Fujifilm MX-700 review

The MX-700 is cool to the touch due to its silver protective metal case. This digital camera is a compact device, measuring just 80 x 101 x 33mm, so it fits snugly in the hand. The upright design of the MX-700 and its carefully positioned grips result in secure handling that keeps fingers away from the flash and lens. Moreover, the average user will find the controls within easy reach of the thumb and forefinger. However, the design is biased towards right-handed users.

There are eight settings on the MX-700 for image management and recording. The recording functions are quite basic and include normal, manual and self-timer. The playback mode is more fully featured, with the ability to show thumbnails and enlarge images. The helpful OSD prompts the user to push the correct buttons, and a tiny mono LCD provides an auxiliary source of information for when the colour display isn't being used. There's a dial to adjust the brightness of the colour display, which is useful when viewing overly bright or dark images.

The Fujinon lens is recessed into the MX-700, which provides some protection against impact and scratching. The soft carry case is an optional accessory that we think should be supplied as standard. Fuji has included a serial cable and image-editing software for PC connectivity. Images can also be ported to a TV or Fuji's NX-5D printer.

The MX-700 draws its power from a lithium ion rechargeable battery or a 5V AC adaptor (both are supplied in the box). The lithium ion cell recharges directly in the camera itself. The only problem with this is that standard batteries can't be fitted. A sample SmartMedia storage card of only 2Mb is provided. This has a nominal capacity of five to 21 images

Image quality produced by the 1.5 million pixel CCD is commendable. We ranked it fourth from top, just below its brother, the MX-500. The studio shots of the bowl of fruit showed accurate colour balance. The reflected light from the apples, grapes and silver bowl was well formed at the right intensity without being too diffused. Outdoor pictures taken in subdued natural light showed good contrast balance across the image. The downloaded images were scrutinised at zoom magnifications, which exhibited very little graininess.

The MX-700 is stylish, well-designed, and has great image quality at a reasonable price. Fuji has produced a competent entry into the pocket-sized digital camera market that's worth checking out.