Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd camera review

Basic specifications: 8-megapixel 1/2.35-inch CCD (not SuperCCD), Fujinon 18x Optical zoom lens, F2.8 - F4.5, f=4.7mm - 84.2 mm, Equivalent to 27 - 486mm on a 35mm camera, AUTO / AUTO (ISO1600) / AUTO (ISO800) / AUTO (ISO400) / Equivalent to ISO64 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400, 4sec. to 1/2000 sec. shutter speed. List price of £299.99

The Finepix S8000fd represents Fujifilm’s best attempt yet to fuse the advantages of compact and DSLR cameras together, rivaling the latest entry-level DSLRs. The likes of the Nikon D40x, Pentax K100D and Canon EOS 400D all offer faster performance and better image quality than the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd, plus the advantage of RAW mode which is notably missing on the S8000fd. Crucially, slightly wider-angle than its main competitor, the excellent Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18. The difference in JPEG image quality at slower ISO speeds isn’t that pronounced, but the S8000fd suffers by comparison with its noisy ISO 800 and 1600 ISO settings. The electronic viewfinder is greatly improved, with better resolution and refresh rate, but it’s still ultimately less comfortable and accurate than a traditional optical viewfinder, especially for action photography. So the advantages of the compact digicam format (movie mode, live preview on the LCD screen, dust-free fixed lens) don’t quite out-weigh the disadvantages of this camera, until you factor in the 18x zoom lens. For the majority of photographers the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd has almost every situation covered in terms of focal length, from wide-angle landscapes to close-up nature shots, all in a light and compact body. You would have to purchase and carry at least a couple of lenses to cover the same distance with a DSLR camera. Thankfully Fujifilm have at last seen sense and included an image stabilization system, an essential feature given the massive zoom range on offer, and one that works very well in practice. This also means that Fujifilm can finally compete on a level playing field with their main super-zoom competitors, most notably the 18x models from Panasonic and Olympus. We haven’t reviewed the Panasonic FZ18 yet, but we much preferred the S8000fd to the Olympus SP-550 UZ, which offers a less usable interface and much poorer image quality. The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd is therefore both our current ultra-zoom camera of choice, and a viable alternative to a DSLR camera.

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Add comment November 23rd, 2007

Canon PowerShot S5 IS review

The latest model in Canon’s popular line of image-stabilized superzoom cameras, the 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot S5 IS is similar to its predecessor, the 6-megapixel PowerShot S3 IS (there’s no S4). The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is more of an evolutionary update than a major upgrade in Canon’s megazoom PowerShot line. That’s okay, since the camera has been updated enough to keep it current but still maintains the attributes that made the S3 IS so popular. Of course I, and probably many other photographers, would welcome the ability to shoot RAW with the Canon S5 IS, but the camera has more than enough features to keep both control-obsessed enthusiasts and point-and-shooters happy. Like most superzooms, the solidly built Canon PowerShot S5 IS has the look and feel of a digital SLR. Thanks to its increased size (2.5-inch vs. the S3’s 2-inch monitor) and higher resolution (207,000 pixels vs. the S3’s 115,000 pixels), the Canon S5 IS’s LCD is a pleasure to use regardless of lighting conditions.Thanks to its increased size (2.5-inch vs. the S3’s 2-inch monitor) and higher resolution (207,000 pixels vs. the S3’s 115,000 pixels), the Canon S5 IS’s LCD is a pleasure to use regardless of lighting conditions. Overall, the Canon PowerShot S5 IS is fast enough for most shooting conditions. Canon’s Face Detection technology seems to be one of the better ones on the market and it works pretty well on the Canon S5 IS. Canon’s Face Detection technology seems to be one of the better ones on the market and it works pretty well on the Canon S5 IS. Despite some corner softness at both extremes (wide angle and full telephoto) and an average amount of barrel distortion at wide angle, the Canon S5 IS’s 12x zoom lens did a good job of producing sharp and nicely-detailed images in well-lit areas. Details became softer in shadows due to noise suppression, though. The Canon S5’s other major shortcoming is an unexpectedly high level of chromatic aberration.The Canon S5’s other major shortcoming is an unexpectedly high level of chromatic aberration.

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS has a lot to offer with its image-stabilized 12x optical zoom lens and well-rounded feature set that provides more than enough sophistication and manual options for advanced amateurs and prosumers, while providing less experienced photographers a solid set of familiar options like Auto, Program AE, and Scene modes. Image noise issues and the appearance of chromatic aberration mar the otherwise pleasing image quality and although the S5 IS benefits in many ways from the latest DIGIC III processor from Canon, its performance could be taken up a notch. The Canon PowerShot S5 IS, however, has so much to offer in terms of features and design that these attributes may be enough to compensate for the camera’s shortcomings. The S5 IS is one of the many megazoom cameras I’ve tested, the S5 IS is one of my favorites.

