5 comments about Canon PowerShot A630 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom.

1. I'm a graphic designer/art director. I published magazines and books, so photography is a key element of my work. This is my second Canon. I had a G3 that had problems with the lens (it wouldn't extend when powered on), and the screen went black after 2 years! So I got this one, because it was the only point & shoot with a swivel screen, and I wanted to give Canon another chance.
   I have a same comments as Flaming June. The inside shots were for most of them grainy, on various settings. Also it doesn't have shake control. Lower and cheaper models have it.
   I also have problems with the flash. Occasionally when I forced flash on, it wouldn't take pictures. Annoying to miss some good shots. The quality of the photos is very good for a P&S, but the top left gets way too blurry. It's fine if there is a non detailed background (ie sky) but it's a disappointment for the rest. The Canon software is good, including the stitching, but I generally end up using Photoshop.
   My next camera will have a swivel screen, but that won't be a Canon.
   
   Looking for THE perfect Christmas present? How about a nice warm children book to read to your kid?
   The Hawaii Snowman



2. ASIN: B000HAOVC6
   
   i love this camera - especially how you can see the photo you're taking from different angles-
   perfect for taking self portraits, w/friends, concerts, etc.
   takes great photos and videos too-
   lots of fun - we take it everywhere -



3. I just took my 10,000th image with this camera. I bought it 2 years ago, and it is still working great, even with the beating I have put on it. It has been rock climbing, caving, kayaking, dropped on concrete, etc. It is only now succumbing to cave dust after about 30 different caves [that destroyed my solid state flash after about 10 caves], but it still takes great pictures for now. I love having the manual mode, where I have almost limitless options for the more difficult shots. The noise at high ISO is annoying, but it seems on par for its generation. This is the camera line I buy when I want an DSLR but can only afford a 200-300 dollar camera.



4. I've had this camera for well over a year now and it just never ceases to please. I love the standard AA batts which allow me to use the batteries of my choice and affordably keep multiple spares. I can also pick up replacement batts just about anywhere so I never need to worry about being without my charger...
   
   Consumer reports rated it tops in picture quality and that is no lie. I almost feel embarrassed for all the nikon coolpix owners in my family. It's a little on the slow side, but the copious options (allowing you almost the flexibility of an SLR), flexible LCD, and overall picture quality more than make up for it. Consumer reports has just named the PowerShot A650 to the top of the heap so I already know what I'll be getting to replace this one should I ever be forced to.
   
   Oh, it's pretty tough too. It's been on numerous trips, hiking and otherwise, and taken a few trips to the floor... the hard way.



5. This is a great camera for the price. I have taken tons of pictures in the National Parks, Ski Mountains, Family gettogethers. I would recomend this camera. I have a personal preference not to use the Auto Mode. I set it up for portrait or Landscape most of the time. Great large pictures of blue skys and snow. The large flipout screen is great for taking pictures when you put the camera on a tripod or want to take a night shot and need to set the camera down.
   
   After owning my camera for about 16 months, my camera LCD screen went black. The pictures were black and the camera was useless. I went directly to the Cannon Website and opened a repair. I paid for shipping to them. They actually paid for the repair and they will pay the shipping back to you. In my case worst that would have happend was they tell me it's expensive to fix and they pay to ship it back and I buy a new one. This is the second powershot I have owned, I had a A540 and had no problems with it. I wanted more Mgps.

2 comments about Samsung L100 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black).

1. If you are looking for a camera and size and price are your concerns, this is a good choice. At around $100, 8mp and a very slim desing, it is a good buy. However, if image quality is important to you, then you would be better served with a Canon or a Sony. Of course, that would mean that you would have to spend around $50-80 more.



2. Positives:
   1. Size is very small- wife loves it, goes in purse easily
   2. Decent pics
   3. Numerous features- including video+zoom...I like the "Backlight" scene since lot of photos the subjects face goes dark if their background is very bright and this corrects for that (with a flash)
   
   Negative:
   1. Being used to a Canon, there is a big delay in this one..you press the trigger and hte lcd goes blank for longish time....(I think it has taken the pic so u can move your hand..its just writing to the card...which does not hurt the pic I think...) but annoying anyway..

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix S210 8.0MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Graphite Black).

