Fuji FinePix J38
Fuji FinePix J38
1
Hey! You should know that Fuji has released a newer version of this product: the Fuji FinePix JV100.
Fuji FinePix J38
Editor's Review
The Fuji FinePix J38 has since been replaced by the Fuji FinePix JV100. Here's what we said about the J38 when it first came out:
If you're looking for a budget camera but don't want to end up with some unsightly, unattractive hunk of plastic, the Fuji FinePix J38 might be the answer. It's a simple, sleek-looking, low-cost digital camera with a nice 12 megapixel sensor and enough muscle to get you some great snapshots.
Specifications
- 12 megapixels
- 3x optical zoom
- 2.7-inch LCD display
- Part Number: FINEPIXJ38
- UPC: 074101001112
- Release Date: Sep 01, 2009
Shop for J38 Accessories
Fuji FinePix J38 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Wisnowleopard (Wisnowleopard — 02/26/2013)
I have one of these. If you are looking for a photography camera, avoid this and get a different one, I'd recommend at least 16mp. This camera tends to get extremely noisy and performs terribly in low light/indoors. But for family photos and such, this is a good camera.
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Battery.. (Rose — 03/11/2012)
how long does it have to take for it to charge? is there like a amount to wait or can you charge how long you want?
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Chris Weigl (03/16/2012)
It takes a couple of hours to charge the battery. You can always charge a shorter amount if you need to, but the battery wont be fully juiced.
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zoom error (exitrodney — 05/14/2011)
My Fuji J38 won't work. When I turn it on, it has a message, "Zoom error". Anybody know how to fix, or maybe reboot it?
Thanks
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Thanks
Poor Quality (AJ Romero — 03/22/2011)
I had this camera for about 8 months and not extremely happy with it to begin with. I found most of the photos were dark and I couldn't figure out how to fix the problem. Additionally, I turned the camera on a few days before a wedding and there were two "black holes" in the viewing screen. I thankfully bought a warranty and returned the camera to the manufacturer for a full refund. I won't buy this camera again or a Fuji for that matter. Will probably try a Sony.
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charging camera (carol mark — 10/19/2010)
can I charge the digital camera with usb port
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by James DeRuvo (10/20/2010)
It comes with an AC to USB adapter to charge the camera from an AC plug.
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Chris (10/11/2010)
It came with a USB cable, is it to put the pictures into my computer if it is I have tried and the camera says USB with a white screen please tell me how to put the pictures into my computer. My computer doesn't have a SD card slot so I have to use the USB cable.
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Liam McCabe (10/12/2010)
Yes, the USB cable is used to connect the camera to the computer. If it doesn't automatically pop up on your computer, it may show up as the E drive.
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flynnh (08/27/2010)
I've been using this camera for awhile and one day the battery went, i tried to charge it but the orange light doesn't come on. it will turn on when the charger is it in but it doesn't actually charge. Does anyone know what could cause this?
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by James DeRuvo (08/28/2010)
CHeck the contacts to see if they are dirty, that can affect the connection and prevent charging. But it may also be that the battery went bad. You may want to try a new one.
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Phil (08/03/2010)
Hi Just bought a Fuji camera and would like to know how long does it take to fully charge a battery
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Liam McCabe (08/03/2010)
At least a few hours.
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Lynn Coffey (06/24/2010)
can you charge it with a usb cord?
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Chris Weigl (06/25/2010)
It looks like it comes with a charger for just the battery and cannot be charged with a USB.
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auto focus and briteness problems. (Steev0 — 06/18/2010)
I'm having problems with the auto focus and the display. The pictures come out VERY dark.
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Liam McCabe (06/18/2010)
Try adjusting the exposure compensation, the 'E/V' steps.
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Erased Pictures Recovery (Tabitha — 06/17/2010)
How do I recovered erased pictures
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by James DeRuvo (06/18/2010)
Try PC Inspector. There's also F-recovery or Zero Assumption recovery.
