Fuji FinePix S5700 / S700 Digital Camera (UPDATE ONE)
Written: May 02 '07 (Updated Jun 18 '07)
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Pros: Stylish, light weight, easy to use, durable, solid feel, value priced for features provided.
Cons: LCD display is poor in bright outdoor lighting, viewfinder rubber eyecup a tad short.
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended. I truly loved the instant on instant off feature. Ready for photo shooting anytime -- single frame or continuously (until memory is filled.) Excellent product.
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| GaryD's Full Review: FUJIFILM FinePix S700 Digital Camera |
Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom
Fuji's FinePix S5700 / S700 Digital Camera is an upgraded model for 2007 of the Fuji FinePix S5200 / S5600 Digital Camera. The major changes between the models are increased LCD rear display screen from 1.5" to 2.5", pixel count from 5 megapixels to 7.1 megapixels, and one can use both XD and SD digital media cards in the newer model instead of only the XD cards. These and only the main highlight differences.
Fuji's FinePix S5700 / S700 Digital Camera boost two model numbers but when you compare the data specifications provided by Fuji I was unable to locate a difference other then the model number itself. It appears both are the same camera -- price remains the same with a retail listing of $399.95.
I did not cover the software provided with this camera. Not even the extra software offered as an incentive for making this and HSN.com purchase. I will not be using the software -- I will retrieve photos and video directly from the digital media card. I'm positive the software is quite good and many will find it useful. I used the Finepix software in the past and enjoyed it but I use specialize software now for photo and video edit and see no reason to change.
THE DELIVERY
The big brown stork arrived with a small parcel. This small parcel contained my long awaited baby the Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom. The camera manufacture’s official release date was April 7, 2007. Hopefully, my elated expectation will be appeased with total satisfaction (at least 99%).
IN THE BOX
One Fuji FinePix S700 Digital Camera with 10X optical zoom
One lens cap
One lens cap cord
One Shoulder strap
Four Double 'AA' Energizer batteries (non-rechargable)
One CD ROM with drivers and software
One quick sheet
One Manual of Operation Instructions
One sheet of printing error corrections referencing manual
No external memory media (27MBs built into camera
Instruction manual is clear, direct and easy to understand.
Minor assembly is required for attaching lens cap and shoulder strap and installing batteries. Nothing difficult.
Featured pack -- more then most will ever use. This just may be my last digital purchase provided nothing happens to the camera itself. Run it in full AUTO MODE or test your photography skills and go MANUAL.
RETURNING FOR MORE
I’ve owned three Fuji camera’s previous to this one and I’ve been very happy with them. Yeah! I may have a slight dislike for a feature or lack there of on occasion. But for overall satisfaction I’ve been rather delighted.
You can cut and paste the following URL to see my updated opinion on a Fuji Finepix 2800 Zoom. It’s still very popular.
http://www1.epinions.com/content_57452564100
IS THE FLASH WORTH THE CASH!
I’m a visual person, though actual function should supercede superficial appearance their both priority with me. I will not sacrifice one over the other. When deciding on a portable device such as a camera I look for the following: First it must be eye-catching a finely machined piece of quality art. Second, it must be durable with solid functions. Third, feature rich, the more features the better. I like products that will grow as my needs and wants expand. Fourth, main accessories need be included and devices requiring batteries should have them. Lastly, the retail price should reflect the quality of the item being considered for purchase. All to often a price exceeds the actual value of a product.
The Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom is stylishly-contemporary with a traditional appearance as well. It’s ergonomically designed for hand comfort and steady picture taking stabilization. Fuji’s S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom is finely machined to accept some optional attachments. This particular model offers up 25 pre-programed settings to ensure exceptional photos by even a novice right-out-of-the-box. Fuji includes all of the basic accessories one would need for immediate use of the Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom. (Lens cap, shoulder strap, four AA batteries, Camera bag, USB cable and CD ROM drivers/software.) Hold on to your seat! The price for this baby is $400 US but can be found at several major retailers for $249.95. This is a real value for anyone in the market for a new camera. Novice and professionals alike will love the Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom SLR.
Lens: Fujinon Lens are high quality optical glass. Avoid any camera with plastic lenses. Even an untrained eye can usually pick out the low quality images taken with a camera strutting a plastic lens. Glass lenses are far more durable and scratch resistant then plastic. The lens is the first to see and translate the information to your film or CCD in digital cameras.
