Comparisons
Kodak EasyShare C360 – The Kodak EasyShare C360, like the Z1, is also a 5 megapixel compact camera with a 3x zoom. The C360 is not nearly as elegant or attractive as the Z1. It offers 24 fps video, which is inferior to the Z1's 30 fps. The C360 also has a smaller 2-inch LCD, rather than the Z1's 2.5-inch display. The C360 has 32MB of internal memory built in, but does not ship with removable media. The C360's controls are easy to handle, and it sets a high standard for ease of use. Like the Z1, Kodak’s C360 doesn't include a manual white balance option, so users of both cameras will have to rely on camera presets and automatic color calibration. Since both cameras share similar feature sets and performance capabilities, the distinction invariably lies in the styling; those looking for an elegant and attractive camera body will likely gravitate to the Z1, while consumers more concerned with a straightforward, simplistic design with an intuitive interface should opt for the C360.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 - The DSC-T5 shares several basic specs with the Z1: it's also a 5 megapixel, 3x zoom available for something around $330. At 3.6 x 2.4 inches, its silhouette isn't much different from the Z1's, but it's twice as thick, at 1.4 inches deep. The DSC-T5 stresses capabilities as well as style – it may not look as distinctive as the Z1 or Cyber-shot T1, but it accepts four different auxiliary lenses: two wide angle adapters and two telephoto adapters, making it a far more versatile imager. The DSC-T5 takes AA batteries, which are available just about everywhere. Of course, they won't last as long as the Z1's lithium-ion battery, either, so users will have to decide between convenience and power conservation. While both cameras are grouped into the stylish digital camera segment, those shopping for fashion will likely go for the Z1, while point-and-shooters in search of a more capable camera should go for the T5.

Nikon Coolpix S2 - The S2 is Nikon's second take on the flat, stylized, camera-as-bauble concept, replacing last year's S1. At 0.9 inches, the Coolpix S2 is slightly thicker than the Z1. Like the Z1, the S2 has a 5.1 megapixel sensor, but it tops the Z1 with a 4x zoom lens. While the S2 will provide more telephoto capabilities than the Z1, the S2's video mode is notably inferior; recording at a choppy 15 fps frame rate, the S2 captures video at half the speed of the Z1. With online prices over $350, consumers will have to spend a bit more for the S2 than the Z1, perhaps riding on the Nikon name. The S2’s key advantage is its white balance system, which includes 7 presets and a custom measurement feature.


Canon PowerShot SD500 - The SD500 is a 7.1 megapixel compact camera that's available online for $375 to $450. The megapixel count is its big advantage: its 2-inch LCD is smaller than the Z1's 2.5-inch display; its lens telescopes out, rather than staying protected inside the chassis, which is about an inch thick, while the Z1 is 0.7 inches thick. The telescopic lens makes the SD500 much slower in its initial start-up, but it will record consecutive shots far faster than the Z1. Canon went with a larger CCD to get higher resolution: the SD500's sensor is 1/1.8 inches, which is considerably larger than the Z1's 1/ 2.5-inch chip.


Value (5.5)
The FinePix Z1 is a compact, durable camera with respectable image quality. With a 3x zoom and 5 megapixel sensor, the camera relies on its design and styling to set it apart from competitors. The $350 consumers will have to spend online to get a Z1 should warrant more in the way of performance – a longer zoom, a bump up to 6 or 7 megapixels, and more manual controls, but the Z1's premium price revolves around its styling. Consumers looking for a camera to double as a fashionable counterpart will see the Z1’s price tag as justifiable, while those looking for a more capable imager will be a bit shortchanged. Much in line with the iPod phenomenon, the Z1 will prove to be a useful fashion accessory, but will not provide the image quality of the FinePix F10 or some of Sony’s stylish Cyber-shot models.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This is a point-and-shoot camera with above-average image quality. It should be attractive to users who want a simple camera that looks good with a tuxedo.

Budget Consumers – Those willing to opt for a slightly larger and perhaps not as attractive package will be able to purchase comparable features for less money.

Gadget Freaks – Gadget freaks wowed by aesthetics may appreciate the Z1. The non-telescoping lens is another high-tech feature, but the exterior shell is really where all the glitz on this model resides.

Manual Control Freaks – The camera lacks manual controls for aperture, shutter speed, focus, and white balance. It doesn’t even have a tripod socket, so there really isn’t much room for experimentation and adjustments on this model.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – We tend to think that this group looks for some manual control, even in a fun, pocket-portable camera. We anticipate more advanced users will be more drawn to the Canon PowerShot A510 or A520 or the Fuji FinePix F10, with very good image quality and a top ISO of 1600 as their portable counterpart.

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