Fujifilm FinePix 4800 Zoom Review

Click on the 4800 Zoom to take a QuickTime VR tour

The $699 FinePix 4800 Zoom is equipped with Fujifilm's 2.4-megapixel SuperCCD sensor and image processor designed to produce crystal-clear pictures with rich, true-to-life colors. In addition to still imaging capability, the camera captures up to 160 seconds of AVI video with sound at 10fps or it can record up to 60 minutes of audio. It can even be used for videoconferencing when docked in its cradle and connected to a computer via the USB port.

The FinePix 4800 Zoom's sleek and stylish look -- which is based on the compact, vertical form of Fujifilm's 700 series cameras -- was conceived by F.A. Porsche, the same designer that brought the world the distinctive and timeless look of the classic Porsche 911 sports car. And it's not just for looks, the body is all metal and highly durable which will be appreciated by the casual as well as the extreme user.

The FinePix 4800 Zoom records JPEG images at three compression levels - fine, normal and basic. Depending on the image compression selected, the FinePix 4800 Zoom can record 6, 13 or up to 33 pictures at the 2400 x 1800 resolution on the bundled 16MB SmartMedia card. If additional storage space is required, the camera can record images at 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960 or 640 x 480. And it's capable of a continuous shooting speed at full resolution of up to three frames at five frames per second.

The fast (f/2.8) 3x Super EBC Fujinon aspherical zoom lens has a focal length equivalent of a 36-108mm zoom on a 35mm camera with a macro range down to approximately 7.8 inches. Five programmed exposure modes: auto, portrait, scenic, night and manual. Three metering modes (average, multi-zone or spot) and 64-zone TTL metering with programmed auto-exposure, along with exposure compensation for accurate exposure under the most challenging of lighting situations. Automatic or six manual white balance settings to insure that you always get the right colors.

Shutter speeds range from 1/4 to 1/2000 second in auto mode and from 1/2000 second to three seconds in night mode. The FinePix 4800 Zoom has an adjustable ISO sensitivity of 125/200/400. The pop-up flash provides five modes: automatic, red-eye reduction, flash-on-demand, flash cancel and slow synch flash for motion effects.

The FinePix 4800 Zoom ships with a PC-sync cradle into which the camera can be placed both for direct connection to a PC for videoconferencing, image transfer via a USB cable and for recharging the lithium ion battery.

The camera measures a compact 3.1" W x 3.8" H x 1.4" D and weighs only 9.1 ounces without the battery. Accessories include the cradle and lithium battery, AC power adapter, hand strap and dedicated video and USB cables. It is Windows and Macintosh compatible. Additional provided software includes Fujifilm's FinePixViewer, DP Editor and Exif Launcher, Adobe's PhotoDeluxe Home Edition 4.0, ActiveShare, VideoImpression, QuickTime and NetMeeting.

Fujifilm provides the user with an easy entrance to the Internet imaging world through the FinePixViewer software program. At the click of a few buttons, the FinePixViewer links users directly to the World Wide Web for answers to frequently asked questions, picture taking tips, support utilities, updated drivers and the receipt of periodic and pertinent promotional announcements from Fujifilm. The videoconferencing function of the FinePix 4800 Zoom is also handled through the FinePixViewer.

Physical Views

Here's the FinePix 4800 Zoom and the Olympus D-370 for size comparison.