Product Description

MD) FUJI FINEPIX 2800 DIGITAL CAM

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14610 in Camera & Photo
• Size: SLR Size
• Brand: Fuji
• Model: 2800 Zoom
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 3.74" w x 2.80" l, 1.00 pounds
• Memory: 16MB
• Display size: 1.8

Features

• 2-megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• 6x optical plus 2.5x digital (15x total) autofocus zoom lens
• Included 16 MB Smartmedia card stores 39 images at default resolution
• Automatically connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses 4 AA batteries (alkalines included)

Amazon.com Review
The Fuji FinePix 2800 Zoom offers an innovative design, a fantastic 6x optical zoom, and great image quality--all in an incredibly small form. Fuji has clearly departed from many of the usual design cues with the 2800. Most notable is the introduction of the EVF--electronic viewfinder. This replaces the standard optical viewfinder and provides an SLR style experience. The benefits of this are more accurate image composition (as parallax differences between viewfinder and lens are avoided), a better indication of depth of field prior to taking the shot, and improved battery life over using the main LCD monitor.

The EVF is not a perfect solution, though, as the panel is not as bright or detailed as its optical counterpart, has no diopter correction for wearers of glasses, and disconcertingly freezes the image while autofocusing. However, the EVF is a useful feature and places the 2800 at the cutting edge of digital camera design.

The 2800 is exceptionally easy to use, with manual controls limited to adjusting white balance and exposure compensation. More experienced photographers will miss the ability to fine-tune aperture, shutter speed, ISO settings, etc. The 6x optical zoom is superb and makes an enormous difference to picture quality and ease of composition--it equates to a zoom range of 38-228mm on a standard 35mm camera.

Fuji has included a movie mode with sound running at 10 frames per second and at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. Disappointingly, this is limited to 60 seconds of recording time, regardless of the capacity of memory card in use. It also does not make use of the optical zoom, relying instead solely on the digital zoom. Other features include voice captioning and, bizarrely on a camera of this specification, a video conferencing mode enabling you to use it as a Webcam. A notable omission however, is the lack of a video-out socket.

As you would expect from Fuji, the 2800 is straightforward to install and includes paper manuals for both the camera and the supplied software--this includes a simple viewer/organizer, QuickTime, Videoimpression, and Adobe Photodeluxe. The 2800 uses four AA alkaline (supplied) or NiMH rechargeable batteries. Fuji recommends avoiding lithium batteries as the heat discharged can damage the camera. --Nick Baxter

Pros:

• Easy to use, with automated controls
• Very good 6x optical zoom
• Electronic viewfinder (EVF) provides more accurate image composition
• Bonus feature: can be used as a Webcam

Cons:

• EVF is still a little buggy
• Movie mode does not allow use of optical zoom, only digital

Amazon.com Product Description
Traditionally, digital cameras with powerful zoom lenses have been restricted to the middle and upper end of the market, but with the introduction of the FinePix 2800, Fuji has brought serious zoom power to an affordable, simple point-and-shoot.

Optics and Resolution
The impressive autofocus lens on the 2800 zooms a full 6x--from 38mm to 228mm. In addition, digital zoom of up to 2.5x is available, depending upon the image quality setting. If you're taking pictures at the highest resolution, digital zoom is disabled to preserve image quality, but if you're shooting at a lower resolution, then you'll be able to use some digital zoom, too.

The 2800's 2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For most amateur photographers, 2 megapixels is a great balance between image quality and cost. Some photographers prefer higher-resolution sensors so they can crop away unwanted parts at the edges of their photos. Of course, these unwanted edges are often the result of a lens that can't zoom in far enough, a situation that's less likely to come up when you're using the 2800. If 2 megapixels isn't enough detail for you, the next higher-resolution camera that still has a long-zoom lens is the Minolta DiMAGE 5.

