What is so great with this camera?

I cannot understand why this camera is receiving such great reviews. It is a small body with a long zoom and NO optical image stabilization. It merely uses a higher ISO to try and compensate. A high ISO on a small, high megapixel image sensor will lead to a lot of noise.

Not to mention that it does not record audio in stereo (like a similar priced kodak z812is does) nor does shoot in high definition.

The lens is not even a wide angle (like it is on the 10x Panasonic tz4).

I have a feeling that the people giving this such high ratings are either first time digital camera owners or people who are fuji fanboys because based on the camera's specs and merits it is way out of its league with the competition.

I would love to hear some reasons why this camera is worth the money.

Joe,

When compared to similar cameras with a longer zoom and high megapixel count, this camera isn't as expensive. Being that it is new, there are only 3 user reviews written on it (as of me answering this question).

As for the camera's functionality, I would personally go with something like the Canon S5 IS if I was in the market for an extended zoom camera like this. It comes with the optical image stabilization and the newer Digic II Processor.

Andrew

Thanks for the response Andrew. I agree that the price is right for this camera but honestly even at this price there are better choices like the Kodak Z812is or even Sony H3. I agree with you that the Canon S5 is significantly better but of course the price is at least $80 bucks more. I just want to know why there is so much buzz regarding this camera when the specs are really nothing to be buzzing about.

Having not used the camera, and being experienced with previous versions of the Canon S5 (I previously owned a S2 IS), I would pay the extra money for the Canon.

I've heard Kodak has some issues with their digital cameras in regards to build quality, so that may not be your best choice. If you like the specs on the Sony H3 better than this choice, I would go with that camera.

I would also recommend going into a retailer to see how the cameras feel in your hand. A shop like Wolf, Penn, or Ritz will often let you shoot a couple practice shots in the store to see if you like them. Good luck and happy shooting.

Andrew

Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the reply. I agree that Canon seems to be worth the extra money but I am just really curious about why this model is so highly regarded by its owners. I actually think there may be something that I am missing out on and so that is why I posted this question to try and gather input as to why the owners of this Fuji are so satisfied especially considering the weak specs.

As for the H3... honestly I may never buy another Sony camera again after my ownership experience with an H7. The pictures are lowsy when looking at the pixel level and the hyper noise reduction scheme really is not the way that a semi pro camera should be tackling picture quality.

I know the H7 gets glowing review from users but honestly they must only be looking at 4x6 prints without even examining the pictures in detail on the computer. Either that or they have been blinded by the Sony logo.

I remember even reading one users comments that the Sony Bionz engine is the greatest thing for picture quality because the Sony DSLRs use it... guess what? The Bionz is the cause of all that noise reduction in the first place!!! If only sony would allow the user to select the noise reduction level then all the problems would fade.... knowing Sony though, they will introduce that option on a later (and higher priced) model.

Joe,

With only 13 user reviews (as of May 26th, 2008), I would still be cautious about saying that the camera is getting glowing reviews. Yes, the reviews are consistent, so that may help.

What do you plan on using your new camera for? That might help lead us down a better path.

Andrew

Andrew,
I totally agree with you that 13 reviews is not a significant sample population to draw conclusions. I was just hoping that one of those 13 would take the time to state the glories they perceive or at least discuss certain issues that I see.

As for me, well I own a Sony H7 and I just recently bought the Panasonic TZ4. I tried both out on a trip to New York so I will make some conclusions when I have the time to examine all the photographs in detail (with over a 1000 photos that is going to take some time!!).

Joe,

Thanks for the update. I'm looking forward to hearing about the photo comparisons. Let us know when you're done going through them.

Andrew

Why the S1000fd? Well, I' am an owner of a Fuji S1000fd and Kodak ZD710. As far as picture quality, the S1000fd does well in SuperMacro (20mm) mode, night mode also. Why are people giving glowing reviews, well it is all metal, the Canon S5 (plastic), 10MPx vs 8MPx for the S5. Here's a link to my photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/phi-infinty/2699546799/in/set-72157606375227863/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/phi-infinty/2699342208/in/set-72157606375168281/ .For the functions, versatility and price I went with the S1000fd. It comes down to choice, preference, and budget. Some prefer Nikon, or Canon, Leica, etc....

I purchased the S5 because of recommendations received when I queried "what would be a good camera in that price range". I'm not convinced that it was the best choice in the $350.00 price range. I have to admit, I'm still learning more and more of the cameras functions: ie, adding vivid color, etc.
But I can't figure out why I used to get a wide angle picture in the "C" mode and now its the same "non-wide" image that all the other modes are capable of.
I do like the 40X telephoto with digital help, got some pretty nice pictures of eagles in the Grand Tetons this week, both stationary and a couple in flight.

Stephane,

Great photos! My views on the camera are based on some experience with Fuji cameras and their non- optical stabilization. While Fuji makes some great lenses and they also have very good color, the problem I found was that many of the shots were blurry. This was due to the lack of stabilzation. If you are getting great pictures with the camera then that is wonderful, but from my experience the Fuji cameras take great pictures... but it will be 1 great photo out of several blurry ones. That is the deal killer for me.

Stephane,

I forgot to mention... 10 megapixels are not necesarily better than 8. Most would agree that more megapix on a small sensor leads to more noise so 10 megapixels is actually a negative when compared to the Cannon.

As for the metal body... well quite frankly if you drop a camera with a metal body it will break just the same as the one with the plastic body. The metal may seem better to touch but if I can have a lighter plastic bodied camera that would be worth a lot more than the metal "feel."

Hershey,

Yeah the Cannon can be a handful to the novice photographer. I too have had a hard time with all the features on my Sony h7. I still prefer it but it just takes a lot of practice to get all the finer points down.