Testing / Performance

Color***(4.69)
*To test the color rendering capabilities of the Fujifilm A350, we recorded a series of exposures of our GretagMacbeth color chart and imported the images into Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the images and determines the accuracy of each reproduced color, contrasted with the corresponding ideal. The modified color chart below displays the results. For each color tile, the outer square depicts the A350's produced tones, while the small vertical rectangle in the center is the ideal. The inner square displays the tones produced by the camera, color-corrected by the software.

The information from above is again displayed in the chart below, in a more direct manor. The squares illustrate the colors produced by the Fujifilm A350, while the circles represent the tonal ideal. The line linking the two shapes signifies the degree of error - the greater the distance between the shapes, the less accurate the camera's reproduction of the color.

The A350 did not fare well at all on our color test, earning just a 4.69 overall score. This is one of the lowest color scores of any camera we have tested thus far. Other than a few of the blue channels, all of the tones rendered by the A350 strayed significantly from their ideal. The overall color cast seemed a bit over-saturated, but not enough to add vibrancy to the images. The poor reproduction of colors by the FinePix A350 will not tarnish the images entirely, but almost any other point-and-shoot camera should surpass it.

**Still Life Scene **

Below is a shot of our moving still life scene photographed with the Fujifilm FinePix A350.

[

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is very large!)](https://reviewed.usatoday.com/cameras/viewer.php?picture=Fuji-A350-StillLife-LG.gif)

**Resolution / Sharpness ***(3.23)
*Fujifilm markets the FinePix A350 with 5.2 effective and 5.36 total megapixels on 1/2.5-inch CCD. This was upgraded from the previous A340, which contained 4.0 effective megapixels and 4.1 total megapixels on its 1/2.7-inch CCD. To evaluate the effectiveness of the A350's sensor, we recorded a series of exposures of our International Standards Organization resolution chart and uploaded them into Imatest Imaging Software. The software is used to determine the exact number of pixels used to form the images. We report our results as both a literal pixel count and as a percentage of the manufacturer's advertised megapixel count to provide a standardized means of comparison. When this is done, cameras that achieve a score beyond 70 percent of their marketed megapixel count are considered 'good,' while cameras that score beyond 80 percent are deemed 'very good' and anything exceeding 90 percent is 'excellent.'  

Click on the chart above to view full Res. version

Our tests concluded that the Fujifilm A350 utilizes 3.23 of its 5.36 advertised megapixels to form images. This is just 64 percent of its advertised resolution and is a substandard score. Unfortunately, the A350's performance scores are in line with earlier FinePix A-series models and does not live up to the expectations of Fujifilm's superior F-series. Nonetheless, the A350's 3.23 active pixels will provide users with enough resolution to form sharp 8 x 10' prints and crop images for 4 x 6 printing.

**Noise - Auto ISO ***(4.27)
*Without manual ISO settings, users of the FinePix A350 will have to rely on the camera to determine the appropriate sensitivity rating for the shot. Although the camera's ISO 64-400 range seems typical, most compact digital cameras that offer comparable sensitivity options have a truncated range in automatic mode. When tested, the A350 earned a 4.27 Auto ISO score, exposing images with a substantial amount of noise, even in bright light conditions. However, the 4.27 auto score does surpass some more expensive compact models, although those cameras typically offer manual adjustments to optimize performance.

Noise - Manual ISO*(0.0)
*The FinePix A350 is destined for point-and-shoot users looking for a strictly automatic camera. Therefore, Fujifilm did not include manually selectable ISO settings to complicate the process.

**Low Light Performance ***(2.5)*

Without the opportunity to manually alter ISO settings, the FinePix A350 will need a substantial stroke of good fortune or an engineering miracle to handle low light conditions. We typically test cameras at four decreasing light levels to determine the limitations of the sensor and display the point in which the flash becomes an absolute necessity. The A350 was tested at 60, 30, 15, and 5 Lux to simulate the camera's performance is common low light conditions; 60 Lux appears as a small room might after dark when illuminated by 2 small table lamps, while 30 Lux appears similar to a single 40 watt light bulb, and 15 and 5 Lux display the camera's ability to record images in near darkness.

******Click on any of the above charts for additional analysis******

---

As expected, the FinePix A350 performed dismally in low light conditions. At 60 Lux, there is a substantial degree of perceivable noise, but the reproduced colors remained adequate with visible definition between hues. At 30 Lux, the color balance waned severely, with all colors taking on a strong reddish overtone. When levels dropped down to 15 and 5 Lux, the camera lost its ability to attain focus and was completely unusable. If this camera is going to be used at night or in minimally lit indoor settings, have the flash ready!

Speed / Timing
*Start-up to First Shot (6.02)
*Joining the ranks of other compact digital cameras, the Fujifilm A350 takes 3.98 seconds to start up and take its first shot. Just be sure to have this on long before the desired shot develops.

