Review of the Fuji FinePix F40fd

www.fujifilm.co.uk RRP: £230 It’s been less than four months since we tested the F31fd, and while that particular 6MP camera remains in Fujifilm’s range, it’s now been joined by an 8MP alternative – the F40fd. Despite the resolution increase some things remain the same, with a 36-108mm equivalent zoom and Face Detection technology for identifying people in your pictures. Other areas have changed though, with the unique prospect of using either an xD or SD memory card in the card slot. Also, the ISO range runs from 100-1600 (not to ISO 3200 like the F31fd), and there are no Aperture or Shutter Priority shooting modes; Program AE and 14 Scene modes make the F40fd a point-and-shoot affair. The design, however, is a definite improvement over the F31fd, with gloss black trim and a matt-black rear adding a little panache to the metal-shelled newcomer. A 2.5in LCD monitor takes up much of the space at the back with a control dial and button cluster squashed into the remaining space. In use, the LCD screen’s anti-reflective coating does a good job of preventing screen glare, but the three-second start up is less impressive. The AF is quick, though. VERDICT The Fuji FinePix F40fd looks good and takes good pictures, but the lack of manual control makes it a touch expensive for an 8MP ‘point-and-shooter’. What Digital Camera Score 85%