Connectivity
Software (7.0)
The FinePix Z1 ships with FinePix Viewer 5.0.01E software, a single program for downloading, sorting, editing, and printing images. The Windows software integrates with Internet Explorer to set up online print orders from Fujifilm.net and other services. The Internet connection also includes a directory of thousands of local photofinishers that accept digital files. The intent is to create a fairly direct means to upload images to your local photofinisher, so that you only have to visit the store when you have prints to pick up.

FinePix Viewer for Windows offers red-eye repair; auto-adjustment of color and exposure; manual adjustment of Brightness, Saturation, Hue, and Contrast; sharpening and softening; black-and-white and sepia conversion; resizing; emailing; rotation in 90-degree increments; cropping; text insertion; and file-format conversion.

The software can organize photos by the date they were taken, or it can simply show the folder where they're saved. This is a fairly extensive software package to accompany a point-and-shoot camera, enabling users to render the basic image adjustments necessary to get the images to print quality. With printing alternatives so heavily integrated, FinePix Viewer should be almost ideal for the Z1’s target user.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (5.0)
The FinePix Z1 comes with a cradle, which recharges the battery in the camera, and provides a USB 2.0 connection to either a computer or a PictBridge-compatible printer. The cradle also has an analog A/V output for PAL or NTSC video.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
The FinePix Z1 is compatible with PictBridge and DPOF, and allows the user to select individual images to print, or print all the images on the memory card. The camera can be set to imprint the recorded date on the prints. While it is possible to crop images in the camera, the FinePix Z1 does not implement the DPOF crop function, which allows the user to print just part of an image without resaving the image. The FinePix Z1 also does not allow the user to choose the print size.

Battery (4.5)
The FinePix Z1 comes with a custom lithium-ion battery that charges in the camera. Fuji was perhaps too generous with components: setting up the camera to charge requires a power cable, a transformer, the dock, and the camera. Though it's easy to take the camera along for a day or an evening, carrying all that stuff along on a vacation isn't quite so convenient. The dock, charger, and cables combine to be much larger, heavier, and sloppier to pack than the camera.

Lithium-ion is the preferred battery technology for digital cameras, and should deliver far better performance than AA batteries, even rechargeable NiMH AA batteries. However, during our period of evaluation, the Z1 spent a significant amount of time in its cradle. For a lithium-ion battery, the Z1’s lifespan was a bit disappointing, particularly given the amount of gear users will have to bring along to recharge it.

Memory (3.0)
Fujifilm supplies a 16MB xD-Picture Card with the Z1, which is only capable of storing 6 images at the camera’s maximum resolution and quality settings. For a 5.1 megapixel imager, we suggest that most users buy a 256MB or 512MB card and factor an additional $50 to $75 into their camera budget for it.

Other Features (1.0)
Self-Timer – The FinePix Z1 has a self-timer, offering both a long and short delay, but it's hard to know why, because the camera doesn't have a tripod socket built in. You could use the self-timer with the camera sitting on a table, but it's not likely that you'll frame the picture the way you'd like.

Voice Memo – The FinePix Z1 will record voice memos, associated with specific images or independently.

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