interface means little or no downtime spent learning, and makes the Fuji A330 adept at shooting on the fly. For (well) under $200, you get the color and clarity on which Fuji has built such a strong reputation, with the convenience of a very user-friendly camera design. Its simplicity and ease of use make this a good choice for a low-end "family" digital camera, or for any novices looking for a true "point & shoot" digital camera. (For just slightly more money though, the Fuji A340 offers a bit more resolution, and slightly better color rendition.)

Design

Measuring 4.09 x 2.42 x 1.23 inches (104 x 62 x 31 millimeters), the Fuji FinePix A330 is better-suited for average coat pockets than most shirt pockets, but fits easily into most average purses and comes with a wrist strap for a little extra security. Loaded with batteries and memory card, the A330 weighs a mere 7.2 ounces (204 grams), thanks in part to the all-plastic camera body. Because of the A330's straightforward design, external controls are limited and the LCD menu system is short and quick to navigate.

The Fuji A330's front panel curves gently from top to bottom without any large protrusions to snag on pockets. A sliding lens cover protects the lens when not in use, and keeps the front panel fairly smooth when the camera is off. When powered on, the lens extends about three-quarters of an inch from the front panel, and likewise retracts when the camera is turned off. Also on the front panel are the flash, flash sensor, self-timer lamp, and the optical viewfinder window. The sculpted surface of the lens cover provides a very slight finger grip, reinforced by a series of raised bumps on the rear panel which serve as a thumb grip. Unlike other sliding door designs, the door of the FinePix A330 can hit the lens before the lens retracts, so caution is advised. Otherwise, I prefer sliding lens door designs like this, because they make accidental activation of the camera while in a bag or pocket less likely.

The opposite side of the camera features the USB, DC In, and Video Out connector terminals, all uncovered.

On the Fuji A330's top panel is simple, with only the Shutter button.

The few remaining camera controls are on the rear panel, sharing space with the optical viewfinder and LCD monitor. Fuji did away with the mode dial previously offered on the A210 and A205 models, opting for less external control and a sleeker body style. The three main control buttons line the right side of the LCD monitor, and include the Playback / On, Menu / OK, and Display / Back buttons. The Zoom rocker button in the top right corner controls optical and digital zoom and navigates up and down through the LCD menu. On either side of the Zoom rocker button are two arrow keys, which also navigate menu options. The left arrow toggles Macro mode on or off while the right arrow steps through the flash modes.

The Fuji FinePix A330's bottom panel is nice and flat, with the plastic, threaded tripod mount right about center. The shared xD-Picture Card and battery compartment is adjacent, with a hinged door that slides out before opening. Although I typically prefer to have access to the battery and memory card compartments while a camera is mounted to a tripod, I doubt this issue will come into play much on the A330, given its portable nature and point-and-shoot design.

Camera Operation

With full automatic exposure control and only a couple of manual adjustments available, the Fuji FinePix A330's user interface is very straightforward and quick to grasp. The Mode dial control used on some earlier models has been replaced with a very simple menu driven system viewed in the LCD monitor. With the camera turned on, a single push of the Menu/Ok button brings up the four-option menu, which is fairly limited and quick to navigate using the combination of arrow and zoom rocker buttons. In Manual shooting mode, the settings menu expands slightly to include additional basic exposure settings, though you still don't have access to aperture or shutter speed. All camera controls other than basic Flash and Macro mode selections are accessed through the LCD menu system, so you should be able to start shooting with the camera right out of the box.

Record Mode Display: The LCD monitor reports very basic information in Record mode, including the shooting mode, resolution setting, number of available images, and a central autofocus target. It also reports the flash mode, and macro and self-timer settings when activated. Pressing the Display button enables an alignment grid, which divides the image area into thirds vertically and horizontally, for better framing of linear subjects. A third press disables the LCD monitor entirely.

Playback Mode Display: In Playback mode, the main LCD display shows the file number and capture date for a few seconds. Pressing the Display button pulls up the nine-image index display. Using the Zoom rocker button, you can enlarge captured images as much as 14x, depending on the resolution they were shot at.

External Controls

Lens Cover: Located on the front of the camera, this sliding cover controls camera power. When slid open, the lens extends forward into its operating position. Slightly closing the cover triggers the lens to retract and shuts off the camera, so that you can close the cover.

Shutter Button: Located on the camera's top panel. This button sets focus and exposure when halfway pressed, and fires the shutter when fully pressed.

On/Play Button: Adjacent to the top right corner of the LCD monitor, this button activates Playback mode. If the camera is off and the lens cover closed, pressing this button turns on the camera and places it into Playback mode.

Menu/Ok Button: Directly below the On / Play button, this button displays the settings menu in any camera mode, and acts as the "OK" to confirm menu selections.

Disp/Back Button: Located on the bottom right of LCD monitor, this button controls the LCD monitor display, and activates the framing grid. It also disables the LCD monitor, so you can save battery power by framing images with the optical viewfinder. In Playback mode, this button also controls the information overlay, as well as enables a nine-image index display mode.

