Fujifilm's late A-series budget compact — 12.2MP CCD, 3x 32-96mm zoom, 3.0in LCD, AA batteries, SD cards
The Fujifilm FinePix A235 was an entry-level point-and-shoot from the final generation of the long-running A series, the budget line Fujifilm had produced since 2001. It was sold at retail around 2009-2010 as a simple, AA-powered everyday camera alongside siblings such as the A225.
It used a 12.2-megapixel 1/2.3in CCD behind a 3x zoom (5.7-17.1mm, 32-96mm equivalent, f/2.9-5.2) with a motorised lens shield. A large 3.0in 230,000-dot LCD handled framing, sensitivity ran ISO 100-1600, and images were stored on SD/SDHC cards. Extras included face detection, SR Auto scene recognition, VGA 640x480 movie capture, and power from two AA batteries.
It suits buyers who want the cheapest possible working digicam or a first camera for a child: point-and-shoot operation with almost no manual control. The slow telephoto end of the lens and small sensor limit low-light results, but daylight snaps are respectable for the class.
AA power and SD cards make this one of the easiest old compacts to run today, with nothing proprietary to hunt down. Check the 3.0in screen for scratches and pressure marks, confirm the sliding lens shield opens fully, and test the flash charges, as these were built to a very low price.