Digital Trends

The FinePix Z1 joins a gaggle of thin 5-megapixel digital cameras with large LCD screens and built-in 3x optical zooms.  Available from Sony, Nikon, Konica Minolta and others, this digicam design is geared for point-and-shooters who want a stylish, handy camera that takes good pictures.  The Fujifilm FinePix Z1 is a solid competitor in this group with above average sensitivity, a cool sliding door that turns on the power, and a decent, 2.5-inch LCD screen.

Like everything in this world, it's far from perfect.  Sony T series cameras, such as the newer DSC-T7, have much better screens, and although camera start-up is quick, it doesn't save 5MP Fine images with the flash as quickly as Sony.  Granted, it's not like waiting to go through security at the airport, but still.  In fact, the camera does not have a Burst or Rapid-Fire mode.  And it uses more expensive xD Picture cards for storage, a limited format that costs $70 for a 512MB card (compared to $60 for a similarly sized SD card).  However, my biggest problems are the weak LCD screen, some focusing issues and the fact that it doesn't have an AF Assist lamp for more accurate flash shots in dark situations.