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evelyn (02/20/2010)
show me how to use my fugifilm camera. I need to see the different part
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Good Camera for the price!! (Pete — 02/15/2010)
I must say that the J38 is a good camera & being 12.2 megapixels its a great buy for anyone on a budget! This is a point and shoot camera & will do a great job for most scenarios in autodetect mode! The night pictures are a little lacking, but setting your camera manually will help with that a bit! (read your manual about the shutter and night modes available) Video is very good on this camera, and will playback your videos with sound!!! The speaker is not so loud, but it was just meant for previewing than playback so I can't complain!!! The menu is fairly simple to operate much like a cellphone menu!!! I have read other people's reviews, and some of the advice given is good! I will say that you don't need a card reader to use this camera if you have... windows xp or newer! They recommend 512mb of ram on your computer to run the software smoothly, but I have been able to run it even on 128mb of ram(as a test) & it will run! (just a little sluggish, but will) Now for those of you that have a built in card reader in your computer... I have seen many of these in my time, and must say that if your computer is more than a few years old... then your card reader might not be able to handle the memory cards that this camera supports! For example 2gb, 4gb, 8gb or bigger SDHC memory cards! Most older computers have a limit & can only read 1 or 2gb sd memory cards because the older memory readers were built using the regular "SD" format & it's not backwards compatible with the newer memory cards with the "SDHC" format(just look at the logo on your memory card or card reader)... so therefore it will not work! Why? because the SD format is much older technology!!! However... the camera itself will work with your windows xp 32bit(most common) and even on 64bit computers or newer(e.g. windows 7 or vista) for those people having issues with the camera connecting via the usb cable... the screen will turn white & display "usb" when connected! if your camera does show this... then chances are that your computer might be at fault! Well viruses have been known to render the usb useless... I can recommend to use a free antivirus like avast (avast.com) & for malaware, spyware, and use ad-aware (lavasoft.com) or malawarebytes (malawarebytes.com) for example to clear your computer, and keeping your windows up to date! Now while this might not apply to all computers...or always be necessary its still good to scan for these kinds of things & update your computer every so often! (like the routine maintenance on your car)... Now about USB charging... I tried it and will not charge through the usb!! the only way is to use the AC adapter to charge, and/or buying a universal battery charger to use with the model: NP-45a battery that it comes with! I got a floor model at a discount (since they ran out) & they couldn't give me the AC adapter because they lost it!!! So they gave me a wall charger for the battery!!! that's good because it saves wear and tear on the connection of the camera itself!!! Some people said on here to use a usb memory card reader... & I agree it is recommended specially if you have more than one memory card to work with (I have like 10 of them) & price wise memory card readers are inexpensive.... you could even buy them on ebay for as cheap as $4 usd... Now if you're on a budget or fixed income & can't afford on extra... then you shouldn't have any problem with the usb cable... if you do... then look at updating your computer and scanning your computer as I mentioned earlier... always check for microsoft updates or with the manufacturer of your pc too... if you don't know about these kinds of things & somehow made it here... then ask a computer inclined friend or a teenager... most of them now days know about these kinds of things!!! Anyway I like the camera very much, and is very solid for it's price... The only things I would complain about would be the battery door!! I wish they would of put some kind of locking mechanism because it can be opened very easily when you might not want to open it!!! (I've seen this in many digital cameras) The other thing is that the battery will fit both ways so if you take it out, and it wont turn on when putting it back in... simply flip it around & it shall work!!! In another note (just like anything else)... if you're conscious and take care of this camera & use it properly (not abuse it)... it shall last you a long time!!! Thanks to all who read my posting & for those who own this camera... may you take some great shots with it!!! Take care everybody!!!!
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its not malawarebytes.com its malawarebytes.org (pete — 02/15/2010)
Sorry everybody.. I mentioned in my previous posting that!! it should be malawarebytes.org!!!!!!!
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i have this one (kk — 02/05/2010)
i have this camera...i love it. its easy to use, and since i just use it for basic pictures and home use its more than adequate. i like the way it looks too...just....basic :)
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Is warranty needed? (Jane — 01/28/2010)
Any of you think I need to buy a waranty for this J38 camera? Thanks for commenting.
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Liam McCabe (01/28/2010)
Yes, because the LCD displays on Fuji's J series have a tendency to break. Hope this helps.
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charging (uns — 01/28/2010)
I am following directions for plugging in but the red light does not come on and, after 24 hours, it is not charged. (It does work while plugged in.) How do you charge it!?
