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Fujifilm FinePix 2300 Fuji updates their "value priced" entry-level camera with 2 megapixels and USB connectivity. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet FinePix 2300 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on FinePix 2300 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 07/2/2001

Video Out
The FinePix 2300 does not feature a video out capability.


Power
Four AA batteries power the FinePix 2300, either alkaline, NiMH, or NiCd (a set of four AA alkaline batteries comes with the camera). An AC adapter is available as a separate accessory, and we highly recommend buying it for tasks like reviewing images and downloading files. Fujifilm estimates that a set of AA alkaline batteries should provide approximately 240 frames with the LCD monitor on, and about 730 frames with it turned off (NiCd batteries only provide about 130 frames with the LCD monitor on and about 400 frames with it off). Fujifilm warns against using lithium or manganese batteries, as the heat produced could damage the camera internally.

The table below shows the results of our own power measurements on the FinePix 2300, along with estimated run times when using 1500 mAh capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries.

Operating Mode	Power	Est. Minutes
Capture Mode, w/LCD	520 mA	166
Capture Mode, Manual Mode, no LCD	370 mA	234
Capture Mode, Auto Mode, no LCD	40 mA	(>10 hrs)
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	590 mA	146
Half-pressed w/o LCD	520 mA	166
Memory Write (transient)	410 mA	n/a
Flash Recharge (transient)	670 mA	n/a
Image Playback	370 mA	233

Overall, the 2300's power consumption is better than average for its category (2 megapixel point & shoot cameras). As with most digital cameras, the LCD consumes a significant amount of power. - Note that the LCD never completely turns off in "manual" exposure mode, since it's needed for menu displays. You'll need to operate the camera in "auto" mode to get the best battery life. Still, even in manual mode, with the live viewfinder display turned off, the camera will run for nearly 4 hours. With the display completely off in "auto" mode, you can blithely leave the camera on all day without noticeably draining your batteries. We still strongly recommend buying a good set of rechargeable NiMH AA batteries and a charger, but the 2300 offers better run times than many competing models.

About Batteries
We've gotten so many emails about power issues for digicams, that we're now inserting this standard notice in the reviews of all AA-powered cameras on our site: Don't even *think* about using alkaline AA batteries in a digicam! Despite their being packed in the box with many cameras, they simply don't have the juice to handle typical digicam demands. (Even the "high power" ones the battery manufacturers say are designed for devices like digital cameras.) Spend the $35-40 or so it takes to get a set (or two) of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries and a good charger! The few dollars up front will save you literally hundreds of dollars in the long run, not to mention the hassle of wimpy batteries running out in the middle of the action. We suggest you buy two sets of batteries, so one can always be in the charger, ready to go, and so have two sets available for longer excursions. Good brands of batteries include Maha (our favorite), GP, Kodak, and Nexcell. Also, buy the highest capacity AAs the manufacturer makes, the few extra dollars for the extra capacity is usually well worth it. Getting a good charger is critical though, almost more so than buying good batteries. We recommend the Maha C-204F (see the photo at right), the charger we use the most in our own studio. - Read our review of it for all the details. Or, just click here to buy one, you won't regret it.


Included Software
Packaged with the FinePix 2300 is a software CD loaded with USB drivers, FinePix Viewer, DP Editor, and Adobe ActiveShare and PhotoDeluxe image editing software. It also includes extra drivers and launchers necessary for Windows. A USB cable comes with the camera for quick connection to a PC or Mac. All software is compatible with Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000 and Macintosh OS 8.6 to 9.0 platforms, except for Adobe ActiveShare, which is for Windows only. The FinePix Viewer software enables you list the images on the camera or computer, print indexes of images, as well as view and print individual images. The DP Editor package works with the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) setup to print images on DPOF compliant printers. Adobe ActiveShare software sets up images for Web sharing, and Adobe PhotoDeluxe allows you to get creative with your images through a variety of filters and image manipulation tools. You can also correct minor problems and work with templates to create greeting cards, calendars, brochures, and many others.


In the Box

• FinePix 2300 digital camera
• USB cable
• 8MB SmartMedia card
• Wrist strap
• Four AA batteries
• Software CD-ROM
• User manuals