Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A540 - While not sporting the F470’s slim profile, the Canon PowerShot A540 has a 6 MP sensor and a number of benefits that outdo the entry-level features found on the F470. The A540 has a larger 4x zoom range, manual control over shutter speed and aperture, custom white balance, more expansive ISO range, and a larger maximum aperture of f/2.6. However, the A540’s LCD is composed of less resolution and the camera’s wealth of preset shooting modes may be a few too many for users who are easily overwhelmed. The A540’s My Colors features, however, will certainly set this camera apart for any user really looking to adjust image parameters and add digital effects in-camera. The A540 is set to retail at around $279 and is certainly intended for a more advanced point-and-shoot market.
Olympus Stylus 600 - The Olympus Stylus 600 is another 6 MP point-and-shoot that sports an uncluttered exterior for ease of use and simplicity. However, the Stylus 600 has a weatherproof design and is much more solidly constructed. Like the F470, it has a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 115,000 pixels, no viewfinder, the capacity to use xD memory cards, 3x optical zoom lens, and a +/- 2 exposure compensation scale. The shutter speed range on the Stylus 600 is slightly larger, with a slow shutter speed of four seconds possible in night mode. While not as well equipped in terms of manual options as the Canon A540, the Stylus 600 does have a number of settings that improve upon those found with the F470: two focusing modes, two metering modes, a larger ISO range (with diminished resolution), and an absurdly large number of preset shooting modes. The f/3.1 maximum aperture is not quite as fast as the F470’s f/2.8 lens, though, and this model comes with less internal memory, only providing its users with 7.9 MB. Currently, the Stylus 600 can be found online for approximately a hundred dollars less than the F470.
Fujifilm FinePix F10 - Users willing to spend a bit more money might consider investing in the FinePix F10. While it shares a number of traits with the F470, including its maximum resolution and frame rate for video clips, xD-Picture memory cards, and voice memo, the F10 gives its users an ISO range of up to 3200, larger focal length lens, a 6.3 MP CCD, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels. The F10 is also a far stronger performer, producing much sharper, cleaner images with almost no shutter lag. The F10 is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras we have ever tested in terms of image quality and will also offer a substantial upgrade in battery life over the F470. However, with a slightly larger body, the F10 weighs about 33 grams more than the its slimmer counterpart.
Fujifilm FinePix F650 - The Fujifilm FinePix F650 and the F470 have 1/2.5-inch imagers and an identical ISO range. Both also record footage to xD Picture cards. They also feature monaural audio recording for video and voice memo, a maximum video frame rate of 30 fps, and a maximum video resolution of 640 x 480 However, the F650’s LCD measures 3.0-images and has 230,000 pixels, enabling users to easily display their photos to those around them. The F650’s much longer 36 – 180mm variable focal length lens will also offer more telephoto capability. Interested users should be able to find the larger F650 online for around $350.
Nikon Coolpix L2 - With a similar 6MP sensor and 3x optical zoom lens at just $219 online, the Nikon Coolpix L2 provides similar imaging capabilities at a more affordable price point. The L2 also contains 15 scene modes, and 32 MB of internal memory, along with its in-camera red-eye fix technology and a voice recording feature. The L2 also shoots 640 x 480 resolution video at a maximum frame rate of 30 fps. The camera has a 2.0-inch LCD, with just 86,000 pixels. The L2 has a number of auto focus modes, including a face priority and center focus focal system. Shutter speed ranges from 4 seconds for lower light situations, which outdoes the 2 second speed of the F740. Like the F740, this Nikon point-and-shoot employs an overall (or matrix) metering system and a +/-2 EV scale in addition to white balance presets which lack a full manual mode. The maximum aperture is a disappointing f/3.2, though, and users may find that the L2 a bit limiting in low light.
Value (5.75)
Priced at around $279 both online and off, the 6MP Fujifilm FinePix has a straightforward layout, logical and minimal external controls, a movie mode with 640 x 480 resolution and 30 fps, a simple auto mode, and a handful of helpful presets that aren’t going to confuse or overwhelm users. While this camera is perhaps a strong candidate for the beginning user, the more advanced photographer is going to find the excessively noisy zoom mechanics, poor autofocus, seemingly poor construction, and lack of manual controls hard to overlook. For a similar price, more advanced consumers can find a number of alternate, if slightly less portable, models that provide more control and increased performance with a higher build quality.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - This camera is primarily intended for point-and-shooters. The camera offers a simple external interface, dedicated switch for moving between shooting and movie modes, and provides a logical, intuitive menu structure that makes the F470 very easy to use.
Budget Consumers - The Fujifilm FinePix F470 is priced to retail at around $279. While certainly low in price, this camera has a lot of competition at that price point. Considering the manual control options on some Canon models and optical image stabilization on all of Panasonic’s entry-level offerings, the F470 has some stiff competition.
Gadget Freaks - With an understated design that emphasizes clarity and basic control, the Fujifilm FinePix F470 stays away from the latest and trendiest features. Instead, this camera offers a traditional layout and feature set, while marginally improving movie options and internal memory. With little innovation, the F470 isn’t going to turn the head of any gadget freak.
Manual Control Freaks - With virtually no manual controls, the Fujifilm FinePix F470 is not fit for any photographer looking to manipulate the shot.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists - Without control over aperture and shutter speed, along with its lack of a custom white balance setting and excessive shutter lag, there is no reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to consider the F470.
