The new 6.3-megapixel FujiFilm FinePix F10 ($399 MSRP) is a rather unassuming digital camera with a silvery metal finish and plain vanilla styling. Yet looks are very deceiving; this is one of the best performing cameras on the market. The camera has superb low-light shooting capability, film camera-like response, easy-to-operate controls and menus. And, of course, great photo quality. In effect, this is everything a point-and-shoot digicam should be in 2005. For slightly more than 300 bucks, this camera should be high on the list for those who want effortless picture taking. That said, the FinePix F10 is not God’s Gift to Photography; there are some annoying flaws we’re happy to point out in the hope that Fuji engineers will take the comments as constructive criticism.
The camera is supplied with the usual accoutrements including wrist strap, battery, a pathetic 16MB xD picture card, USB and AV cables, a nicely done 120-page owner’s manual, Quick Start guide, and the FinePix Viewer 5 software bundle on CD-ROM. It also has a somewhat awkward terminal adapter, which gets attached to the AC power cord rather than connecting it directly to the camera. This terminal adapter also has jacks for the video output and USB cable. Fuji said this was done to save space on the camera, but it seems like another piece of gear that could easily be misplaced. Without it, you can’t recharge the battery, a very big “oops” if you’re not near home. You can’t even connect it to a computer, another reason to own a card reader. A good suggestion would be an optional battery charger and an extra NP-120 battery, especially if you’re traveling.