FinePix 40i

Many people like small (tiny) cameras but I prefer a larger camera for several reasons; it's easier to hold, has larger controls and most importantly it has a larger battery supply. The 40i runs on a pair of AA batteries like the Fuji 4700 and both suffer from limited runtime if the color LCD and/or the flash is used often. But small size means that it easily slips in the pocket or purse and therefore will probably get taken along more often than a bulkier camera.

The FinePix 40i is an incredibly fast camera, it captures and processes even the largest images about as fast as you can press the shutter release. It comes with a set of NiMH rechargeable batteries and a charger and a very complete suite of software programs for image management, download and MP3 download/upload and conversion. The remote control for the MP3 player also serves in a limited capacity as a remote for image capturing and playback too. Fuji even includes a carrying case as well as a pair of earbud speakers but most users will want to use a better set of headphones.

The image quality suffers at the largest size from apparent shadow noise and has an overall "soft" look to it. Like the Fuji 4700, the 40i would have been better served if they had included a 1600x1200 resolution mode inbetween the largest and medium image sizes. Fuji did include a 1600x1200 mode on the new FinePix 4900 which also uses the SuperCCD imager. The color saturation and white balance is good for a point-n-shoot with a wideangle lens.

For today's Internet-connected teenagers I think this will be a welcome present come holiday time. Serious shutter bugs will want to look at one of the cameras that offers more in the way of photographic controls.