*Shot to Shot Time (7.16) *

The FinePix A350 takes a picture every 0.89 seconds in its Continuous shooting mode, which is decent for this compact model. Sure, most point-and-shoot cameras are taking 2 or 3 frames a second now, but this burst mode has some endurance. In the highest resolution, the camera shoots five frames consistently under a second, then takes a long breather of 20 seconds before taking its next burst.

Shutter to Shot Time (7.92)
*When the A350 is already focused, the camera only takes .05 seconds to capture the shot. However, the camera takes about 0.54 seconds when it isn't pre-focused.*
**

Physical Tour

 

Front *(7.0)
*The general design of the FinePix A350 is smooth and without much ornamentation. It has a satiny silver plastic front with a flush, slightly off-center silver ring for the zoom lens. To the left is a slight gripping protrusion, lacking a rubberized grip or cross-hatched texture for users to hold onto. The only tactile feedback on the grip is a series of raised plastic letters that vertically spell out FinePix, and there’s a bowed silver sliver. In fact, the lack of any gripping material makes the FinePix A350 tough to hold because of its slick front piece.

The slender flash is centered on the camera’s front and to its right, and the viewfinder window is nothing more than a small rectangular optic set inside a smooth, black oval. To its right, there are three very small vertical cuts - one taller slit bracketed by a pair of smaller ones - making up the camera’s microphone. Under the mic, in small red lettering, are the words "5.2 Mega Pixels." The lens barrel telescopes out in two parts, while the lens is concealed behind a pair of guillotine shutters that part when the camera is turned on and the lens extends.

Arcing along the top and bottom of the face of the lens barrel, above the rectangular opening for the lens itself, are the words "Fujinon Zoom Lens" (top) and "3x, 5.8-17.4mm, 1:2.8-4.7" (bottom). Arranged along the bottom front edge of the camera is the Fujifilm logo, the phrase "Digital Camera", and "A350" in gray lettering. Above the A350 lettering, set on the right front face of the camera, is a small recessed hole that serves as the FinePix’s self-timer lamp.

**Back ***(7.0)
*Layout on the rear of the FinePix A350 makes things easily accessible by all but the smallest-handed users. Like most compact digital cameras, the dominant feature is a raised 1.7-inch LCD monitor, set on the bottom left corner, which takes up more than half of the camera’s back side. To the upper left on the back is the viewfinder, another rectangular window in a raised black oval. Right next to it is a small lime green LED, the indicator lamp.

Next, along the top left of the FinePix’s back, is a three-position plastic mode switch. The first position (left) is for playback mode, the second (center) is the movie mode, and the final (right) position is the photography mode. The horizontal switch resembles two blades on an airplane propeller with a slight vertical tab in the center. The switch moves back and forth easily and clicks into each position. However, since it is a plastic switch mounted to a plastic body, one wonders how long it will take for the distinct movements of the switch to degrade and become less smooth or inoperative. The top, right, and left sides of the back of the FinePix A350 are beveled, allowing Fuji a slight platform on which to put small colored icons above the three-position switch. From left to right, there is a green playback arrow framed with a thin green line, a small red movie camera, and finally a red camera icon.

Along the top right are three separate buttons: two horizontal half ovals with recessed triangles pointing left and right, which are split by a raised, narrow, elongated pyramid-like button. The left button controls macro shooting and the center button is tele/wide zoom, which functions by toggling the switch/button slightly upwards. At first, you may want to press it like the buttons on either side, but this urge will soon be dispelled. It is a toggle and you have to push up slightly to get it to zoom in and pull back to zoom out again. And on the right is the final shooting button, which controls the flash. As with the three-position mode switch, along the beveled edge above the zoom, macro, and flash buttons are small icons: tulip (Macro), what appears to be a Christmas tree (Zoom) in a box and the ubiquitous lightning bolt (flash). However, unlike the icons above the three-position mode switch, these icons are raised and without color. This is possibly to avoid confusion with the other settings or add aesthetic interest to the design, but the embossed plastic icons simply don’t do much good and are harder to see in brighter light. Maybe Fuji was hoping simple repetition of use would fill in the mental blanks left by the substandard icons.

Beneath the zoom switch is a smaller embossed "three tree" icon for wide zoom function. It sits above a small dimple that serves as a thumb rest. In the bottom of the shallow depression are six raised plastic dots to facilitate grip. Beneath the dimple, to the left and next to the LCD screen, are two stacked oval buttons: Menu/OK (top) and Display/Back (bottom). Both buttons, like all other rear controls, are plastic and are smooth to the touch. The Menu/OK button has a slight bump in its center to delineate it from the lower Display/Back button. Lastly, the FinePix A350 has a long, raised vertical bump on the bottom right that also serves as a sort of thumb/palm swell.