Zoom Rocker Button: Tucked between two arrow keys in the upper right corner of the camera's rear panel, this two-way rocker button controls the optical and digital zoom. In any settings menu, this button navigates up and down through menu selections. In Playback mode, this button controls the Playback Zoom feature, which enlarges captured images as much as 14x.

Right and Left Arrow Keys (see image above): Flanking the Zoom rocker button in the top right corner of the rear panel, these arrow keys navigate through captured images in Playback mode, as well as through menu selections in any settings menu. When an image has been enlarged, these keys also move around within the view.

In Record mode, the left arrow accesses the Macro shooting mode, and the right arrow key cycles through the available flash modes.

• Quality: Sets the image resolution and quality to 3.2M Fine (2,016 x 1,512 pixels), 3.2M Normal (2,016 x 1,512 pixels), 2M (1,600 x 1,200 pixels), or 1M (1,280 x 960 pixels). Also shows how many frames can be captured at each resolution with the installed card's remaining space.
• Self-Timer: Activates the 10-second Self-Timer, or disables the mode.
• Shooting Mode: Puts the camera into Auto, Manual, Movie, Portrait, Scene (Landscape), Night, or Sports modes.
• Set-Up/LCD Brightness: Adjusts the LCD brightness, and offers a variety of setup menu options (see below).
• Exposure Compensation: (Manual mode only) Adjusts the overall exposure from -2 to +2 exposure equivalents (EV) in one-third-step increments.
• White Balance: (Manual mode only) Sets the white balance to Auto, Outdoors, Shade, Daylight Fluorescent, Warm White Fluorescent, Cool White Fluorescent, or Incandescent.
  
  

Set-Up Menu: Accessible from either the record or playback menus, the Setup menu offers the following options:

Playback Mode: The traditional green playback symbol is located with the "ON" button located with the LCD panel, which accesses Playback mode at any time with a one second press (even if the camera is powered off). Here, you can review captured images and movies, as well as manage files and set up images for printing. Pressing the Menu button displays the following options:

• Erase: Deletes the current frame, or all frames on the memory card.
• DPOF: Marks/unmarks frames for printing on DPOF devices, with an option to include a date and time overlay.
• Protect: Write-protects the displayed image, preventing it from being accidentally erased or manipulated (except via card formatting). Also removes protection, and offers options to protect or unprotect all images on the card.
• Set-Up/LCD: Displays the same settings as under the Record menu.
• Playback: Enables an automated slide show of all the captured images on the memory card, with options for transition styles.
• Trimming: Lets you crop an image and save it separately as a 1,280 x 960-pixel file.

Movie Mode: Accessed through the main record menu, Movie mode records movies without sound. Pressing the Menu button after you've selected Movie mode lets you adjust the resolution setting (either 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 pixels), and provides access to the camera's main Setup menu.

In the Box

In the box are the following items:

• Fuji FinePix A330 digital camera.
• 16MB xD-Picture Card.
• Two single-use, AA-type alkaline batteries.
• Wrist strap.
• USB cable.
• AV cable.
• Software CD-ROM.
• Instruction manual and registration card.

Recommended Accessories

• Larger capacity xD-Picture Card. (I recommend 64MB as a bare minimum, 128MB would be preferable.)
• Two sets (four) NiMH rechargeable batteries and charger.
• Soft camera case.
• Fuji Picture Cradle for quick computer connection.

Recommended Software: Rescue your images!
Just as important as an extra memory card is a tool to rescue your images when one of your cards fails at some point in the future. I get a lot of email from readers who've lost photos due to a corrupted memory card. Memory card corruption can happen with any card type and any camera manufacturer, nobody's immune. A surprising number of "lost" images can be recovered with an inexpensive, easy to use piece of software though. Given the amount of email I've gotten on the topic, I now include this paragraph in all my digicam reviews. The program you need is called PhotoRescue, by DataRescue SA. Read our review of it if you'd like, but download the program now, so you'll have it. It doesn't cost a penny until you need it, and even then it's only $29, with a money back guarantee. So download PhotoRescue for Windows or PhotoRescue for Mac while you're thinking of it. (While you're at it, download the PDF manual and quickstart guide as well.) Stash the file in a safe place and it'll be there when you need it. Trust me, needing this is not a matter of if, but when... PhotoRescue is about the best and easiest tool for recovering digital photos I've seen. (Disclosure: IR gets a small commission from sales of the product, but I'd highly recommend the program even if we didn't.) OK, now back to our regularly scheduled review...

Specifications

See the specifications sheet here.

Picky Details

Information on shooting speed, battery life, etc. can be found here.

User Reviews

• Fuji FinePix A330 user reviews on PriceGrabber.com
  
  
• Fuji FinePix A330 user reviews on PC PhotoREVIEW

Sample Pictures

See our sample pictures and detailed analysis on the Fuji A330 sample pictures page. The thumbnails below show a subset of our test images. Click on a thumbnail to see the full-size photo.

"Sunlit"	Indoor Flash	Indoor
House	Musicians	Macro
Davebox	Resolution	Viewfinder Accuracy