Review of the Fuji FinePix A800

www.fujifilm.co.uk Fujifilm’s A series cameras have been given a technological makeover with the arrival of the A800 and the A610 (reviewed in our July issue). Previous incarnations of the models have always used third-party CCDs with the traditional square pixel array. Now they incorporate Fuji’s own Super CCD HR. The 8.3MP A800 also has Fujifilm’s own RP (Real Photo) processor for the first time. Again this technology was only previously available in the higher-end models such as the F series and of course the S5 DSLR. In other areas, the camera has the simplicity of control we expect from the A range, with easy-to-use Program shooting, various scene modes and limited menus. This is a point-and-shoot camera for the masses, rather than an enthusiast model. Among the simple features are a reasonably high ISO of 800, which is linked to the camera’s ‘anti-shake’ system. With no optical image stabilisation, the camera automatically raises the ISO to allow faster shutter speeds, and so cancelling the danger of camera shake. OUR VERDICT As point-and-shooters go, the A800 should keep all but the most discerning punters happy. Image faults are minimal – especially for the audience aimed at – and are outweighed by the camera’s ease of use. What Digital Camera Score 82%