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Fujifilm FinePix 4800 Zoom Fuji updates their SuperCCD pocket camera with improved color and a hot-sync cradle! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet FinePix 4800 Zoom 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 4800 Zoom 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: 08/16/2001

Video Out
US and Japanese models of the 4800 Zoom come with an NTSC A / V cable for connecting to a television set. (European models come equipped for PAL timing.) Once connected to the 4800 Zoom, the television set can be used to review captured images and movies, or for composing shots -- an interesting option for making portraits. Images and movies can also be recorded to video tape. The video output is active in all camera operating modes, so it can be used as both a viewfinder and playback device.


Power
The 4800 Zoom is powered by an NP-80 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, or by the accompanying AC adapter. The AC adapter also serves as a direct in-camera battery charger, or you can use it to charge the battery through the cradle accessory. The Self-Timer lamp on the front of the camera glows red whenever the battery is charging. Fujifilm estimates that a fully charged NP-80 battery pack should provide about 120 shots with the LCD monitor on, and 250 shots with it switched off (or one hour of video / audio recording with the LCD monitor on and three hours of audio recording with the LCD off). A battery icon flashes in the circular status panel when the battery power is getting low.

 

Operating Mode	Power Drain	Est. Runtime
Capture Mode, w/LCD	680 mA	85 min
Capture Mode, no LCD	240 mA	240 min
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	670 mA	86 min
Half-pressed w/o LCD	390 mA	148 min
Memory Write (transient)	860 mA	n/a
Flash Recharge (transient)	1030 mA	n/a
Image Playback	480 mA	120 min

 

Battery life for the FinePix 4800 Zoom is about average, quite a feat considering the tiny battery it uses. Even though battery life is fairly good, we still strongly recommend purchasing a second battery and bringing along a fully-charged spare at all times.

Like many cameras today using the same compact LiIon batteries, the 4800 has a 5 volt external-power connection. This means it can't be used with conventional external battery packs to achieve longer run times, because most such packs put out too high a voltage. Maha's NiMH PowerBank (shown above) can be combined with a special "step-down" cable though, which drops the pack's voltage to the level required by the camera. This makes it feasible to use an external power pack with the 4800. With the generally good power consumption of the 4800, a PowerBank should give you 4-5 hours of continuous operation, when combined with the internal battery. One note - Maha makes both NiMH and LiIon versions of the PowerBank, make sure you get the NiMH model for the 4800. (Model number MH-DPB180M.) And, don't forget the step-down cable! Click here to order, or for more info.


Included Software
A USB cable and PC connector cradle accompany the 4800 Zoom. The cradle serves multiple functions. With just the AC adapter connected, it charges the NP-80 battery pack in the camera. You can also connect the cradle to your computer via the USB cable and quickly download images directly from the SmartMedia card. Windows users can take advantage of the 4800 Zoom's "webcam" functionality, with the PictureHello utility included with the FinePix Viewer software, making the 4800 Zoom an effective Internet videoconferencing tool.

A software CD packaged with the camera includes USB drivers for both Mac and Windows computers, FinePix Viewer, Exif Launcher, ArcSoft VideoImpression, Adobe PhotoDeluxe HE, and Adobe ActiveShare. All software is compatible with Windows 98/2000/ME and Macintosh OS 8.6 to 9.1., except Adobe ActiveShare, which is for Windows users only. Fujifilm's FinePix Viewer software allows you to view and categorize thumbnail images and set them up for printing. You can also view images at full size and perform minor corrections. Exif Launcher is the utility that launches FinePix Viewer whenever a camera is connected. FinePix Viewer includes the PictureHello software utility that allows Windows users to set up the 4800 Zoom as a videoconference tool, providing limited remote control of the camera. Adobe ActiveShare is a web-sharing utility that enables Windows users to share digital images over the Internet.

ArcSoft's VideoImpression software provides minor video editing capabilities, allowing you to add or delete frames, add music, and do other minor editing. We're definitely pleased with Fujifilm's inclusion of Adobe PhotoDeluxe HE, which provides a wealth of image manipulation tools for correction and enhancement. Creative filters and effects provide more artistic control, and correction tools allow you do minor editing, such as crop, rotate, lighten, and darken images.


In the Box
Packaged with the FinePix 4800 Zoom are the following items:

• 16MB SmartMedia card
• AC adapter
• NP-80 rechargeable battery
• PictureCradle docking station
• AV cable
• Wrist strap
• USB cable
• Software CD
• Owner's Manual and registration information