Left Side*(6.5)*

The downfall to the A350’s design is the thickness of the body (when contrasted with the camera’s overall size). While this shape may be aesthetically preferred by some users, most would gravitate towards a camera of this size thinking that the small shape equals increased control. Unfortunately this control is offset by the lack of texture on the camera’s surface.

At the top center of the FinePix A350’s left side are three horizontal slits that serve as the camera’s speaker. Lower on the right, towards the back edge, is the camera’s mini USB port, accompanied by an adjacent, raised USB pitchfork icon. At the bottom of the left side is the yellow-rimmed A/V out jack (left) and DC in socket (right). Oddly, all of these ports are left open, with no cover to protect them.

Right Side*(6.5)
*There is not much to say about this FinePix’s right side. It is featureless, conserving space for the swiveling strap mount, which is a stylish silver bump with a hole through the middle. Its width is slightly larger than the side to allow for the slight grip swell.

Top*(7.0)*

The two most prominent features on the top of the FinePix A350 are the power and shutter buttons. Departing from the flat plastic style of buttons used on the rest of the camera, the shutter and power button are smooth, shiny, and metallic. The two buttons are in very close proximity and they are surrounded by a larger, smooth silver metal oval. There is very little room between the buttons and the only difference between the two that can be felt is the power button’s circular shape in a beveled recession. Next to it, to the right and separated by a tiny metal bump, is the more oval-shaped shutter button. The power button is clearly labeled with small gray all-capital lettering that says "POWER." Placement of the buttons on top is visually pretty average. To the left and center is another reminder from Fuji to make sure you know what camera you are using; in small gray letters are the words "Digital Camera FinePix A350."

 

Components

Viewfinder*(3.0)
*At first, when I put the FinePix A350 to my eye, I wondered if the viewfinder window was dirty or smudged to explain the slightly hazy look. After a thorough cleaning, the Fujifilm FinePix A350’s viewfinder was still foggy.

The viewfinder has the slight look of a camera just brought in from the cold and is just starting to clear up – except that it never clears up. As for the specs on the viewfinder, it is a standard optical viewfinder with only 75 percent coverage. This means if you crop your subject tightly in the center of the viewfinder frame, you will see vast amounts of empty space at the top, bottom and both sides of the printed image. A tight picture in the viewfinder will also show significant space around it in the LCD screen, which is still only 90 percent accurate. Unfortunately, with both the viewfinder and the LCD screen so inaccurate, there really is no good way to frame your shot if your composition is reliant on the edges of the frame. If you want a perfectly composed image, you’ll just have to shoot large and crop later in a software application.

LCD Screen *(6.0) *

At 1.7 inches, the FinePix A350’s LCD is certainly not gargantuan, but is slightly larger in size and is composed of more resolution than the screen fixed to the A340. The LCD monitor on the FinePix A350 has an aspect ratio of 4:3 at 115,000 pixels and is constructed of amorphous silicon TFT. One drawback to users who’ll be out of doors with the FinePix A350 is the lack of glare reduction technology, an apparent cost cutting measure by Fujifilm. Another issue with the FinePix A350’s screen is its inherent greasiness. For some reason, the LCD screen seemed absorb grease. Another quirk of the LCD is that it cuts a tiny sliver off the four edges of the image; it’s only 90 percent accurate. So this means that the subject being photographed will look fine, but when the images are uploaded and printed they will have an extra border that wasn’t there before. This is unfortunate, as the viewfinder is even less accurate, so there’s no good way of seeing if your pictures are properly framed or not.

Flash *(7.0)
*The A350's built-in flash covers a wide area, but it is not all that powerful. Its reach is about average for a compact digital camera. In the macro mode, the flash covers from 1-2.6 feet. In normal shooting, the flash reaches from 2-11.5 feet in the wide angle and 2-9.8 feet when the lens is zoomed in to telephoto. The flash is distinctly brighter in the center than on the edges. The following flash modes are available when the button to the right of the zoom toggle is pressed: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, and Red-Eye Reduction + Slow Synchro.

Zoom Lens (7.0)

The FinePix A350 has a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens that has been slightly improved from the FinePix A340's. The A350's zoom lens measures 5.8-17.4mm, which is equivalent to a 35-105mm focal range in 35mm format. The lens is constructed from 7 elements in 7 groups; 3 of the elements are aspherical. The Fujinon lens has a built-in lens cover rather than the sliding mechanism found on the A340’s camera body. There is an additional 4.1x digital zoom available on the camera, which users should try to avoid – unless you’re going for a jagged, pixillated aesthetic.

Design / Layout

Model Design / Appearance*(7.0) *

While many manufacturers simply put too many protrusions, bumps, and swells on their cameras, the FinePix suffers from no real design embellishment, which is actually much to its detriment. Fujifilm gave the FinePix A350 a bit of a facelift from the earlier A340; the biggest external change is the lens cover. The A340 had a sliding cover, which the company eliminated when marketing research concluded that consumers shied away from moving parts. So instead of the sliding cover, the A350 has a built-in lens cover that snaps shut.