The latest model in Canon’s popular line of image-stabilized superzoom cameras, the 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot S5 IS is similar to its predecessor, the 6-megapixel PowerShot S3 IS (there’s no S4). The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is more of an evolutionary update than a major upgrade in Canon’s megazoom PowerShot line. That’s okay, since the camera has been updated enough to keep it current but still maintains the attributes that made the S3 IS so popular. Of course I, and probably many other photographers, would welcome the ability to shoot RAW with the Canon S5 IS, but the camera has more than enough features to keep both control-obsessed enthusiasts and point-and-shooters happy. Like most superzooms, the solidly built Canon PowerShot S5 IS has the look and feel of a digital SLR. Thanks to its increased size (2.5-inch vs. the S3’s 2-inch monitor) and higher resolution (207,000 pixels vs. the S3’s 115,000 pixels), the Canon S5 IS’s LCD is a pleasure to use regardless of lighting conditions.Thanks to its increased size (2.5-inch vs. the S3’s 2-inch monitor) and higher resolution (207,000 pixels vs. the S3’s 115,000 pixels), the Canon S5 IS’s LCD is a pleasure to use regardless of lighting conditions. Overall, the Canon PowerShot S5 IS is fast enough for most shooting conditions. Canon’s Face Detection technology seems to be one of the better ones on the market and it works pretty well on the Canon S5 IS. Canon’s Face Detection technology seems to be one of the better ones on the market and it works pretty well on the Canon S5 IS. Despite some corner softness at both extremes (wide angle and full telephoto) and an average amount of barrel distortion at wide angle, the Canon S5 IS’s 12x zoom lens did a good job of producing sharp and nicely-detailed images in well-lit areas. Details became softer in shadows due to noise suppression, though. The Canon S5’s other major shortcoming is an unexpectedly high level of chromatic aberration.The Canon S5’s other major shortcoming is an unexpectedly high level of chromatic aberration.

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS has a lot to offer with its image-stabilized 12x optical zoom lens and well-rounded feature set that provides more than enough sophistication and manual options for advanced amateurs and prosumers, while providing less experienced photographers a solid set of familiar options like Auto, Program AE, and Scene modes. Image noise issues and the appearance of chromatic aberration mar the otherwise pleasing image quality and although the S5 IS benefits in many ways from the latest DIGIC III processor from Canon, its performance could be taken up a notch. The Canon PowerShot S5 IS, however, has so much to offer in terms of features and design that these attributes may be enough to compensate for the camera’s shortcomings. The S5 IS is one of the many megazoom cameras I’ve tested, the S5 IS is one of my favorites.

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Add comment November 23rd, 2007

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 7.2MP Digital Camera $139.98 shipped

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 7.2MP Digital Camera can be had right now for $139.98 which include shipping for a camera that lists for $179. What you get is a nice all-in-one camera with 7.2 MP, more than enough at this price range, that takes clear and noise-free images at high speed, in a stylish brushed-aluminum package. It’s a small camera at 3 1/2″ x 2 1/4″ x 7/8″ (89 x 57 x 23 mm) weighing 4.2 ounces (116 g). While the pictures turned out great under regular lighting conditions with the Sony® Super HAD™ (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD and Sony Clear RAW™ NR (Noise Reduction) image processing technology reducing noise even with high sensitivity ISO 1000 you’ll still get some grainy pictures in low light conditions. Other downsides are that you’ll have to purchase Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick if the internal 56 MB isn’t going to be enough for you. Another problem may be the lack of optical image stabilisation so unless you have surgeons steady hands you may want to consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX12 which is also available for under $200.

Find deal here

In all a great upgrade from the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 or W50 and a superb deal.

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Add comment November 22nd, 2007

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (400D) 10.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera (Black) Kit with Canon Zoom Wi

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (400D) 10.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera (Black) Kit with Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Normal 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Autofocus Lens
Rating:

4 / 5
(17 user ratings)

Price Range:
$690 to $834

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Add comment May 29th, 2007

Nikon D70s - Advanced SLR Camera

Summary: A consumer digital SLR with lots of options for advanced photographers.
Pros: Versatile drive mode, Excellent dynamic range, noise levels, and colour rendition, Full feature set with lots of customisation options, Responsive operation, Solid battery life (more…)

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Add comment May 3rd, 2007

Konica Minolta Dynax 7D / Maxxum 7D

Pros: - Unique Anti-Shake system works with all lenses, - Efficient, innovative control layout, - Big 2.5-inch LCD, - Highly competent AF system
Cons: - Slow start-up, - Limited to one JPEG compression ratio in raw-plus-JPEG, - No way to avoid noise reduction processing in high ISO images (more…)

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Add comment May 3rd, 2007