Fujifilm's entry-level 2009 compact — 10.2MP CCD, 3x zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, SD storage and NP-45 power.
The FinePix J28 was a 2009 addition to Fujifilm's entry-level J-series of slim point-and-shoot compacts. Fujifilm issued the line in closely spaced variants — the J27, J28, J29, J30 and others share a single owner's manual — with the J28 among the versions sold in the UK. It sat at the very bottom of the range, aimed at buyers upgrading from phone cameras or older 5-megapixel compacts.
It uses a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor with a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, plus around 5.7x digital zoom on top. Framing is via a 2.7-inch LCD, autofocus combines contrast detection with face detection, and images go to SD/SDHC cards or a small internal memory. The rechargeable NP-45 lithium-ion battery is rated for roughly 180 shots per charge, and the plastic body weighs just 113g at 92 x 56 x 20mm.
The J28 is a pure snapshot tool: light, pocketable and fully automatic, with face detection helping casual portraits. It suits students and beginners wanting an inexpensive CCD-era compact for everyday photos. Limits are equally clear — no image stabilisation, modest lens reach and a battery life that encourages carrying a spare.
Used prices are low, so condition matters more than specification. Verify the NP-45 battery holds charge; it was fitted to dozens of Fujifilm compacts, so replacements and chargers are cheap and plentiful. Lens-error faults from drops are a known issue on this series, so test the zoom through its full travel, and check the LCD and battery-door catch. SD/SDHC storage presents no obsolescence problems.