Takes all the stress out of brake bleeding, and makes brake oil changes easier than engine oil changes!
06 Jan, 2007
Battery Charging
I have to say, this is a great camera. I bought it because of the SLR design, and I was not disappointed by its functionality. You can get tired just going through all the features and menus of this piece of kit.
However, as much as I like the thing, I have to throw rocks - big rocks - at fuji's rather inconsiderate option for powering this unit. It uses 4, yes, FOUR AA batteries, and I got through the first set of 'gizers that came with the unit just setting up and trying out the features (okay, maybe I overdid this). I am now on the second set of cells, but duracells this time, so we'll see how it goes.
More frustrating than the use of battery power is the fact that the recommended AC adaptor will not charge a set of rechargeable batteries while in the camera. It's apparently only for powering the camera in a single location. I find this, quite frankly, insane, and its getting clearer why a proper digital SLR is over £300. But even then, cheaper cameras have AC power units that charge batteries. I am just baffled at this. Anyway, I've ordered some rechargeable batteries to go with this. I have spent £25.47 getting these on ebay, and they are a lot cheaper than in the shops, so that's good - I got 8 high capacity Energizer batteries and a 15 minute charger.
So, while it is a great camera, I think a lot more attention and user consideration should have gone into designing its power supply. This, for me, is a great drawback, and I think anyone purchasing should seriously consider their power options - I would certainly have thought twice! The only other thing that bothers me is why, when SD cards have really become the norm, Fuji have opted for xD compatibility... another £7 spent on a multi-card drive. We'll see how we get on from here.