Fujifilm FinePix A350 review

Verdict:

Review Date: 23 Jun 2005

Price when reviewed: inc VAT

Reviewed By: David McKinnon

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

Review
Specs

FujiFilm has launched two new entry-level cameras: the 5-megapixel A350 reviewed here and the 4-megapixel A345, which is about £15 cheaper. Both use the same 3x zoom lens.

Although it has a similar basic specification to many of the cameras in our digital camera Labs test on page 166, the A350 feels cheaper and less robust. The silver plastic shell is more reminiscent of a computer peripheral than a designer camera. Its rounded body is comfortable to hold, and while the screen is small it's bright enough. Interface buttons are well arranged but conform to the underlying budget feel with little tactile feedback.

Like most cameras at this price, the A350 produces punchy, oversaturated pictures. This isn't a problem, as holiday snaps can often look better with more colour, but keen photographers who are after an inexpensive compact camera should look elsewhere. Although not as sharp as more expensive 5-megapixel cameras, the A350 produces precise photos, although fine texture tends to be lost and block colours can take on a painted effect. In bright conditions dark areas can be lost completely, while a fairly high level of purple fringing occurs on high-contrast borders.

The A350 is powered by AA batteries. This is handy if you run out while you are out and about, but you should invest in rechargables as they save you money in the long run. Also, the A350 comes with a paltry 16MB of storage, so you'll need to budget around £30 for an additional card.

Although pictures weren't as sharp as those of more expensive 5-megapixel cameras, the A350 compares well with similarly priced cameras. For the quick-and-easy holiday snapper, the A350 is a great buy.

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