Fuji FinePix 2400 ZoomA two megapixel CCD, 3x zoom lens and USB make a fine, value-priced digital point & shoot from Fuji<<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User InterfaceReview First Posted: 11/19/2000 |
Operation and User Interface
We found the user interface on the FinePix 2400 Zoom to be pretty self-explanatory. Only the flash, camera mode, LCD information display, and zoom are operated by external controls, leaving the majority of the camera settings to the LCD menu system. This greatly simplifies the operation, although the heavy reliance on the LCD monitor tends to shorten battery life.
The LCD menu is in itself very straightforward, occupying only two menu screens which can be quickly navigated with the Arrow buttons. And, since most of the buttons are within reach of one hand (the Display button is just barely out of reach), you could conceivably operate the camera one-handed. The 2400's very sensible design means that you don't have to spend a lot of time learning how to use it - and that's always a plus!
Control Enumeration
Shutter Button: Located on the top panel, right side of the camera, this button sets focus and exposure when halfway depressed, and fires the shutter when fully depressed.
Power/Mode Dial: Also located on the top panel of the camera, this dial puts the camera into Photography (Record) or Playback mode, and also turns the camera off. When the dial is set in the Record position, the lens extends out to its operating position. Likewise, when the dial is turned to the Off position, the lens retracts back into the camera.
Display Button: Located on the back panel of the camera, next to the optical viewfinder, this button has multiple functions. In Record mode, it controls the LCD information display and the viewfinder screen. In Auto mode, pressing the Display button once turns on the image and the information displays, pressing it a second time removes the information display and leaves only the image, a third press turns off the LCD altogether. In Manual mode, the information display automatically comes on when the camera is powered up. Pressing the Display button once turns on the image and information displays, and pressing it again cancels the image and leaves the information display.
In Playback mode, pressing the Display button once cancels the information display, pressing it a second time brings up the nine image index display mode, and once you have selected an image you want to review (by scrolling through the Index display with the Arrow keys and Zoom rocker) you can bring it back to full size by depressing the Display button once again.
While Playback mode is in full-frame display, you can zoom in on the displayed image with the Zoom rocker, then if you press the Display button once, it will allow you to scroll around the image with the Arrow keys and Zoom rocker. Press it one more time and the Zoom rocker returns to normal Zoom mode.
Flash Button: Located to the right of the Display button, this button cycles through the flash modes: Auto, Redeye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, and Slow Synchro.
Back Button: Located to the right of the Flash button, this button cancels menu options and backs out of menu screens.
Menu/OK Button: Located to the right of the Back button, this button calls up the LCD menu screen. It also confirms menu selections once they've been highlighted.
Left and Right Arrow Buttons: Located on the right side of the back panel, these buttons scroll through menu options in Record and Playback menus. In Playback index mode, these buttons scroll through thumbnails until you highlight the one you want to enlarge. Also in Playback mode, you can zoom into an image, press the Display button, and use these buttons to scroll around the enlarged image to check details.
Zoom Button: Located between the left and right Arrow keys, this rocker button features up and down arrows. In Record mode, it controls the optical and digital zoom. In the Record and Playback menus, it assists with menu navigation. In Playback mode, the up and down arrows zoom in and out of captured images. Once zoomed into an image, you can depress the Display button, and use the left and right Arrow buttons and the Zoom rocker control to scroll around within the enlarged image.
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