FujiFilm FinePix

The large number of cameras  targeted to the consumer market is dizzying. Try not to get overwhelmed from the selection. Each subsection will discuss the different types of digital camera  available starting with the most basic. After familiarizing yourself with the snapshot cameras you may want to read about the professional series of cameras offered by Fujifilm.  Keep in mind that the majority of these cameras are under $400 except for the S2  and S3  Pro models. Note that the prices listed are estimates and are not always the lowest street price available. Go to the Digital Camera Buying Guide for advice on how to buy a new camera.

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Fun Photography

A Series
  • Great for beginners with simple menu and quick button setup.
  • The price is right for the cost-conscious consumer who still wants a versatile camera.
  • Has all the basics for snapshot photography.
  • Designed for indoors or outdoors use.
  • Has some manual features.
  • The A345  and A350  are very similar cameras.
    • All their features are the same: movie and sound recording capability, PictBridge compatibility, automatic and some manual features, plus 4 scene modes, and a 1.5 fps continuous shooting mode. Both also have a 3x optical zoom.
    • The only shortcoming is the 1.7" LCD.
  • The main difference is that the A350  has 5.2 MP and 12.3 total zoom.
  • The A345  only has 4 MP and a 10.8 total zoom.
  • The A Series has added three new cameras to the fold, the A600,  the A500  and the A400. 
    • The A600  features 6.3 megapixels, 3X optical zoom and movie recording.
    • The A500  features 5.3 MP and the A400,  4.1 MP.
    • All three cameras are essentially improved versions of the A345  and A350  versions.

E Series
  • Slightly more advanced than the A series. Still they are lightweight and compact. Plus, they have a pop-up flash.
  • The E500  and the E510  are practically twins.
    • Both weigh and cost exactly the same ($300) and they both have a 3.2 optical zoom, although the E510 has a slightly higher total zoom as well as an extra megapixel worth of resolution (5MP total).
    • They both have video recording, but no sound.
    • Deciding between these two is an easy call: go for the E510.
  • Slightly upgraded is the E550. 
    • A 6.3MP resolution, an improved 4x optical zoom, and sound and video recording capability.
    • It also has a nice 2" LCD screen plus a viewfinder.
    • To balance out the heavier body, there is a nice hand grip. ($400)
  • For an extra $200, the E900  will prove to be a substantially more effective digital camera.
    • While the optical zoom hasn't been improved since the E550, the digital zoom has been increased.
    • The resolution has shot up to 9 MP, which is more than even some of the latest dSLRs.
    • It has a big 2" LCD along with an optical viewfinder.
    • Besides all the common automatic features included on a point and shoot, it also has a dial mode for manual settings (ISO, white balance, exposure, metering, and more), and macro shooting capability.
    • It is also PictBridge compatible and shoots both video and records sound.
    • All in all: excellent choice.

FinePix V10
  • Extra-large three inch LCD with approximately 230,000 pixels.
  • 5.1 million pixel Super CCD HR sensor.
  • 3.4x optical zoom lens (F2.8 - F5.5), 38 - 130mm equivalent on a 35mm camera.
  • Four built-in arcade games.
  • 3:2 image format option.
  • Multi-frame playback function.
  • VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound.
  • xD-Picture Card, providing large storage capacity, lower power consumption and fast write speeds (16MB to 1GB capacities currently available).
  • PictBridge compatible for direct printing without a PC.

Stylish and Sleek

Z3
  • The Z3  improves upon the Z1  and Z2  models with imrpoved picture quality.
  • Features imagine stablization.
  • Like the other Z models, the Z3 has 5.1 megapixel resolution and a 3X optical zoom.
  • Features FujiFilm's Intellectual Flash for improved lighting in the background of photos and seemless visual transition from foreground to background.
 

Z1
  • The most compact and lightweight camera produced by Fujifilm (only 5oz).
  • It resembles the Casio Exilim EX-Z750,  the Nikon Coolpix 7900,  and the Canon PowerShot SD400. 
  • These are great snapshot cameras and make wonderful gifts.
  • Runs for about $500.
  • It has a 5.1 megapixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom (but non extending).
  • Beautiful 2.5" LCD screen but no viewfinder.
  • The front cover slides to reveal the lens and flash keeping it safe while not in use.
  • Very user-friendly and a simple interface.
  • Records sound and video content.
  • Pre-set scene shooting modes, macro, and manual modes.
  • No in/out jacks for USB. Instead it gets hooked up to the dock from which you can connect it to a computer for editing, emailing, and printing your photos.
  • To reduce soft looking photos, it has an anti-blur device and a built-in automatic sensitive flash that adapts to the light setting, whether it be indoors or out.