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by James DeRuvo (01/28/2010)
Are we talking plugging into a battery charger or is this USB charging?
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How do I charge the fujifilm nicepix j 38? (Bryan — 01/19/2010)
How do I charge my camera? I put it in the wall & nothing happens, when I put it in usb the battery indicator comes on flashing and then the camera shuts off. Please help. thanks
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BexarWolf (01/20/2010)
We just bought this camera for work. Over my suggestion of a Canon, my boss went the cheaper route. I think it'll work for what we use a camera for.
As for charging, it can only be charged from an a/c plug from what I'm seeing. Turn the camera off, plug in the a/c cord into the mini-port and plug it into the wall. You'll see a small red light come on at the back of the camera. The light should go off when the battery is charged.
I'm disappointed that it won't charge in the usb port but it apparently doesn't.
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As for charging, it can only be charged from an a/c plug from what I'm seeing. Turn the camera off, plug in the a/c cord into the mini-port and plug it into the wall. You'll see a small red light come on at the back of the camera. The light should go off when the battery is charged.
I'm disappointed that it won't charge in the usb port but it apparently doesn't.
charging fuji J38 (uns — 01/27/2010)
I am trying to charge and the indicator light does not come on. Have you figured out how to charge it?
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David (02/09/2010)
Make sure your battery is inserted correctly. Look at the 3 terminals on teh bottom and make sure they meet the contacts in the bottom of the battery compartment.
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garma (02/13/2010)
yep, I just had the problem and realized it was flipped upside down... flip it the other way... haha
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carregamento (camila — 05/02/2010)
nao consigo carregar minha camera,ficou uma noite inteira na tomada,nao da nem sinal de vida,nao acende luz, somente a do carregador, uma verde e uma vermelha, mais nao sai disso,como faço, por que ja verifiquei se estava conectada corretamente, olhei a bateria, e tudo esta perfeita mais nao carrega...
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Why won't my finepics j38 upload photos to my laptop? (pixydish — 12/20/2009)
Just got the camera and trying to upoad, followed all directions, but here is what's confusing: The directions say I must be very careful about what order I plug in and turn on the camera when trying to upload pics, but the directions are:
1) Turn on camera and start windows
2) plug into USB cable and turn camera on
So when do I turn the camera on? No matter what, it's not working anyway. I'm just getting a white screen on my camera and the uploading wizard never comes up.
Tried calling tech support but they dont do it on the weekends for cameras.
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1) Turn on camera and start windows
2) plug into USB cable and turn camera on
So when do I turn the camera on? No matter what, it's not working anyway. I'm just getting a white screen on my camera and the uploading wizard never comes up.
Tried calling tech support but they dont do it on the weekends for cameras.
Brenda Paro (12/21/2009)
Hmm. Nice directions!
I usually leave the camera off, plug it in to the computer, and then turn it on. Make sure you have it in the right mode for downloading photos (usually the Playback/ View photos mode, rather than the Shooting mode).
I super-highly recommend getting a card reader, too. They're about ten bucks, and you just put your memory card into them and plug the reader into the computer. It's a really easy thing to do, as soon as you plug it in it reads the photos automatically, and it saves tons of wear and tear on your camera.
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I usually leave the camera off, plug it in to the computer, and then turn it on. Make sure you have it in the right mode for downloading photos (usually the Playback/ View photos mode, rather than the Shooting mode).
I super-highly recommend getting a card reader, too. They're about ten bucks, and you just put your memory card into them and plug the reader into the computer. It's a really easy thing to do, as soon as you plug it in it reads the photos automatically, and it saves tons of wear and tear on your camera.
christopher (08/25/2010)
FUJI FINEPICX JV100) i have a card reader but every single card i tend to put in , it tells me the disc has not been formatted do i want to format the disk.....why does the reader not work correctly?
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pixydish (12/21/2009)
Thanks! I'm still just getting a white screen that says "usb" in the top left corner. A different set of directions I found in fuji's online manual for the camera said to push the green playback/view button to turn on the camera instead of the regular power button. I've turned it on both ways, but I still just get the white screen. So far I love the camera, but not impressed with Fujifilm's communication skills.
