Photography forum participants frequently debate which is the better digital camera: the Canon SD700 or the FujiFilm F30. After hours of research, I conclude that neither is better. They are just different, with different features.

I was so, SO close to buying a F30 but bought the SD700 instead. Here are MY reasons. Keep in mind that your likes and dislikes may differ.

• The F30 has no viewfinder - viewfinders on small cameras are dinky but are there when you needed. And there ARE times when you need a viewfinder.
• The F30 has no image stabilization. IS has become a must have feature for me. It’s useful in many situations, not just low light.
• The F30 uses a xD picture cards. I’ve run into too many people who have had problems with these cards and I’m not willing to take a chance. I prefer Secure Digital cards that are compatible with many cameras made by other manufacturers.
• The battery for the F30 is excellent but I can’t stand the charger configuration. I also dislike the fact that I must charge the battery inside the camera.

It’s important to note that the F30 has manual controls, the SD700 does not. Since the SD700 is not my only digital camera, I didn’t need manual controls.

Personally, I think the nit-picking about poorer quality photos* taken outside by the F30 is blown way out of proportion. I would not hesitate to buy or recommend the F30, particularly to those looking for a compact digital camera with exceptional high ISO performance.

Both the SD700 and F30 are fine cameras. If you’re torn between which to buy, get the camera with features you need.

*Getting better outside photos with the F30

One of the main complaints about outdoor pictures taken with the F30 is inconsistent exposures. Some of the things owners do to address the problem are: use average or spot metering insted of muti-segment metering; set exposure compensation to - 1/3.