1. This is my third digital camera and this is the best, hands down! It does virtually everything perfectly, e.g. night, backlight, inside and even beautiful video at night to boot. Others who have been with me while vacating were amazed at the quality. One person had an $800 Canon and wasn't able to get the quality in some environments and his camera required a lotta adjustments.
   
   If you want something easy to use with great quality pix, you won't regret buying this unit.



2. I'll start by saying that this is my first camera review. I'm also a big ol' noob (novice) when it comes to cameras, so please forgive my lack of concise terminology and limited experience with the camera's features. That said, I suppose this review could be considered feedback from the general consumer.
   
   As the occasional and casual user, I was looking for a camera that would be compact, easy to use, would take great photos...basically a point-and-shoot camera for dummies. The S210 actually packs a good bit of features into such a small camera and I found myself seduced by the price ($159 at the time of purchase), but I found myself getting lost in the multitudes of menus and settings. I read most of the manual to try and familiarize myself with how this camera works and how best to use it, but many of the features were ones I probably would never use.
   
   I didn't care for the start-up. It seems to take a bit longer than other cameras I've used, which made it a bit annoying when trying to catch a quick, random moment. The power button is tiny and right next to the shutter button, so there were a few times when I meant to take a photo and ended up turning the camera off by accident. I had a few choice words for myself and the camera in those instances. Shutter speed also seemed a bit slow in comparison and I didn't like how unprotected the lens and its mechanisms were. It would turn out I would have a good reason to worry.
   
   My husband and I took a trip to Playa del Carmen and when I took out the camera and turned it on, the lens only partially extended, retracted back into the camera and the screen said "Lens Error" and then promptly shut off. I had used it a week prior to our vacation with no problems and when we traveled, I kept it in a hard case and carried it in my purse, so as not to crush or jumble it. As anal retentive as I am, I can swear the camera stayed well protected and was not damaged during travel. I also see that someone else has had the same problem. After a few attempts of turning the camera on hoping whatever is stuck within the lens would correct itself, the cheap plastic pieces that make up the lens cover and the outer rim came loose and a sprinkling of plastic and tiny springs went falling to the floor. I had had the camera less than 6 mos.
   
   I really wanted a camera while we were in Mexico, so we went to an office supply chain and I picked up a Fuji FinePix Z20fd. I mainly chose it because the lens/shutter is protected by a door that slides open to turn the camera on. After using the Fuji, it put things in perspective for me and I realized how much I didn't care for the Nikon. The Fuji was more expensive, but it's much quicker in use and shutter speed, takes better photos with 10MP instead of 8MP, it seems/feels more substantial in the hand and seems to be better made all around. Overall, I feel as though the S210 is trying to be a sophisticated little camera, but the cheap price meant they skimped on the materials. I'm still feeling the burn of paying for a camera, only to have it break in less than 6 mos.



3. I bought this camera 5 days ago (Nov. 3rd). I bought this particular camera becuase I've heard so many great things about Nikon, and have been thinking of purchasing a Nikon DSLR. I really wanted a DSLR, but cannot afford it at this time, and needed to upgrade my ancient digital Olympus for family pics. I also thought it would be a good idea to purchase a cheaper digital camera to get used to the settings before deciding for sure which DSLR I would eventually purchase. After looking at several other cameras in the store that were not in stock, I went ahead and purchased the S210 because of the 8MP and the 2000ISO that it boasts. I should have waited.
   
   I didn't like it shortly after taking it out of the box. In order for me to figure out the camera functions I had to read the very detailed, technically written manual. I am an extremely intelligent person, and very computer/technologically literate. I got very frustrated while playing with it the first night. I put it on HighISO and could not figure out how to take it off. When you go to that section of the manual, it just tells you what its for. It took me until the next day to figure out that it was an independant setting like the scene mode and the camera mode. You cannot just pick up the camera and start using it, you have to read the manual.
   
