Design
Fujifilm's new FinePix 40i is a "cute," pocket-friendly, point-and-shoot digicam, with understated but sophisticated design features. Its silver aluminum-magnesium body (a blue version is also available) is sturdy and lightweight, making the F40i reasonably durable, even for heavy travel. Measuring only 3.4 x 2.8 x 1.1 inches (85.5 x 71.0 x 28.5mm), and weighing a mere 5.5 ounces (155 grams), the F40i is about the size of a small audio cassette or mini-disc player (which may be what the camera's designers had in mind). While there's no question that the F40i's most unique feature is its MP3 player capabilities, we shouldn't overlook the Fujifilm Super CCD sensor, delivering 2.4 megapixels, with a primary color filter and an interwoven pixel pattern. Throw in a set of accompanying earphones and you have a very high-tech digital camera that just happens to record movies and play audio, too.
The front of the camera is sleek and fashionably functional, with a retractable Super Fujinon 8.3mm lens that is covered by a mechanical, brushed-aluminum lens cap when not in use. Once the Record or Movie modes are engaged, the lens cap slides out-of-view into the camera body and the lens telescopes out. Reminiscent of past FinePix models, this lens design eliminates any worry about losing the lens cap - always a bonus on such a portable camera. More subtle features include an optical viewfinder window, flash control sensor, self-timer lamp, built-in flash, and miniature microphone.
The side of the camera furthest from the lens holds an eyelet for attaching the wrist strap. The opposite side of the camera includes a speaker, A/V Out jack, USB connector, Remote connector, and DC-In jack - all of which are open and exposed. Presumably, Fujifilm left off a protective cover so that the jacks would be more accessible, without obtrusive rubber flaps or hinged doors.
The camera's top panel holds the shutter release button, Power/Audio switch, and the Flash mode button. All of the controls are smooth to the touch, with the exception of the Power/Audio switch, which is ridged for a secure finger grip.
The remaining exposure controls are on the camera's back panel, along with the optical viewfinder eyepiece and LCD monitor. There are six different controls: a ridged dial for selecting Photography (Record), Playback, and Movie mode; a digital zoom that doubles as the navigational arrow controls; a Display button for activating the LCD monitor; a Back button, and a Menu/OK button. The back panel layout is simple and easy to navigate - even the zoom and arrow controls take up less space than the round rocker buttons typically found on other digicams. A slight indentation on the right side of the back panel serves as a thumb grip, while a counter groove on the front side provides a place for your finger. Together, they provide a reasonably secure grip on the camera, although we suggest using the wrist strap, because of the camera's slippery body surface.
A metal tripod mount is provided on the camera's bottom panel, centered beneath the lens. Also accessible from the bottom panel is the memory card/battery compartment. The compartment door slides out and open to reveal the battery chambers and SmartMedia slot. While the compartment is too close to the tripod mount to allow for quick changes when the tripod is in use, this shouldn't be an issue for most consumers, who will be more likely to use the 40i for on-the-go shooting.
A wired remote control accompanies the camera, providing the only means of control over its MP3 playback capabilities. On the bottom of the remote is a small clip for attaching to clothing or pockets, the Bass and Mode buttons, and a Hold sliding switch which locks the remote's buttons to prevent accidental triggering. On top are the volume controls, skip buttons, and a Start/Stop playback button, along with a small display panel that reports MP3 information like the track number and battery power. Aside from its MP3 capabilities, the remote can also be used to control various image capture and playback functions.
