lotus
03-14-2007, 08:27 PM
i have a fuji finepix f31fd on the way to me, it's arriving tomorrow! i've been doing tons of research in finding the "right" camera for me. to keep it simple, i've been searching for a compact everyday camera that i can keep in my pocket or purse, one that will go everywhere with me. i was looking for something that's simple to use, but is able to produce quality photos at any time during the day (indoors and out). the camera will mainly be used for family/friends outings, but also a little in my jewelry business. for the jewelry, i needed a camera that will be able to do a great macro feature, but keep true colors and work of the jewelry. i use a lot of vibrant colored gemstones (sapphires, rubies, emeralds, tourmalines, etc.), so true-color is VERY important to me, but not only in my jewelry work, i'd like it for everyday living as well. i don't want washed out, dull colors to be replacing the vibrant colorful palette in a photo. i also need the macro feature to focus on the intricate wire techniques without the image being out of focus, blurry or just washed out. i know i know, a DSLR is the right way to go for this purpose and i'm planning on purchasing one in the future, but for now i want a compact digital camera for everyday living.
i seriously have a brain cramp from doing tons of research in finding the right camera, but i guess one can't be extremely satisfied with just the one camera that will have all the features that one's looking for. i was able to narrow the cameras to either the fuji finepix F20, F30, F31fd and the F40fd or the canon SD700 IS and SD800 IS. i did more research and decided to go with one of the fuji's. then, my parents informed me that the f31fd is one the way to me as a gift, so that decision was made for me. i can't wait to receive it and test it out as i've read some great reviews on the camera, but i do have my reservations.
now, onto my concerns. i'm worried as to whether or not this camera is "right" for me. i know that can't be determined until i actually test and try the camera out, but i've been reading a lot of reviews and it seems like this camera is a bit hard to use until you actually get to understand the camera. i know that with anything, you need to get to know the product and the feel of it, but i don't want to mess around with too much. i'm not a genius when it comes to this, so i was mainly looking for point & shoots. i wanted a camera that will be simple to use, but one that will be able to take quality shots that stays true to the object. i don't want to be in the situation where there's a great shot, but i miss it due to the need of messing around with the different settings and all. why digital? because of the ease of seeing the picture there right away to view, no film costs and processing, etc. also, i know it shouldn't be a big thing, but one flaw of the fuji is the lack of a viewfinder. i live in los angeles, so it gets pretty sunny here during the summer, spring and fall seasons. i don't want to have to mess around with shading the viewfinder to see if the picture is focused and sized properly. oh well, i guess i'll have to test it out and see for myself.
oh, memory cards! they didn't order one, so i have to do that. i thought it'd be simple, but it turns out there are 2 types, M and H. which one do i go with? what's the difference? what should i look for? if possible, i'm looking for a card that will hold a good amount of photos, one that will keep the colors and quality of the image and one that will write quickly so i can go onto taking the next photo. M or H? i'm thinking of picking up an extra battery for my travels, this way there's no accidental low battery situation i've definitely had before! however, should i go with fuji's or a third party? is there really a difference? any other accessories i should pick up? is extended warranty necessary and should i get one?
ok, i know the only way to see if this camera suits me is to actually test it out, but hopefully i'll get some tips and advice here. my main thing is to receive some positive feedbacks that this camera will work with me. what's the best setting to keep the camera at for everyday photos? i hate reading the manuals cause i get so confused, so can you give me the basic breakdown and function of the camera? any other tidbits would be great too! thanks so much!!
i seriously have a brain cramp from doing tons of research in finding the right camera, but i guess one can't be extremely satisfied with just the one camera that will have all the features that one's looking for. i was able to narrow the cameras to either the fuji finepix F20, F30, F31fd and the F40fd or the canon SD700 IS and SD800 IS. i did more research and decided to go with one of the fuji's. then, my parents informed me that the f31fd is one the way to me as a gift, so that decision was made for me. i can't wait to receive it and test it out as i've read some great reviews on the camera, but i do have my reservations.
now, onto my concerns. i'm worried as to whether or not this camera is "right" for me. i know that can't be determined until i actually test and try the camera out, but i've been reading a lot of reviews and it seems like this camera is a bit hard to use until you actually get to understand the camera. i know that with anything, you need to get to know the product and the feel of it, but i don't want to mess around with too much. i'm not a genius when it comes to this, so i was mainly looking for point & shoots. i wanted a camera that will be simple to use, but one that will be able to take quality shots that stays true to the object. i don't want to be in the situation where there's a great shot, but i miss it due to the need of messing around with the different settings and all. why digital? because of the ease of seeing the picture there right away to view, no film costs and processing, etc. also, i know it shouldn't be a big thing, but one flaw of the fuji is the lack of a viewfinder. i live in los angeles, so it gets pretty sunny here during the summer, spring and fall seasons. i don't want to have to mess around with shading the viewfinder to see if the picture is focused and sized properly. oh well, i guess i'll have to test it out and see for myself.
oh, memory cards! they didn't order one, so i have to do that. i thought it'd be simple, but it turns out there are 2 types, M and H. which one do i go with? what's the difference? what should i look for? if possible, i'm looking for a card that will hold a good amount of photos, one that will keep the colors and quality of the image and one that will write quickly so i can go onto taking the next photo. M or H? i'm thinking of picking up an extra battery for my travels, this way there's no accidental low battery situation i've definitely had before! however, should i go with fuji's or a third party? is there really a difference? any other accessories i should pick up? is extended warranty necessary and should i get one?
ok, i know the only way to see if this camera suits me is to actually test it out, but hopefully i'll get some tips and advice here. my main thing is to receive some positive feedbacks that this camera will work with me. what's the best setting to keep the camera at for everyday photos? i hate reading the manuals cause i get so confused, so can you give me the basic breakdown and function of the camera? any other tidbits would be great too! thanks so much!!