   I took 25 pictures the next day that I actually kept, I probably took at least twice that. I wasn't particularly happy with any of them, every single one turned out blurry after I downloaded them onto my laptop. So, that night I looked up reviews on this camera (I should've done that before I bought the camera, but I got excited). Most of the reviews echoed what I had already experienced, however, one review on Amazon said that you needed to play with it. So, I broke down and read the manual and have played with the camera for several days. I have probably taken a couple of hundred pictures with it by now. It seems to do pretty well in good light. The functions in the camera mode are fun to play with and I was able to get some interesting effects with the different color/lighting/ISO functions. However, the camera seems to have problems with the focus, especially if you are using it in indoor lighting (particularly at night when all the house lights are on). BTW, I discovered that if you have the high energy light bulbs (you know, the spiral ones) you have to set the light on flourescent, not incandescent, it makes a huge difference in the coloring of your pictures. I have not been able to figure out what settings will fix the focus, I have used every ISO, light, and color setting, and I am getting sick of the maddening red box. If you go ahead and take the picture it is not noticeable, however, if you zoom into the pictures either on the camera, or on the computer, there is some slight blurring, especially farther out in the corners. Even if you do manage to get it in focus, the only thing in focus is what the camera focused on. Again, not noticeable until you zoom in.
   
   If you are looking for a camera that just takes pictures, and don't plan on editing them or blowing them up, this camera is great. It takes good standard pictures. However, don't bother with the 1600 or 2000 ISO, the room has to be very dark (we're talking single light source here) to get a decent picture without any noise (believe me, I tried it in several lighting scenarios). Actually, come to think of it, the High ISO (which automatically bumps the ISO up to 1600) is great for birthday parties where the only light is the candles on the birthday cake. Might take great pics of the Chrismas tree, too. I love the fact that it is small and fits into your pocket, and the color is pretty (mine was the plum color). It seems to have decent timing, though I really have no comparison, since my old camera took 5 seconds or more to take a picture.
   
   All in all, it is a decent camera, but I wish I had done more research before purchasing it. It is a great camera, just not for what I want to use it for. The settings are fun to play with, once you figure them out. I would highly recommend it for someone who just plans on printing out 4X6 or 8X10 pics without a whole lot of editing, or a young person who is interested in photography. Its a great starter camera. BTW, battery life is great. I charged it fully the first night and didn't have to charge it again till two days later (Nov 5th), and I am still going off that charge.
   
   I have not yet decided whether I will return the camera.



4. What more can I say. It was a birthday present for my thirteenth birthday, hence I am over 13.
   I love my camera. It is beautiful, functional, and colorful, just like Kate Moss.
   
   Michelle



5. I got this camera 6 months ago and have had mixed results with it. Electronic VR stabilization or not, the pictures I take turn out blurry about half the time I take them. That's pretty annoying when you're trying to capture the moment. I usually have to stand very, very still, prop the camera on a solid surface, or use the flash. My other complaint is that the photos tend to turn out really washed out if I take outdoor photos. Even on "vivid" mode the colors in the photos are dull. I usually have to lower the exposure compensation manually before I take a photo.
   
   One good thing, I have to say, is the "night landscape" mode works really well if you use a tripod or set the camera up on a flat surface and use the timer. I've taken some amazing night scenes with it.

No comments about Olympus FE370 8MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver).

5 comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8S 8.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver).

1. I bought this camera for a 9 day trip to Costa Rica after analyzing all of the possibilities. I was drawn to Panasonic because I bought my daughter a similar camera a few years ago that takes great pictures of my black pets, which is sometimes very tricky. That camera was no longer available, so I had to research the newer ones.
   I chose this camera for its size, zoom (I settled for 5x since I didn't want to spend a lot on another camera) and use of AA batteries, which would be easy to find in Costa Rica if the need aroze.
   The instructions are easy to understand!!!!! You need to read through them, just the basic part, then look up anything else you are interested in as you go along. I didn't get lots of practice before the trip, but have FANTASTIC photos! I took 1,042! I even got good at having the camera ready, and timing when we'd pass something on the road and getting it centered!!! The 5x zoom with the extra boost to 8x did a great job! I was used to a 10x zoom with my older, large camera which I didn't want to fuss with on this trip.
   My travel companions thought I spent a fortune on such a little camera that could do so much! I took movies or bull riding, a close up of a rattle snake, gorgeous sunset photos, and on and on! I could not be happier and I think anyone could easily use this camera and take professional looking photos.
   The part you need to know which is hard to find out without digging, is that you need NiMH batteries. I only had to recharge them twice for the almost 4GB of photos I took! Keep a charged set in your camera case, and you'll never miss a shot. Well, I did miss a great shot when my daughter locked us out of our room in the rainforest and on the way I ran into an armadillo on the sidewalk - WITHOUT MY CAMERA!!!!!! We had a great encounter though. He snorted at me and ran away.
   I am very happy that I chose this camera for my trip of a lifetime in the rainforest, climbing up volcanoes, hiking to hot springs, and riding through the mangroves. My photos are my treasured memories, thanks to this camera.