To compose your images, either use the 1.8-inch LCD display or the electronic viewfinder (EVF). An EVF looks like a traditional viewfinder, but when you put your eye up to it, you'll find that you're actually looking at a miniature LCD display. This is the same arrangement used by many camcorders, and it has its pluses and minuses compared to a traditional viewfinder. The benefit is that you get to see all the extra information that's normally displayed on the screen (battery condition, pictures remaining, any manual settings you've entered, etc). The problem is that EVFs aren't very effective in low-light situations, which means you'll be confronted with a view screen that's completely black when shooting at night and in dimly lit rooms. With a little practice, you can learn to shoot quite effectively without the benefit of the LCD screen when this situation comes up--after taking the shot, you can review it on the screen to ensure you were pointing the camera in the right direction.

More Features
Like most of the entry-level models in Fuji's lineup, the 2800 has relatively few advanced features, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can adjust the white balance, exposure compensation, and flash mode. There's also an audio-annotation feature that lets you record up to 30 seconds of audio along with each picture you take. In addition, the camera can be used as an Internet Webcam when tethered to your computer via the included USB cable.

The camera is made of plastic for light weight and affordability, and it feels reasonably solid and durable. The lens is protected by a lens cap that's tethered to the camera so you won't lose it. This solution isn't quite as nifty as models with automatic or sliding lens covers, but it works just as well.

Power
The Finepix 2800 uses four AA batteries--a set of disposable alkaline batteries is included. The benefit to using standard AA batteries instead of a custom proprietary battery is that AA batteries are widely available, so missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue.

If you only use the camera several times a year, high-capacity lithium batteries are a logical idea, since they'll hold their charge for years when sitting in an unused camera. If you use the camera more often, then the lithium batteries don't make economic or environmental sense--we recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures 320 x 240 video clips with audio for up to 60 seconds per clip. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on standard SmartMedia cards, and the included 16 MB card holds approximately 39 images at the camera's default settings. SmartMedia cards are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 39 images per outing (on a vacation, for example), then you'll want a bigger card. A 64 MB card is a great size for this camera, storing around 150 images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Size
At 3.7 by 3.0 by 2.8 inches and 13 ounces, the 2800 is surprisingly compact. It's a little thicker from front to back than some models, but this is a small price to pay for the extra zoom.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the camera, four AA alkaline batteries, video and USB cables, shoulder strap, 16 MB SmartMedia card, and software on CD.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a higher-capacity memory card, and a battery charger plus a set or two of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page. --Shane Burnett

Pros:

• 6x optical zoom is outstanding for its price
• Unusually good movie mode--up to 60 seconds with sound
• Point-and-shoot operation makes it easy for even beginners to get great results

Cons:

• Included alkaline batteries are only a short-term solution; rechargeable batteries are a necessity
• Lack of manual controls may frustrate more advanced photographers

From the Manufacturer
Fujifilm offers the affordable FinePix 2800 Zoom digital camera with a cool and stylish design and advanced features that are even more fun, easier to use and higher performance. Behind its sleek and compact exterior, the FinePix 2800 Zoom houses such features as an 65 optical zoom for pristine image quality, an easy-to-use electronic viewfinder (EVF), movie recording with sound, and a number of other functions that give you unlimited versatility and control.

Amazing 65 Optical Zooming
The FinePix 2800 Zoom features a high-performance and large-diameter Fujinon 65 optical zoom lens with a focal range equivalent to 38–228mm on a 35mm camera. The FinePix 2800 Zoom also offers digital zoom enlarging up to 2.55 in 640 x 480 pixel mode. Combined with the 65 optical zoom, this realizes a total magnification effect of 155 (equivalent to 570mm on a 35mm camera).

2.0 Million Effective Pixels
The FinePix 2800 Zoom assures clear, natural color image quality using 2.0 million effective pixels. Detail remains crisp throughout your images even after enlargement to 6" x 8" print size.