Slim and Strong

F400+ Series
  • A compact digital camera with extendible zoom, a lightweight design, and plenty of features for $500 or less.
  • Powerful and portable.
  • Have 4, 5, and 6 MP resolutions (the higher resolutions in the higher-numbered cameras).
  • The lower models have an approximate 3x optical zoom and a big 2" LCD, built-in flash and viewfinder.
  • Here is what sets them apart:
  • For the price, the F440  is a decent camera ($350).
    • Unfortunately, it has neither a macro mode, nor any manual settings.
    • However, it is good for making enlargements (better than the A Series, anyway).
  • The F450  happens to make great enlargements, even larger than the F10, despite the F10's high resolution.
    • As far as movie recording, the 10 fps (frames per second) are the same as the F440 's.
    • Really, it is an upgraded F440. 
  • What sets the F10  apart besides its high resolution and fast continuous burst shooting at 2.2 fps, is its lack of viewfinder and bigger 2.5" LCD screen.
    • It also has a high resolution CCD processor which makes for super sharp photos (nearly doubling the effective resolution).
    • It also has an impressive maximum 500 shot battery life.
    • Great little camera.
  • F470  Zoom features:
    • CCD sensor delivering 6.0 million pixels.
    • 16MB internal memory.
    • High resolution 2.5” LCD monitor.
    • 3x optical zoom with 10 selectable scene positions for different shooting conditions.
    • Close-Up and Text VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound.
    • Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and battery charger included.
    • xD-Picture Card (16MB to 1GB capacities available).
    • PictBridge compatible for direct printing without a PC.
  • F650  Zoom features:
    • CCD sensor delivering 6.0 million pixels.
    • 5x optical zoom lens.
    • High resolution 3.0” LCD monitor.
    • 10 selectable scene positions for different shooting conditions.
    • VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound.
    • PictBridge compatible for direct printing without a PC Internal memory.

Enthusiast

S310, S5100, S5200, S5900 Series
  • For someone who is interested in photography or who maybe knows a thing or two, and who is looking to get creative with manual functions, but who still likes the optional comfort of automatic features as well.
  • These are not quite pro dSLRs, but they are advanced snapshots in an SLR body.
  • Low prices.
  • As you become more comfortable with this style and the features that an SLR offers you may think of upgrading to a true dSLR.
  • In the meantime, these are an affordable solution.
  • Pop-up flash,
  • The S3100  ($300) and the S5100  ($400) both have a 4MP resolution.
    • The S3100 only has a 6x optical zoom, but the S5100 has an impressive 10x optical zoom, which is great for making enlargements up to 20x15".
  • The S5100  has a faster shooting speed for video recording at 30fps versus 10fps.
    • Plus, it also has sound recording ability, while the S3100  doesn't.
  • The S5200  is an EVF (electronic viewfinder) and the closest thing in the S series to an SLR.
    • It still has a non-extending 10x optical zoom.
    • $450 for a slightly larger LCD (1.8"), plus a wider range of compatibility in most areas.
    • If you need something versatile that can grow with you and your technology, this is the way to a better bet than the S5100 
  • The S9000  is what to check out before going pro.
    • $800.
    • Boasts an impressive 9MP resolution.
    • Wide lens with 10x optical zoom.
    • Super macro mode.
    • Hot shoe connectivity.
    • Dual media slot.
    • Tilting 1.8" LCD.
    • Has the pop-up flash as well as automatic settings, improved manual control, and PictBridge compatibility.

Pro Series

S Series Professional
  • These cameras are said to produce high quality, high definition photos with good color rendering. Unfortunately they run off AA batteries. Furthermore, despite the price, they lack the megapixels that other competitors are providing.
  • S6500 
    • Despite only featuring 5.1 megapixels, FinePix latest S model takes high quality photographs even under low-light conditions.
    • Has 10X optical zoom capabilities.
    • Features anti-blurring mode by higher ISO sensativity and faster shutter speed.
  • S20 
    • ($1000)
    • This mid-sized dSLR-style camera produces fine quality photos for only having a 6.2 megapixel resolution.
    • You will need to get a better memory chip.
    • In fact, this is not a dSLR, because it uses an electronic viewfinder instead of an optical zoom and it's an all-in-one style.
    • The rubberized grip is a good size so that the camera feels secure in your hand. Although, the buttons on the barrel seem slightly cumbersome because it's easy to press them by accident.
    • It has manual ISO control and an average 6x optical zoom for a dSLR.
    • There are also three settings dials but no status LCD monitor.
    • Special software gives the photographer the option of working from their computer via USB and FireWire ports.
  • S2 
    • ($1500)
    • A step up from the S20, plus it is a little bigger.
    • Strangely, it has grown up but hasn't grown a vertical hand grip.
    • Includes more accessories that may or may not be useful (the 16 MB memory chip is a joke).
    • It has a fairly clean design, although some of the settings buttons could have been better positioned since a lot of space is wasted.
    • At least there are two status LCDs though. The main LCD does not flip or twist like other dSLRs.
    • Practically all AF Nikon lenses can be swapped with this camera.
    • It also has some auto functions and features more destined to consumer cameras, such as a pop-up flash (hot shoe is optional), and lots of scene mode settings.
  • S3 
    • ($2000)
    • Made of a one-piece, durable, polycarbonate body, this camera feels solid.
    • It's got both a horizontal and vertical grip, making it extra stable, and a horizontal/vertical shutter release.
    • The lens it comes with is mediocre, but it can be swapped for any F lens.
    • The high resolution 2" LCD nicely displays the 12 megapixel images.
    • It has both an integrated flash and a hot shoe, plus it has a PC link to hook up other flashes.

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