Fujifilm FinePix 4800 ZoomFuji updates their SuperCCD pocket camera with improved color and a hot-sync cradle!<<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User InterfaceReview First Posted: 08/16/2001 |
Operation and User Interface
The 4800 Zoom's user interface might appear a little challenging at first, as some features are controlled by the LCD menu system, and others are selected by using a combination of arrow keys and the small LCD display. However, a quick read of the Owner's Manual and a few minutes spent learning the camera should easily clear up any questions. The Mode dial at the top of the camera's back panel controls the camera's exposure modes, while a separate Mode switch differentiates between Photography (Record) and Playback modes. While the majority of exposure adjustments are made through the camera's LCD menu system, many basic settings are controlled using the four-way arrow keys and the small, circular display they border. We like the "soft key" approach, which reports the changing function of the four-way arrow keys on the small display, allowing them to serve a multitude of functions. Our only complaint is that the LCD menu system requires a fair amount of button pushing to change settings, especially in Manual mode, which requires three screens to fit all the menu items. The all-important Set-up menu is also a bit difficult to locate, as it is presented as a submenu in the Photography menu, instead of being a Mode dial option, as is the case with many competing digicams.
Control Enumeration
Shutter Button: Located on a sloping edge of the camera's top panel (right side), this shiny silver button sets focus and exposure when halfway pressed, and fires the shutter when fully depressed. When in Self-Timer mode, a full press of the Shutter button triggers the 10-second countdown before the shutter is released.
Mode Dial: Just behind the Shutter button, this thick metal dial controls the camera's recording modes, with six options: Continuous Shooting, Manual, Automatic, Scene Position, Movie, or Audio modes. (We like the knurled edge of the dial, as it provides a very sure grip on the control.)
Open Flash Button: Located in the center of the top portion of the back panel, this button releases the pop-up flash from its compartment.
Four-Way Arrow Keys: Arranged around the small round status display panel, these four arrow keys control a variety of settings, depending on the current recording mode. When the LCD menu system is displayed in either Record or Playback modes, all four arrows navigate through menu settings and options.
In Record mode, the up and down arrows control the optical and digital zooms. The left arrow button activates and deactivates Macro mode, and the right arrow controls the flash operating mode. When Manual focus is activated, the right and left buttons control focus. If an image preview is displayed on the monitor, the up and down arrows control the preview zoom function.
In Playback mode, the right and left arrows scroll through captured images and movies on the SmartMedia card. The up and down arrows control the amount of playback zoom. During movie playback, the down arrow starts and pauses movie playback, while the up arrow stops playback entirely. The left and right arrows control the Forward and Rewind movie functions, allowing you to skip sections. If the movie is paused, pressing the right and left arrows scrolls frame-by-frame through the movie file.
Back Button: Just below and to the left of the Open Flash button, the Back button backs out of menu selections and preview screens, serving as the "Cancel" key.
Menu / OK Button: Directly below the Back button (and linked by a short curved ridge), this button activates the LCD menu system when pressed once, and turns it off again when you press it a second time (as long as you aren't in a menu option). If the LCD monitor is off when you activate the menu, pressing the Menu button brings up both the on-screen menu and the image display. (We noticed that the image display remains on-screen after the menu is turned off.) This button also serves as the "OK" button for verifying menu selections when you're inside the menus.
Power Button: Nested in the center of the Mode switch, this button turns the camera on and off.
Mode Switch: Surrounding the Power button at its base, this lever switches between Photography (Record) and Playback modes.
Display Button: Located just above the top left corner of the LCD monitor, this button controls the LCD image and information display in both Record and Playback modes.
SmartMedia Compartment Latch: Located on the left side of the camera (when viewed from the back), this knurled sliding switch opens the SmartMedia compartment cover when pushed downward.
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