Fuji FinePix 6800 ZoomA new SuperCCD sensor gives Fuji's latest ultra compact true 3.3 megapixel resolution and great color.<<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User InterfaceReview First Posted: 4/8/2001 |
Operation and User Interface
The 6800 Zoom's user interface appeared a little challenging at first, as some features are controlled by the LCD menu system and others by a combination of the arrow keys and smaller LCD display. It didn't take long to get the hang of it though, and a quick read of the manual kept us on the right track. The Exposure Mode dial controls the camera's exposure mode, while a separate Mode switch differentiates between Record and Playback modes. Though several settings are controlled via the arrow keys and smaller, circular LCD display, the 6800 Zoom does rely quite a bit on its LCD menu system. That said, we do like the combination of arrow keys and the LCD status display, as the display reports the changing function of the arrow keys, allowing them to serve a multitude of functions. Our only complaint is that the LCD menu system can require a fair amount of button pushing to change settings. For example, to change the image size and quality, you have to scroll through several menu options, activate the Setup screen, and then change the setting.
Control Enumeration
Shutter Button: Sloping downwards to the right on the camera's top panel, this shiny, silver button sets focus and exposure when halfway pressed. A full press fires the shutter.
Exposure Mode Dial: Just behind the Shutter button, this knurled dial controls the camera's exposure mode, placing it in either Continuous Shooting, Manual, Automatic, Scene Position, Movie, or Audio modes. (We like the knurling, 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.
Arrow Keys: Arranged around the small LCD status display panel, these four arrow keys control a variety of settings. 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 zoom. The left arrow button activates and deactivates Macro mode, and the right arrow controls the flash operating mode. When manual focus has been activated, the right and left buttons control focus. If an image preview has been enabled, the up and down arrows control the preview zoom feature.
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. 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 moves frame by frame through the movie file.
Back Button: Just below and to the left of the Open Flash button, this button backs out of menu selections and preview screens, serving as the "Cancel" key.
Menu / OK Button: Directly below the Back button, this button calls up the LCD menu system when pressed (and also dismisses it). If the LCD monitor has been disabled, pressing the Menu button activates it. (We noticed that the LCD monitor remains active after the menu is dismissed in this situation.) This button also serves as the "OK" button for making menu selections.
Power Button: Nestled in the center of the Mode switch, this button turns the camera on and off.
Mode Switch: Surrounding the Power button, this lever switches between Record and Playback modes.
Display Button: Located just above the upper 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 (viewed from the back), this textured slide switch opens the SmartMedia compartment cover when slid downward.
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