Cosmetically, the FinePix is a pretty bland-looking camera. It is dressed in a faux satin silver body, composed primarily of plastic and strips of metal, and is held together by tiny screws. Fuji should have bitten the design bullet and gone with something a little nicer in appearance or embraced a really sleek, strictly minimalist look. I wouldn’t say the camera’s ugly, but it’s definitely not going to attract consumers with its appearance.

The controls on the A350, from the top power and shutter buttons to the zoom and mode switches on the back, feel cheap – like they could break off in your hands at any moment. This is primarily because of the very plastic feel and look of the body and camera control elements.

Size / Portability*(7.5)*

The FinePix A350’s body itself is not too thick, allowing for some "pocketability" and at 6.3 ounces (including the batteries and card) it’s not too heavy. But keeping it in a pants pocket during a long day out might prove more annoying than anything else. It is a touch too chubby to really fit comfortably, but then again those of us still wearing skin tight, acid washed jeans from the 1980s are doing it to ourselves. In other words, the 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.2-inch FinePix A350 would fit much better in a coat/jacket pocket or tucked inside a Kate Spade bag.

Handling Ability*(7.0)
*The buttons and switches on the FinePix A350 are recessed or smooth enough such that they shouldn’t catch on clothing or accidentally activate the camera. Yet for all the pluses of low, snag-free buttons, you have some slight problems with ease of use and feedback.

The smooth feel of the camera also works against its gripping comfort and control. There are no rubber surfaces, gnarled patches, or cross-hatching that would make this camera easier to hold. This camera’s smooth surface can even feel kind of greasy, making it at times difficult to handle and operate, particularly when shooting with just one hand.

Once in the user’s hand, the camera is nestled so that the right-hand thumb falls into a small divot on the back and the right middle finger can rest along a small, curved sliver protrusion on the FinePix A350’s front (very similar in design to Sony’s W-series). And your index finger naturally falls onto the power and shutter buttons. However, as I shall explain in the section that follows, those two buttons are a bit too smooth and close together for my personal shooting comfort.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size*(6.5)
*First off, the smooth power button (in a slight top-mounted divot) on the FinePix A350 does tend to get slick and greasy with repeated use. The larger shutter button has just enough height above the rest of the body, enabling the control to be easily depressed.

Problem is, the power and shutter buttons are simply too close together and with your eye on the viewfinder, you will find yourself pushing the power button instead of the shutter. So instead of catching little Billy’s first steps, you’ll hear the camera whir and turn off. If one button was slightly offset or angled, and both were given a little more grip, the tightness of the two-button cluster might have worked and the confusion would be avoided.

Of the switches and buttons on the back of the camera, only the top right Macro-Zoom-Flash buttons are one-hand accessible. Just off-center and to the left, the mode switch is far enough away that you need to hold the FinePix A350 with two hands to operate it. The same can be said for the smooth Menu/OK and Display/Back buttons beneath the thumb depression on the back. Most people’s thumb can reach the buttons, but the camera’s smooth feel makes you worry about dropping it.

A problem for larger-thumbed folks is the positioning of the Menu/OK button; it’s awkward when you try to get a more natural grip on the FinePix A350. In my time with the camera, my thumb easy slipped off the rear divot several times and found its way onto the Menu/OK button and activated it by mistake.

 **Menu***(6.0)*

The menus on the Fujifilm A350 have a look that's similar to an Atari video game. A gray bar runs across the bottom with five colored circles above it; each circle has an icon on it. To help with visibility and add to the camera's aesthetic appeal, an oval below each circle is shaded darker on the gray bar - so it looks like the circles are bubbles of camera functions floating above a gray mass. Users can scroll right and left through the menu functions, then up and down through the individual options. Most of the individual options are in text, but the white balance menu is composed completely of icons. The menu takes up much of the view, but leaves some area around the edges of the LCD screen for a few live views of the options in action.

The menus are easily found with the Menu button, but the menus that actually appear are different depending on which mode is being used. The mode switch has three options on it: Playback, Movie, and Still. Users will spend most of their time in the Still image recording mode, where the following options are available: Quality, Self-Timer, Shooting Mode, Continuous, Option, EV (exposure compensation), and White Balance. The current selection in the Shooting Mode menu also determines some of the menu options. The Exposure Compensation and White Balance options are only available in the Manual mode; however, all of the other options are available in the automatic and scene modes.

The white balance and exposure compensation menus have live views, so the background of the menu changes as the user scrolls through different white balance modes or exposure compensation values, helping users make the correct decision for the shot. While most setting options are intuitively named, there are three fluorescent lighting settings labeled simply 1, 2, and 3. And users are supposed to know that 1 is for shooting under 'daylight fluorescent lamps'?

