Ah Ha! You didn’t think I would ever write a review on anything out side of Kids and Family, now did you? Well this was my husband’s idea. He reads my reviews. You didn’t know this, but he use to be a writer here. He quit a year or so ago, almost immediately after starting because of how demanding it is to cover everything on a product that you are writing about. But, what can I say, that’s part of the fun. Isn’t it strange though, you really don’t make any money at this at all? It’s the satisfaction of receiving a Very Helpful. A lot of ‘very helpfuls’ at Epinions is like a lot of ‘dollars’ at home.

Since this is my first review ever (I think) on electronics, I will probably forget to cover something so feel free to get down and dirty with the details. It’s the only way I learn from my mistakes.


The show needs to go on now, doesn’t it?


December of 2003 we were looking for a new digital camera. I wanted one with a removable lens. I've always loved SLR's and the regular digitals just haven't given me what I've been wanting. However, costs have kept me away from the digital SLR's with removable lens. My mother-in-law and I share a FujiFilm FinePix Digital Camera 2650. It was a Christmas present for 2002. It’s cost was over $300.00 at the time of purchase. Now, when you can find a FinePix Digital Camera 2650 it’s price is about $ 125.00 to $150.00.

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Features

• 2.0 megapixel sensor creates 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• 3x optical plus 2.5x digital zoom lens autofocus
• Stores photos on 16 MB (25 images at fine and 39 images at normal)
• Uses 2 AA alkaline batteries
• Connects by USB port
• Automatic focus
• Can record videos (up to 80 seconds)
• PC cam/Internet mode (for Windows PCs only)
• Built-in flash including red-eye reduction
• 6 white balance modes
• 10-second self-timer & will fit on tri-pod
• Date and time option

System Requirements are basic


Windows systems & Mac’s
• Windows 98, Me, 2000 or XP (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.2 or OS X )

• Available USB port
• CD-ROM drive
• Color


The goodies
• Bright LCD screen (unless it’s dark outside)
• 3x optical zoom (most of baby’s pics were blurry b/c hubby was zoomin’ in to close on her!)
• So easy to use it gives me shivers
• Quick, easy to use scroll menu.


The uglies
• Slow recovery time after each shot
• Needs a larger memory card
• No sound on movie mode! Hate that. (okay though if you have DVD writer and can burn something onto DVD in it’s place.
• We’ve lost all images before and haven’t a clue why.
• Battery life is TERRIBLE!! Absolutely MUST keep backups on hand.



How to use FinePix Digital Camera 2650:


Basically, you can use that as a regular point and shoot camera. With the auto focus you can pace yourself like using a disposable camera and just take your normal snapshots. However, if you are going to pay $125.00 for a camera, why do just that?

When you turn FinePix Digital Camera 2650 on, if you do not slide the lens cover over to the right, you get a warning on your LCD screen that says in red !LENS COVER. All you then do is slide cover open and your LCD image is visible. Your menu button is beside your LCD screen. With the power on, you select what option you want, photograph, camera or viewing picture, (these options are on top beside the snapshot button) select what option you choose on your menu (if any other than automatic) and then take your picture. Once you have done this, your photo will appear in your LCD screen for only a second or two. To view your image for a long period of time you must turn your camera into view mode instead of photo mode. If you are unhappy with your image, simply select on your menu to discard into the little image of a trash can, and ‘viola’ no space consumed on your card.

Honestly, I am not much of a technical person. Tech support people cry over the phone when they have to help me. Reduced to tears they ask me if there is anyone around who can come to the phone. When they find out that my husband is nearby and use to work for a web design business as quality control, they kind of lose it, but my husband gets a good laugh out of it nonetheless. The point is, I suck at gadgets unless it is breaking them and FinePix Digital Camera 2650 is a synch to use. So although they have been discontinued, if you find one on the market, it’s worth the hundred or so bucks to pick it up.


(I've got proof
*see one of pics taken of my baby with camera on profile page*. Go look! She's a beauty! )

I hope you have found this useful!

And, this is basically the end of my electronics review/career.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): all on mom
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Easy Enough for Anyone to Use