Fuji S8000FD punches above its weight (Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd)

Member Name: PhotoPortrait09

Product:	Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd
Date:	19/03/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: compact, features and functions, light and fun to use

Disadvantages: 18x magnification is noisey and purple banding is an issue with some models

Well, what can I say about this camera, nothing bad and that's for starters!

My wife bought me one of these for Christmas as she complains about me lugging around my Nikon everywhere we go and I have to say I do agree with here - slightly!

I did some searching before xmas and planted the seed in her head that I might like one and it certainly worked. Since Christmas day I just haven't stopped using it, it has such a huge range of features and functions you quickly get to understand the reason why Fuji added the 18x zoom - icing on the cake.

As an entry level camera you will find it difficult to find another camera that beats it on functionality, quality and price as a mix. Except maybe for the S8100 Fd which is the next model up and offers a higher Megapixel. But this review is about the S8000FD and it's a challenge to find fault.

If I was going to criticise the camera I would say the noise at 18x is a little heavy and can produce quite poor images at different light levels. Some models suffer from purple banding on the LCD screen which is cause by light leakage, but mine didn't - I only know because a friends did! But this banding does not deteriorate the quality of image produced and only affects the screen.

The positives, loads of functionality, offers a point and click solution which after all is what it is but offers those with an inquisitive nature to explore with the settings in Manual mode if they choose. It's very forgiving, easy to use, compact, light and quick to get to grips with.

Imagery up to 10x and even 14 is fantastic, which is testament to Fuji's technology and hexagon pixel mapping. Night time shots and natural light photography is superb and the colour capture at the very least fights above its weight.

If your looking for a good quality camera, point and shoot for under £150 you can't get any better. I really like mine and enjoy shooting across the whole range photography with it whether its quick enviroment or atmosphere shots at weddings or finite macro shots of flowers - it's a real challenger and a joy to use.

Mike Jones

Summary: Great camera, either for quick shots, lazy days or lumbering around

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