Fuji FinePix S700

[Okanagan]

I am contemplating to purchase this digital camera:
"Fuji FinePix S700", but before I do, I would like to hear comments, both pro and con.
Thank you in advance, Okanagan :idea:

[Photo-John]

Fujifilm cameras are among the best as far as image quality goes. And the S700 has excellent specs and features. What it doesn't have is mecahnical image stabilization, something I consider mandatory for superzoom cameras. With a 10x zoom lens, any hand movement is magnified at the telephoto end of the zoom range. Superzoom cameras from Olympus, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, and Kodak all have some sort of mechanical image stabilization system to compensate for camera shake. The Finepix S700 has what Fuji calls "Picture Stabilization." This is a high-sensitivity mode to help freeze the image. But it doesn't compensate for camera shake. Higher sensitivity (ISO) means decreased image quality. It's just not the best solution for camera shake.

I think the Fuji S700 is probably a great camera in optimal lighting or if you have a tripod for telephoto photography. Otherwise, I think you're going to have a lot of photos blurred from camera shake. If you want a superzoom digital camera, I would encourage you to look at Kodak, Olympus, Sony, Canon, and Panasonic. I think you'll be happier with their cameras.

Let me know if you have more questions. And tell me if there are other reasons you're looking at the Fuji.

[Photo-John]

Just wanted to add that there are some superzoom reviews in our pro reviews section. I suggest reading the reviews for the Kodak EasyShare P712, the Panasonic Lumix FZ7, and the Canon PowerShot S3 IS. None of those cameras are really current. But reading the reviews will give you an idea of what kind of features to look for in a superzoom and why image stabilization is so important.

[Okanagan]

Photo-John, thank you very much for your reply.
I was not familiar with the different stabilization formats, and I'm still not not sure about the choices.
Like what is the difference between optical and digital stabilization? Which one is better? What do you think about the "Olympus SP-510 UZ", or, "Lumix DMCFZ8K" ?

[Photo-John]

Photo-John, thank you very much for your reply.
I was not familiar with the different stabilization formats, and I'm still not not sure about the choices.
Like what is the difference between optical and digital stabilization? Which one is better? What do you think about the "Olympus SP-510 UZ", or, "Lumix DMCFZ8K" ?

There are two basic types of image stabilization, mechanical and digital. Optical image stabilization is one mechanical method used to compensate for camera movement. It moves "elements," or pieces of glass in the lens, in order to compensate for your shaky hands. The other type of mechanical anti-shake system is usually called "sensor-shift." It moves the sensor on your digital camera to compensate for camera movement.

Digital image stabilization, in my opinion, isn't really image stabilization. It increases your camera's sensitivity in order to use a faster shutter speed and freeze action. So it will help with action photos and it will also freeze the action caused by camera movement. But increased camera sensitivity means decreased image quality. Even though high-ISO image quality has been much improved this year, it's still not as good as if you took your pictures at ISO 100. And you can do that with mechanical image stabilization.

Really, the two systems serve different purposes. Mechanical image stabilization is appropriate for correcting camera shake. Digital image stabilization should be used to freeze action. A camera company trying to sell you digital image stabilization for both purposes is a camera company that doesn't have the technology available for a good mechanical system.

Panasonic makes great cameras and they all have their patented MEGA O.I.S. optical image stabilization. I haven't used it yet, but the Olympus SP-510 UZ looks good to me. I believe it has both mechanical and digital image stabilization. The Olympus Stylus 780 digital camera that I just reviewed had both. I don't think Panasonic or Olympus have the best image quality, although I think they make some of the best designed and most usable cameras. I am especially fond of Panasonic since they are the first and only camera maker to commit to using optical image stabilization in all of their cameras. I love them for that. However, if you want the best image quality, I think you should look at Canon and Sony. The truth is, they're all making good cameras - and that includes Fuji. It's just that in the case of a superzoom digital camera, I would steer away from Fuji until they have a real image stabilization system.

Is it starting to make more sense now? I know there's a lot to try to learn really quickly. If you want to know more about image stabilization, we actually have an article about how it works and how it helps your photos. You might find it useful:

Image Stabilization Guide >>

Ready for the next question now

[Okanagan]

Photo-John,
Thank you again for all of your very informative answers, it's a pleasure
to absorb the detailed informations, which are a tremendous help to me.
My next question is: what is your opinion about the "Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8"
digital camera?

[Okanagan]

Photo-John,
Please give me your opinion about the "Pnasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 camera, Thank you,:idea:

[mn shutterbug]

I actually have the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7. I really like it. What partially drew me to this camera was the Leica lens, a highly reputable lens for decades. I suppose the FZ8 is just the next step up in megapixels. I've taken some excellent photos along with a lot of crappy ones. At least I've discovered it's capable of high quality photos.

Click on "user gallery" under my avatar to see some shots I've taken with it. Some are good, some are marginal, but at least you'll get the idea. Of course, the marginal ones were operator error.

[Liz]

Photo-John,
Please give me your opinion about the "Pnasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 camera, Thank you,:idea:

As with most websites, the weekend is a bit slower. I'm not PJ, however, I did find these 2 reviews (click on the link) from B&H.....

I owned the DMC-FZ3 (about 3 years old) and I it gave me good results - the FZ8 is the same model - a few cameras (and upgrades later.)

Check the reviews here (link) - and see the images below from my older FZ3 - indoor - window lighting only - but on a bright day. None of these p&s cameras are perfect in low light.

Link to reviews.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...rToReadReviews

Maria