Background
Because I moved over from film cameras, after taking and processing many thousands of rolls of film, I though that choosing a digital camera would be as simple as choosing an SLR. However, as I sat down to work out what I needed, it became obvious that Id been spoilt by the interchangeable lens system Nikon had provided me, with telephoto lenses for sport and wildlife photography, macro lenses for close-ups, and so on. So the camera would have some performing to do. The digital SLRs were the obvious choice, but eliminated themselves by virtue of their pricing. I was lucky enough to borrow a D100, but had to hand it back reluctantly.Choices
After poring over technical specs and handling dozens of digital cameras, I narrowed the choice down to 3 cameras, the Nikon Coolpix 5700, the Minolta Dimage 7Hi, and the Fuji S602Z. All of these are thoroughly competent cameras, in my opinion. Even though I was biased towards Nikon for its decades of service to me, the price/performance benefit fell clearly to the Fuji, and with the Pro version the value became even better.
Features I like
- Macro focussing - you can move the camera until it almost touches the object!
- Manual control - for any serious photographer, you have to be able to override the automatic settings to achieve what you want. The Fuji does this with the feel of a 35mm film camera - just perfect for me.
- The remote shutter release on the Pro is essential for studio work,
- I link the camera to a TV with the cable provided, to check framing, which is also a useful feature to save the eyes through a long day of studio shooting.
- Overall handling - the camera sits nicely in the left hand and allows good control over the ergonomics of photography.
Features I dislike
- There is one thing I dont like, and that is the arrangement with the lens, and the need to fit an adaptor to add on the wide-angle and telephoto attachments, but then I suppose this is a cheap way to achieve some SLR-like versatility without the complication of a proper lens mount. However, 99 percent of the time, the lens disappearing into the body helps reduce the size.
Picture Quality
In terms of picture quality, I have been very impressed with what can be achieved. The lowest resolution provides photos more than adequate for website use, while the highest resolution pictures are suitable for printing and framing (depending on their content, of course). Sure, its not film, but I have been able to print out A4-sized photos that look perfect, without pixellation or other defects. As always, the printer makes a big difference, so make sure you get a decent one before judging the camera!
Overall
This camera has save me a fortune in processing already, and I’m almost at the stage where I’m ready to sell off my film cameras and lenses. I love the fact that I can take the same amount of time and care crafting a photo in the field or studio, with the same level of control I have with film cameras, and then come back and immediately modify, crop and print as required. And I have not been able to see any difference in the quality of the results.
amazing camera
mixed news really
This is a brilliant professional level camera. At one third the price of its Nikon competitor just cant be beaten for value.
i bought my Slimshot seven months ago and it has been a great success. Simple to carry around and produce from a pocket at a moments notice, it really does take quite acceptable snapshots, rather better ones than i was expecting when i ordered the camera.
As a Professional photographer of some 15 years standing, and some 15 years of using nothing but trusty Nikon Fm2s, it was with some understandable anxiety that I ventured forth into the new digital age with the Fuji S2 Pro.
Well I got this camera after selling my Sony digicam and digital camcorder (cos I didnt really use them enough)...
The Fuji FinePix A204 Zoom Digital Camera is a high-specification, two Megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom, 16 MB memory card plus free batteries and charger; all at a very appealing price.