The Movie mode menu is quite limited, with only Quality and Option menus available; the Option menu consists of LCD brightness and volume adjustments as well as a jump to the Setup menu. The Setup menu appears on a solid gray background and is composed of five menus with the following options.

1: Image Display, Power Save, Format

2: Digital Zoom, Beep, Shutter

3: LCD, Date/Time, Time Difference

4: Frame Number, USB Mode, Language

5: Video System, Discharge, Reset

The Playback menu includes all the basics of deleting and printing. Erase, DPOF, Protect, Playback (slide show), Trimming, and Option selections are available.

Overall, the menus are simple to navigate through as long as users know that the zoom toggle and two buttons next to it act like a four-way navigational dial that is used on most digital cameras. Although, this seems to be an unnecessary complication since there is plenty of barren space on the back of the A350 in which a four-way navigational dial could reside.

**Ease of Use ***(7.0)*

The Fujifilm FinePix A350 aims to be an intuitive digital camera with a simple interface, but less buttons does not always mean the camera is easier to use. In fact, a Delete button on the camera body would have been a nice touch so users don't have to enter the playback menu to delete pictures. Navigation is fairly simple on this camera, as long as you know that the zoom toggle works in place of the traditional four-way navigational dial.

Modes

Auto Mode*(7.0)
*The Fujifilm FinePix A350 is designed for use in automatic mode. In fact, all of the modes on this camera - even the so-called manual mode - could be considered an automatic mode on another digital camera.

The simple interface should be enough to tell users that this is quite the automatically oriented camera and help introduce beginner users to the medium. A mode switch is located above the LCD screen that includes only Playback, Movie and Still modes; all of these are represented with intuitive graphic icons. Once users are in the still image recording mode, the menu's Shooting Modes include an array of automatic options: Landscape, Portrait, Auto, Manual, Sport, and Night.

The scene modes and the Auto mode have the same restrictive access. Users do not have access to the white balance and exposure compensation settings in these modes. In the automatic mode, users can access the continuous shooting, macro, and flash modes. When the Auto mode is selected, the automatic flash and macro settings are restored, so they can only be changed if the user wants them changed.

Movie Mode*(5.5) *

The movie mode on the FinePix A350 is slightly improved from the camera's predecessor, the Fujifilm FinePix A340. Both cameras shot in the same image sizes: 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 pixels. However, the older model captured video at a rate of 10 frames per second. The A350 speeds things up just a bit with a 15-frame-per-second recording rate. This is not the smoothest ride you'll find on a digital camera - many models now have 30 frames per second at 640 x 480 pixels. The reduced recording rate will result in a lack of fluidity in the captured video. However, this movie mode deserves some credit for its ease of use. It is very easy to find, with the movie camera icon located in the middle of the mode switch. Once users have made the switch, menu options won't be a burden; there aren't many - just the image size. Shooters need only to press the shutter release button once to record and again to stop. The LCD provides the view, which also indicates the image size and remaining recording time on the screen. There is no optical or digital zoom available in the movie mode.

Producing action-packed flicks with the Fujifilm A350 could be a problem, as the auto focus system doesn't respond quickly in the movie mode. Clips such as people talking and making small gestures will work, but getting that perfect shot of your kid's basketball lay-up may get slightly blurred (though your kid may think it looks cool). The movie mode on the A350 also records monaural sound, but not very well. The built-in microphone picks up all kinds of stray noise. The clips we recorded also captured significant bits of the air conditioner, lights buzzing, coworkers typing, bugs flying, squealing brakes from a passing bus, and even some yells from the karate dojo down the street. The combination of all these noises sounded something like a television that doesn't get any reception, although the mic's hyper-sensitivity is impressive.

Drive / Burst Mode*(5.5)
*A Continuous shooting mode is included on the Fujifilm A350 and is available in all of the shooting modes, although it is not very impressive. It takes a shot every 0.89 seconds for five shots, then takes a ridiculously long 20 seconds to write to the memory card. Of course, this is at the largest image size setting. As the image size shrinks, the camera has more endurance; for example, it can go for 8 shots in the 3:2 format setting.

Playback Mode*(7.5)
*The playback mode on the A350 is certainly easy to find, as it is located on the mode switch and clearly labeled with the traditional green triangle-in-a-box icon. Images can be viewed as single frames and scrolled through with the buttons to the left and right of the zoom toggle. The zoom toggle can magnify frames as much as 4.1x. When the Display button next to the LCD screen is pressed, pictures can be viewed in frames of nine thumbnails. Playback menu options are available when the images are viewed individually. Users can erase one frame or all of them at once through a menu option. I'm a fan of having an easily accessible button on the housing of the camera for this, so I was a bit disappointed that the A350 only included a menu option.

