Fuji Finepix 4700 Digital Camera Review

The Finepix 4700 only has a 2.4 megapixel CCD, but it uses a special Super CCD with octagonal-shaped sensors to deliver 2400x1800 pixel images that are the equivalent to those of a hypothetical 4.3 megapixel camera. Such claims are normally taken with a pinch of salt, but the results will speak for themselves.

The camera has a silver space-age design that makes is look different than its rivals. It has a small, upright frame; on the front is a large circular metallic self-opening lens cover that hides the impressive 3x zoom lens. On the back is a stranger-looking circular window, housing the LCD information display.

A 16Mb SmartMedia card is supplied to store nine images at the top resolution and detail. You can also record movie images.

The camera offers a strange mixture of creative overrides - in some areas it's as well provided for as anything, but there are notable gaps. There is, for example, no manual control for shutter speeds or apertures, but other exposure overrides are in abundance. The provision of a flash exposure compensation control, in addition to normal exposure compensation is very welcome - helping you to avoid over bright images when light-coloured faces are near to the camera. Another handy addition is auto bracketing, allowing you to take a series of shots at slightly different exposures and help you get a good one. There are three program modes to choose from. Night mode allows you to use slow shutter speeds down to 3sec and the landscape and portrait modes give you some control over depth-of-field. You also get manual control of white balance and focusing distance.

Among the more usual flash facilities, there is a slow-sync setting to combine a long shutter speed with a burst of flash. This ensures that the background doesn't become excessively dark. The camera's flash needs to be raised manually, using the button on the side of the camera, before any of the flash modes can be accessed - frustratingly even the normal auto flash mode needs to be engaged in this way, making it less automatic than on many other cameras.

The power for the camera is supplied by two AA batteries - and Fuji have taken the sensible measure of providing two nickel metal hydride cells and recharger, helping you to keep running costs or additional expense to the minimum. Connection to your computer is only available via USB - although those with older computers can opt for a card reader.

The pictures that the camera delivers are stunning. Despite being at a disadvantage pixel-wise with other models at this price point, it produced a good portfolio of images with a resolution that looks better than the camera's specification suggests. Colours are clean with well-balanced and natural-looking tones. Overall this is a superb camera - whose only fault is that there is not more direct control over shutter speed and aperture.

Test images

PROS

• Superb picture quality
• Value for money
• Rechargeable batteries
• 3x zoom

CONS

• Limited exposure control

Test by Chris George