Fujifilm's entry wide-zoom compact — 8.2MP CCD, 28-112mm 4x zoom, xD or SD cards, 2007
The FinePix F480 Zoom was an entry-level model in Fujifilm's F-series, announced in August 2007 and on sale from September 2007 at US$179.95. Unusually for a budget compact of its day it offered a wide-angle zoom, and Fujifilm pitched it at first-time buyers wanting style and function in a body no bigger than a deck of playing cards.
It combines an 8.2-megapixel CCD with a Fujinon 4x optical zoom covering a 28-112mm equivalent range — the 28mm wide end being its stand-out feature against rival 3x compacts that started at 35-38mm. A 2.7in LCD fills the back, with an easy-access mode and scene dial on top. Thirteen scene modes and Fujifilm's Picture Stabilisation mode handle the automation, QVGA movies record at 30fps with sound, and images save to internal memory or to either xD-Picture Cards or SD cards.
The F480 suits casual shooters and makes a sensible cheap pick among CCD-era compacts because of that 28mm wide angle, useful for interiors, groups and landscapes. It lacks optical stabilisation and manual control, so treat it as a well-specified point-and-shoot rather than an enthusiast F-series model.
On the used market its dual xD/SD card support is a practical plus — cheap SD cards work fine, unlike xD-only FinePix models. Confirm the correct battery and charger are included, check the mode dial and zoom rocker respond cleanly, and inspect the large screen for wear. Daylight CCD colour is pleasant; expect noise above base ISO.