Product Reviews

Not so long ago, Fujifilm's F range of compact digital cameras led the field for image quality. However, the F50fd (What's New, Shopper 239) suffered from serious noise problems because of its over-ambitious 12-megapixel sensor, and it seems that the range isn't as good as it once was. However, we were interested to find out whether the F480 could revive past glories. Its relatively humble 8-megapixel sensor should be less susceptible to noise, and its 4x zoom lens with a generous 28mm wide-angle setting is great for such an affordable camera.

The 2.7in screen with its 230,000-pixel resolution is welcome, too, and

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controls are simple and friendly. Performance is poor, though, even by Fujifilm's conservative standards. There was a 4-second gap between shots during normal shooting and the continuous mode managed just three shots - two seconds between each - with a blank screen giving no visual feedback. At least switching on and focusing was quick, so the poor performance won't affect those who don't take photos in quick succession.

Photographic options are strictly limited; there's no exposure, metering or focus modes and not even face detection. This wouldn't be a problem if the camera could cope well when left to its own devices, but sadly this is far from true. Photos were frequently under- or overexposed and lacked vibrancy. Details were vague and artificial-looking in bright conditions, and much worse in low light, where digital processing suppressed both noise and details. Video capture is limited to 320x240-pixel frames - a quarter of the detail of most cameras' video modes.

With poor performance, limited controls and flawed image quality, there's no reason to choose the F480. Those wanting an affordable compact camera with a wide-angle lens should save up a little more for Panasonic's DMC-FX33.