Fujifilm FinePix J100 Review:

"The perfect family camera" usually sets off some warning bells, and this was definitely the case with the 10 Megapixel Fujifilm FinePix J100. It turns out the suspicion was meritorious, as this camera is rather short on features.

Black or brushed silver, the Fujifilm FinePix J100 is boxy with rounded corners and beveled edges. It's kind of bland in silver, with maybe the curved lens being the most spectacular thing about it. Black is somewhat better, but nothing special. On the back of the Fujifilm FinePix J100, you'll find a 2.7-inch, 230K-pixel LCD screen. The stepped edges allow it to fit into a pocket better, but it's still thick, mostly thanks to the lens' size. Even with its size, though, the lens is only 35mm with 5x optical zoom, and the location of the flash is somewhat conducive to red-eye.

The Fujifilm FinePix J100 has several scene modes, with a wheel to access them, and, unfortunately, a lot of them are just slight variations of each other, which most point-and-shooters won't even notice. One mode is "Baby Mode," which warms skin tones, and, along with the beach, party and fireworks modes, shows that the Fujifilm FinePix J100 is being marketed to parents.

Also, some of the features on the Fujifilm FinePix J100 can't work simultaneously. For example, you can't do red-eye reduction unless you're using face detection, but then when you turn it on metering adjustment turns off. The only other feature besides these is the 30 fps video and slideshow mode. That's it for features.

When the lighting is good, the Fujifilm FinePix J100 performs okay. The good thing about the lens is that it doesn't distort and such. There was, however, a slight problem with purple fringing, such as when you're shooting skylines, but it wasn't too major, and color was pretty consistent.

In many ways, the features of the Fujifilm FinePix J100 are just plain frustrating. Face detection doesn't really perform in low lighting, but if you turn it off you lose red-eye reduction. Plus, if you're in a dark place like a night club or party, the flash, which is at a fixed intensity, may be overwhelming. Speckling is also an issue; anything with ISO speeds of more than 200 is going to ruined with gritty marks. Don't try low-light photography with the Fujifilm FinePix J100.

There's nothing specifically wrong about the Fujifilm FinePix J100, but there's definitely not anything spectacular about it either. It's your average point-and-shoot camera, which means that's all it can do. I have to say it must be perfect for someone, especially at the low price of AU $269, but I was not wowed with the Fujifilm FinePix J100 in the least.