Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd 8.0 MP Digital Camera - Black

Likes:
Size- just ideal for all, easy to hold with one hand.
Easy menu system.
Manual is straight forward and informative.
As soon as it was out of the box it was easy to take pictures, initially it arrived setup to take black and white photos but it took only a few minutes to figure out that you just go into the "F" menu to setup for colour photos.
Pictures come out really well and you have the option of the viewfinder or the lcd screen.
Battery life seems good, have used it for 2 weeks and taken approx 760 pictures so far and it has not complained of battery issues, came with Duracells.
Dislikes:
No lithium Ion Batteries or charge pack available but as I just said the battery life seems ok, am carrying extra rechargeables AA just in case though.

The price of the camera though relatively cheap was not an issue. I read numerous reviews on point & shoot cameras and this particular model came out on top. The one main advantage is the camera has a viewfinder, I was tired of shooting blind when it was asunny day & the display screen was difficult to see.The extended zoom is an added bonus.I also liked the concept of replaceable batteries.The controls are simple to use & simple to understand, though I must confess auto is the mode I use most of the time.My son who is a more experienced photographer than I stated that in manual mode the results were favourably comparable to his camera that was much more expensive.He was really impressed with the results in macro mode.The colord were true & not too vivid.The flash is probablky the best I have encounteredWith face recognition & anti-shake the camera covers most problems encountered by the less experienced photographer,I found the lens cap a good idea.The camera is not too bulky though it is most certainly not a pocket cameramit looks stylish & professional.It is sure to impress your friends,many thought it was a SLR camera.The software is easy to understand & is simplicity itself to insall.I would recommend you purchse a carry case,I found this useful for carrying spare batteries.
In conclusion this camera looks professional,It is easy to use,good results in all modes and will give excellent results to even a first time user of digital cameras.This camera will still appear modern in years to come.

My previous experience of 'real' photography was with a 35mm SLR camera and although I liked the convenience of digital cameras I missed the control and quality of a SLR. I was, in my naivety, hoping to buy a digital SLR so that I could use my collection of lenses and filters. I then learned that this would not be possible and started researching the best camera for my budget. Initially I was looking for a 10.1mp, but then I read a couple of reviews for 18x optical zoom cameras. I worked out that this should give me what I wanted. I then saw a review for the Fuiji S8000fd and I was sold. I researched prices and came up with a 'best price' of £280.00. Armed with this information I entered Ebay and to my delight there was a 'slightly' damaged S8000fd listed. I 'won' the camera for £114.
The damage is a broken mode dial. Considering the RRP price for this camera this plastic wheel is a flimsy affair and Fuiji have nosedived in my estimation as they refuse to supply another unless I furnish them with my electrical qualifications - (to push fit a plastic wheel!!). Never mind Fuiji I can build my own.
However, I am delighted with the camera and its performance. (My reluctance to describe it as excellent is covered in the previous paragraph.) I have a photo of the new 'Sheppy bridge' taken from south Rainham (Kent) although enhanced with Serif software it is easily clear enough to see the vehicles on it. In other photos at less ambitious range the depth of field is remarkable. Wide angle shots it manages without the distortion I was used to with a 2.8mm lens. Colour fine. Low light and high contrast shots it handles without problem. I really like the facility of two programmable 'modes'. The 'anti-shake/vibration' facility is a boon at high zoom settings and the face recognition is something I am learning to appreciate.

In short, this camera gives me everything I wanted(and more) from a SLR without the need to carry a large bag of equipment.

I was thinking about upgrading my digital camera as I already have a Fuji S5000 which is a brilliant camera for the am/pro. A real workhorse. I then saw that there was a new Fuji model out call the S8000fd and I read up on that and was especially taken with the description of the powerful lense with the ability to shoot at high speed, 14fps! excellent for wildlife photography. Also there are a number of preset programmes for the beach, sunset, night shots and lots of others. I am gradually getting to experiment with this camera and it is quite impressive. I am looking forward spring and opportunities to get out and about with this clever camera.

I bought this to upgrade my Fuji s7000. As a good starter camera this is excellent; I found the screen bright and very clear. The zoom range was a revelation. I bought it for wildlife photo's. However, I am a semi pro Photographer and my prints have to be top quality... I found a lot of colour fringing at over 300mm. Also it is a very compact body and i have big hands and found it very uncomfortable to hold. It is very responsive and ideal for everyday use, but for an experienced person or a photography enthusiast I think the image quality is a little compromised by the huge zoom range. 28 - 450mm ish! There have to be compromises with this type of camera. I prefer my s7000 picture quality - I print to a3+; the handling also I find intuitive. (I also have an S3 pro slr) Overall an excellent upgrade from a digital compact and most buyers will be more than happy with the quality. Do not go over a4 and you'll not have any issues. Just be sure to read the instructions to get the best from it. It is a very advanced bit of kit; though it has automatic modes to help you along. I feel overall it is the best bridge camera by far currently available for price and ease of use.