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Larry (12/21/2009)
Here is another vote for getting a card reader. They are fast and reliable. Card readers solve all kinds of difficulties getting images from camera to computer.
Also, download Picasa3 software free from Google. It will download your images and keep them organized in addition to multiple other handy functions such as red eye removal.
Finally, once you do have your images into the computer, the next step it to remove the card from the reader and use the camera to reformat the card. Reformatting erases all the images so you can use the card over. Some folks get away with using the computer to reformat, but I have read several instances of difficulties and actual damage to the card making it unusable.
So, download with the card reader and format with the camera.
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Also, download Picasa3 software free from Google. It will download your images and keep them organized in addition to multiple other handy functions such as red eye removal.
Finally, once you do have your images into the computer, the next step it to remove the card from the reader and use the camera to reformat the card. Reformatting erases all the images so you can use the card over. Some folks get away with using the computer to reformat, but I have read several instances of difficulties and actual damage to the card making it unusable.
So, download with the card reader and format with the camera.
pixydish (12/21/2009)
Thanks for the tips!
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Leah (01/04/2010)
did you ever figure it out melissa? I'm having the same trouble!
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pixydish (01/05/2010)
I don't know how best answer was determined, I didn't claim that answer above was the best. I called tech support during normal business hours and they guided me thru a quick process of downnloading some software from their website to make the camera compatible with my windows vista 32 bit system. Now it works great, without the card reader, which I cannot afford at the moment. Hope that helps you! They were very friendly on the phone, btw.
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jo cannizzo (01/08/2010)
I bought this camera and could not get the photos into my home computer. When I called tech support they said I needed XP with 512 rams. Mine has 387 rams and therefore had to call my computer company or Geek Squad. This seemed like a lot of work so I simply returned the camera as instructions clearly state the camera works with Windows XP which I have. Tech Support could not help me at all.
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Larry (01/08/2010)
jo,
A card reader, as I noted above, will solve ALL problems getting your images from camera to computer. They are inexpensive and generally move the images faster than a USB connection.
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A card reader, as I noted above, will solve ALL problems getting your images from camera to computer. They are inexpensive and generally move the images faster than a USB connection.
pixydish (01/08/2010)
Some people simply cannot afford the camera AND the reader, and I don't think we should have to be able to afford both just to have a camera that works.
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Look..... (mjs10010 — 01/30/2010)
...a card reader can be bought for $10.....anyone can afford it and it is so worth it...so stop the nonsense about not being able to afford it....nuff said...
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Larry (01/08/2010)
I agree with you Melissa. I was greatly frustrated that my computer wouldn't read my 4GB or 8GB SDHC data cards. I found out that it was only set up to read up to 1GB cards and could NOT be changed to work with anything higher. The card reader cost me $15 and has solved the problem. I know it should not be that way and that the software they ship with the cameras should work, but in the real world, technology is changing rapidly. So rapidly that the camera companies can't keep up and make their software compatible with all computers. At this point the card reader enters the picture along with Picasa3. Together they do work, and I haven't heard of an instance where a card reader and Picasa3 (or some other similar software) didn't solve every problem thrown at them in order to get images properly transfered.
Your point is well made. I'm just trying to look at the world as it is, warts and all, and suggest one solution that I have found to be both effective and low cost. (Picasa3 being free).
Best wishes.
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Your point is well made. I'm just trying to look at the world as it is, warts and all, and suggest one solution that I have found to be both effective and low cost. (Picasa3 being free).
Best wishes.
Larry (01/08/2010)
Also, I don't have any control over the "Best Answer" choice. In fact, as far as any rules go that I know of, the person who posts an answer is not eligible to choose a "best" answer. So I assure you that I didn't vote for myself. In fact, I kind of like it when a question can remain open for a month or longer so other answers can be posted and maybe add to my knowledge as well.
Thanks for your comments.
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Thanks for your comments.
pixydish (01/08/2010)
And thanks for yours. I meant no offense when I said I didn't know anything about the best answer, I just really don't know how any of this works. I was just irritated that the "best answer" didn't actually answer my question, although it offered good advice for when I have more money. And if by open you mean unanswered, then I totally agree.
