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Under 2 Megapixels

Fujifilm FinePix A201 2.1MP Digital Camera

Fujifilm FinePix A201 2.1MP Digital Camera

List Price: $299.99
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Product Info Reviews

Features:
  • 2.1 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality prints at 8 x 10 inches
  • 2.5x digital zoom lens
  • Included 16 MB SmartMedia card holds 25 images at default resolution
  • Connects with PCs via USB port
  • Uses 2 AA batteries


Description:

The small, stylish, and capable Fuji FinePix A201 offers plenty of pixel resolution and a point-and-shoot simplicity. This lightweight and compact digital camera is aimed at those who don't want to get bogged down in the complexities of photography, but who just want to take pictures without fuss. It can take pictures up to 1,600 by 1,200 pixels, which is more than adequate for anything but the most demanding tasks. A picture at this resolution is suitable for making prints up to 8 by 10 inches.

There are two lesser modes and three levels of compression, although all three of these are only available on the highest resolution. The included 16 MB memory card provides adequate capacity unless you insist on the highest settings, but we recommend purchasing a higher capacity SmartMedia card to maximize the pixel quality of your photos.

You can even capture tiny videos on the FinePix A201, although the resolution renders the capability a bit of a gimmick. The digital zoom on the camera only works in the lower resolution modes and is fairly limited--2.5x at maximum. The fixed-focus lens does a commendable job, although it can distort a little at close range. For really close work there is a macro mode that's especially good. The built-in flash is good to about 10 feet.

Everything can be set to automatic, for simple point-and-shoot operation. For the more adventurous there are manual modes for white balance and exposure compensation. Altering these is a tad fiddly and you need to experiment a little. The LCD screen doesn't quite have the range of contrast needed for indoor shooting. It can be tricky to see what you're aiming at and the viewfinder isn't quite as accurate, so closer images are offset a little.

The two AA batteries (included) do their best, but battery consumption can be horrific. The batteries can be flat before you've half filled the memory card. This isn't helped by the fact that it is very tempting to view images on the LCD screen as soon as you've taken them. A charger and a few sets of rechargeable batteries are highly recommended.

The quality of the pictures is superb; color accuracy and saturation are excellent. Indoor with a flash the pictures are slightly warm, but this can be compensated for using the manual white balance modes. The A210 is easy to use and a quick read of the excellent manual is all you'll need. The results are good and the A201 makes an ideal no-fuss compact digital camera. --Miles Berkeley

Pros:

  • No muss, no fuss point-and-shoot 2-megapixel digital camera
  • Resolution good for prints up to 8 by 10 inches
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Bonus feature: movie mode

Cons:

  • Battery life is limited--extra rechargeables a must-have addition
  • LCD screen contrast can be problematic indoors
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