2. Upon comparing many brand name digital cameras, I decided to purchase the 8MP Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8S. I have been searching for a few months and many reviews for other brand names just did not compare to the reviews for this camera. I was a previous HP digital camera user and decided to take a chance on a Panasonic since I also have a Panasonic camcorder and have been quite happy. I am glad to say that I am very happy with this camera, as well. It has a larger display than I expected. After taking several pictures, the quality is truly fantastic! It has the usual bells and whistles in relation to other cameraa in this price range and more. It is a great size and easy to use. The one thing that I have also enjoyed is the quick picture taking. It has no delay whatsoever compared to the 6MP HP digital camera I have. The other good thing is that you can change the scenery option quickly prior to taking the appropriate picture. The picture mode is also available through the menu option but the separate turnstyle button is a great feature. The HP I have you need to enter through the menu and change it from there which makes no sense. The Lumix has has more professional type options that I will become more familiar with over time. It's design is sleek, visually appealing, user friendly and offers many features that I am looking forward to using in the near future.



3. I'm a photography novice and wanting a quality camera that was light (easy to tote), comfortable in my hand (contoured slightly), easy-to-use (uncomplicated) and reasonably priced (under #200). If you're like me, this may be the perfect camera for you. It is for me! Just got our first round of photos back....nice quality. Highly recommend it!



4. Compact and takes quality photos of my family, friends, and puppy. Simple enough for my wife to use.



5. This is my 3rd camera in the last 6 years and by far this is the worst experience. The focus is not reliable. The usage is not intuitive. The redeye reduction barely works. The eyes in the picture look glazed.
   
   I used this for my daughter's fifth birthday and I luckly also had a Cannon video camera taking shots. If I just relied on this camera, it would have been a disaster!

5 comments about Kodak EasyShare M1033 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black).

1. Very practical camera with it's small compact design that takes big pictures. Big viewing area. So far seems to work perfect. I love it. I had an older Easyshare, much more bulky and slower taking pictures and the viewing area was too small to really make out if picture was any good. Would definitely recommend this one.



2. This is a really neat little camera, small and light with more than adequate features for someone who wants to do a bit more than point and shoot.It takes some time to learn, and can be a bit confusing. The booklet that comes with the camera is ok for the basics, but I recommend downloading the full manual from Kodak to fully utilize the camera's features.On the down side is the very short battery life, so I would recommend carrying a spare.



3. I picked the M1033 up at a local Best Buy, intending to replace my decrepit 3.3Megapixel Olympus. I wanted a small form-factor camera with high resolution, and passable video I could use so my wife wouldn't have to lug around our video camera for occasional use.
   
   At first, I was excited, but the glamor wore off quickly. I would not recommend the device without SIGNIFICANT CAVEATS. Read on...
   
   * Form factor: the camera is friggin tiny. That's excellent -- what I was looking for.
   
   * Still image quality: once you turn OFF the digital zoom, the image quality is as good as one would expect from a ten megapixel camera. However, if you zoom all the way in on the image (on your computer), you'll see compression artifacts because it exports JPEG files, rather than PNG or TIFF. This dims my otherwise stellar recommendation.
   
   * Video quality is HORRIBLE, especially in low light. I was SHOCKED at how awful the video is. Why would I take 720p high-definition video if the image quality is noisy and grainy? IF VIDEO IS EVEN REMOTELY A PURCHASING CONCERN FOR YOU, YOU WILL NOT BE SATISFIED WITH THIS PRODUCT.
   
   * Video format is Quicktime MOV. If you have a Mac, this is no big deal. For the rest of us, this is a pain. EDITING QUICKTIME MOVIES REQUIRES PURCHASING ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE.
   