Easy Operation
The FinePix 2800 Zoom comes with four AA alkaline batteries and a 16MB SmartMedia™ card so you can start taking pictures right away.
Taking great shots with the FinePix 2800 Zoom is as easy as pointing the camera and pressing the shutter. Fully automatic operation controls all parameters for capturing quality pictures; the auto focus function provides sharp images, auto exposure automatically selects the optimum aperture and shutter speeds, while intellignet auto white balance adjusts for the type of lighting to give you perfect colors each time. For extremely close-up shots, the Macro Mode lets you move in as close as 10cm (3.9 inch). Continuous shooting of up to 4 frames is also possible.
The full range of manual functions of the FinePix 2800 Zoom allows complete control over the exposure, flash settings, whitebalance and more.

User-friendly Electronic Viewfinder
The FinePix 2800 Zoom incorporates a user-friendly electronic viewfinder that displays all the technical information you need to take great shots. It lets you view images even in full sunlight. This electronic viewfinder can also be selected to display playback images instead of the LCD monitor, which saves on battery power.

Movie Recording and Voice Captioning Capability
The FinePix 2800 Zoom has a movie recording feature with sound. Now you can capture all the fun in up to 60 seconds of video per recording. The camera also offers you a convenient voice captioning feature, so you can attach voice annotation of up to 30 sec. to captured images.

Enjoyable Playback Function
The FinePix 2800 Zoom’s 1.8-inch amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor allows you to play back pictures or movies immediately after taking them. In addition to Single Frame Playback, the 55 Zoom Playback brings out the fine details and the Multi-frame Playback displays an array of nine different shots simultaneously on the screen.

Easy Connection with PCs
The USB connection and the included FinePixViewer software make it easy to download picture and movie files to your PC for viewing the images. Connecting the camera to the PC causes the software to automatically start up. The FinePixViewer also lets you connect to Fujifilm’s Internet services, while the included "PictureHello" utility software turns the FinePix 2800 Zoom into a Webcam.

Low Power Consumption
The FinePix 2800 Zoom utilizes four alkaline AA batteries. Reflecting a thorough reassessment of power consumption efficiency, the FinePix 2800 Zoom is capable of taking a maximum of 270 shots in standard usage or approx 4,500 shots in succession when using four new alkaline batteries of the type provided.

Customer Reviews

Great Digicam for the Money
This is my first digicam and I spent a great deal of time researching this camera along with others. I was looking for a camera...I finally settled on the Fuji 2800Z. To date, I am extremely please with my purchase, as I have found this camera to be an excellent value for the money.

Some of the positives of this camera include, a killer 6x Optical Zoom, Sharp and Crisp Pictures, extremely easy to use menu system, 60 second video with audio, and it can double as a webcam. This camera is pretty much a point and shoot camera so if you are looking for a digital camera that has a wide selection of manual settings, look elsewhere as this camera is not for you. You do, however, have control over the white balance, exposure, and flash settings. Other than that, the rest is automatic.

As I mentioned, this is a great little camera, however it is not without a few "flaws". As well noted, this camera has trouble in low light situations, specifically the EVF and LCD. In the few weeks that I have had the camera and the several hundred pictures that I have taken, I have only run into 1 situation where the EVF and LCD were useless. This issue can be worked around and should not be a sticking point for those looking to purchase this camera. I personally like using the EVF as, unlike an optical viewfinder, it shows you "exactly" what is being photographed without distortion. Finally, if you decide to pick up this camera, make sure that you get some rechargeable batteries and a 128mb Smart Media card. You will be set.

In summary, if you are looking for a simple to use, point and shoot camera, with a great zoom, sharp pictures, and a few additional nice features, get this camera. You will be hard pressed to find a better camera for the money!

I am having fun with this camera
I got my Fujifilm Finepix 2800 three days ago and here's my first take.

