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 Fujifilm FinePix F31fdA unique face-detection feature and excellent low-light photos make this compact digicam a top pick. Price:
$399
By Anthony Losanno 
On the outside, there's nothing special about the FinePix F31fd's design. The 3.6 x 2.2 x 1.1-inch brushed silver camera could easily get lost on the store shelf among its competitors and even when set next to Fujifilm's FinePix F30, which has the same body, six-megapixel resolution, and 3X
optical zoom. This digicam really doesn't start to shine until you fire it up. That's when you'll appreciate its high ISO sensitivity (up to 3200), face-detection technology, and an intelligent flash that keeps your shots from looking washed out. The standout feature on the F31fd is undoubtedly its face-detection capability. If you've ever taken a group shot-or photographed someone in a busy setting-you know that it can be difficult to get your point-and-shoot to focus on the right element. Fujifilm's technology identifies human faces in a frame (up to ten) and automatically adjusts the focus and exposure. Here's how it works: When you push the face-detection button on the back, the camera begins searching for people and highlights their faces in a small box. We were impressed with the F31fd's ability to rapidly seek out human faces and not focus on other things in the shot. The camera even cleverly found Donald Trump when we pointed it at a magazine cover featuring his photo. Once we pressed the shutter button, we were pleased with the results. In general, all of our test subjects' faces were in perfect focus. Many digicams also drop the ball when taking low-light shots. At a birthday party, the FinePix F31fd did a good job of capturing the guests crowded around a cake with the lights off while the candles were being blown out. When we bumped the ISO up to 1600, there was very little noise, and when we maxed it out at ISO 3200, the camera still retained some level of quality. The results didn't look overly grainy like photos from some other point-and-shoots that we've tested. The FinePix F31fd uses xD Cards to store images-as opposed to the more common SD Cards-and includes 26MB of integrated memory, which should be good for about ten shots at the max resolution if you fill your card. Another nice touch: Once your images are on the camera, you can print them without a PC, thanks to built-in IrSimple and Pictbridge technologies. Shooting VGA video on the F31fd is as simple as sliding the wheel on top over to the video camera icon. Clips were clear with few artifacts, and the sound was decent. While you probably won't be shooting movies of any great length with this digicam, it's good enough for capturing a few minutes of footage to share with friends and family or for posting on YouTube. The unique face-detection feature, impressive low-light sensitivity, and all-around excellent performance make the FinePix F31fd a great choice for point-and-shoot shoppers looking for something more than a sleek design. Suggested Stories: Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review Canon PowerShot SD900 Review HP Photosmart R967 Review Compare Prices | Fujifilm FinePix F31fd Specifications
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