May 13th, 2010 
Benz 
- 3.2-megapixel resolution for photo-quality 11-by-15-inch enlargements
- Fujinon 3x zoom lens
- Sliding lens cover design; movie mode without sound; improved operating speeds; PictBridge compatible
- Stores images on xD memory cards (16MB included); connect to computers via USB 1.1 or 2.0
- Powered by 2 AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended)
Product Description
The FinePix A330 offers faster operation times and improved power consumption with new, user-friendly menu navigation. The cameras allow first-time digital photographers to capture great pictures easily, while keeping the overall experience simple and fun. The FinePix A330 offers 3. 2 million effective pixels and a 3x optical zoom to capture bright, vivid images combined with a 3x optical zoom, for printed images that look as real as life. This camera offers streamlin. . . More >>
FujiFilm FinePix A330 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
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You’re probably considering the Fuji A330 because you either want a good reliable point-and-shoot or simply because you want a really good deal. I’ve owned several digital point-and-shoots and even digital cameras several times the price of the A330 so the enclosed points speak from a fairly varied experience of digital camera usage over a 4 year period.
The Good
1. The photos are generally good quality when taken outdoors. Compared to other point and shoot cameras at least. But you’ll instantly notice the difference in photo quality if you choose to buy (for example) a 3 MP camera at twice this price. (I also own the Canon PowerShot IS and love the vivid color in the photos there. )
2. If someone tells you 3 MP is not enough, ignore them unless you need to make prints larger than 8×10 (when did you make blow ups with a 35mm camera anyway???)
3. Battery life is decent. Please do invest in rechargeables. A worthy investment. Make sure you get a smart charger, not a dumb one (enough product information and review material on Amazon to help you learn more on this if you would like. )
4. You’ll appreciate the 3x zoom though instantly crave for more.
5. There is not much else out there in the market under one hundred and fifty dollars. So if this is a gift, you’ve got a good starter camera to give with the additional accessories to be bought later by the recipient.
The Bad
1. XD cards are at least 40% more expensive than compact flash cards. Negates the whole concept of getting a really good deal. (Though there is currently a free memory card offer on Amazon that’s worth looking at. )
2. Start up time at 3. 3 seconds (according to Fuji at least) is still slow. That means you are guaranteed to miss a good action shot since time from start to click is at least 6 seconds (unless the word `draw’ reminds you of the Wild Wild West and not your kindergarten days. . . )
3. If your really plan to take some video footage, you’ll regret, soon enough, the lack of audio. Be prepared to be disappointed. I suggest you strongly consider a camera with audio. You can use Windows Movie Maker to add audio in later but you’ll probably not find time to learn to use this efficiently enough.
4. its `just’ a little too bulky to put into your pant pocket and still be completely comfortable. Especially if you have a carrying case with the camera.
The Ugly
None really.
Conclusion
A great starter camera. You cant go wrong with this purchase if this is your first digital camera. I’m being a little critical here because I’d like to share my likes and dislikes of this purchase. But I guarantee you, at this price, or for a starter camera, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is my second digital camera in 5 years – handed down the old one to the kids. I was hesitant to give up my old one because of how easy it was to use (an old HP model)but it was bulky and I wanted some new features. I bought the Sony DSC P32 and hated how complicated it was. I hung on to it for 90 days hoping I could dedicate a week or so to reading about how to use the darn thing when I finally gave up and returned it. I was referred to the Fuji A330 for ease of use. It is so easy, my kids use it! It takes great pictures all around – inside, outside, light or dark. The software also is much better than what came with the Sony I returned. A friend bought the Nikon 3200 and we compared our cameras to eachother. We found them to have practically identical features except that the Fuji is about $50 less so I know I get the better deal. One very important thing to keep in mind is that the software be user friendly. Even if you find a camera that you like, if the software stinks, you won’t get the best use out of your camera. The software with the Fuji is good.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is my first digital camera, but it’s easy to use. I like how it’s so small and light that I can carry it with me in my pocket.
Pictures are good quality, my only complaint about the pictures is that outdoor photos at dusk or in evening shadows tend to easily blur slightly due to long shutter speeds when the subject is too far away for the flash to be effective. I don’t know if other digital cameras have the same problem as much but this can be fixed by using a tripod or shooting when it’s brighter.
Another minor quibble is that it’s not as easy to change the settings as it could/should be. To change between night mode to sport mode, for example, I have to go to the menu and scroll through the options.
As I understand it, the camera is very good on batteries, I took about 250 pictures (albeit in the span of 3 days) before I had to replace the batteries that came with it.
I would definitely recommend this camera, it’s small, easy to use, and much cheaper than a similar Canon. One thing to consider is the price of memory, though. This camera uses xD memory, which is slightly more expensive (though smaller) than some other kinds.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is my second Fuji, my first was the MX-1200. It took great pictures, nothing last for ever. So now I own the A330 and it’s
standing up to my old one even better. What I like is that you can be in a dim lighted room and take a picture that comes out as if you had all the lights on. Fuji has my business. Also it’s very easy to use.
Rating: 5 / 5
This camera is easy to use, easy to carry around in your backpack or purse, though not so easy to break. I’ve dropped it plenty of times and it stands up against my brutality. I have a 35mm and a digital SLR that I use when I want to take better pictures, but the quality is fine for snapshots or random things you find around town.
Rating: 4 / 5