Prior models in this lineage include the FujiFilm 1200, 1300, and 2300 models, and the most recent 2 megapixel (MP) A201 is part of a pair that includes an almost identical counterpart, the 1.3 MP A101. Notes on the A201, with the primary exception of MP and price, apply to the A101 as well.

Some of the improvements over prior models include:

• Better picture quality
  
  The A201 has an improved sensor and electronics that provide more saturated colors and better automatic exposure than prior models, even versus their prior, higher-end offerings such as the FujiFilm 40i. Pictures viewed on screen appear noticably more colorful and lifelike vs. identical pictures taken by their prior models.
  
  (This identical sensor appears to be used across Fuji's lower-end offerings, including the 2600z and 2800z models.)
  
  Improvements here also result in image files with fewer visible JPEG compression artifacts and blockiness than prior models. In addition, the automatic exposure is more reliable and often reproduces the true color and look of a scene well.
  
  The A201 continues to use a very sharp, fixed-focus lens similar to those found in prior models that produces very good results at all distances, including macro closeups.
  
  Overall, the A201 produces high-quality 2MP pictures that compete well with other high-quality 2MP digital cameras on the market today at an affordable price.
  
  
• Extended battery life
  
  Whereas prior models would run out of AA battery power in less than an hour and fewer than a hundred shots, the A201 utilizes improved low-power technology to stretch battery life into the hours, allowing for hundreds of high-resolution pictures before the two AA batteries run out.
  
  If you turn the camera off after taking some pictures during the course of a day-trip, you can easily expect the camera to last about 4-8 hours and take enough pictures to fill a 128MB SmartMedia flash card with over 200 high-resolution 2MP pictures on a single set of AA alkaline batteries.
  
  (~200 pictures is equivalent to taking approximately eight rolls of film on a traditional 35mm point and shoot camera.)
  
  
• Lighter weight & comfortably pocketable design
  
  The A201 slims down to a svelte 145g / 5.1oz, shockingly light when you first pickup the camera out of the box without batteries inside. Packaged in a classy, chrome-accented & rounded body that's only 99x65x41mm / 3.9x2.5x1.6" in size, the A201 easily and comfortably fits into a jacket pocket or a khaki pants pocket. It is not as slim as the slimmest digital cameras available so it will not fit the slimmer shirt pockets well.
  
  The lack of squared, hard-metal edges allows the pocketed A201 to move comfortably against your body when you sit.
  
  Owners of the lightweight A201 can replace the included hand-strap with any good neck-strap for convenient carry about their necks during extended trips.
  
  
• Faster operation
  
  Improved processing electronics help the A201 process full-resolution image files far faster than in prior models, which often had a noticable delay. The A201 quickly switches between modes and saved images cycle on-screen quickly with little pause, while saving pictures is rapid. Because the A201 is a fixed-focus lens camera, there are no focusing delays and pictures are taken almost immediately when the shutter button is pressed.
  
  Everything is quick enough that you're never left waiting too long for the A201, even when using the highest resolution settings.
  
  
• Smarter, Sensible body design
  
  With the latest A201, the main control dial has been moved up to around the shutter button, smartly integrating what you need on an outing right at your fingertips. The extremely clear labeling gives you your three modes of operation - still picture record, playback, and movie record - and allows beginners to easily remember how to access each mode.
  
  Coupled with a clean sense of design and just a handful of smartly placed control buttons on the back and elsewhere, the A201 is one of the easier to understand and use digital cameras on the market, especially after reading through the comprehensive, 86 page manual with clear step-by-step instructions and pictures.
  
  (Not at all like some digital cameras which are often too complex, forcing even savy owners to refer to the manuals numerous times.)
  
  The built-in lens cover automatically closes to protect the lens when the camera is switched off - no lost lens caps to worry about.
  
  The stylish, camera-like design is one you can easily take to many events without receiving odd stares from guards and others event goers.
  
  
• Multimedia features
  
  The A201 now include the ability to act as a webcam (web camera) when attached to your PC with the included USB cable to allow others to see you from afar when they're similarly connected and conversing with you over the Internet.
  
  The A201 does lack a built-in microphone so it does rely on the PC for transmitting sound in this mode. Unfortunately, it is an oversight since this also prevents users from recording sounds with the short, but silent, movie clips the A201 is capable of recording.
  
  Both modes require lots of light, so daytime use is suggested.
  
  When attached to the PC, any SmartMedia flash card inside the camera will appear as another removable storage device, and can be used as such to store and transport documents from PC to PC. This also allows easy access to the images you've taken although the included picture viewing software does a great job at automatically starting up when it detects the A201 and displaying the images as thumbnails or full-screen for you.

In summary, the FujiFilm A201 is a suprisingly affordable 2MP digicam that possesses very good image quality, battery life, and design. It will be liked by beginners and advanced users alike for its ease-of-use, which makes taking good pictures more enjoyable. The lack of a microphone is perhaps its only noted flaw.