Fujifilm FinePix E500 Review

Click on the FinePix E500 to take a QuickTime VR tour

New for 2004 is Fujifilm's compact, durable and lightweight FinePix E-series of versatile digital cameras that combine the ease of point-and-shoot for new users with a more powerful feature set that satisfies the needs of advanced users too.

The FinePix E500 offers 4.1 megapixels of shooting power, while the FinePix E510 offers 5.2 megapixels. Both cameras feature a Fujinon 3.2x wide-angle (28mm-91mm equivalent) optical zoom, which can be enhanced with optional 1.94x telephoto or 0.76x wide-angle lens adapters. A large, 2.0-inch LCD screen makes viewing and sharing captured images easier, while the ergonomic design and non-slip grip provide sure and steady handling.

The cameras capture images in fully automatic (point-and-shoot) modes, as well as offering manual, programmed AE, aperture or shutter priority AE, macro, super-macro and four scene position modes (portrait, landscape, sports, night scene) to photographers who want extra control. In addition, QVGA movies can be taken at a rate of 10 frames/second, with sound for up to 60 seconds.

Two AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries power the cameras; consumers can expect best possible battery life with rechargeable batteries, while alkaline batteries provide operational flexibility. Fujifilm's optional CP-FXA10 PictureCradle can be used with the FinePix E500 and E510 for rapid recharging, as well as for fast image downloading.

FinePix E500 Zoom Features:

• 4.1 million pixel CCD for up to 2304 x 1728 image size
• 3.2x optical zoom (28-91mm in 35mm equiv)
• Macro and Super Macro focus as close as 1.0 inches
• Movie Mode; 10fps w/sound @ 320 x 240 or 160 x 120
• 2.0" color TFT LCD monitor
• Auto, Scene, Program AE, Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority and Manual exposure modes
• Multi or Spot exposure metering
• Adjustable ISO sensitivity, white balance, sharpness, color mode
• 2 - 1/2000 sec shutter speeds
• Uses removable xD-Picture cards (16MB included)
• Compact (4 x 2.4 x 1.3 inch) durable metal-front body
• Very lightweight at just 6.2 oz. (excluding batteries)
• Powered by two standard AA type batteries
• USB connectivity and PictBridge direct-print compatible
• Optional Picture Cradle & rechargeable battery pack

The FinePix E500, E510 and E550 will be available in August 2004. The FinePix E500 will sell for approximately $299.99, while the FinePix E510 will sell for approximately $349.99. The FinePix E550 with a 6MP SuperCCD imager will sell for approximately $499.99. All cameras will ship with a 16MB xD-Picture Card, 2 AA alkaline batteries (FinePix E500, E510), 2 AA NiMH batteries with recharger (FinePix E550), FinePix Viewer, ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix, USB cable, A/V cable, hand strap and a PictureCradle adapter.

Physical Views

The FinePix E500 and a standard CD for size comparison.

The 4-megapixel FinePix E500 and the Casio EX-Z40.