FujiFilm's new MX-1700 (Fujifilm MX-1700)

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Product:	Fujifilm MX-1700
Date:	17/07/02 (8 review reads)
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Advantages: Price, Design, Image Quality

Disadvantages: Zoom

FujiFilm's new MX-1700 shows that the company's commitment to the MX-700's original design remains unchanged. The MX-700, 1700 and 2700 series of cameras all use a design that immediately exclude the camera as any thing other than a digital one. An entirely new lens design has made it possible to include a 38 to 114mm equivalent zoom, within the same body thickness that had been intended for a single focal length.

FujiFilm puts a lot of effort in to the design of their cameras. The MX-1700 is a product of that spirit, as can be seen by its durable, well-finished aluminium body, and the ease of operation of the camera.

While the general look of the camera remains the same, there are some ergonomic modifications. The mode dial has been moved to the top of the camera, as on the MX-2900. The same dial controls the six basic functions of the MX-1700:

* Self-timer (10 sec.)
* Setup (basic camera settings)
* Manual mode (manual shooting)
* Auto mode (auto shooting)
* Playback (LCD screen or video)
* Connection to a computer.

Many of the changes first seen in the design of the MX-2700, a 2-megapixel version of the MX-700, have been carried over to the MX-1700.

One addition is a zoom control switch, incorporated as part of the four-direction button used to access the various camera menus and functions. Now, pressing the switch at the top zooms in, while pressing it at the bottom zooms out. The control retains the red flashing arrow tips used on other models of the series, flashing sequentially clockwise while recording an image on the memory card, and counter-clockwise while reading it in playback mode.
Indeed, the back of the MX-1700 bears more than a passing resemblance to that of the MX-2700. The Cancel/Back button, the Menu/Exe button, along with the Display and Shift ones, are in nearly the same positions. The small status screen is also present, bordered on the right by the Fla
sh and Macro buttons. Similarly, the dimensions of the MX-1700 are nearly identical to those of the MX-2700, both a bit smaller than the slightly older, non-zoom, MX-700.

Similar dimensions mean that the MX-1700 and MX-2700 can share the same wardrobe. A small leather pouch first designed for the MX-2700, is also perfectly suited to the MX-1700. The pouch is made of thick black leather and has a small internal compartment to store extra SmartMedia cards. A large front flap held down by a Velcro strip, keeps the camera well-protected inside.

The MX-1700 carries on the aesthetically pleasing design that made many want to try it. Almost by itself, this should ensure the success of the MX-1700 in the marketplace.

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