Just released, the FujiFilm FinePix 2800 Zoom is bound to get a
lot of attention for 3 reasons: its price, its 6X optical zoom,
and that it has a 2-megapixel image.
The
camera is small, easily fitting in an open hand; and with the lens retracted,
it is almost looks like a rounded little cube.
There
are few controls on the FinePix 2800. The
power switch (green) is situated at the centre of the Mode Dial; while
closer to the front and directly above the grip, is the 2-stage
shutter release.
The Mode Dial has 3 positions:
Standard
photography
Playback
Movie
Nearby,
but on the upper back of the camera, is a simple 4-direction control.
The central portion activates the optical zoom. Pushing the control up
zooms in, and pushing it down zooms out.
On the back are 4 more buttons, one of which serves to alternate between
the 1.8 inch LCD screen, and the other notable feature of the FinePix
2800, its electronic viewfinder (EVF).
The
electronic viewfinder provides 110,000 pixels and shows precisely the
image the CCD receives. It is equipped with a large rubber eyecup, but
has no diopter correction.
The EVF is active by default when the camera is started. While the picture
of the EVF lacks the precision of an optical system, it has the advantage
of being able to display camera settings, and camera menus.
The
other three controls of the FinePix 2800 are aligned on the right side
of the LCD screen:
DISP:
is used to clear the EVF, or the LCD screen, of the information overlay.
It can also be used to overlay a composition grid. In Playback, it
cycles between normal display with overlay, no overlay, thumbnails.
MENU/OK:
calls up the camera menu when pressed once; confirms changes and clears
the menu off the screen when pressed a second time.
BACK:
is to cancel an accidental selection, or back out of a menu option
without making changes.
Power on, and camera
activity, are indicated by an LED just above the screen. The LED glows
green when the camera is on, and orange when the camera stores an image.
Red indicates a fault either with the memory card or the camera.
The FinePix 2800 is a very simple to use camera. None of its operations
are complicated and most users will find it easy to master.
Nearby,
but on the upper back of the camera, is a simple 4-direction control.
The central portion activates the optical zoom. Pushing the control up
zooms in, and pushing it down zooms out.