   * The unit's basic layout could stand significant improvement. For example, the position of the lens makes it a natural place to hold the camera, which is okay when it's turned off. However, once you hit the power button, it's very easy to brush the lens with your fingertips.
   
   Further, the EasyShare connector (NOTE: proprietary USB plug) is located very close to the tripod shoe connector. This means that you have to choose between installing a quick-release shoe for your tripod and plugging it into USB. I can understand this (somewhat), as the camera just isn't very big and you have to put these things somewhere.
   
   Still, together, this is very disappointing. I'm imagining that I'd have to clean the lens A LOT due to fingerprints.
   
   * the buttons on the top row are easy to hit at the same time. This resets the camera to factory configuration. I discovered this six seconds after handing it to my wife. Fortunately, it's easy to reconfigure, but I don't intend to reset the clock on the thing every few weeks.
   
   * volume control for the unit appears to be universal -- the sounds the camera makes are controlled by the same logic that limits sound of video playback. This control is buried in the setup system. So, when I turn the camera's insipid sound effects down to the minimum, I can't easily hear the video soundtrack even on maximum playback volume. Poor design choice.
   
   * joystick-stud is difficult to use for some people. Like my wife, or me when I get excited. Pushing the button in (ENTER) often causes the stick to go in one direction or another. Imagine doing this on a very cold day.
   
   * Digital zoom RUINS the image quality. Make SURE to turn it off or you'll be wondering why you bought a 10MP camera.
   
   SUMMARY: This camera is for you if you can meet ALL of the following criteria:
   1. you want very high-resolution images and small form-factor
   2. you can tolerate extremely poor quality video (or don't need video at all)
   3. you have a way to edit (or don't need to edit) the quicktime movies the camera produces in such low quality.
   4. you seldom or never use a tripod
   5. you have tiny, agile fingers and never take pictures in cold weather
   6. you can remember to immediately turn off the digital zoom
   
   ...otherwise, seek a different product.



4. The M1033 is a compact camera that takes excellent photos.I especially like the 3" LCD screen and the layout of the controls.The included rechargable battery will save you money in the long run and can be charged with the included AC adapter or USB cable.I do have a few minor gripes though:the battery life is short,the buffer takes a long time on large MP shots and the joystick is touchy.The included Easyshare software is buggy so I use Google Picasa instead.When making DVD's I use DVDFlick(free) or Sonic MyDVD,either one will convert MPEG-4 as long as you have Quicktime installed.
   Having said that I have a few recommendations:turn off digital zoom,do not use an ISO setting higher than 800 in P mode,I recommend buying an extra battery(KLIC-7004),I also recommend using a high speed SD card because it takes faster shots and uploads to your PC faster.
   
   Pros:
   Ergonomic
   Compact
   High quality photos and video
   Smart Capture
   Large screen
   16:9 mode
   Supports SDHC cards up to 32GB
   
   Cons:
   Buttons can be touchy
   Doesn't remember mode when powered off
   Battery life
   Easyshare software



5. I'm loving my new compact camera that fits so easily into my purse. The battery life is great, the 3" LCD screen is fabulous and with Smart Capture I just have to point and shoot !! My friends have all seen it and want one now too !!! I am definitely glad I chose to buy another Kodak !

5 comments about Sony Cybershot DSCT300 10.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot (Silver).

1. I love my new DSC-T300 camera. The features are great and it's very user friendly. The camera takes amazing pictures. I only have one complaint about the camera. The battery is horrible. I fully charge the battery and the camera is dying after a few hours of use. I always turn the camera off after I finish taking pictures and the camera turns itself off after a couple of minutes of no use. On two different occations, my camera has died in the middle of an event. Overall, the camera is great, but you need to carry an extra battery around



2. This camera is an excellent tool for my job. I need a small camera that takes very good pictures for capturing the progress of construction. This camera serves that need. It is also helps during travel and vacationing for the same reasons. It fits comfortably on the belt, and is not something bulky hanging around your neck.



3. This is a perfect camera for users with strong photo culture that just want to get rid of heavy cameras, but appreciate to have 98% chances to manage all amateur photo requierements, even the most demanding ones. Best of all, value for money.



4. Very nice Camera, great zoom for the money, very good pictures wile on the move in the car. Touchscreen is awesome. 10 MP may be to big for just your everyday point and shoot, we use it on 5.1, 90% of the time.