The camera has a good look, and feels sturdy with the all-metal case. Its width is about that of a credit card, so you can say it's small; however it’s pretty thick (comparable to its width) due to its 6x zoom lens, so it won't fit in your shirt pocket.

I have only taken indoor photos, and the image quality is excellent. The photos usually look very nice as is, without having to be fixed by a photo editor.

The 6x optical zoom was a big factor in my decision to buy this camera. It doesn't work well for me when taking indoor pictures. I would have to keep the camera absolutely steady under the full zoom or the picture comes out blurry. A friend of mine has an Olympus C-2100, which has a 10x zoom. It comes with image stablization, which is probably absent in Finepix 2800 (at least I didn't find any mentioning of it).

The electronic view finder (EVF) gave mixed results. On the one hand, it is great to be able to see everything with EVF, including the menus. This removes the need to switch on the LCD just to change some menu settings, and as a result, you get longer battery life. On the other hand, the EVF was completely useless in a low light setting. The room wasn't that dark, but the EVF was totally blank when I pointed the camera to a dark area, so was the LCD. I had to point the camera to the general direction and let the flash do its job. Luckily the picture came out OK, but still I wished I had an optical view finder at the time.

The webcam is very easy to set up. You'd use the menu to set the so-called "USB mode" to "webcam", and then connect the camera to the PC through the USB cable, just as if you were uploading the pictures. Then you'll launch the PictureHello program and that's it. The captured image is pretty dark, though.

It is just as easy to take a video as to take photos. The movie is a little dark, tough, when taken indoors.

Fuji says in the manual that the operation of the camera is only guaranteed when it's used with Fuji SmartMedia cards. However I am using a 128MB Mr. Flash SM card I bought (...) and the camera took it without incident. I also bought 1600mAh NiMH batteries and a charger from newegg.com. The price was great, so was the service. I highly recommend them.

The battery life seems very good. I have taken over 100 indoor photos, all using the flash, and the 1600mAh batteries are still going strong. As I mentioned earlier, it certainly helped not to have to switch on the LCD very often, but I didn't go out of my way to avoid using it.

Software installion on my Windows 2000 laptop went smoothly. It was actually a series of independent installations for USB driver, FinepixViewer, QuickTime, VideoImpression, and Microsoft Media Player, etc. You can also install Adobe's PhotoDeluxe and ActiveShare.

All in all, I am having lots of fun with this camera. It has its limitations, such as the lack of TV out and certain manual controls. But I would say at this price level you won't find another comparable camera that has such a rich set of features.

Fuji 2800Zoom - Pleased
(...) I liked the fact that it looks like a camera and that it is quite small, compact and light weight. I did some research, but honestly not that much. I was interested in optical Zoom, and the 6x optical zoom is what made me buy the Fuji 2800Zoom. Most of the other digital cameras in my price range only had 3x Optical zoom. So far I've taken at least 50 pictures and I am very pleased. The software installed easily and worked the first time on both of my computers, Win98 and Win2000 Professional. The only problem I have is that the on/off button is right where the 'take a picture' button is on other cameras, which means that I have turned the camera off, instead of taking a picture on at least 4 or 5 times.

I also like the fact that it has both a small eye viewfinder like a regular camera plus the eye viewfinder is also in color. Plus it has the LCD screen. The eye viewfinder is very useful in bright sunlight where you might not be able to see the LCD screen. You can change the LCD brightness also.

Overall I am quite pleased with this camera. The Fuji 2800Zoom has 2 megapixels, which at first I thought might be a drawback since 5 megapixel cameras are now available, but now I see that the photos are very clear and sharp at the "1M Normal" setting, so that is not an issue. The camera allows you to change the settings for picture quality. There are 8 settings. Naturally the higher the setting the fewer pictures you can record on the card. The lesser the setting the more you can record. But at the Normal setting, on a 16Meg card you can still get about 50 pictures of very good quality. If you need more you can buy a higher meg card to store more photos. That's it, have fun.