FujiFilm's
new MX-1700 shows that the company's commitment to the MX-700's
original design remains unchanged. The MX-700, 1700 and 2700 series of
cameras all use a design that immediately exclude the camera as any thing
other than a digital one. An entirely new lens design has made it possible
to include a 38 to 114mm equivalent zoom, within the same body thickness
that had been intended for a single focal length.
While the general
look of the camera remains the same, there are some ergonomic modifications.
The mode dial has been moved to the top of the camera, as on the MX-2900.
The same dial controls the six basic functions of the MX-1700:
Self-timer
(10 sec.)
Setup
(basic camera settings)
Manual
mode (manual shooting)
Auto
mode (auto shooting)
Playback
(LCD screen or video)
Connection
to a computer.
Many
of the changes first seen in the design of the MX-2700,
a 2-megapixel version of the MX-700, have been carried
over to the MX-1700.
One addition is a zoom control switch, incorporated as part of
the four-direction button used to access the various camera menus and
functions. Now, pressing the switch at the top zooms in, while pressing
it at the bottom zooms out. The control retains the red flashing arrow
tips used on other models of the series, flashing sequentially clockwise
while recording an image on the memory card, and counter-clockwise while
reading it in playback mode.
Indeed,
the back of the MX-1700 bears more than a passing resemblance
to that of the MX-2700. The Cancel/Back button,
the Menu/Exe button, along with the Display
and Shift ones, are in nearly the same positions.
The small status screen is also present, bordered on
the right by the Flash and Macro buttons.
Similarly, the dimensions of the MX-1700 are nearly
identical to those of the MX-2700, both a bit smaller
than the slightly older, non-zoom, MX-700.
Similar
dimensions mean that the MX-1700 and MX-2700 can share
the same wardrobe. A small leather pouch first designed
for the MX-2700, is also perfectly suited to the MX-1700.
The pouch is made of thick black leather and has a small
internal compartment to store extra SmartMedia cards.
A large front flap held down by a Velcro strip, keeps
the camera well-protected inside.
The MX-1700 carries on the aesthetically pleasing design
that made many want to try it. Almost by itself, this
should ensure the success of the MX-1700 in the marketplace.
