[k.k.stevenson1]

Can enyone help me .PC World have a digital camera FUJI 3.1x million pixel.6million pixel resolution output.10xoptical zoom. 16Mb memory card. 2.2x digital zoom.1.5"LCD sceen.Will this camera be any good for taking photos of birds .I have am new to this digital stuff as you can see.Ken

[IanF]

Hi Ken,

Do you know which model this is? I can't think of a Fuji with a 10x optical zoom, which means nothing in itself as I don't keep abreast of all cameras. 6 mp output sounds good, but don't forget that half of that is interpolated and adds no extra detail to the image. It's best to think of it as a 3 mp camera+ a bit more.

They do make decent cameras and 10x zoom is just about the best you can expect at the moment, apart from the Panasonic models. One thing to bear in mind though is that a 10x optical zoom is hard to keep steady when hand held unless it has a fast lens (wide aperture and low f number) and preferably an image stabiliser.

Others to consider with 10x optical zooms are the Olympus C7** series. Even better especially if you're just starting off may be the Minolta Dimage Z1, which was only recently launched. I had a good look at one and it is very easy to use and quick in operation. Personally I'm hanging on for the iminent launch of the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 which has a 12x optical zoom, image stabiliser and takes additional teleconverter lenses for a little more reach. An image stabiliser is a must for me.

[scampo]

It's a bargain - and brand new. The Fuji is a very fine camera that will thrill you and is capable of truly stunning results - but I don't think the large front element of the otherwise excellent Fuji lens will work well attached to a telescope. At least that's what I've heard concerning my Fuji S602, which is very similar.

[k.k.stevenson1]

Thanks lads for your help Ken.

[saluki]

Do you mean the Fuji S5000 Ken? There's a review here:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_...uji_s5000.html

and here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms5000/

Try the forums on both of these sites, they might be of help.

saluki

[satrow]

Originally Posted by scampo

It's a bargain - and brand new. The Fuji is a very fine camera that will thrill you and is capable of truly stunning results - but I don't think the large front element of the otherwise excellent Fuji lens will work well attached to a telescope. At least that's what I've heard concerning my Fuji S602, which is very similar.

How long did you use it for, Scampo?

Andy.

[IanF]

The specifiaction certainly looks pretty good. A 10x optical zoom means that you'll still have to get pretty close to the subject, but at least the camera does take a 1.5x coverter whcih boosts the max. from 370mm to 555mm.

I like the fact that it uses AA batteries, the reported fast operation and very good pricing.

It's another one that I'll consider if my Olympus C2100 packs up but the new Panasonic sounds a bit better specified for my needs at least. Thanks for pointing it out

[Pops_uk]

Originally Posted by IanF

Personally I'm hanging on for the iminent launch of the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 .

Hi Ian, following the dpreview forum, “imminent” is now looking, as if it’s gone back to a March release for UK / Europe.
Glyn

[IanF]

Thanks for the info Glyn. I guess I'll have to be patient a while longer I'm in no hurry really as my trusty Uzi is still performing well and I guess there will be plenty of reviews by March!

[scampo]

Originally Posted by satrow

How long did you use it for, Scampo?

Andy.

Hi Andy

I've had the Fuji S602 about a year and used it for a variety of purposes but not digiscoping. I use PS Elements for editing and an Epson 890 printer for printing.

The results have been uniformly good. The Fuji also takes an external flash and the exposure with this is spot on, bounced or otherwise. What has really impressed me has been the sharpness of the lens, the superb zoom and the camera's easy macro abilities. I can fill the screen with a medium sized moth and still use the flash with auto-exposure.

My name's Steve btw - I chose "scampo" only as a login as there were other Steves about and it was all I could think of at the time.

[Nina P]

I had the Fuji Finepix A 101 as my first camera, as I didn't know the difference between the digital zoom and optical zoom then, but I was shown the Hewlett Packard 750 and found it so much easier to understand, so I went out to get one but ended up with the HP735, which is my current camera, and the software package that came with it is really easy to use, Photosmart is the package and makes it so simple for beginners to deal with.My photography has improved no end since having this new camera.