Fuji XP30 Overview

Site Score
4.2
Good: Feature rich. Has features only available in high end waterproof camera models
Bad: High resolution results in softer pictures
Retail
$239

{tab=Our Review}

At less than $250, the Fuji XP30 waterproof camera is cheaper than the premium Panasonic or the unbreakable Pentax. But it is packed with premium features like 28-140 mm equivalent wide lens for better scenery shots, a respectable 5x zoom, a GPS as well as a real mechanical stabilizer to reduce blurs in your pictures.

If not because of the 14.2 Megapixel (which we think is quite high for it’s tiny sensor to handle) we’d definely recommend this XP 30 as an entry level waterproof camera.

The Good
  1. Packed with features that you’ll only find in high end models
  2. Has GPS that will sort your pictures according to locations.
  3. Has mechanical stabilizer. Good for unsteady shooting position (like in a kayak).
  4. Cheaper than all GPS equipped waterproof cameras.
The Bad
  1. High resolution on a tiny sensor. Pictures could be soft.
  2. Only 200 pictures per charge.
  3. The zoom is controlled by a sliding button instead of a rocker.
The Verdict: How Good Is This Camera ?

… coming soon
{tab=Example Pictures}

{tab=Short Specs }

Toughness

Water Proof Depth: 16.4feet

Shock Proof: 4.9feet

Freeze Proof: -10degrees Celcius

Picture Taking Ability

Resolution: 14.2MegaPixel

Zoom: 5.0x

Focal length: 28-140mm

LCD Size: 2.7inch

Picture Taking Assistance

Image Stabilizer: yesMechanical

Face Detection:
yes

Scene Modes:
yes20 Options

Viewfinder:
no

Video Taking Ability

Type: HD compatible

Zoom:
yes

Max Shooting Duration

Photos: 200photos per charge

Video: 2GB max per clip

Memory & Battery

Memory Type:
SD, SDHC, SDXC

Battery Type:
Lithium-ion 720 mAh

{tab=Would It Suit You ?}

 

{tab=Our Tips}

To get the most out of this camera:

  1. Buy the fastest memory card you could find. We suggest “Class 6″ or higher.
  2. Make sure that the battery/memory door is properly closed by pushing the door all the way down until it clips in place. Then, slide the tiny latch to your right. If you don’t close it properly, you’ll ruin the camera instantly when underwater.
  3. Turn off the Auto Power LCD Mode and Power LCD Mode if you need to squeeze more pictures from the battery.
  4. GPS Setting — learn when to use the “Permanently ON” mode or “When Switched ON” mode. The first mode will continue update the GPS even when your Fuji XP30 is turned off. The gps data will appear faster but put it’ll also put strains on your battery.

We suggest you :

  1. Turn off your camera for 1 hour (and remove your memory card & battery) if you see condensation in your camera. This happens when there’s a sudden changes in temperature (like entering an air conditioned room after using it outside on a hot day)
  2. Not use zoom when recording if you’re not going to edit your videos because the sound from your zoom will also get recorded.
  3. Turn the GPS permanently off while travelling because the camera will not pick up signal when you’re in a vehicle. This helps preserve your battery charges and maximize the number of pictures you can take on your trip.
  4. Get a floating strap if you plan to take it to the sea.
  5. Bring a backup battery if shooting in cold weather.

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