Fujifilm FinePix F440

Model Design / Appearance (7.0)
Fuji's new Fujifilm FinePix F440 is clean and uncluttered. It has been cleared of extraneous controls and features, leaving the user with a few essential applications for point-and-shoot use. The camera is thin and sturdy in form, with retractable components (LCD, flash, and lens) made flush and concealable within the camera body. Spare in design, the F440 features small, accessible controls and a viewfinder. The docking unit for the FinePix F440 has controls for engagement and a Playback/USB switch on its back. On the front of the camera, the user will find the USB port and DC in terminal. Overall, the camera is well-designed, containing a logical layout, large 2.0-inch LCD screen, and minimal features that contribute to its organized, simplistic look. My only major concern with the design is the lack of a cover for the USB port, an oversight that increases the potential for damage during rough use and when attaching the camera to a tripod.

Size / Portability (8.0)
The size of the Fujifilm FinePix F440 is perhaps the camera’s single strongest attribute at 2.9 x 2.5 x 0.8 inches (5.8 inches3). The general form is both compact and sturdy; however, there are some extraneous features that could potentially snag or be damaged. The body of the camera is dense and compact, making it easily dwarfed by a large palm. The camera will also slide effortlessly into a pocket when not in use, aiding in transport. The F440 weighs 5.3 ounces without the battery and memory card. Due to the camera’s diminished size and condensed shape, the F440 will appeal consumers searching for a well-crafted digital camera that can be taken on trips or excursions without excessive worry or hassle.

Handling Ability (7.5)
The handling on the F440 is well-designed, displaying a user-friendly layout that allows for quick access to essential shooting features and advanced options, such as flash or macro mode. The lack of external control features makes handling the camera smoother than other competing models, although the absence of immediate control may be frustrating for some users accustomed to exterior options. Fortunately, there are grips on both the front and back of the camera, and the flash is placed far enough out of the way that the chance of obscuring it with a finger is greatly diminished. The viewfinder is small, but is still usable in most circumstances. With the light located directly beneath the eye, the user can actually see the lamp when using the viewfinder—-sometimes a distraction, sometimes an asset.  

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.5)
The control buttons on the F440 are small, but there aren’t that many of them. The elimination of the four-way controller helps to reduce potential frustration and control clutter on the back of the camera body. This forces Fuji to instead use the Macro and Flash buttons as the left and right toggles within menus, and the zoom doubles as an up-and-down toggle when scanning through options. The buttons are easily within finger-reach due to the small size of the camera body, contributing to easy activation and control. Within the menu, controls are both fast and simple to access, without the undue stress of tedious sub-controls. There is a problem though with the power switch on the front of the camera body: its function does not always sync up well with a user’s intention. When turned off and then quickly back on, this camera will frequently fail to respond to the change, an aggravation for the point-and-shoot user looking to use the camera in quick capture situations.

Menu (8.0)
There are two separate menus available to the user of the Fujifilm FinePix F440. The first is the F menu. This is accessible through the topmost of three buttons located on the back of the camera body and displays the camera’s essential shooting controls. Once entered, the F menu allows the user to access Quality, ISO, and Color/Effect options. A second menu is more generalized, offering Self Timer, Shooting mode, EV, White Balance, and Set Up options. Such settings as EV or White Balance cannot be altered unless the camera is in Manual mode.

Ease of Use (7.0)
Even though the camera body is small and potentially awkward for large handed users, I found that it was actually quite simple to use. I did find that the power on/off slide on the front of the camera body needs improvement, and its lack of responsiveness is worrisome. I like that Fuji has split some of the camera’s functionality into two separate menus; I just wish that ISO would be placed within the shooting menu. However, the F440 is highly portable and ideal for users looking for a budget-friendly camera with a sleek design for the occasional trip or vacation.