What Fuji Camera To Buy?

[CorisCapnSkip]

Questions about what it will do.

I've decided on a Fuji but not which model. First of all,

1. What model is the easiest and most likely to find cards for? Like if I had to just rush into a Wal-Mart, Staples, etc., when memory was full? What models have great memory so I wouldn't have to buy cards often and could just order a supply online?

2. I need to take some macro (wildlife possibly), LOTS of micro (items to sell on eBay or record for insurance where detail is important) and lots in a dark setting (theater where stage is lit but pictures may still come out dark.)

3. The camera needs to be able to switch from still to movie settings and be sturdy with a good long-lasting battery. I want to spend $150-$350.

One thing I don't understand about digital cameras. Some of my best pictures on 35 mm were in low light with either a slow shutter speed, or where the battery was starting to die and flash wasn't up to usual speed. Faces came out clear but there'd be a blur of movement on certain moving things such as arms or legs. Can digital cameras be made to capture slow-motion effects, or is the image ALWAYS a perfectly clear freeze?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

[David Metsky]

Digital cameras are exactly the same as film cameras when it comes to freezing the action; it's all optics no matter how you record the image. If anything, digitals have the reputation of being worse at low light then film cameras, but I think that's more a perception problem. If you have full manual controls you can turn off the flash, set the shutter speed, and adjust the ISO and aperture to get the results you want.

If you are interested in low light shooting with crisp clear images you'll want a Fuji with the SuperCCD that has excellent high ISO performance. Not all Fujis have that sensor so read the reviews.

SD cards are much easier to find then xD cards. Most current Fujis have dual card slots at this point, so SD is what you are looking for. All cameras can take video, battery life will depend on a variety of factors.

It's hard to find a camera that does everything you want. The big zoom with the SuperCCD (S6000) doesn't take SD cards and costs more then you want. The F50 might not have the zoom you are looking for. You'll have to read the reviews and decide what's important to you.

BTW, why are you set on Fuji?

-dave-

[BiPolarBear]

one minor point, depending on where he is the S6000 is within his budget. Roughly $325 these days, or less than that if you're willing to buy a graymarket camera.

[Bynx]

I highly recommend the Fuji S700/5700. Ive had mine since June and had no problems with it. Its worked well under a wide variety of situations. The specs all fall within your criteria. Its a point and shoot with no extras to buy except an ac adapter. 10X optical zoom with a very good sensor. You can add screw on filters if you feel the need and can even add a telephoto and wide angle screw on lens as well.

[blue]

1. What model is the easiest and most likely to find cards for?

i have Fuji A820 and S6500. I think A820 would meet your requirements , it is very easy to operate, light and nice to handle. and it takes SD cards.

[David Metsky]

i have Fuji A820 and S6500. I think A820 would meet your requirements , it is very easy to operate, light and nice to handle. and it takes SD cards.

But it doesn't meet his zoom or low light needs.

[CorisCapnSkip]

Digital cameras are exactly the same as film cameras when it comes to freezing the action; it's all optics no matter how you record the image. If anything, digitals have the reputation of being worse at low light then film cameras, but I think that's more a perception problem. If you have full manual controls you can turn off the flash, set the shutter speed, and adjust the ISO and aperture to get the results you want.

If you are interested in low light shooting with crisp clear images you'll want a Fuji with the SuperCCD that has excellent high ISO performance. Not all Fujis have that sensor so read the reviews.

Actually, I'm interested in BOTH. Freezing the action in some situations and blurring it in others, or doing both in the same situation with different settings.

BTW, why are you set on Fuji?

-dave-

My first good camera was a Fuji, had it twenty years. Had a Nikon five years, it started dying after four. Two knowledgeable friends strongly recommended Fuji.

[CorisCapnSkip]

There's the s8000, http://cameras.pricegrabber.com/digi...earch=Fujifilm but it doesn't seem to have Super CCD or Manual Zoom.

[David Metsky]

Actually, I'm interested in BOTH. Freezing the action in some situations and blurring it in others, or doing both in the same situation with different settings.

Then you need full manual controls and high ISO performance. A DSLR will be a better long term solution but with added complexity, size, and cost.

My first good camera was a Fuji, had it twenty years. Had a Nikon five years, it started dying after four. Two knowledgeable friends strongly recommended Fuji.

Fujis are good, and their SuperCCD is great, but I'd expand your search to include Canon, Panasonic, and Sony to get a full view of what is available. There are lots of good cameras out there, don't unnecessarily restrict yourself.

[CorisCapnSkip]

Okay, I'll post the same questions under Sony, thanks.