Archive for December, 2009

The Fuji FinePix S700

December 21st, 2009

There is plenty of competition in the digital camera industry. New technology is coming out all the time which makes these cameras sharper, faster, and sleeker. It’s easy for customers to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of camera models available. Even photographers on a budget have many choices when it comes to their digital camera purchase. Some models work best for indoor photography, while others specialize in outdoor or action shots. In most ways, though, digital cameras within the same price range tend to offer the same features.

But every now and then a digital camera comes along which distinguishes itself in some way. For example, the Fuji FinePix S700 is the premier point-and-shoot camera for close-up shots. Users claim that shots come out in focus even when the camera lens is close enough to touch the subject. Now that’s impressive!

The camera is also rather heavy for its size, which speaks of good quality. It might not fit so easily into a shirt pocket, but neither is it the sort of camera that will break after a week of use.

Here are the specifications for the Fuji FinePix S700 digital camera:

* CCD Image Sensor
* 7.1 Megapixel Resolution
* 10x Optical Zoom
* 35mm Zoom Lens 38 – 380 mm
* 4.8x Digital Zoom
* Autofocus & Manual Focus
* Focus Range from 12 in. to Infinity
* Macro Focus Range 1.6 – 117.6 in.
* Focal Length 6.33 – 63.3 mm
* Shutter Speed 4 – 1/1000 sec
* Uses SD or xD Picture Card
* 27MB Internal Memory
* 2.5 inch LCD
* LCD Screen Resolution of 230,000 pixels
* Self Timer, 2 and 10 seconds

Images are compressed in JPEG or EXIF 2.2. The Fuji FinePix S700 has image resolutions of 640 x 480, 3072 x 2048, 2304 x 1728, 1600 x 1200, and 3072 x 2304. Images are 0.13MB in size for low resolution, and 3.48 MB for high res pictures.

Video resolutions are 320 x 240 (QVGA) and 640 x 480 (VGA). Videos have a speed of 30 frames per second and use either AVI or Motion JPEG format. The S700 comes with a built-in microphone for audio. The camera has automatic and manual white balance with several pre-sets, including daylight, fuorescent, incandescent, and shade.

The Fuji FinePix S700 digital camera runs on four AA batteries. Its dimensions are 4.2in x 3.2in x 3in (WxDxH). It weighs 0.67 pounds and retails for about $200 US. Black is the only exterior color available. The camera bundle includes AA alkaline batteries (4), shoulder strap, lens cap, lens cap cord, A/V cable, USB cable, CD-ROM and owner’s manual.

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The FujiFilm FinePix A610

December 13th, 2009


The FujiFilm FinePix A610 was announced in early 2007. Much ado was made about this camera, because it combined for the first time Fuji’s proprietary Super CCD HR sensor and Real Photo Processor. This dual technology means cleaner pictures with more detail – something digital camera enthusiasts are always looking for. And the camera’s affordable price tag is another major selling point. It exceeds most people’s performance expectations for a $130 digital camera.

The FujiFilm FinePix A610 is a 6.1 megapixel camera with a maximum ISO sensitivity of 400. It has a 3x optical zoom. Most impressively, the Fujifilm FinePix A610 features a dual memory card slot which accepts both Fujifilm’s xD-Picture Card and Secure Digital (SD) card format. The FujiFilm FinePix A610 is powered by two AA batteries. It comes with 10MB of internal memory, allowing photographers to take and store pictures without a memory card. Customers appreciate this camera’s ease of use. It has a highly touted intuitive button layout, as well as easy-to-navigate access menus.

In fact, this digital camera seems to have been designed with beginners in mind. Fourteen scene positions and multiple picture settings make this camera a great choice for new photographers. Its generous 2.5 inch LCD is coated with an anti-glare protector that lets users preview their pictures even in bright light. Fuji has added a “new baby” setting that captures the true color of newborns’ flesh tones. New parents, traditionally a camera-happy lot, can really appreciate this feature. Soccer moms and dads will love the sports setting which reduces the blur in action shots.

Customer reviews of the FujiFilm FinePix A610 are mixed, but mostly positive. The user-friendly design of the buttons and menus is widely praised. The picture quality, however, has been brought into question. Some users complain that pictures come out looking a bit oversaturated. Others have observed that indoor pictures come out a little too dark. The camera seems to perform best when used for outdoor photography.

Also, the camera’s video quality doesn’t seem to be on par with other cameras in the same price range. The FujiFilm FinePix A610 captures movies in QVGA at a rate of thirty frames per second, without sound. This doesn’t keep the camera from receiving high marks in other areas, but many of its peers produce higher resolution video with sound included.

The bottom line is that the FujiFilm PinePix A610 is a nice camera for beginners. It has easy-to-use buttons, menus, and settings. But for the best quality pictures and videos, you might do well to look elsewhere.

This digital camera retails for about $130 US, and can be found online or at any major electronics store.

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The Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera

December 5th, 2009


Parents lead by example, and children learn by watching grown-ups. Beloved hobbies tend to get passed down from parent to child, especially if those hobbies are kid-friendly and entertaining to young minds. Photography is one example. Kids love to take pictures. And with the LCD preview panels on digital cameras, kids have found a whole new reason to be excited about picture-taking.

Unfortunately, too many digital camera models aren’t appropriate for kids. Either they break too easily, or cost too much, or simply have too many confusing features and non-intuitive button and menu layouts. Children get disappointed when they are constantly refused access to a camera, especially if they see parents and older siblings taking pictures. What’s a parent to do?

Thanks to Fisher-Price, parents can simply buy a digital camera for their youngest photographers. The Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera was designed for small children who might subject it to rough treatment. The plastic and rubber camera case can take a lot of abuse.

Available in blue, pink, or red, the Kid Tough Digital Camera is praised for its superb design. Even two year olds can quickly learn to take pictures with this camera. It features a pair of large rubber grip handles for small hands. There is also a wrist strap built into the camera’s base. The buttons are large and easy to use. Kids also enjoy the shutter sound that comes whenever they snap a picture. Parents and kids both like the fact that this is a true point-and-shoot camera. Everything is automatic.

But therein lies the problem with the Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera. Because everything is done for you, there is no chance to change exposure settings to suit the situation. The photo quality is poor, with pictures often coming out blurry, dark, or discolored. Many parents have even exchanged the Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera for low-cost models designed for adults. The Kid Tough doesn’t have enough fun features to compensate for the low image quality. Its competitor, the VTech KidiZoom Digital Camera, comes with a host of games, video capability, and silly frames and special effects for images. The Kid Tough just doesn’t compare.

Bottom line: if you want an entertaining camera for kids, go with the VTech KidiZoom. If you want a simple camera that takes decent pictures, go with almost any of the low-end point-and-shoots out there. They are more likely to take clear, printable pictures than the Fisher Price Kid Tough.

The Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera sells for about $70 US, and can be found in toy stores or online where digital cameras are sold.

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