In February of this year, I decided I wanted a new digital camera, I wanted the best low-light performance camera that was small enough to slip into my trouser pocket. I was willing to trade off other desireable features in a camera; like image stabilization, a wide angle lense, etc., for the best low-light capability. I quickly selected the Fuji 6.3 MegaPixel FinePix F30 as it seemed to be in a low-light performance class by itself with a 1/1.7" CCD chip (large for a small point and shoot camera). And I've been very pleased with this camera. Fuji is coming out with even better models now (e.g., F50), but that's the way it goes.
Above is a picture I took a few night ago in a local parking lot. The picture was taken at ISO of 1600, f/2.8 and 1/15 second (hand held) shutter speed. The same picture at ISO of 3200 had a shutter speed of 1/27 second, and a little bit more digital noise, but still a very good picture.
