Snap happy! (Fujifilm Finepix 2200)

Member Name: tbeef

Product:	Fujifilm Finepix 2200
Date:	17/03/04 (282 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, Ease of use

Disadvantages: bulkyish, drains batteries

When I first started my course in Product design, around 4 years ago, I required to do a lot of research into the things all around me. It was therefore in my best interests to get myself a camera.

To start with I was using disposables as it meant I got quick results and usually free processing too. Then my uncle lent me his digital camera for a week. It was a Fujifilm 2200, grey in colour, very simple looking, while being quite smart also. It is 2.1 megapixels in quality which isnt the best in todays market i kno! I liked it so much I decided to go and buy one.

The picture quality is rated in megapixels, with a pixel more or less being a dot within a confined space. Hence the more dots in this area, then the higher quality picture. In the world of automobiles we are all familiar with the issue of horsepower. More is usually a good thing. But, unless we're planning on towing a huge house-trailer, or running the racetrack, horsepower is not the primary measure of automotive quality. Unless we have specific needs, horsepower must be considered alongside handling, styling, comfort, cargo capacity and a host of other factors.

On the front there is a viewfinder lense, photo lense and flash light, thats all, nothing more and nothing less.

Then on the back you have an LCD screen (1.3 inches), This allows you to see exactly what you are photographing. Using this makes the pictures usually how you want them but unfortunately drains the batteries. You can however choose to turn this off using the "DISP" button above the LCD, and use the viewfinder lense instead - not as effective tho.

There is a dial on the top right on the back which allows you to switch between 3 options, Photo taking, Picture reviewing and a setting menu, where you can amend things.

Photo taking - camera symbol -
This option allows you to take the pictures, it prepares the camera for action. There is no time delay. The camera lets o
ff a beeping noise when you take a picture. In the menu option you do have the choice to switch this off or increase the volume however - i normally hav it off due to the irritation. There is an automatic flash in the camera also for the night shots. On the side you also have the option to flick a switch - this is for close ups and for landscapes - you obviously choose the relevant one.

Photo reviewing - Green coloured play symbol
This option allows you to see your pictures on the LCD either one by one, flicking through the arrow keypad, or multiple pictures in a grid format. Obviously this is very useful as it means you can see your picture the moment after taking it - No more bad pictures effectively - just delete it and retake. Eventually you will get one you like -HOPEFULLY!

The images are stored on Multimedia Memory cards. These cards are available in 4MB 8MB 16MB 32MB 64MB and 128MB - most commonly. I usually purchase these in duty free shops at the airport. The bigger the card, the more pictures you can store, and the better the quality -makes sense really. As i was doing a design course I found i required the bigger memory cards as I needed highest quality resolution.

There is a digital zoom option, no optical zoom im afraid tho. This magnifies the image by 2.5 times. Means you can get in closer to what you are snapping. You can also utilise this option on reviewing the picture.

With no spools used, you do save on that side of the spectrum. Also in being able to review the pictures you will never come home from holiday with only 2 good pictures outta 32, hopefully you would have deleted them. You download the pictures from the camera directly through the usb connection on the side, FUJI kindly supplied the lead here, meaning you have fast results to your PC. You can then edit these pictures on a publishing type programme, to optimise the quality.

Alternatively, maybe you dont have a PC, or would like a profess
ional to do the processing for you. Fortunately, now many chemists provide a developing service here for a charge. All they need is the memory card, and they can even put these on a CD for you if you want a back up copy. However I prefer to do my own printing as its more fun and fufilling.

This uses 4 AA batteries, however you will most probably go through a lot of these. Advisable to buy rechargables or even a universal 4.5V-5V adaptor at around a tenner.

This camera cost me 299 around 3 years ago and is now available at just of 100 online. Its definitely a decent 1st digi, its so simple to use and ideal. Made by a good manufacturer in FUJI, and im now looking to upgrade with a higher spec model.

Try and buy folks - nice pic taker.

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