Fujifilm FinePix F401 2.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
by FUJIFILM

List Price: $449.99
Buy Used: from $29.95 (click here)
Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details

• Fuji's 2.1 megapixel Super CCD sensor delivers resolutions up to 2,304 x 1,728 pixels (4.0 megapixels) through interpolation
• 3x optical plus 3.6x digital (10.8x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 16 MB SmartMedia card holds approximately 20 images at default resolution
• Connects to Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NP60)

• AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 32GB Secure Digital Card
• Adobe Photoshop CS5 Upgrade [Old Version]
• Adobe Photoshop CS5 [Old Version]
• AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
• Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 [OLD VERSION]

Description of Fujifilm FinePix F401 2.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The camera can create 4-megapixel images by interpolating, or "guessing" details, via Fuji's Super CCD. The results are OK, but of course cannot match true 4-megapixel sensors. While the images certainly come out well-contrasted and colorful on all of the resolution settings, slight artifacting is noticeable. Images in low light suffer from noticeable blocks of compression. This may be a problem if you are interested in producing 8-by-10-inch prints; however, it should be fine for standard-size prints or Web viewing.

The 1.5-inch LCD is comfortable enough to use, but it hides the sides of the real image a little bit, which can throw you off while composing shots. The optical viewfinder is small, and often frustrating to use when it is too bright to use the LCD.

The buttons on the back are thoughtfully placed and can be reached easily by the fingers. The menu is easy to navigate through, guiding you with a color code for each submenu. The USB and DC power ports are placed on the side of the camera, but one minor quibble is that the typical protective cover for these is missing. Protection for delicate and crucial circuitry like the USB port is definitely needed when you are taking the camera out and about.

As a point and shoot, the F401 is a great camera and a stylish, light design is always a plus. However, its less than impressive imaging and relatively high price should be considered for those seeking performance and value. --Bao Tran

Pros:

• Very easy point-and-shoot operation
• Well-designed and easily navigable menus
• Can use certain manual controls (ISO speed, gain, white balance)

Cons:

• Noticeable image artifacting
• Lack of port protection

Optics and Resolution
With its 2.1-megapixel Super CCD (with interpolated results up to 4 megapixels) the FinePix F401 delivers resolution up to 2,304 x 1,728 pixels for colorful prints up to 11-by-14 inches. Combined with Fuji's proprietary image-processing method--Pixel Data Coupling--and new noise-reduction technology, the new Super CCD enables the FinePix F401 to deliver a wider range of ISO sensitivities with a minimal increase in CCD "noise."

The FinePix F401 also features a 3x optical aspherical zoom lens (with up to a 3x digital zoom option) that allows for more detailed close-ups.

Fuji's Super CCD
Instead of conventional CCDs with square photodiodes and pixel arrangements, Fuji's Super CCD has octagonal-shaped photodiodes and pixels situated on 45-degree angles. This "honeycomb" pattern increases sensitivity, allowing pixels to be efficiently packed at maximum density. The area of the photodiode in a half-inch Super CCD with 2 million pixels is about 1.6 times as large as the area offered in the conventional CCD with the same number of pixels. The Super CCD improves overall signal-to-noise ratio and offers a much wider dynamic range.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the FinePix F601 produces color digital videos in multiple creative formats, including QVGA (320 x 240, 10 frames per second) and QQVGA (320 x 160, 30 frames per second with sound).

The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on SmartMedia memory cards. The included 16 MB card holds approximately 10 images at the highest 4-megapixel setting or 40 at the normal 2-megapixel setting.

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera--your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Power
The camera is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is charged by the included AC adapter.

Size
At 3.3 by 2.7 by 1 inches 6.5 ounces, the FinePix F401 is quite light and comfortable in the palm of your hand--perfect for shooting pictures wherever you roam.

More Features

• Shutter speeds range from 3 to 1/1,000 seconds with adjustable ISO sensitivity of 100/200/400, including a high-sensitivity 1-megapixel (1,280 x 960) mode at ISO 800/1600.
• Continuous shooting modes: 4 frames per second for 5 pictures for either the first 5 frames or final 5 frames
• Voice-memo function records up to 30 seconds of audio with each picture

Contents and Recommended Accessories
This package contains the FinePix F401 digital camera, 16MB SmartMedia card, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter-battery charger, wrist strap, USB cable, printed manual, and CD-ROM featuring FinePixViewer software and drivers.

We recommend a higher-capacity SmartMedia card.

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