Users can also print, protect, and trim their photos. After a family reunion, users can gather kids around a television and connect the camera to the television directly to view the camera's fairly elaborate slide show mode (called 'Playback' within the playback mode menu) which lets users choose one of four ways to switch photos. There are long and short options of viewing the slide show; the long option lets users see photos for 8 seconds each, while the shorter goes for 5 seconds. Users can also choose whether the photo disappears into the next image or if there is a PowerPoint or infomercial-like wipe transition between the frames.

Custom Image Presets*(5.0)
*There are two standard shooting modes - Auto and Manual - along with four custom image presets: Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Night. The casual photographer will find the four scene modes fine for vacation shots or kids at a soccer game, but digital camera owners looking for something new will find the lack of choices disappointing.

Portrait mode is best suited for, well, portraits of people because it softens the background and makes the subject more pronounced. Next is Landscape mode, which is also self-explanatory and brings out crisp, clear pictures in daylight with lots of depth in the composition. Sports mode, for all you soccer moms and dads, automatically sets a faster shutter speed to freeze the Beckham-esque corner kicks, strike outs, slap shots, and jump shots (not all within the same game of course). Night mode allows the maximum amount of light to be drawn out of low light photos. Candlelight dinners or fireworks displays are generally images taken in this mode. The shutter speed can slow to up to two seconds and as always, a tripod is recommended to prevent blurring.

Control Options

**Manual Control Options **

Manual control is not one of the brighter spots of the A350; it just wasn't built for this. The camera has a mode called 'Manual' that can be selected in the Shooting Modes menu. However, it only offers two more controls than the automatic mode: exposure compensation and white balance. Exposure values can be chosen and white balance presets selected, but there is no true manual white balance mode. This camera's 'Manual' mode is more of what you'd find in a Program AE mode on most other digital cameras.

Focus*

Auto (6.0)*

The A350 uses a through-the-lens contrast-type auto focus system that cannot be manipulated at all by the user. What you see is what you get with this digital camera. There are small tag marks superimposed on the LCD screen in the center, where the camera is always focusing. Yes, always on the center - not necessarily on what is closest to the lens. This will be fine for group shots and portraits, but unacceptable for those breathtaking still life shots of action figures, colored markers, fake sushi, and flowers that you were planning on taking. The applied Fujinon lens' auto focus system can focus from 2.4 inches to 2.6 feet in macro mode and 2 feet to as far as the lens can see in the normal shooting mode.

*Manual(0.0)
*Most compact digital cameras do not include manual focus as an option. Those that do usually do not offer much in the way of increased focusing ability anyway. So while the FinePix A350 does not have a manual focus mode, it is not deeply missed.

 

Metering*(6.5)
*The through-the-lens multi-point metering system measures the camera's settings automatically. This will be fine for the point-and-shoot users who don't care whether the camera measures from the center or multiple points. Actively, the FinePix A350 measures from 64 points.

Exposure*(6.5) *

As you've probably read by now, users don't have much control over the exposure when shooting with the Fujifilm FinePix A350. In the manual mode, users do have access to an exposure compensation menu. This lets users change the value from -2.1 to +1.5 EV in 1/3 steps. This is a slight departure from the typical +/- 2 range found on most point-and-shoot digital cameras, but for Fujifilm's A-series of digital cameras, this is the typical range. There is a live view as the exposure compensation values are scrolled through, so users can see the immediate effects on the exposure.

White Balance*(5.5)*

White balance options are only accessible on the A350 using the Manual mode. The options are displayed within the camera's menu in icons, except for the 'Auto' white balance setting. This will work fine for most of the options. The sun represents bright exterior conditions; the cloud and sun represent the shade option; the light bulb is for incandescent light. However, the other three white balance options are only represented by a long light bulb - which is widely known as the sign for fluorescent in the digital camera world - and numbers. Users must intuitively know that the light bulb with the number 1 next to it represents the daylight fluorescent mode. Warm white fluorescent lighting is symbolized by the bulb with the number 2. Number 3 goes with the cool white fluorescent lights. In case the user's intuition just isn't kicking in, there are live views in this menu - which are generally more helpful than words. As photographers scroll through the icons, the background (the live feed) changes so lighting and color changes can be seen.

 

ISO*(5.5)
*Like most settings on the FinePix A350, the shot's ISO sensitivity rating is automatically selected by the camera. The range extends from ISO 64 to ISO 400, depending on light conditions. Point-and-shooters may enjoy this automatic feature: 'It's like having four different film speeds in one camera!' This is true, but having the camera automatically select the sensitivity makes some people nervous (especially those convinced that technology will supersede humanity and eventually take over the world, and see this as further evidence). It also takes away the user's ability to shape or control the exposure.

Shutter Speed*(0.0)
*The shutter speed of the A350 cannot be manually adjusted, but is set automatically by the camera. Echoing the speeds of previous A-series cameras, the Fujifilm A350's shutter speeds range from 2 seconds to 1/2000th of a second depending on the exposure mode. Some compact models automatically select the shutter speed, but still show it on the LCD screen - not so with the A350. Users can only listen and guess: 'That sounds like 1/250th of a second. No, no, wait…1/200th of a second.'