5. This camera is great at a great price. Arrived earlier than promissed. I love buying from Amazon!

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix P5100 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom.

1. I have been taking pictures since 1975, digital pictures since 1996, and this is one hot little camera. I have an expensive 35 mm SLR and all the accessories that I use when I want to take great pictures, but there are times when I do not want the 8 to 10 pounds of camera equipment hanging from my neck. So, I carry a small digital camera in my shirt pocket or in my coat to capture those special moments that only come once in a lifetime. Small Casio and Richo cameras have worked well in the past, but this Nikon beats them all hands down. The picture quality (8 by 10) rivals that of my expensive SLR and it is more handy, so I actually get the shot of my son and wife skiing down the slope while I schuss past them.
   
   I have owned this camera for more than 6 months and have taken more than 1000 pictures with it. The camera powers up quick, is easy to use without having to memorize the users guide, and is not a battery hog like some other digital cameras. For the price, you cannot beat this little gem for picture quality, ease of use, and raw megapixel power. The only shortcoming I have found is the relatively slow shutter release - making fast action photos tough to capture without some anticiaption and timing.
   
   I highly recommend this camera for the casual photographer. If you get this camnera, take the time to order extra batteries and a large memory card, you won't be disapointed.



2. This is a super camera for digiscoping birds and other distant animals. It seems to be a bit slower than my Nikon P80, but otherwise it's a great choice.
   
   Dix Smith
   Ft. Collins, CO



3. The bad news first, there is a significant delay from pressing the trigger button until the shutter fires, like one to two seconds. The camera is small and compact, but offers many control settings that other cameras do not offer in this compact class. The flash is extremely powerful, and the image quality is outstanding. If you want a small camera to carry in your pocket, and you are shooting in a dark room at a shutter speed of 1/250, with a ISO of 150, this is the camera... and the images are excellent! My other camera is a Nikon D300, so I know quality images.



4. I have always been fascinated by photography especially how the photographers come up with their amazing shots. Reading various online contents regarding photography I have decided to get the Nikon P5100 which could give me a result as close to a DSLR image at an affordable price.
   
   This is my first time to own a digital camera and I found Nikon P5100 fairly easy to use.
   
   I'm very happy with my purchase and the delivery time it took to reach me.



5. This is an excellent camera. I absolutely love it. The only complaint I have is it is difficult to hold without getting fingerprints over the screen; otherwise, it is great. It is my first digital camera.

5 comments about Fujifilm Finepix S8100fd 10MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom.

1. i bought this camera from amazon since a month, i was wondering weather to buy the nikon p80, or the canon g9(my sister has)
   i found this camera great but it has some weak but acceptable points:
   1- shooting in auto mode is a problem since it shoots with hi iso making some noise even in acceptable light condition, the g9 is much better in this aspect. so always shoot with manual (p) mode
   2- the lcd could be better, the g9 also has much superior lcd quality
   
   the nice things about this camera is the picture quality, very sharp and precise, macro also is good. focus is great and i noticed a better focusing than the g9 and also focuses faster
   as far as i know, i find this camera very good.



2. I'm not an expert photographer by any means...I was a frustrated mom who was always missing important moments because my sleek & slim camera that fit into my backpocket would not 1) shoot fast enough to capture the moments, 2) zoom in close-enough, 3) focus fast enough, 4) take pics in the darkest of auditoriums.
   
   I did a little research and in the short while that I've had this camera (2 months), I have found many reasons to love this camera, here a few main ones:
   a) The auto feature is truly awesome, as long as you remember to click open the flash - it will use the flash as needed...(drawback - flash doesn't open automatically in auto feature - pro- this is one of the few cameras in this price range that has a built-in flash)
   b) It has the most zooming capability for a camera in this price range
   c) love the editing features available on the camera - you can crop/edit pics ont he camera itself
   d) it has a sports feature that takes like 25-30 pics every 5 seconds (or something like that)....I've tested it and have 60 shots of my daughter jumping up and downs and it captured every strand of her hair flying in mid-air
   e) I took pics in a pitch dark room that only had black lights with people dancing and the pics came out looking like all the lights in the room were on and people were posing for the pics
   f) I only bought the SD memory card and I can take like 400-500 pics before I have to worry about running out of space (and you can still take the card out after it's full and still take quite a few more pics on the camera's basic memory).
   g) it uses regular batteries - nothign is more infuriating than you're camera running out of battery juice and you can't find replacement batteries at the local grocery/pharmacy store when you're on vacation.
   