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS:
The following is not well documented by Fuji but if you research long enough it can be found. YOU CAN make use of filter rings like: UV, Haze, Circular Polarization, etc., some very light weight lenses and a lens hood with 46mm threads. Why is this important? Camera lenses are very expensive and should yours become scratched and need replacing repair cost are considerable. The simple act of purchasing an inexpensive UV/HAZE filter which can remain on your camera at all times will protect your cameras lens. Should it become scratched you can just acquire another with minium expense quickly and easily. A lens hood helps prevent unwanted light from entering the lens via the sides. These two examples are simple explanations that you can research for further details.
LOSING PHOTO MEMORIES?
You have probably lost photo moments like I have in the past due to the slow response time of your digital camera. Some film cameras have suffered from this issue as well. Now Fuji's waved their magical wand and encouraged their geeky techies to rise above. The Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom sports a wonderful instant-on, instant-off features that substantially reduce the wait time for snapping your memorable moments. It takes all of about a second for the camera to reach its ready to shoot mode. Then you can shoot a single frame, multiple frames, or even continuously. My last digital allowed three frames maximum. The Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom lets you shoot continuously or until the memory if exhausted. Ideal for fast action like sports. The instant off I don't think tales a full second to power down. Of course to gain one advantage another advantage must be sacrificed. In this case the retractable lens was tossed for a stationary one. You won't be carrying the Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom in your shirt pocket but when your walls begin sporting enlarged photos you took instead of purchased artwork. The kudos goes to you.
Resolution:
7.1 mega (million) pixels is more then most average individuals will ever need for photo printing and developing. But, when the urge strikes to go large and I mean poster size you’ll have what it requires to do so. The higher the mega pixels the higher quality of photo you can capture and the larger your prints can be. No one has ever said give me less mega pixels.
Zoom:
10X optical and 4.8X digital for a total 48X power. Large numbers are a good thing and small ones will only disappoint you. On the majority of digital cameras out there you read different optical and digital zoom values. The only one you should truly concern yourself with is the optical magnification. Higher optical zoom values with reflect a more expensive price. The best way to make your camera purchase selection is to determine the maximum amount of money you are willing to release for your acquisition. Digital zooms are nice and can be useful in some situations. However, once you begin using the digital zoom you initiate the degrading of your overall picture quality. A digital zoom merely interpolates additional information by extracting information from the surrounding pixels in the image and amplifying them in the finished result.
Here is another hidden treasure that was casually documented in the manuals text. When you place the camera in stabilization mode to reduce / eliminate hand shake the Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom can achieve 12X optical magnification.
Display:
2.5" LCD display or viewfinder. With the Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom you have two options for taking a picture. You can use the viewfinder or the massive 2.5" LCD display. If you have poor eyesight or wear glasses you may opt for the LCD screen. I’ve found that the LCD display is perfect for most indoor shooting and suitable for some outdoor shooting when the sun isn’t blazing. In bright sun the LCD screen is very difficult to see. With improvements in LCD technology Fuji should be able to correct this easily. Don’t get me wrong, even Fuji’s major competitors have similar issues with their LCD displays.
The viewfinder is a smaller rendition of LCD display but you will find it quite suitable in all lighting conditions. In a majority of cases you will take better photos hand-held by using the viewfinder. Due to the way the camera is positioned and stabilized when shooting.
The selling feature in cameras I purchase is the SLR (Single Lens Reflex) which translates to: What you see through the viewfinder or LCD display is exactly what the camera sees through the lens. For me this is an absolute must, no exception, period.
Memory: 27MB built in, expandable to 2GB. The built-in memory of 27MBs is fast and reliable but fills up fast. Though an external memory card is not provided with this camera you should opt to buy one. I just ordered a Sandisk Extreme III 2GB Secure Digital for $43 including shipping and two Transcend 4GB 150X for $85. The Manual says the camera can only accommodate a 2GB card (either XD or SD) and recommends the Sandisk Extreme III 2GB. Past experience has showed me well made camera can often handle larger cards. Should this camera not be capable of handling the 4GB cards I can use them in my laptop with Windows Vista as extended memory increasing my ram from 2GB to 6GB. Therefore, I have nothing to lose and I saved a great deal of money with these outstanding prices. I will follow up with reviews on both cards once they arrive and I’ve had time to test them on the camera.
