Fujifilm FinePix 2300Fuji updates their "value priced" entry-level camera with 2 megapixels and USB connectivity.<<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User InterfaceReview First Posted: 07/2/2001 |
Operation and User Interface
The FinePix 2300's user interface is very straightforward and easy to learn. The fully automatic exposure control and limited features keep camera operation simple, with only a handful of external controls and a limited number of LCD menu options available. All adjustments, with the exception of Digital Zoom and Macro focus, are made through the LCD menu system, which is very minimal and quick to navigate. We would have liked to see the Continuous Shooting and Self-Timer modes accessible in both Automatic and Manual exposure modes, as it would have been nice to have Exposure Compensation and White Balance settings available in both modes. Setting the Flash in Macro mode was a problem, because we had to switch to Manual exposure to use the Flash at all. We also found it a little tedious to change the image size and quality settings, which require you to access the camera's Setup menu. Despite these minor inconveniences, we found the FinePix 2300's user interface relatively user-friendly, and the accompanying User Guide quickly cleared up any operation questions. We also appreciated that the User Guide provides tips on how to use each exposure adjustment, which is useful to novice photographers.
Control Enumeration
Shutter Button: The only control on the top panel, this silver button sets focus and exposure when halfway depressed, and triggers the exposure when fully depressed.
Mode Dial: Located in the top right corner of the back panel, this large, notched dial sets the camera's operating mode to Setup, Record, or Playback.
Four-Way Arrow Rocker Pad: Directly to the left of the Mode dial, this button features one arrow in each direction (up, down, left, and right). The arrow keys navigate through menu options in both Record and Playback modes. In Record mode, when the file size is set to 1,280 x 960 or 640 x 480 pixels, the up and down arrows control digital zoom. (Digital zoom is not available in the 1,600 x 1,200 file size.) When the Self-Timer is activated, the down arrow button cancels the countdown. In Playback mode, the left and right arrow buttons scroll through captured images on the SmartMedia card, while the up and down arrows enlarge a captured image as much as 4x. Once a captured image is enlarged, all four arrow keys pan the enlarged view.
Menu / OK Button: On the left side of the four-way Arrow Rocker pad, the OK button activates the settings menu in Record and Playback modes. It also acts as the "OK" button to confirm menu settings when selected.
Display Button: Positioned over the center of the LCD monitor, this button controls the monitor's display. In Record mode, the button cycles through no image display, image and information display, and image display only modes. In Playback mode, the button cycles through image with information display, image display only, and the nine-image index display.
Power Switch: Just above the Display button, this sliding switch turns the camera on or off.
Macro / Normal Focus Switch: Located at the top of the camera's left side, this switch places the camera into Macro or Normal focus modes.
SmartMedia Compartment Release: Located next to the SmartMedia compartment on the camera's right side, this switch releases the memory card compartment door.
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