The FinePix A400 is equipped with a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens that provides for an equivalent focal range of 38 to 114mm. The maximum aperture is F3.3 to F5.5. The lens is retracted into the body on power down and has a built-in lens protector.

The auto focus system is a contrast type with a Normal range of approx. 2.0 ft. to infinity. The Macro closeup range in Wide Angle is approx. 3.9 in. to 2.6 ft.

The built-in flash has modes for: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro. The flash effective range is from 2.0 - 10.2 ft (Wide), 2.0 - 6.6 ft (Tele), 1.0 ft - 2.6 ft (Macro).

The A500's eyelevel optical viewfinder helps save battery power but offers a coverage of only 75% of the captured frame. It lacks dioptric adjustment.

The 1.8-inch color TFT LCD monitor has a glare-reduction coating and can be used as the live viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. It is used to review your captured images and movies and to access the camera's menus.

Controls on the back: The "green arrow" button puts the camera in review mode. The 4-way selector is used for selecting images in review mode and accessing the menu system. In record mode you press "Left" button toggles the Macro focus on and off and the Flash modes are controlled with the "Right" button. The MENU/OK button calls up and dismisses the menu screens and accepts selections. The DISP/BACK button controls the amount of data on the LCD and lets you "back" out of menu screens.

The I/O ports on the side include:

Video Out port which allows connection to a TV for playback, the format is selectable for NTSC or PAL standard.

The USB 1.1 port is for data I/O - a PictBridge compatible printer can also be connected to the USB port for direct-printing.

The 3v DC INput jack is for an optional AC power adapter.

The A400 is equipped with a xD-Picture Card slot and is supplied with a 16MB xD card. It's compatible with any xD card from 16MB to 1GB. The battery is also located in this compartment.

Approximate Storage Capacities

Power is supplied by a pair of standard AA batteries (alkaline one-use or rechargeable NiMH type). Off the shelf alkalines will let you capture up to 100 pictures, 2500mAh NiMH cells deliver as many as 400 pictures per charge.

The optional 'Aquamask' is a protective housing designed specifically for the FinePix A400 and A500 digital cameras. The Aquamask is a tough, protective shell that allows for full digital camera operation as it protects the models from sand, dust and dirt, plus water up to a depth of 10 feet. Priced at $79.99 and available for purchase beginning June 2006.