Fujifilm FinePix S304

Advantages: Great 6X optical zoom
Disadvantages: Poor lens cap, difficult to use in gloomy conditions

...at the time. The Fujifilm FinePix S304 fitted the bill and the budget. The zoom makes for a bulkier camera than I would choose for myself; I prefer the more slim-line designs that fit more easily into your pocket. This camera, although possible to fit into some pockets, is generally consigned to a bag or slung around the neck. The 6X optical zoom is very useful however and gives great results. In fact we rarely get a bad shot and this is more down ...
...the camera. If you are new to digital photography and wondering whether to give it a go - do it. We have found the best aspect is being able to instantly view your photo. This means you know you are taking home that special shot just the way you want it instead of anxiously waiting for a film to be developed only to find a head chopped off or a finger across the lens. The controls and menus are very easy to get to grips with. After the first couple ... Read review

Advantages: Superb quality pictures
Disadvantages: eats batteries for breakfast

I have had this camera for around 2 years now, I bought it when it first hit the market and at the time it was the best available for its relatively small price. I went looking for a decent quality camera because I was fed up of not being able to take the pictures I wanted to, I had no real knowledge of photography but an eye for a good photo and every camera I have ever owned has restricted me to taking the type of shot that IT wants to, so I went ...
...the top range of new (at the time) digital cameras. I found that for £50 I could buy a camera that claims it can do anything - and I mean everything! The manufacturers seem to spend a lot of time hiding behind numbers and after you dig a little you find it's fit for the needs only of a five year old. Similarly you could spend in the region of £1500 on the new, all singing, all dancing digital camera for the paperazzi - but never be able to figure ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to use
Disadvantages: Bulky

I've been interested in photography for over 50 years. I got my first digital camera about 7 years ago. I then got this camera several Christmases ago. As it was a Christmas present from my son, Paul and his wife Maureen, I don't know how much they paid for it but my granddaughter kindly found out for me that it is currently £79.99 from Amazon. The camera was first released in 2002 and it measures 100mm x 69mm x 77mm and it weighs 0.3kg. It is quite ...
...my son and granddaughter have. It is however considerably smaller that my very first camera all those years ago. I bought a case (£19.99 from the local photography shop) which I carry the camera in comfortably around my neck. As I am 82 years old I need to read the manual to use the camera. If I don't use it for a while I tend to forget so I always keep the manual at hand. My granddaughter also keeps me right as she finds it is quite easy to use. ... Read review

Advantages: simple to use for a digital camera novice.
Disadvantages: bulky to carry about, though you can remove the lense cover.

Bought mine two years ago and it has proven very reliable. It takes standard batteries which makes it easy to recharge, and helpful if you happen to run out at a critical moment as you can simply purchase another four AA batteries. It does use them up fast, so you are better buying a battery charger and eight rechargable AA batteries to go with it. It only comes with a 16MB chip as standard, so I would suggest buying a 128MB chip or two if you plan ...
...the chip midway through. (we went to Peru and used three 128 chips and sorted through the images every day weeding out the best). And obviously you need to buy a picture card reader for your computer. Obviously the extra chips, picture card reader and battery charger and rechargable batteries put the cost up a bit and these extras should be figured in when you are comparing. NB if you want to get a case that is extra too, though it is quite robust ... Read review

Advantages: excellent results on auto
Disadvantages: annoying date/time reset needed when batteries run out

I bought this model nearly 3 years ago. It looked serious, had a great optical zoom range and, rarely in this price range had a threaded lens hood which accepted attachments such as filters as well as providing excellent protection from flare. Unfortunately the snap-on lens cap which clips onto the hood has a habit of detaching itself - but Fuji UK will replace this for you. The picture quality belies its 3.2MP sensor and A4 prints are a realistic ...
...rarely use anything other than AUTO. There is also a very good macro function which can produce stunning results.It does need 4 AA cells which power the LCD panel and the electronic viewfinder, which is a rather coarse colour affair. Your best bet is to buy a couple of sets of high capacity rechargeables. When they pack up you are nagged to reset the time and date which is really annoying. The XD cards are small and now quite cheap. It takes a while ... Read review

Advantages: Great features for the professional or the novice
Disadvantages: Not as compact as most digital cameras

...The Fuji FinePix S3000 Zoom is a very stylish and affordable update of the FinePix S304 Zoom. The main difference between the two models is a video-out connection for immediate playback of images via your TV screen. The Fuji FinePix S3000 Zoom has a 3 megapixel sensor, like most other digital cameras at the entry-level end of the market, but it stands out from the crowd due to its 6x optical zoom, which is equivalent to 38–228mm on a 35mm camera. The Fuji FinePix S3000 Zoom has significantly fallen in price since its launch in August 2003 and can now be purchased for under £200 indeed its now on sale at dixons for under £130. But is it the right budget digicam for you? The FinePix S3000 Zoom has a 3.34 megapixel CCD that delivers 3.24 million recorded pixels. There are 4 image sizes available (2,048 x 1,536, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,280 x 960... Read review

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