Weve seen digital cameras with multifunctions before, the most part being both still and motion (video) capable. The Fujifilm FinePix 40i is one of a new breed that will perform both still and video capture as well as accommodate playback of MP3 digital audio, all in a compact attractive aluminium-magnesium package just a bit shorter but fatter than a packet of cigarettes.

As a camera the FinePix 40i rates highly. The Super CCD sensor has a sensitivity that exceeds most of the cameras seen in this class. Last months Kyocera Samurai 2100DG (issue 36, p96) is rated a 2.1 megapixel camera but the FinePix 40i leaves it for dead in definition. At the highest setting the FinePix will capture images at a resolution of 2,400 x 1,800 pixels but the reverse of the coin says an image of 4.3 million pixels taking up 1.7Mb capacity will mean only a maximum of nine shots can be taken with the standard 16Mb SmartMedia card included with the camera.

Getting the camera up and running is a relatively easy matter, although adjusting the settings is another. After loading the memory and batteries in the hatch on the underside there is a dial on the back of the camera that has three settings for still capture, video capture and playback. You can shoot like this with no check on the settings allowing the cameras automatic sensors to take over and the results are fine for general conditions. There is a tendency under both flash and bright outdoor daylight conditions for overexposure. Adjusting the white balance helped to resolve the problem but the camera has to be set into manual mode or the menu option does not appear. Otherwise the FinePix behaves much like a Kodak with indoor shots. Earth tones and reds without the flash are very rich. Indoor shooting without flash is possible - the results are good - but the usual precautions regarding the longer exposure times hold true.
Video and audio capture is possible by turning the mode selection dial to video. It manages about 10 frames per second. The same video and audio stream can also be played back on the LCD. Video footage is displayed at 320 x 240 pixels. Up to 80 seconds of footage can be shot and a time elapse bar keeps track of the capacity left in memory while you shoot.

Setting the camera up is more of a trial than using it. Having used the FlashPoint interface employed primarily by Kodak but also seen on Minolta and other cameras, the FinePix 40i does not compare. The navigation buttons are not as apparent as the Kodaks and the menus are not as logically set out. Its not as bad as most but could do with some work. At least the paper manual is readable - thankfully they have not tried to fit three or four languages interleaved through the documentation but instead provide the user three separate manuals in English, French and German.

There is a tethered remote control for the FinePix 40i that is included, allowing a five second lapse before shooting. It also doubles up as a control for MP3 playback and has a small LCD display for feedback on what the FinePix is doing. Fuji bundles RealPlayer, RealJukebox and a download manager, which is better than many of the dedicated MP3 players going around. Standard earphones are provided. Playback quality is reasonable without the total quality of the better dedicated MP3 players, but the comparison with some of the low to midrange players is good. There is an issue with the audio software, which has no explicit instructions anywhere for maintaining MP3s.

On the score of its digital still camera standing the Fujifilm FinePix 40i rates as one of the finest two to three megapixel cameras around. As a Web cam and MP3 player it hovers around the low to middle ground. But combined at under $1,600 Fujifilm has a sensational winner that will encourage refinement in more of these converged products in the next generation.

David Lin