The new Fujifilm FinePix 40i digital camera combines the features of
an MP3 player, a 2.4-megapixel digital still camera, and a digital
video camera in an attractive, 226 gram package. As a camera, the 40i
is great (but somewhat limited); as an MP3 player, it's serviceable.
The FinePix 40i is housed in a brushed-metal case with a motorised metal lens cover. The rear panel features a bright 1.8-inch LCD along with controls for the menu, display, and record/playback modes. On the bottom, a sliding cover reveals a Smartmedia card slot and battery compartment. Fuji includes two high-capacity nickel hydride batteries and a slow (13-hour) charger but no memory card; buyers will need to factor in the cost of storage media. The camera's MP3 feature works only with Smartmedia cards.
The 40i's small size (7.1 by 8.6 by 2.7 cms, HWD) and excellent battery life allow easy transport. The ability to take a picture within a couple of seconds of pressing the power button makes it ideal for candid photos.
Picture quality was sharp and had excellent colour saturation. The 40i maintained white balance even when used with mixed lighting sources. Although the camera's wide-angle lens makes it ideal for group shots, we found the flash to be a bit weak, falling off sharply beyond 2.13 feet. The camera's equivalent film speed of ISO 200 and the fast f2.8 lens let us take sharp, well-exposed pictures in existing light without the flash.
Image downloads and MP3 uploads to and from the camera are handled by a USB connection. Fuji's image downloading software auto-launches when you attach the camera to your PC. But you can't just drag-and-drop your favourite MP3 files to the camera; you have to use Fuji's MP3 software.
The 40i's MP3 player operates via a remote control/display cable that also serves as a remote shutter release for the camera. But the remote's tiny LCD doesn't have room for detailed track information, a feature we've come to expect even on low-end mp3 players.
The Fujifilm FinePix 40i is pushing into the price territory of 3-megapixel units such as the Nikon CoolPix 880 and the Kodak DCS-4800. If you're willing to pay the extra bucks, the 40i provides a unique blend of compact size and high coolness factor.
Fujifilm FinePix 40i
Company: Hanimex
Ph: 02 9466 2900; Fax: 02 9938 1975
Price: AU$1,600.
Rating: 4 Star
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