FujiFilm FinePix A330 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

by Fuji

Product Details

Product Manual [3.89mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001D56SM
• Item model number: A330
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,657 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Speed is mostly what sets the A330 apart from previous cameras. Slide the camera cover open and you'll be ready to start taking photos in about three seconds. The camera also has a quick refresh between images--less than a second. Images come out of the A330 quickly, too, since it is compatible with the much-faster transfer speeds of USB 2.0 when uploading to computers that are likewise equipped.

Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor, the A330 can create images up to 2272 x 1704 pixels, which is enough information to create photo-quality prints up to 11 by 15 inches. The camera features a 3x Fujinon zoom lens. Also, the camera has a 1.6x digital zoom feature, but only when shooting in 2MP mode. To get those close-up shots full of detail, the A330's macro mode can focus the camera on subjects just 3.6 inches from the lens.

Movie Mode
Shoot up to one minute of AVI video without sound at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels; up to four minutes at lower resolutions. The movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments. The camera includes cables that allow you to view your movies on NTSC (North American) and PAL (other regions) televisions and, of course, you can upload the files to your computer via the camera's USB interface.

More Features

• Flash mode: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro
• 1.5-inch TFT display screen
• TTL center-point fixed autofocus
• Auto, manual, and pre-programmed exposure control
• Fast processing: 3.3-second bootup time (duration between turning the camera on and when it's ready to start taking pictures) and a frame-to-frame time of 0.62 seconds.
• Ten-second self-timer
• Six-language menu interface
• Standard tripod socket
• Sliding lens cover

Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on xD memory cards (16MB included). Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. This camera can transfer images at a faster USB 2.0 rate to computers installed with a USB 2.0 card.

Printing
This camera is compatible with the PictBridge direct-printing standard. That means that it can connect and print directly to a number of printers by different manufacturers without additional software or even a computer. Learn more about PictBridge.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by two AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended). It measures 4.09 by 2.42 by 1.23 inches and weighs 5.1 ounces without batteries and memory card.

What's in the Box
Camera, 16MB xD-Picture Card, USB / Video out Cable, Wrist Strap, 2 AA Alkaline Batteries, Picture Cradle Adapter (Cradle Sold Separately), CD-ROM with FinePix Viewer ver. 4.2 and ImageMixer VCD 2 for FinePix, User Manual

Product Description

MD) CL) FUJI FINEPIX A330 DIG CAM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

147 of 150 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, Bad, and thankfully not ugly, October 6, 2004

By 

AP - See all my reviews

This review is from: FujiFilm FinePix A330 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

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 8x10 (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.

71 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fuji A330, June 13, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: FujiFilm FinePix A330 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

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.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars easy, light, sometimes blurry, energy efficient, recommended, August 24, 2004

By 

Troy H (Fort Worth, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FujiFilm FinePix A330 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

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.