Aperture*(0.0) *

Point-and-shooters, have no fear - the Fujifilm A350 will automatically select the proper aperture from f/2.8-f/4.7. And once again, the aperture value cannot be viewed on the LCD screen or determined by the user.

Image Parameters

Picture Quality / Size Options*(6.5)*

Image sizes can be chosen in every mode of the camera with the Quality option of the menu. The following sizes are available:

• 2592 x 1944 (5M)

• 2592 x 1728 (3:2)

• 2048 x 1536 (3M)

• 1600 x 1200 (2M)

- 640 x 480 (0.03M)

Within the menu, the image size is expressed in the pixel size; the smaller '5M' and other representations are only for reference when recording. The Fujifilm FinePix A350 includes a 16MB xD-Picture Card; at the highest resolution setting, this will be enough for 6 pictures. In the movie mode, there are two image sizes: 320 x 240 and 160 x 120. Both of these shoot at 15 frames per second.

Picture Effects Mode*(0.0) *

Point-and-shooters who appreciate in-camera editing effects may be saddened by the exclusion of picture effects in the A350. These options aren't included in any A-series camera. Unfortunately, the camera's target audience would most likely appreciate the black and white and sepia effects that other compact models offer. ****

Connectivity / Extras

**Connectivity **
*Software (6.0)
*The Fujifilm A350 comes with FinePix Viewer software version 4.3a, which can be used with both Windows and Macintosh platforms. The program is easy to use and contains an intuitive interface. There are three viewing browsers: thumbnail, preview, and detail. The thumbnail browser lets users view multiple pictures at once, although they are quite small. The preview browser shows the thumbnails at the bottom and a highlighted larger picture on top. The detail view vertically aligns the pictures into a chart, with recording information in the horizontal fields. This version of the FinePix Viewer is similar to that of the Fujifilm F10's, except it does not have a function that chronologically organizes the user's photographs. It does have all the basics though: rotating, clip/insert text, image quality adjustments, red-eye correction, resizing, and changing file formats. Get used to the clipping (cropping) function because the A350's framing options are inadequate and will force users to use it a lot. There is no color balance option on this program; a Hue adjustment changes colors slightly, but does not allow users to change the individual red, green, and blue tracks. The following image adjustments can be made: brightness, saturation, hue, and contrast. The FinePix Viewer is comparable to other software programs available for compact digital cameras - nothing special about it, but it will suffice.

*Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.0) *

The FinePix A350 comes with standard A/V out, USB mini, and DC input sockets. However, the socket for the AC power adapter, AC-3VX, is sold separately. Those lovely little sockets are also open for the whole world to see, tamper, and mess with. So be warned: any little crumb or glob of bubble gum could end up blocking the ports.

*Direct Print Options (6.5)
*The A350 is PictBridge compatible. Pictures can be selected for printing within the playback menu.

*Battery (5.0) *

The Fujifilm FinePix A350 accepts two AA alkaline or NiMH batteries in its bottom compartment. According to Fujifilm, the alkaline batteries will last approximately 100 shots, while the NiMH batteries should go to about 290 shots. However, read the fine print on the FinePix A350 manual (we know you are religious readers of manuals) and you will notice the conditions for optimal battery results: pictures should be taken at an air temperature of 73 degrees, along with a number of other suggestions. Sorry, no candids in Death Valley if you want to make the most of your AAs. In the setup menu, power save mode can be adjusted between two or five minutes to save battery power (this function cannot be turned off). 

---

---

 

**Memory ***(4.0)
*The Fujifilm FinePix A350 records JPEG and Motion JPEG images to xD-Picture Cards up to 512MB. The card loads into the bottom of the camera next to the batteries. The camera comes packaged with a 16MB card, which is only enough storage for 6 pictures recorded at the camera's highest resolution. This will certainly not be enough, especially if users also plan on taking movie clips. I would include the cost of an extra xD-Picture Card in the total purchasing cost of this camera.

**Other Features ***(2.0) *
*Self-Timer - *The self-timer can be selected to take a picture either 2 or 10 seconds after the shutter release button is pressed.

Box Contents - Besides the A350 digital camera, the box includes a 16MB xD-Picture Card, 2 x AA alkaline batteries, a hand strap, USB cable, A/V cable, user manual, and CD-ROM software for FinePix Viewer.

Overall Impressions

Value*(6.5) *

Speaking only in terms of megapixels, the Fujifilm FinePix A350 is a pretty good deal at $299. However, when other options are factored in--such as the inaccurate viewing and framing options, lack of manual control, and absence of metering and AF settings--the A350 loses a good deal of its appeal. The FinePix A350 has a hundred dollar price increase over the 4-megapixel A340. Granted, the new model has an external makeover, a slightly larger 1.7-inch LCD screen, and more megapixels. However, the two cameras ultimately have very similar functions. For point-and-shooters who don't print larger than 4 x 6 inches, the A340 will probably suffice and will ease the strain on the pocket book. If users want to print larger, they'll probably want more megapixels and may take a look at the A350. For 5 megapixels, it's a decent deal, but I'd wait until the digital camera goes on sale and drops in price to justify buying a model full of limitations.

