Talk about media convergence - the FujiFilm 40i squeezes both a hi-res digital camera and an MP3 player into a palm-sized package.

If it weren't for this camera's solid features and outstanding resolution, the combination could have come across as a forced gimmick. But, the 40i works hard not to short-change either of its functions.

The camera offers hefty 2.4 megapixels of resolution (interpolated up to 4.3 megapixels!) and all the features you'd expect like manual/auto exposure modes, built-in flash, the ability to take short video clips (with audio), etc.

But, the MP3 features aren't just tacked on. The 40i includes headphones, a tethered remote for controlling MP3 playback and provides audio mixing settings to match your eardrums' tastes.

A compact implementation of a cool idea, the FujiFilm FinePix 40i is a digital camera that begs to be carried even when you aren't taking pictures.

Features:

- $699
- 2.4 Megapixels (4.3M output)
- 3x digital zoom (at lower res)
- 8MB SmartMedia(TM) card
- Stereo headphones
- Tethered remote for player/camera
- Built-in flash
- Optical and 1.8" LCD viewfinders
- Captures AVI video w/ sound
- Metallic silver or blue
- NTSC/PAL video out
- USB port for downloads
- Compact: 3.4"W x 2.8"H x 1.1"D

Software:

- Adobe ActiveShare(R) photo editing
- RealJukebox(R) digital audio

Copyright © 2006 Stephen Jones All rights reserved.