Good value for an adequate entry level camera
Pros:
Good pictures, good features, low price
Cons:
Shutter lag, somewhat weak flash
The Bottom Line:
The FinePix A400 is not the best camera on the market, but it may be the best value. Good pictures, good features, and low price make it worth considering.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
The Fuji FinePix A400 won't win any awards for extensive features or outstanding pictures, but it is a nice entry-level camera for the price. Two years ago, this would have been among the best compact cameras on the market. Today, it's still pretty good.
My daughter wanted a camera for the holidays. She is young and had never had a camera of her own, so we didn't want to spend too much. I found an online deal offering the FinePix A400 for under $60, and decided to go for it. We are not unhappy with that decision.
For a low price, you get a compact, lightweight, easy to use camera with 4.1 megapixel, 3x optical zoom, and a decent set of features. In addition to the camera, the package includes a USB cable, batteries, a wrist strap, and CD with photo management and editing software.
When it comes to the most important factor, picture quality, the A400 is pretty good. 4.1 megapixels is not state of the art, but is more than sufficient. Taking pictures is straightforward point and shoot. Pictures are in-focus, and colors are properly captured. The flash is a bit on the weak side, but fine for most snapshot situations. Shutter lag is noticeable, but not terrible. The zoom function works well, but the zoom button is somewhat awkward.
Turn the camera on, and the lens quickly opens and extends. The user interface is simple, menu driven, and easy to use.
The LCD display is on the small side, but sharp and bright enough to use as a viewfinder and to review pictures. The camera also has an optical viewfinder. Pictures can be reviewed by hitting one button.
As with most cameras, you will want to add additional memory. The A400 has limited built-in memory which stores 10-11 pictures. Fuji cameras use xD-Picture cards, which are easy to find. 512mb can be bought for under $20, and will store over 400 shots.
Battery life has been good so far. The A400 takes standard AA batteries. We have taken about 100 pictures so far, mostly indoors, and the original batteries are still going strong.
The FinePix A400 isn't the best camera on the market, but it is better than some of my older digital cameras that cost a lot more. My brother-in-law even commented that he was jealous of my daughter's new camera.