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Use a card reader (Michael Sweeney — 01/30/2010)
Most pc's have a built in memory card reader which you should use. If your computer doesn't have one just buy a card reader that matches the card that comes with your camera. It's so much easier and also preserves the camera battery.
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i have a new grandbaby and need motion shots that are not fuzzy will this work? (kimberly01 — 12/17/2009)
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by James DeRuvo (12/18/2009)
Well, at around $100, I think it'll probably have a rather lengthy shutter lag you'll have to get around. But if you're on a budget, it seems to be pretty good. Still, I think you can do better with a Canon.
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Dogaroo (01/22/2010)
I just got this camera (for $70, as it was substituted for an out-of-stock sale item!) and for the price, I'm impressed-- at least, so far. I have noticed some focus hunting-- especially in low light-- so that could be an issue with action shots, but if you pre-focus & hold the shutter button halfway down until you're ready to shoot, shutter lag is virtually nonexistent. In good light, autofocus is reasonably fast (for a cheap camera). Other cameras I tested in this price range had significant shutter lag.
I like that the photos from this camera aren't as contrasty, overly saturated and overly sharpened as so many others in its class. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I prefer more natural-looking colour. ;-)
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I like that the photos from this camera aren't as contrasty, overly saturated and overly sharpened as so many others in its class. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I prefer more natural-looking colour. ;-)
pixydish (12/20/2009)
I just bought this camera and I love the way it takes action shots. It has a sports setting and my boyfriend danced around super fast, jumping all over the place, so I could test it out. It was GREAT! I have my new favorite picture of my boyfriend defying gravity.
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does it come with a batt. charger and cord to plug into computer? (cj1967 — 12/10/2009)
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Dmiller39 (12/10/2009)
Just bought it and yes it comes with a batt.charger, usb cord, strap and battery.
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cj1967 (12/10/2009)
Thanks!
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What about capturing action? (anitabloom — 11/09/2009)
I like to take concert shots. How good is the action capturing?
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by James DeRuvo (11/12/2009)
A bit too soon to tell, but it does have an automatic low light feature which will optimize the settings for you to shoot with, but in the end, it's still a point and shoot with nominal lens speed. It'll then resort to raising the ISO setting and slowing the shutter down. I'd advise patience and wait until the reviews come out. So far, it's just too new to tell.
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How can I crop and resize photos downloaded to computer? (tlyman1 — 09/30/2009)
Software for Fine Pix Viewer S came with J38 camera. Just downloaded first pix. Only has edit options to rotate or auto adjust picture - how can I crop, resize and rename photos as I must to put them on website.
Done easily with "older" version of Fine Pix Viewer used with Fuji 700 camera. Can't believe a "newer" model with "newer" software wouldn't allow these edits --- PLEASE HELP!
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Done easily with "older" version of Fine Pix Viewer used with Fuji 700 camera. Can't believe a "newer" model with "newer" software wouldn't allow these edits --- PLEASE HELP!
by James DeRuvo (10/01/2009)
Try Google's Picasa ( picasa.com ). It has a lot of functionality of Apple's iPhoto, and it's free. You can crop, resize, rename, and even use facial recognition to organize your photos.
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pegz (10/12/2009)
Download Picasa 3 from Google...
it's free and it's a very smart and fun way to crop, add effects and text on the photo's as well as crop and resize as James mentions above me...
I did my daughter's senior pics last yr on it and i am in the workings of my son's senior pics as we speak.
The camera that you use to take your pics doesn't have to be of quality, the program does it for you..
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it's free and it's a very smart and fun way to crop, add effects and text on the photo's as well as crop and resize as James mentions above me...
I did my daughter's senior pics last yr on it and i am in the workings of my son's senior pics as we speak.
The camera that you use to take your pics doesn't have to be of quality, the program does it for you..
Cropping, resizing, renaming (tlyman1 — 09/28/2009)
I've taken pictures and downloaded using the included Fine Pix Viewer S software. Cannot see how to crop, resize or rename photos?? The only "editing" seems to be rotating or auto picture adjustment. Help.
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by James DeRuvo (09/30/2009)
That's not a bad thing. Try downloading and using Google's Picasa ( picasa.com ). It's a great, free photo editing and management utility which can do all that.
