The new Fuji 4747Z

http://home.planet.nl/~destaete/images/4747.jpg

New / changed features
- The viewfinder is located at the left of the camera.(same as MX-1700)
- The play/record switch has a 3rd position which locks the on/off button
- Flash unit is placed centrally and is slightly larger and more powerful
- Camera power can be supplied through the USB connection

Firmware
- Short audio recordings can be attached to each image
- The word “STORING” has been replaced by “SAVING”
- New USB modes, depending on the mode switch setting:
-- Locked
--- image transfer and erase of all or selected images
-- Playback
--- software control of playback functions
--- LCD info displayed on the monitor
-- Record
--- software control of record functions
--- LCD info displayed on the monitor
--- option to store images (still, video) directly to disk
--- camera can operate as a web-cam

New optional accessories (see pictures below)
- A 28 mm wide lens add-on is now available
- Docking station allows connection to USB, video and charger
- Mounting bracket (FPMPMI standard) for attaching camera to monitor

http://home.planet.nl/~destaete/images/4747-o.jpg

You might already have guessed, this is not a sneak preview, it’s a “sneaky” preview….

After using the Finepix 4700Z for a couple of weeks now, I’m still a happy rooster
(see http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1012&message=467527),
but while working with the camera I started to think about some new features that I would like to see on its successor, well I got carried away a little bit….

Ergonomics

Not much to improve here, though I would like to see the viewfinder to be moved to the extreme top/left of the camera. This does not only make the use of the viewfinder easier, but it will also facilitate the use of the control shuttle (zoom) functions while looking through the viewfinder. This location would be similar to the MX-1700 and MX-2700 camera’s.

The play/record switch has a third position which locks the on/off button to prevent accidental switch on. It is located at the top position of the switch to prevent accidental unlock when slipping the 4747 in my tight shirt pocket.

The flash unit is placed centrally and is slightly larger and more powerful. The unit must either be opened manually or in case a button is used, the opening should be smoothly, to prevent damage to the opening/close mechanism.

Firmware

I have had several inquiries for the possibility to attach a audio recording to an image. My customers (mostly retailers) want this feature to record comments to an image while visiting trade shows etc.

The word “STORING”, which is displayed while saving movie or “continuous shot” images should be replaced by “SAVING”. In the Dutch language “STORING” means “malfunction or disturbance”.

Extra USB modes - self explanatory

Options

The Wide lens option is a must for house interiors, buildings and (furniture) trade-shows. It should also compensate improve the barrel distortion in wide mode on the 4700. I wonder though what is the better solution, a camera with a zoom range of 36 – 108 and a separate wide lens, or a camera with a zoom range of 28 – 84 and a separate tele lens.

A docking station would allow swift connection of the USB and video connections and would have to allow for charging of the batteries while in the camera. So this would be a real “take-and-run-point-and-shoot” camera!

I hope Fuji is listening too!
Bas