   The main drawbacks to this camera that I noticed are:
   a) there is no Fuji bag that fits this camera...you will have to get your own generic camera bag (don't understand why Fuji just doesn't make one to come with it)
   b) It's not sleek and compact (for those potential buyers who are looking for that)....for moms this is not really a problem because generally your purse is the "family purse" where everyone's belongings finds its way into your bag/purse....this is actually one of the mid-range in weight for cameras that are comparable to its features
   c) none of the local stores carry this model(Circuit City/Best Buy/Frys/Ritz Camera/etc)to play around with prior to purchasing - I was able to only purchsae it from Amazon - I had to guess when comparing to other models in the store in terms of size/weight/feature capabilities/etc.
   
   I've already made some amazing photobooks from the pics that I've taken from this camera.



3. I bought this camera from a local camera shop during my vacation and it is wonderful. I needed something besides my point and shoot with image stablization and this fits the bill. I wanted great photos and didnt mind a bag to haul around. It is easy to use, has great zoom and photo clarity. The focus is fast so we rarely missed what we were after.



4. Great camera in good light but gets grainy in dim lighting, but most digital cameras are that way. Shot a picture outdoors with only the full moon as lighting using ISO 1600 and it looked like daylight. The zoom works nice and the shake prevention seems to be good although you will normally need a tripod at the full 18x. The AVI video is very good but the sound is a little harsh and tinny when you play the movie on a computer, sound could be better. The multitude of functions are all well laid out and easy to use with very little searching through endless menus. Has a nice clear big LCD screen and the electronic viewfinder is good for using outdoors in bright sunshine. The flash is very good and lights up a large area, one of the best I've seen on a P/S type camera. The macro functions are second to none. Using four AA batteries is great and no recharger needed. You can take pictures in nearly total darkness that look great, although a little grainy using high ISO settings. Wish it had an auto lens cap. Overall a very nice camera with a ton of useful features and a joy to use. I highly recommend this camera.
   UPDATE: After using this camera for a lot of shots I find that a lot of pictures it takes looks washed out and not saturated with color, not every picture, but enough to make me return the camera and order a Canon Powershot SX110IS. I also didn't like the big lag time from pressing the shutter to taking a flash picture. A nice camera but has some annoying issues. A three star camera.....



5. It's worth the extra $100 over the next step down. Great photos right off the bat, and I'm sure they'll get better when I learn everything about the camera--just have to find the time to check out the cd/dvd that came with it.
   
   I make closeup shots of animals, and fast-moving shots of sports events. Great results for both.

5 comments about Fujifilm Finepix S700 7.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought this camera about 2 months ago, just before leaving on a camping trip with my family. We gave it quite a "shake-down cruise" on the trip, getting great shots of far-off boats and remote beach houses, as well as sunsets and kids in the water. I was able to take great pictures with very little learning time. The S700 also takes wonderful video with very good sound -- and I love having the ability to zoom while shooting video.
   
   This is only my second digital camera -- the first was a Canon A630. I loved it -- until one of my 12-year-old's teammates stuck a finger in the lens cover and then my 3-year-old finished it off by dropping it on the pool apron with the lens extended.
   
   So I was thrilled to find the S700, which has an old-fashioned lens cover and a zoom which is completely within the case even when extended. These two attributes make it very kidproof. It's a sturdy camera and I personally like the fact that it's bigger than a "point and shoot." I love the sturdy grip.
   
   I'm definitely a "hobby" photographer although I do take some photos in my work. The S700 gives me lots of room to experiment with manual settings, while also offering quite an array of pre-set modes that work really well. I initially found the S700 while searching for high zoom -- which I have come to realize I need to keep up with kids' sports and activities -- that was reasonably priced.
   
   I've learned lots of tips on the S700/S5700 users' group on Flickr. Took some breathtaking photos of the moon last night thanks to tips found there.