**Comparisons
***Fujifilm FinePix A340 -* The 4-megapixel FinePix A340 is the bulkier predecessor at 4.09 x 2.42 x 1.23 inches. This point-and-shoot has similar recording options to the A350, in a simple interface, but the A340 has a less user-friendly camera body. The 3x optical zoom lens has a sliding lens door that turns the camera on and off; this cover was replaced by a snapping cover atop the lens in the A350. The A340 has a smaller 1.5-inch LCD screen and retails for $199.*

Canon PowerShot A95 -* Canon's A95 is comparable in megapixels, but offers more modes and a larger retail price tag of $399. The 5-megapixel digital camera is also larger at 4 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches and heavier at 8.2 ounces - and that measurement does not include the four AA batteries required to power the A95. Its 1.8-inch LCD screen folds out in a camcorder-like manor, although its movie mode is not much better than the FinePix A350's. The PowerShot A95 does offer a range of automatic and manual options and also includes 13 scene modes.
*
Kodak EasyShare C340 -* This simple point-and-shoot model packs 5 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD, then adds 16MB of internal memory. The Kodak EasyShare C340 is similarly automatic, with manual adjustments only for ISO, exposure metering, and focus zones. There are also 12 scene modes included on the EasyShare C340. For a retail price of $249.95, the Kodak C340 offers the same megapixel count with a similar 3x optical zoom lens, a simple interface, and a slightly smaller 1.6-inch LCD screen.

**

*Nikon Coolpix 5600 - *The Nikon Coolpix 5600 also offers 5.1 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD, but with a smaller retail price of $279.95. This Coolpix has a similarly sized camera body at 1.4 x 3.3 x 2.4 inches. The Nikon 5600 has a 3x optical zoom lens and 14.5MB of internal memory. The 5600's 1.8-inch LCD screen is 98 percent accurate, which is far better than the A350's 90 percent, but still not the full view that some compact cameras offer.

**Who It’s For **
Point-and-Shooters - For the consumer who doesn’t really like viewfinders and relies solely on the LCD, the Fujifilm FinePix A350 suits your eyes-off shooting needs. Remember, however, that the LCD image is not completely accurate, so the final print will still have more picture space around the edge of the frame than you think.

Budget Consumers - With 5 megapixels at $299, the A350 offers a lot of resolution for a reasonable amount of money. However, compared to the 5-megapixel Kodak EasyShare C340 which retails for about $50 less than the Fuji, the FinePix A350 can be put into economic perspective.

Gadget Freaks - If digital camera extras and accessories were considered caffeine, then gadget freaks will take a long sip of decaf with the A350, as its offerings of cool features are pretty sparse.

Manual Control Freaks - White Balance and Exposure Compensation are pretty much the only manual options you can control. Furthermore, inside white balance controls, you can only select from the Fuji presets; there isn’t even a true manual white balance mode! Also, there is no ISO selection, so MCFs be warned.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - The FinePix A350 is completely lacking and has nothing to offer a pro or serious hobbyist.

Conclusion

**Conclusion
**The Fujifilm FinePix A350 is the new flagship model of the A series and certainly looks impressive compared to its counterparts. After all, it has more megapixels and a redesigned camera body. There are 5.2 effective megapixels on the camera's 1/2.5-inch CCD. This imaging package is housed in a plastic body with an extending 3x optical zoom lens. The model's predecessor, the FinePix A340, had a lens door that slid to power the camera on and off. The A350 removes the door and instead installs a guillotine-like snapping cover to protect the lens and increase the camera's durability. Fujifilm did this to reduce the amount of parts the user has to move; it found through its marketing research that consumers were afraid of breaking such things. The A350 added an extra 0.2 inches to its LCD screen for a total of 1.7 inches; however, the size does not make up for the inaccuracy of the screen. The LCD is only 90 percent accurate. Unfortunately, the viewfinder is much worse with only 75 percent accuracy, so users are not really given any good framing options. There is no telling what the picture will really look like until it is uploaded onto a computer or printed. This is inexcusable, even for a point-and-shoot model. For $299, the A350 is a good deal that I would normally recommend for the automatically oriented point-and-shoot crowd. However, the positive part of that phrase is tainted by the inaccuracies of the framing options. Sure, I understand that when a camera doesn't include manual controls, it is aimed for true point-and-shooters, but when the camera doesn't include any good options for framing, what audience segment of the digital camera market will want it?

Specs

**Specs Table **
{{manufacturer_specs_table}}{{raw_scores_table}}