Editorial Review:Amazon.com:Traditionally, digital cameras with powerful zoom lenses have been restricted to the middle and upper end of the market, but with the introduction of the FinePix 2800, Fuji has brought serious zoom power to an affordable, simple point-and-shoot.
Optics and Resolution The impressive autofocus lens on the 2800 zooms a full 6x--from 38mm to 228mm. In addition, digital zoom of up to 2.5x is available, depending upon the image quality setting. If you're taking pictures at the highest resolution, digital zoom is disabled to preserve image quality, but if you're shooting at a lower resolution, then you'll be able to use some digital zoom, too.
The 2800's 2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For most amateur photographers, 2 megapixels is a great balance between image quality and cost. Some photographers prefer higher-resolution sensors so they can crop away unwanted parts at the edges of their photos. Of course, these unwanted edges are often the result of a lens that can't zoom in far enough, a situation that's less likely to come up when you're using the 2800. If 2 megapixels isn't enough detail for you, the next higher-resolution camera that still has a long-zoom lens is the Minolta DiMAGE 5.
To compose your images, either use the 1.8-inch LCD display or the electronic viewfinder (EVF). An EVF looks like a traditional viewfinder, but when you put your eye up to it, you'll find that you're actually looking at a miniature LCD display. This is the same arrangement used by many camcorders, and it has its pluses and minuses compared to a traditional viewfinder. The benefit is that you get to see all the extra information that's normally displayed on the screen (battery condition, pictures remaining, any manual settings you've entered, etc). The problem is that EVFs aren't very effective in low-light situations, which means you'll be confronted with a view screen that's completely black when shooting at night and in dimly lit rooms. With a little practice, you can learn to shoot quite effectively without the benefit of the LCD screen when this situation comes up--after taking the shot, you can review it on the screen to ensure you were pointing the camera in the right direction.
More Features Like most of the entry-level models in Fuji's lineup, the 2800 has relatively few advanced features, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can adjust the white balance, exposure compensation, and flash mode. There's also an audio-annotation feature that lets you record up to 30 seconds of audio along with each picture you take. In addition, the camera can be used as an Internet Webcam when tethered to your computer via the included USB cable.
The camera is made of plastic for light weight and affordability, and it feels reasonably solid and durable. The lens is protected by a lens cap that's tethered to the camera so you won't lose it. This solution isn't quite as nifty as models with automatic or sliding lens covers, but it works just as well.
Power The Finepix 2800 uses four AA batteries--a set of disposable alkaline batteries is included. The benefit to using standard AA batteries instead of a custom proprietary battery is that AA batteries are widely available, so missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue.
If you only use the camera several times a year, high-capacity lithium batteries are a logical idea, since they'll hold their charge for years when sitting in an unused camera. If you use the camera more often, then the lithium batteries don't make economic or environmental sense--we recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.
Movie Mode In movie mode, the camera captures 320 x 240 video clips with audio for up to 60 seconds per clip. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
Storage and Transfer Images are stored on standard SmartMedia cards, and the included 16 MB card holds approximately 39 images at the camera's default settings. SmartMedia cards are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 39 images per outing (on a vacation, for example), then you'll want a bigger card. A 64 MB card is a great size for this camera, storing around 150 images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.
Size At 3.7 by 3.0 by 2.8 inches and 13 ounces, the 2800 is surprisingly compact. It's a little thicker from front to back than some models, but this is a small price to pay for the extra zoom.
Contents and Recommended Accessories The package includes the camera, four AA alkaline batteries, video and USB cables, shoulder strap, 16 MB SmartMedia card, and software on CD.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a higher-capacity memory card, and a battery charger plus a set or two of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.
--Shane Burnett Pros: - 6x optical zoom is outstanding for its price
- Unusually good movie mode--up to 60 seconds with sound
- Point-and-shoot operation makes it easy for even beginners to get great results
Cons: - Included alkaline batteries are only a short-term solution; rechargeable batteries are a necessity
- Lack of manual controls may frustrate more advanced photographers
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