Picture perfect camera
Written: Apr 12 '01 (Updated Apr 12 '01)
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Pros: Easy to use, date stamp feature, reasonably priced
Cons: no drop in loading (film must be manually fed)
The Bottom Line: The Fuji Discovery S1050 Zoom Date is a reasonably priced camera with many features. It is easy to use and takes great pictures.
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| cosmogirl's Full Review: FUJIFILM Discovery S1050 Zoom Date 35mm Film Camer... |
Why I bought this camera
After enduring 2 years of bad pictures with my other camera, I thought it was time to finally invest in a new one. My last camera used APS film, which was supposed to be better than 35 mm film. But I found that all it did was cost me more money and more heartache. One day after work, I looked at the newest 35 mm cameras and came across the Fuji Discovery S1050 Zoom Date. The camera was reasonably priced and had the 2 features I really wanted, zoom and date stamp. I figured I'd give the camera a try.
What I got
I was able to get the camera for $108 at employee cost. For that price, I got the camera, instructions, a carrying strap, a battery, and one roll of film. The camera does not come with a case. Also, the camera is "remote ready" for the timer function, but the remote must be purchased separately. The camera comes with a one year limited warranty. All the pertinent numbers and addresses are supplied.
My experiences
The camera was so easy to use. The instructions were very clear. Within 5 minutes, I had the strap attached, the battery in place, film loaded, and time/date set. I didn't realize when I bought the camera, that it didn't have drop in loading. With the previous 2 cameras I owned, I didn't have to worry about manually feeding the film. It did take me a few seconds to correctly feed the film onto the spool. It was all easy to do. It was just a minor inconvenience.
Picture taking is so easy with this camera. All you do is turn on the power and hit the shutter release button. The zoom button is a simple left/right button. The right button zooms the camera up to 105 mm and the left button retracts the zoom.
I haven't had the opportunity to use all the different flash modes yet. The fill in flash is activated if no flash mode is selected. It only fires if there isn't enough light on the subject. The red eye reduction flash is helpful. The camera basically gives off a series of 2 flashes. The first flash "causes the pupil to contract, reducing the reflection". (quoted from the instruction book) The second is the real flash for the picture. I used this flash initially, but after complaints from people I took pictures of, I stopped using it. The first flash is really bright and can leave those floaters in your vision for a few minutes. Is it worth it? For me, it wasn't. I find the backlight flash option the most useful. I use it for most of my picture taking. It is used in situations where the subject is being photographed against the light. I find that it produces the best pictures. I haven't had the opportunity to use the landscape or night portrait flash yet.
My advice
*read the instructions
Please, I beg you, read the instructions. I read every page in the book before I took a picture. The instructions contained invaluable information regarding the operation of the camera. After spending over $100 on a camera, the last thing I wanted to do was break it.
*learn how to load the camera
I admit, I didn't know how to load the camera at first. As mentioned earlier, I've only owned drop in loading cameras. While it did take me awhile to learn how to load the film correctly, it is now second nature for me. It is important though, to learn how to load the camera correctly. The instructions outline the process in well and even provides illustrations to help you along.
*learn how to use your viewfinder
When I first looked in my viewfinder, I had no idea what all those little markings were. As I read the instructions, I learned to focus my subject where the box was. It helped create better pictures. And the other markings look like 2 right angles on the top of the viewfinder. These markings help frame pictures that will be taken closer than 5 feet. It takes practice to remember how to frame the picture correctly, but the results are always incredible.
My recommendation
I think the Fuji Discovery S1050 Zoom Date camera is an excellent buy. It is easy to use, takes great pictures, and is reasonably priced. I am very happy with it. It was definitely a good investment on my part. I recommend this camera to everyone. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 108
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Epinions.com ID:
cosmogirl
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Location: Waikele, HI
Reviews written: 63
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