The Transcend 4GB High-Speed 150X Secure Digital card with SLC Flash arrive today. I inserted it into my Fuji S700 and formated it. The card was fully recognized -- see my review on this card at the following URL: http://www.epinions.com/content_350420176516 . Not only was it recognized and fast but it offers up four times the storage capactiy as a 2GB SD card. Fuji's manual states a 2GB will hold 568 images at 7 megapixels in normal mode. The same resolution using the Transcend 4GB High-Speed 150X Secure Digital card 2279 photos. Just think, it could possibly hold a full two hours of video recordings in high res-mode. WOW!
RECORD AND SOUND OUT
A microphone is built-in to add voice to your pictures or audio to the movies. The built-in speaker sounds good for its small size. Be sure you are not blocking the speaker in playback or the volume will be low or muted. Volume is easily adjusted in the SETTINGS menu. You may increase of decrease the LCD brightness here also.
Storage Media:
May use either xD picture cards or Secure Digital (SD) cards.
Best results when using a Sandisk Extreme III 2GB SD card. This Secure Digital card is suited for professional use in normal and extreme temperature settings. Negative 13 degrees to a positive 185 degrees. Second best SD card is the Ultra II 150X.
After careful research on XD and SD cards I have found no real difference between the two formats. Except the XD cards appear to be more difficult to acquire and when found tend to be substantially higher in cost.
Additional Features:
High Sensitivity:
ISO 64 up to ISO 1600, Very useful for those venturous enough to use the manual settings. Otherwise the camera’s auto functions will make the desire selection based on the information feeding through the lens. High speed photo shooting is turned off in the camera’s default but easily turned on under SETTINGS for auto control. The Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom is extremely user friendly that a novice should experience no difficulty, provided the user follows the on-screen instructions and reads the manual as questions do arise.
Intelligent Flash:
Pops and flash when needed automatically or when using the force-flash. There is no external switch or button that allows you to pop-up the flash manually. However, when the camera is on you can depress the shutter button half-way in a forced low-light situation and it will force the auto-flash-pop-up — similar to a manual function.
Picture Stabilization:
Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom has a very nice picture stabilization function that works exceedingly well. My hands aren’t as steady as they should be and this function is a god-send when a tripod is not handy. In addition, this mode increases the cameras optical zoom capacity from 10X to 12X. You may want to mull over this information when deciding between a 10X and 12X zoom cameras. No reason to spend more for something unnecessarily.
Movies with Mono Sound:
Two resolution selections to choose from and both are at 30 frames-per-second. 640x480 and 320x240 — the only improvement Fuji should have made here prior to final production would have been to have stereo sound instead of mono.
Night Shooting:
I love the night shooting feature of this camera. I don’t know when if ever I’ll need the use of it, but it going to be the life of any photo shoot. Last night I closed the shades, shut the door and turned out the lights. I couldn’t see a millimeter in front of me. I turned on the camera, selected SP1 on the dial (I couldn’t see the dial but the LCD display showed each selection as I turned it) depressed the menu button lightly visible from the LCD and selected Night Shooting. I aimed in a general direction and half-way depressed the shutter button. Even on the LCD I could not see anything and only caught a very brief glimpse when depressing the shutter button half-way. I continued to fully depress the shutter button and the LCD display showed it was processing the image. A few seconds later and the picture displayed — WOW — the photo appeared like it was shot in full daylight. I’ve own other so called night shooting cameras, night vision camcorders, binoculars and none have ever compared to the Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom.
EXPLORE THE SPY IN U
I know there is limited real estate on a retail box containing the product. But if I were the manufacture I would definitely highlight unique features that would attract attention (even if it was somewhat considered a novelty). The Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom can take images of TEXT, letters and important documents. I’m planning on using this function soon and test how well my OCR software can translate the information. If I’m impressed I may just toss out my scanner which locks up frequently. What a terrific way to copy: Wills, Insurance papers, Diplomas, Birth Certificates, Marriage Documents etc.. Much faster then a scanner and the images can be burn onto a CD/DVD recordable and locked away in a fire safe or bank deposit box.
QUICK MENTION OF HIGHLIGHT EXTRAS
Portrait, Night, Fireworks, Text, Museum mode and much much more.
THE REVIEW
I never write a review on a product I don’t own. I attempt to include what I feel are the highlights others may be interested in too. I convey my own personal opinion as accurately as possible. I add little tid-bits along the way that I feel will be useful when considering an item for purchase. Like above under ATTACHMENTS. When HSN.com host were pushing this camera a caller phone in and asked a direct question about attachments. The reply was NO what they were presenting was it. Nothing could be attached to the lens. After investigation, I discovered this was not accurate the lens was threaded for 46mm attachments. Only one at a time, but nonetheless, I knew I could add a UV filter.
