Fuji FinePix 1300Fuji updates their entry-level 1.3 megapixel model, adding USB for fast file downloads<<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User InterfaceReview First Posted: 11/28/2000 |
Operation and User Interface
Overall, the FinePix 1300's user interface is pretty upfront and self explanatory. All of the buttons are strategically located and easily accessible. The camera layout is conducive to one-handed operation, with the exception of the Macro switch on the left side panel, and the Display and Power buttons, which present just a bit of a stretch for your thumb to reach while shooting. The Mode Dial is well marked and the buttons clearly labeled. All operational buttons, switches, and dials have unique bumps or ridges on them, making it a fairly simple task to identify and manipulate specific controls without taking your eye off the subject. The large recessed grip on the front panel is easy to use as well.
The FinePix 1300 makes two significant departures from common interface design. 1) The Auto/Manual control has been moved from the Mode Dial to the LCD menu system, which necessitates more reliance on the LCD monitor for this very basic adjustment. 2) The Macro/Normal lens selector is moved to the left panel, where one rarely finds anything except AC/DC jacks and computer interface ports. Due to its close proximity to the fixed-focal-length lens, it's obvious that Fujifilm has designed this as a simple sliding mechanism, positioned behind the lens to achieve the Macro effect.
The digital USB and DC IN 5V jacks are located on the left side of the camera, while the SmartMedia slot is on the opposite side. The SmartMedia card is protected by a rigid cover that flips open easily, without the aid of fingernails, coins, or other bothersome tools. Because of the large battery compartment on the bottom of the camera, the tripod mount sits slightly off-center, which may or may not affect user operation. (We found the tripod mount to be quite stable, as there is plenty of camera bottom remaining on the left side of the tripod socket to provide a flat mounting surface.)
Shutter Button: Located on top of the camera, this button sets exposure settings when depressed halfway. It fires the shutter when fully depressed. In Self-Timer mode, the shutter button triggers a 10-second countdown before firing the shutter.
Power Slide Switch: Above the LCD monitor, on the back of the camera, this switch turns the camera on and off. If the camera is left unattended for two minutes, the power is automatically turned off. However, you can disable this automatic off function by holding down the Menu/OK button when you turn the camera on.
Mode Dial: The Mode Dial is located on the back panel, in the top right corner. It rotates between three camera modes:
- Set-up: Engages an LCD-based menu that can be used to change File Size/Quality, Beep, Date/Time, Frame Number, and Language.
- Photography (Record): Allows you to capture images in either Auto or Manual exposure modes, and to access the LCD-based Photography menu to choose Flash settings, Continuous Shooting, Self-Timer, and Record Modes, plus Exposure Compensation and White Balance when the camera is in Manual mode
- Playback: Allows you to view images frame-by-frame or in multi-frame index format. A Playback Zoom function enables you to enlarge images up to 4X on-screen and scroll within them to inspect minor details. The Playback menu can be used to Erase or Protect images, or to specify Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) settings.
Rocker Toggle Button: This four-way rocker button is located to the left of the Mode Dial on the camera's back panel. It features Up, Down, Left, and Right Arrows that allow you to navigate through various menus and to activate the Digital Telephoto in Auto or Manual capture modes.
In Playback mode, the Left and Right Arrows scroll through captured images, while the Up and Down arrows control the Playback Zoom. Once a captured image is enlarged, the rocker toggle allows you to navigate to different areas within the image.
In Self-Timer mode, the Down Arrow cancels the 10-second countdown.
Menu/OK Button: Located beside the rocker toggle button, the Menu/OK button is used in both Record and Playback modes to access menu settings for each. The OK button selects menu items and confirms changes. Holding down the Menu/OK button as you power up the camera disables the camera's two-minute automatic shut-off function.
Display Button: Located just above the LCD monitor, this button turns the LCD display on and off. In Auto mode, one press turns on the image and information displays, a second press turns off the information display, and a third press turns off the image display.
In Playback Mode, turning the camera on automatically activates the information and image display. Pressing the Display button once removes the information icons and leaves only the image; pressing it again brings up the multi-frame index display.
If you hold down the Display button for two seconds in Auto, Manual, Self-Timer, and Playback modes, you can adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor by pressing the Left and Right Arrow buttons.
Macro Switch: Located on the left side of the camera, this switch is used to select between Macro and Normal lens focusing.
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