Ultimate Tourist Camera
Written: May 02 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Image quality, portability, user friendliness
Cons: Wish it had a little longer telephoto lens
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| rbain0902's Full Review: FUJIFILM GA645Zi Rangefinder Camera |
This camera represented my initial foray into the intimidating world of medium format photography. In retrospect, it could not have been a better choice. The camera is user-friendly almost to a fault. I can set the camera down for months at a time, pick it back up, and intuitively understand and use it's functions with almost no drop-off on the learning curve. Film loading and handling are a snap, autofocus is precise and so reliable that it's operation becomes invisible to the user. Image quality is an absolute revelation for those who have only experienced 35 mm format. Exposure has been very reliable in my experience. I purchased the Fuji add-on flash unit, which mounts on the hot shoe on top of the camera and is more powerful than the small built-in flash unit on the camera. This flash is useful when working at a distance of more than 10-12 feet.
I have a Nikon F5 with a very nice assortment of lenses. The Nikon is an awesome camera, but to tell you the truth, I find myself grabbing the Fuji much more often. Why? I don't have to lug a big camera bag - I simply hang the relatively light and compact Fuji around my neck or stuff it in my fanny pack or throw it in my suitcase and go. It has excelled for me in every situation from Disney World to the obligatory "Honey, would you take a picture of the Christmas tree (again this year.....)?" duties, to the Kalahari Desert. That is why I call it the ultimate tourist/snapshot camera. It is eminently portable and useable, but you are a hero with your wife, family, etc. when you get your photos back and everyone's jaw drops at the image quality.
There are times when I prefer the F5. Anytime you need a telephoto lens, want to use a lot of filters, are dealing with a rapidly moving subject (where focus tracking, etc. come into play), want to set up a complex bulb exposure or multiple exposure shot, or want to get great macro photos, the Nikon will stand out. It will do things the Fuji is simply not designed to do. If you are going to Yellowstone Park and want to nail some long telephoto shots of elk, grizzly, moose, and get some great macros of wildflowers, etc., then you need an F5 or similar camera. Bear in mind you have just committed yourself to carrying a tripod, shutter release, and probably 20 -30 pounds of lenses and other gear through airports, on trails, etc. But you can't play at being Galen Rowell without that commitment. If you want to take a trip to San Francisco and photograph your wife/family/friends in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, on a cable car, and dining at Aqua, and also maybe try to capture the majesty of Muir Woods, then you simply can't beat the GA645Zi. Again, it is the ultimate tourist camera.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rbain0902
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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