The Fuji S700 7MP Digital Camera with 10X Zoom is contemporary and stylish, light weight, matte black and high gloss black with high polish silver accents, fits well in hand and easy to use. The chassis sports a lite texture finish and a massive 2.5 inch LCD display. Note thought that the LCD display isn’t very useful in bright outdoor lighting. Fuji can improve here. The viewfinder is large, but I felt the rubber cup should have extended a little further from the viewfinder lens to provide some shadowing of external light. As an eyeglasses wearer I needed to cup my hand to see better outdoors.
Cameras are like people, they come in all shapes and sizes and different abilities. Some are extra ordinary and others well— Some are common and others high end. Regardless of the likes and differences not all people are going to like everything equally. What might be right for one is not necessarily right for someone else. Hopefully I pick up and point out sufficient like and differences in products that people who may overlook an item may give it a chance and experience something unique.
Fuji’s S700 Features and Specifications:
These specs were typed from Fuji’s manual.
File Formats: JPEG, AVI and WAV
Storage Media: xD picture cards or Secure Digital (SD) cards
Lens Focal Length: 6.33 to 63.3 (35mm= 38 to 380mm)
Image Sensor: 1/2.5" CCD
Focus: Auto focus
Focal Range: .4 to infinity
Flash: Automatic
Aperture: f3.5 -3.7
View Finder: 2.5" LCD or eye-level electronic viewfinder
Exposure Control: Automatic
Exposure Modes: Choice of 25 including programmed AE, Shutter priority AE, manual and more
Color Modes: Normal, fine or black and white
Shutter Speed: 4 seconds to 1/1000 second
Dimensions: 3.2"L x 4.2"W x 3.0"H
White Balance: Automatic
Digital Interface: USB port
Power Source: 4 AA batteries (included)
Product Weight: 10.8 oz. without batteries or memory card
Shooting Modes: Choice of 25 including portrait, landscape, night, fireworks and more
Still Resolutions: 7MP Fine, 7MP Normal, 3:2, 4MP, 2MP, .3MP
Frames Per Second: 30 fps
Sensitivity: Up to ISO 1600
Body Type: SLR Style
Warranty: Comes with a manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty
The following BOLD TEXT is only included if purchased from HSN.COM Camera bag measures approx. 6-1/2" x 6" x 4-1/2". Includes Arcsoft Greeting Card Maker, Arcsoft Panorama Maker and Arcsoft Funhouse software, and $100 worth of prints and merchandise from Shutterfly.com excluding shipping charges.
Accessories Included:4 AA batteries
A/V and USB cables
Lens cap
CD with driver software
PC System Requirements:
Windows 98 or later, or
Mac OS 10.2.8 to 10.3.7
UPDATE ONE
I've had an opportunity to actually shoot with the camera now. My niece loves to have her photos taken and she makes an excellent subject. I have shot approximately four hundred images and three or four short videos. To may surprise the camera is still running off the original batteries supplied with it. Fujifilm has out performed here in the energy usage. I particularly like the auto setting for the majority of the pictures. The portrait mode adds a nice softness to the images. I've used the shutterfly.com package deal that came with the camera's purchase. The photos received thus far have been amazing. The colors are vibrated, crisp and natural. Only a handful of images were shot indoors the rest were outside past mid day. I must say this has been the best camera I've owned in quite a while. It's easy to use, fits well in the hand, takes wonderful pictures and easy on the batteries. Generally when using a digital camera I feel pressured not to use the LCD display, with the Fuji S700 the battery level is reading high.
At first I thought there was going to be an issue with the video shot using this camera. On one computer the audio did not sync up with the video. It was hilarious watching it but very disappointing. When playing back on the camera everything was as it should be. So I downloaded the avi file to my main workstation. Opening up media player everything was fine and the video played correctly. The mic has good pickup but no adjusts to aid in blocking those windy days like ones found on camcorders.
To sum everything up — I’m very pleased with my purchase, the extended battery life, and most importantly the quality of the photos. I haven't had an opportunity to test the TEXT feature yet nor the manual settings. I'll attempt to do this soon and post a second update.
If you are considering a new camera or even one as a second or replacement, the Fuji S700 is really a fantastic choice.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 249.95
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Solid Enough for a Professional
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Epinions.com ID:
GaryD
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Location: Kentucky
Reviews written: 275
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My books R N bookstores, on-line ,Percentage of royalties donated to my favorite charities.
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