Fuji FinePix Z1 vs. Canon SD400, Low Light (Photo)
:: Sunday, January 15th, 2006 @ 4:23:51 pm
I’m always on the look-out for the best compact camera for low-light imaging. I hate flash-lit shots from compact cameras, and usually try to expose ambient while using flash fill — difficult, with compacts. I’ve been using a Canon SD400 for some time now (it’s the camera I recommend to just about everyone), but I’ve recently switched to a Fuji FinePix Z1 — not because it’s a better camera, but because it seems to perform better in low light.
The Fuji FinePix Z1 is compact and stylish. In its press release, Fuji states:
The pocket-sized FinePix Z1 Zoom houses a fifth generation version of Fujifilm’s Super CCD HR sensor, delivering superb images even in low light conditions, making it the ideal pocket companion for concerts or nights out. Its five megapixel processing power and low noise ISO 64-800 sensitivity range also means that large reprints can be developed without loss of image clarity or detail.
They tout their new Super CCD HR sensor as one that works better than the competition does in low light; having a compact camera that can even shoot at ISO 800 is rare. At least Fuji has stopped marketing their cameras as having higher pixel counts than others do. That was stupid.
I took a few comparison images the other day. You can be the judge:
As you can see, at ISO 400, the Fuji’s image is much cleaner than the Canon’s is. It certainly trades sharpness for smoothness, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to accept.
Other than its (relatively) smooth low-light performance, I much prefer the Canon SD400 to the Fuji Z1. A few drawbacks of the Fuji:
1. Doesn’t focus as well as the Canon in low light.
2. Uses xD cards. Blech.
3. Out of the box, requires dock for charging and USB connection. Lame.
4. Shooting settings found in buttons, “F” menu, AND traditional menu. Can be confusing.
5. OEM battery charger doesn’t feature integrated AC plug (requires cable).
6. Lens placement encourages finger coverage.
I’ve put up a few images for comparizon in a zipped file. It contains resized images from the cameras (no sharpening or any other modifications), and 100% crops.
Journal RSS 
I have an SD400. I love it!
At the time of this comment’s posting, the link to the image comparison file (fujivscanon.zip) did not resolve. 404 error.
link updated. thanks for the catch!
another small detail that bugged me about Fuji Z1 vs Canon SD series: lack of optical viewfinder on the Fuji Z1. sometimes i like to look through the little hole since it seems to be slightly less shaky and gives me the option to conserve on battery life.
the difference in noise at iso 400 is striking though. wow.
From your files, it appears that another key advantage to the Fuji is its 3:2 aspect ratio. I carry around an SD20 as an alternative to my dSLR, and the aspect ratio is probably my #2 complaint after noise.
Didn’t even notice it at first, but, yeah, HWH — would be nice to have 3:2 in my pocket cam.
Thanks for the comparison, Eric. Comparing the Canon @ ISO 400 vs. the Fuji @ ISO 800, it’s surprising to see how clean the latter is when compared to former. Since you lose a stop in speed with the Fuji’s lens, I guess the Fuji doesn’t really allow you to shoot in darker situations than the Canon, but what you will shoot will be cleaner.
Another issue is that in addition to being a stop slower, the Z1’s max shutter speed is something like 1/6 sec. You won’t be able to leave the shutter open for long periods of time…
And — YES. 3:2 aspect ratio is something that I love, even though I’m throwing away pixels!
I use the SD400 and the one thing I like about Canon compact is the focus assist light, does the Z1 have the same feature? Hey, the new Z2’s capable of ISO1600!!