2. First I must say, this is a great little camera!
   If your like me, you want to go to the next level of photography, but don't want to spent much, this is your camera.
   It is vary small, has great zoom, takes clean pictures, and the battery life is amazing. (get some good battery's though, id say Energizer rechargeable 2200mAh)
   Just the other day my friend and I compared cameras and ability, my FinePix beat his brand new Nicon CoolPix.
   All in all for the price, this camera is way more then worth it!



3. If you are not a professional or at least an advanced serious amateur, forget the DSLR and save your money. If you don't want the expense of additional lenses and the hassle of changing them, this camera might be for you. I previewed (hands-on) similar cameras of various brands prior to purchasing this one but have owned no others like it so I cannot give a comparison, but I have owned and used this camera for 5 months now and am extremely well pleased with it. Most of my photos are outdoor shots, and in nature, the 10x zoom is fantastic. The camera has the look and feel of a DSLR, so handling is quite steady. It will do the simplest point-and-shoot, or go full manual for those with a desire to experiment.
   
   One feature that was important to me was the ability to accept a filter and this camera does it very nicely (with a Hoya filter installed, the factory lens cap works well). The zoom lens does not move outside the camera and this feature is one that appeals to me, unprotected precision moving parts are a problem waiting to arise. Neckstrap and viewfinder were two other features that I also wanted and the S700 has both. Most of my photos are taken using the viewfinder, but the LCD is real handy at times and is quite large and clear. With cold, dry hands out doors, the grip on this model is superb, unlike a lot of the more compact slippery cameras out there.
   
   If you are looking for a camera to slip in your pocket or purse, keep looking, as this is somewhat bulky for that, but if you don't mind a reasonably small case slung over your shoulder, a Case Logic TBC-4 is nearly a glove-fit for the S700.
   
   Once you get used to the location of the function buttons, all are quite easily accessed and simple to operate, I like the slightly recessed on-off button, because I don't have to worry about inadvertantly turning the camera on when stowing it, as was a problem with my previous unit.
   
   I am not a professional or advanced amateur photographer but I am very pleased with photo quality I'm getting out of my S700 and the simplicity of operation... The price is just a great bonus.
   
   The only feature I wish this camera had is a remote shutter release, but with that being said, I would highly recommend this camera for those out there looking to upgrade from your basic point-and-shoot to something a little more advanced without having to take out a second mortgage on the house.



4. Excelente relacion calidad precio.
   
   pros: funcional, un monton de funciones disponibles, excelente vida de las bareias, acepta acople de algunos filtros, preio, apariencia, cantida de luz del flash graduable.
   
   Contras: unicamente que no acepta flash externo.
   
   Esta camara toma excelente fotos, incluso en el modo 100% automatico, tiene buena cantidad de opciones en el modo manual, su aspecto parecido al de las camaras de mayor nivel como las slr, le da un aspecto profesional y de mayor nivel.
   
   en un pricipio no estaba muy conforme, porque las fotos me estaban quedando con mucho ruido, pero luego de leer algunas paginas, pude descubrir que el setting que trae de fabrica no es el mas adecuado para todas las ocasiones, principalmete el iso, que viene puesto en auto 800, pero una vez que lo baje a iso 100 para tomar fotos en el dia, y a iso 400 para fotos en la noche normal, las fotos dieron un giro del 100%, ahoraestoy super conforme con esta camara, ya tengo unos 3 mese con ella y he tomado mas de 2500 fotos.
   
   La remomiendo 100% y mi mejor recomendacion es que pruebes con diferentes ajustes, hasta que encuentres uno que te satisfaga. en cuanto la vida util de las baterias es muy buena utiliza 4 AA. con las cuales podras tomar entre 350 / 400 fotos. (con pilas recargables de 2500mah) lo cual es muy bueno, considerando que tiene una pantalla de 2.5 y luz auxiliar de enfoque en oscuridad.
   
   Mi opinion final: dificilmente consigas otra mejor opcion para una camara de este nivel considerando su precio (US$149.99 nueva, en mi caso), ademas de tener un gran aspecto y desempeño.



5. My daugther needed a camera for school, and I wanted one that would help her develop a skill and hobby. She is 10 and uses this camera everyday now.
   When we received the camera I went over how everything worked with her, then she took over. The camera takes video's too. My daughter loves posting these little works of art on YouTube. This was a great purchase.