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Sean (01/01/2010)
depends on what kind of software you have on on your computer, if you go to download.com you should find some decent photo editing programs on there
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Fuji FinePix J38 Reviews
Fuji FinePix J38 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 3.0 out of 5
Missing features
(T.C. Burns — 06/21/2010)
The camera has a time and date set function that is useless. This camera will not allow pictures to be taken that have the date imprinted on the resulting pictures. This is an unforgivable and cheap copout. I bought it at Best Buy and samesman misrepresented it as being capable of datng the pictures. Unfortunately the return policy date expired befire I discovered this cheapo chort-cut.
- 5.0 out of 5
Decent camera for the price!
(Pete — 02/15/2010)
I must say that the J38 is a good camera & being 12.2 megapixels its a great buy for anyone on a budget! This is a point and shoot camera & will do a great job for most scenarios in autodetect mode! The night pictures are a little lacking, but setting your camera manually will help with that a bit! (read your manual about the shutter and night modes available) Video is very good on this camera, and will playback your videos with sound!!! The speaker is not so loud, but it was just meant for previewing than playback so I can't complain!!! The menu is fairly simple to operate much like a cellphone menu!!! I have read other people's reviews, and some of the advice given is good! I will say that you don't need a card reader to use this camera if you have... windows xp or newer! They recommend 512mb of ram on your computer to run the software smoothly, but I have been able to run it even on 128mb of ram(as a test) & it will run! (just a little sluggish, but will) Now for those of you that have a built in card reader in your computer... I have seen many of these in my time, and must say that if your computer is more than a few years old... then your card reader might not be able to handle the memory cards that this camera supports! For example 2gb, 4gb, 8gb or bigger SDHC memory cards! Most older computers have a limit & can only read 1 or 2gb sd memory cards because the older memory readers were built using the regular "SD" format & it's not backwards compatible with the newer memory cards with the "SDHC" format(just look at the logo on your memory card or card reader)... so therefore it will not work! Why? because the SD format is much older technology!!! However... the camera itself will work with your windows xp 32bit(most common) and even on 64bit computers or newer(e.g. windows 7 or vista) for those people having issues with the camera connecting via the usb cable... the screen will turn white & display "usb" when connected! if your camera does show this... then chances are that your computer might be at fault! Well viruses have been known to render the usb useless... I can recommend to use a free antivirus like avast (avast.com) & for malaware, spyware, and use ad-aware (lavasoft.com) or malawarebytes (malawarebytes.com) for example to clear your computer, and keeping your windows up to date! Now while this might not apply to all computers...or always be necessary its still good to scan for these kinds of things & update your computer every so often! (like the routine maintenance on your car)... Now about USB charging... I tried it and will not charge through the usb!! the only way is to use the AC adapter to charge, and/or buying a universal battery charger to use with the model: NP-45a battery that it comes with! I got a floor model at a discount (since they ran out) & they couldn't give me the AC adapter because they lost it!!! So they gave me a wall charger for the battery!!! that's good because it saves wear and tear on the connection of the camera itself!!! Some people said on here to use a usb memory card reader... & I agree it is recommended specially if you have more than one memory card to work with (I have like 10 of them) & price wise memory card readers are inexpensive.... you could even buy them on ebay for as cheap as $4 usd... Now if you're on a budget or fixed income & can't afford on extra... then you shouldn't have any problem with the usb cable... if you do... then look at updating your computer and scanning your computer as I mentioned earlier... always check for microsoft updates or with the manufacturer of your pc too... if you don't know about these kinds of things & somehow made it here... then ask a computer inclined friend or a teenager... most of them now days know about these kinds of things!!! Anyway I like the camera very much, and is very solid for it's price... The only things I would complain about would be the battery door!! I wish they would of put some kind of locking mechanism because it can be opened very easily when you might not want to open it!!! The other thing is that the battery will fit both ways so if you take it out, and it wont turn on when putting it back in... simply flip it around & it shall work!!! In another note (just like anything else)... if you're conscious and take care of this camera & use it properly (not abuse it)... it shall last you a long time!!! Thanks to all who read my posting & for those who own this camera... may you take some great shots with it!!! Take care everybody!!!!
