Product Reviews

FujiFilm's FinePix Z1 is about the size of a deck of cards, and a sliding front panel protects its small, recessed 3x zoom lens when closed. On opening the Z1 is ready for action almost instantly. A bright 2.5" screen occupies almost the entire back panel, but it isn't as detailed as we'd like. It's fine for framing shots, but to view your pictures properly you'll have to use a computer.

The large screen leaves little room for the controls, but although small they are firm, responsive and well arranged. A function button gives instant access to image resolution,

You must use the supplied cradle to connect the Z1 to your computer or recharge its battery. This method is becoming more common with compact point-and-shoot cameras. Although we would prefer to be given the option of using a simple cable, the cradle is convenient if you tend to use only one computer.

Outdoors, the FinePix Z1 takes bright, clean and vibrant photos at its highest detail setting. Its 5-megapixel sensor picks up fine detail well and, while colours are slightly more saturated than they are in real life, the results are generally excellent. Compression artefacts appear at lower detail levels, so we'd recommend shooting at the highest level if you want to print enlargements.

Pictures taken indoors are not as impressive. The flash is weak and white balance is seldom gauged correctly. Most pictures exhibit a high level of noise and are not as sharp as we'd like. This is a real drawback for a party camera such as the Z1. It's easy to use and takes great pictures outdoors, but in low light the Z1 isn't quite up to scratch.