Fujifilm's colourful style compact of 2009 — 10MP 1/2.3-inch CCD, 3x 35-105mm zoom, 2.5-inch LCD.
Announced on 22 July 2009, the FinePix Z35 was one of Fujifilm's fashion-led Z-series compacts, the range sold on slim bodies, bright two-tone colour schemes and simple automatic operation. It sat below the flagship Z-series models as an affordable style camera, and its pink, white and black versions have made it a common sight on the UK used market.
The Z35 pairs a 10-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD with a 3x optical zoom covering 35-105mm equivalent at f/3.7-4.2, framed on a 2.5-inch 230k-dot LCD. Native sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 1600, and Fujifilm's Scene Recognition Auto and face detection handle settings automatically. There is no optical image stabilisation. The body measures 90 x 58 x 24mm and weighs about 125g, with storage on SD/SDHC cards and power from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
This is a snapshot camera aimed squarely at casual and first-time users, and today it appeals to buyers wanting a compact CCD digicam in a colourful shell. The mid-range 35mm wide end limits interiors, and the lack of stabilisation shows at the telephoto end indoors, but in decent light it produces the punchy CCD output the Y2K-digicam revival trades on.
Check the sliding-panel or lens area operates smoothly and that the camera powers on without lens errors. Confirm a working Fujifilm lithium-ion battery and charger are present, since chargers are often missing from cheap listings even though replacements are inexpensive. SD/SDHC storage is no obstacle. Cosmetic wear on the coloured finish is common, and the 2.5-inch screen should be checked for deep scratches.