Fujifilm FinePix F470

Value
The Fujifilm FinePix F470 will retail for $279 when it comes out in March. This is comparable to 6 megapixel models and a bit cheaper than most ultra-slim models. Still, the F470 is designed for point-and-shooters. If users want an easy to use digital camera with basic functionality, this has all the basics but at a bit more than a basic price. All in all, the Fujifilm F470 is a low-end slim digital camera that is priced to sell, but not to amaze—and the poor autofocus will push many consumers to look elsewhere.

Comparison to the Fujifilm FinePix F450
The Fujifilm FinePix F450 was released at the end of 2004 with 5.2 effective megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD. That point-and-shoot digital camera is thin at 0.8 inches, much like the new F470. The old metal F450 is square-shaped and doesn’t look nearly as traditional as the new model. The F450 has a 3.4x optical zoom lens on its front and a 2-inch LCD screen on its back. An optical viewfinder is included on this model, but it is only 78 percent accurate.

The F450 and the F470 are both automatically oriented and have similar modes – although the F470 adds to the scanty four scene modes offered by the F450. The ISO range is slightly different with its lowest setting at ISO 80. The FinePix F450 has a 64-zone metering system; this is paltry compared with the F470’s 256-zone metering system. The movie mode on the F470 is much improved from the slow one on the F450. It recorded 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 pixels at a choppy 10 frames per second. The old Fujifilm FinePix F450 can be found for about $300 online now.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The Fujifilm FinePix F470 was designed specifically for this group. It has a simple mode switch that toggles from the auto mode to the scene position that houses ten scene modes and the movie mode. The camera is easy to use and compact enough to throw in a pocket.

Budget Consumers – The F470 retails for $279. This 6 megapixel digital camera has fairly basic features – 3x optical zoom lens, automatic modes, VGA movies – with a few highlights. It does have a 2.5-inch LCD screen and is ultra-slim. It isn’t an amazing bargain but is priced to compete with comparable models.

Gadget Freaks – These consumers will be completely bored by the look of the camera and even more so by its plain features.

Manual Control Freaks – The FinePix F470 has a manual mode, but it’s not really a manual mode. Users cannot control the shutter speed and aperture, but can tweak the exposure compensation, ISO and white balance. Freaks will not be impressed with this short list of manual controls.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – These individuals may pick up the camera and give it a look, but once they see the awful auto focus, they will throw it aside.