some info firstI got sent a FinePix F70 the other day to test (test and send back I must explain before anyone thinks me a mercenary whore!) The F70 is a beautiful looking device slim in construction, with nice chrome accents and a nice crisp 2.7” monitor. Unfortunately it has a couple of faults that make it a non-starter for me.

fujifilm_f70_exr_top_tn

Before I get to that some info first. The camera specs are as follows;

  • Zoom: 10x optical
  • Resolution: 10Mp
  • Media type: Internal, SD, SDHC
  • Focus types: Normal, macro, face detection
  • Shutter speed: 8sec-1/2000sec
  • Flash: Built-in
  • Monitor: 2.7in TFT colour LCD
  • Power: Li-Ion Battery
  • Size: 99.3×58.9×22.7mm
  • Weight: 180g (excl. battery and card)

None of which is as interesting as my thoughts having used it. First up the highlights. It’s pretty cool to squeeze a 10* optical zoom into such a small form factor, it’s an attractive unit and has some interesting features such as allowing for two simultaneous frames – one with and one without flash.

And now for the lowlights – why oh why, in this day and age, do manufacturers continue to make cameras that come with a USB cable but that require separate external battery changers. Having to lug a stand alone charger around with me is enough reason to pass on this phone.

Read it here – if you insist on making a camera that takes a proprietary battery that I can buy in any supermarket around the world, please ensure it can charge via USB, ie without the need for an external charger.

Similarly why build a camera with the flash situated on the right hand side, directly where a user grips the unit – much better to put it on the left hand side where no one is likely to stick their fingers in front of the flash.

So – if you don’t travel and after a small, pretty camera with a good zoom – the F70 could be for you. However if you want something that travels well and is set up for decent nighttime shooting – maybe pass on it.

Oh and Fuji – I’m keen as mustard to have a try of a pocket-able camera that charges via USB and still has a decent zoom – you know my address!

Ben Kepes

Ben Kepes is a technology evangelist, an investor, a commentator and a business adviser. Ben covers the convergence of technology, mobile, ubiquity and agility, all enabled by the Cloud. His areas of interest extend to enterprise software, software integration, financial/accounting software, platforms and infrastructure as well as articulating technology simply for everyday users.

2 Comments
  • Good points, it’s probably designed like most things, by a guy that sits in an office and never field tests anything,
    http://www.geocities.com/yourstruly/inventions.html

  • Not completely fair …

    The camera battery market is changing. It’s certainly convenient to use standard “AA” batteries, but size and weight both go up. Including a charger in the camera would significantly increase weight (and size). Today, replacement batteries (and chargers) are available at modest cost. I would prefer to give up a bit in size and weight to use “AA” batteries, but I recognize that the market has moved on. Given the now lower cost of additional rechargeable batteries, I’m prepared to accept Fuji’s compromise.

    Bob Fabian

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