Fujifilm FinePix XP150 A Fun, Good Looking and Rugged Camera

Cameras have many uses, whether it be for professional purposes, hobbies or just plain fun.  Sometimes we need cameras that are built to last, that can take the bangs from rough use and can take being submerged in water without breaking.  That is where a camera like the Fujifilm Finepix XP150 comes in.

Of course this type of camera is nothing new, we already have cameras like the Olympus Tough and Nikon AW ranges available to play with, so the Finepix will need to have something special to stand out.  With its bright looks and 14-megapixel lens in any environment, it’s a cheaper phone that just might offer enough uniqueness to catch people’s interest.

Controls

As you would want with a camera that is going to be used on your adventures the buttons are big and bold, although the GPS function is a small as it’s not really needed like the other controls.  They are easy to press but it would be nicer if the surfaces were easier to grip onto with your fingers, especially when wearing gloves.

The zoom controls are more grippable though which is very useful especially when trying to get those shots, whether it’s underwater or hanging off a cliff somewhere.  The controls have been made to be easy to see and use in any situation.  Power up and the ability to take images are also fast; all this of course to fit the type of scenario the camera will be used in.

Screen

The screen is around 2.7-inch in size and has a resolution of around 230k dots.  This is below today’s standard and the menu system itself does feel quite basic.  I’d argue though that in the situations the camera is used in you don’t really want to be having to go through complicated menus to get to the options you want.  To some though this will still be quite basic and in truth it is a basic camera, especially when expensive cameras offer plenty of other options to play with.

Image quality

With 14 megapixel lens quality and the ability to record HD video at 1920x1080 pixels (at 30fps) this is a fun camera to play with and provides quality shots.  The 5x optical zoom can also be used in the recording too which is also a plus of course.  With reported occasional soft shots though and camera wobble being an issue this can be a let-down but with a camera that is at a budget price this is actually something that is expected.  The camera also takes almost all varieties of SD Card to increase memory for your pictures; this will be useful especially when recording video.

Verdict

The battery included with the camera can take up to 300 shots on full charge with is perfect for a day’s shooting on your adventures.  Although it’s advertised as being a rugged camera though it’s not the strongest on the market, this is arguably the Pentax Optio WG2, but the Finepix is arguably better looking.  For what is basically a quite basic camera that is made to be quite tough it’s a fun option but there are better options on the market and around the same price.  At £219.99/$279.95 this will always be an option for somebody who needs a rugged but easy on the eye camera.

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