Is this now a vintage camera?
Testing the Fujifilm FinePix A400 Camera
Fujifilm FinePix A400 Camera Test
It’s over seven years since Dad died. Mum, coming up to 95, is doing well and recently went through some of Dad’s old things. She gave me his digital camera, a Fujifilm FinePix A400 pocket camera. It’s small in size and easily slips into a pocket.
This camera must have been purchased around 2007 and so, by modern standards, is outdone in the amount of pixels it uses. This one is 4.1mp, whereas the modern replacements are around 12mp. That said, it should produce reasonable photos as long as they are not enlarged beyond a 12”x 8” print. Smaller sizes will be sharper.
I have decided to put the camera through its paces and see how it holds up in 2026. One thing I like is that it takes standard AA batteries, which means there is no need to buy an additional spare battery, as many cameras require. One issue today is that the camera uses an XD picture card to store the photos. These are no longer available, although plenty of used ones are for sale on eBay. They are charging as much as a used A400 would cost. Anyway, I have a card with it, which is fine for this test.
The first day I went to Bradford-on-Avon, as it’s very picturesque, especially in the lovely April sunshine. When I got home, I realised that I had the resolution set to normal rather than fine. You can see the results below.
Please click on the photos to enlarge, especially the ones in the galleries.
Bradford-on-Avon Photos
The next day, the sun is shining, which, when it’s a bank holiday in England, is unusual. Taking advantage of the sunshine, I went into town, Trowbridge, and took a few more shots with the higher resolution.
Trowbridge Photos
It will be interesting to see how the camera performs in different lighting situations. It makes a change to have a camera in my hand rather than my iPhone. Of course, my iPhone can produce higher resolution photos, but the Fujifilm does have 3x optical zoom, which the iPhone lacks. Photos are easily imported into my MacBook using the cable or a card adapter. I prefer the cable as removing the card means the clock and date need to be reset, as they are under the battery cover.
I am sure that during the coming weeks I will use the camera in addition to my iPhone, and I will post some more photos for you.
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Brilliant photos RoRo 👏🏼
It’s surprising how good the photos can be from older digital cameras. Optical zoom and larger lenses can help, along with good lighting. Today’s phones do so much more processing, which can look good, but doesn’t always stand up to close scrutiny.