Fujifilm FinePix 40i 2.4MP Digital Camera /MP3 Player, Silver

With the exception of the lens, the 40i is very similar to Fuji's other SuperCCD cameras (the FinePix 4700 and 4900, for example). Images are captured on a 2.4-megapixel SuperCCD sensor, which features octagonal pixels arrayed diagonally instead of traditional square pixels in a grid. Fuji claims that this system offers improved sensitivity and image detail over a standard CCD. To prove this point, the camera interpolates its 2.4-megapixel images up to 4.3 megapixels at the highest-quality setting. Independent tests typically place these interpolated images on a par with pictures from a 3.3-megapixel camera.

Featuring a brushed metal case with integrated sliding lens cap, the camera feels well made and sturdy. Its overall dimensions of 3.4 by 2.8 by 1.1 inches make it one of the smallest digital cameras on the market.

Our biggest disappointment with the camera is its lens. Virtually all digital cameras of this resolution and price feature zoom lenses; to cut back on size, weight, and price, Fuji has included only a nonzoom lens. The camera does feature a digital zoom, but this merely crops pixels from the edges of your photo and enlarges the remaining pixels, something you could do just as easily at home after transferring the images to your computer. If you're accustomed to having a zoom lens, you're likely to miss this feature. Otherwise, the 40i has all of the bells and whistles you'd expect in a quality point-and-shoot camera: multimode flash and white balance, self-timer, exposure compensation, macro, movie mode, and more. Some advanced camera features are missing--there's no shutter priority or aperture priority mode and no manual focus, but these features are often missing from all but the highest-end digital cameras.

As an MP3 player, the 40i is perfectly adequate, with good sound quality. You can't take pictures and listen to MP3 files simultaneously, and the included 16 MB SmartMedia card holds only around 15 minutes of music. If you're serious about using the camera as an MP3 player, you'll definitely want to invest in a larger memory card. A pair of AA batteries should power the player for nearly three hours.

To keep the record companies happy, Fuji has included a number of features designed to discourage users from sharing their memory cards. To transfer music to the camera, you'll need to use the included software, included USB cable, and the newer "ID" variety of SmartMedia card (look for an "ID" printed next to the card's capacity). Non-ID cards won't work for music, and you can't play cards recorded on another 40i, a Rio, or a card reader/writer. Like many personal audio products, the Fuji includes a wired remote that lets you control most music functions even when the camera is in a pocket, backpack, or briefcase. As a bonus, the remote also works with the camera, operating both the digital zoom and the shutter release.

If you're a gadget lover who always needs to have the coolest gizmos, the Fuji FinePix 40i is a great choice. Its combination of supercompact, high-quality digital camera and MP3 player is hard to beat.

Pros:

• Superbly detailed images from an ultracompact camera
• Durable, brushed-metal case with integrated lens cap
• Wired remote controls both MP3 and camera functions
• High-capacity batteries and charger included

Cons:

• No zoom lens
• Copy protection scheme adds complexity to MP3 download process
• Included 16 MB memory card too small for serious MP3 use

SmartMedia cards are used for storing both images and MP3 files, and the USB port provides quick upload and download speeds for both images and audio. One note: for copyright management reasons, all songs must be transferred to the unit via the USB cable; a card recorded on a computer-based card reader or on a friend's MP3 player can't be played on this unit. A tethered remote holds all the controls for the audio player, and provides a headphone jack for the included headphones. The video-out lets you preview images on a television. The 40i also comes with rechargeable NiMH batteries, image-editing software, and digital audio software.