Fujifilm FinePix 2800 Zoom

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By Reuben Lee
Nov 21, 2001

Image resolution isn't always everything in a digital camera. While it's nice to have a 5-megapixel CCD, most of the time that kind of resolution is not needed in many common applications. Besides, you'll be paying a premium for a high-resolution camera. Instead, go for ease of use and a powerful zoom lens--two relatively important aspects in a digital camera.

A 6x Optical Zoom
The new FinePix 2800Zoom is a fine example of a camera fitted with a 6x optical zoom (as well as 2.5x digital zoom) which brings objects closer to the photographer than most 3x zoom cameras.

Though the resolution is a little low at 2.1-megapixel CCD, compared to the current crop of high-res digicams in the market, the image capture is sharp and clear, with hardly any visible pixelation. The camera delivers a good balance of color and lighting in the pictures, although you may have to switch to the manual mode and adjust the white balance setting when taking indoor pictures.

Like the new Sony Cyber-shots, Fuji's latest camera has an onboard speaker and microphone. This lets you have plenty of fun recording up to 60 seconds of video clips or audio messages, and playing them back on the camera. The surprisingly thing is the movie clips turned out pretty good with decent playback quality in both video and audio.

Ease Of Use
One of the things we like about the FinePix 2800Z is its user interface. Because button controls are kept to a minimum, less tech-savvy owners will find the camera pretty easy to use, even in manual mode. Our only gripe is that the icons in the options menu are not text labeled, which made it a guessing game initially choosing the right setting. Otherwise, the FinePix 2800Z features responsive buttons and a rather intuitive user interface.

Flashy And A Tad Too Chunky
The FinePix 2800Z has an exterior design that provokes mixed responses. For some, the plastic silver housing may be a tad too flashy. For others, the chunky form factor is one you either hate or love, with the latter camp rooting for the large hand grip and overall compact design at 95 x 77 x 71mm.

Overall, the 260g camera fits comfortably enough in large hands, and while the camera admittedly feels plasticky, the basic construction is firm with no flimsy rubber covers.

In addition to a relatively sharp 1.8-inch LCD display, the FinePix 2800Z comes with an electronic viewfinder which is essentially a small LCD fitted in the camera in place of the optical viewfinder. The battery compartment is built into the hand grip while the memory card slot is located on the right of the camera.

Decent Battery Life
On four AA-size alkaline batteries, the FinePix 2800Z lasted more than 2.5 hours of heavy usage. As with other current Fujifilm cameras, images are stored on SmartMedia cards and can be transferred to the PC via USB. Other supplied accessories include a 16MB memory card, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable and a CD-ROM containing USB drivers and other software applications.

Affordable Option
Fuji designed the FinePix 2800Z for the amateur photographer, and has priced it to go at S$699 (US$388), making this one of the most affordable 6x zoom cameras in the market. However, if you're looking for more resolution and camera control, look elsewhere.