tholstar's Full Review: FUJIFILM FinePix E550 Digital Camera
After 5 years with my Sony DSC-70, I figured it was time to finally upgrade. I could even get a low or mid tier camera that would have more megapixels and features than my old Sony, so it seemed like a no lose situation. Just to be on the safe side, I checked out what Consumer Reports had to say about digital cameras. I picked out one with the highest ratings, the shortest delay, and the lowest cost. In other words, I bought the Fuji FinePix E550. I bought it from an online store that doesn't take returns and I'm horribly disappointed.
Picture Quality:
If the following conditions are met, the photo quality of this camera is superb.
1. If you have this camera on a tripod.
2. If no one in the photo moves even an inch.
3. If there is plenty of light.
Response Time:
This camera turns on and is instantly ready to take a picture. It's blazingly fast.
Cost:
Now that this camera is no longer the latest and greatest, you can get a great deal on them... probably under $280.
Convenience:
It's very compact and easy to carry. It comes with rechargable batteries, but can take two AA batteries if necessary. It uses a proprietary memory card XD which is used only by Fuji and Olympus, but there really isn't a standard so I didn't see this as a problem. The cover for the USB port isn't attached, so there is a piece that is just waiting to be lost.
Controls:
It uses the standard dial control for your basic photo types. Most basic features are as very simple to use. The menu system took me getting used to since I found it more cumbersome than my old Sony's but once I knew where the correct options were, I was okay.
Overall:
I liked everything nearly everything about this camera except its lack of an image stabilizer. Nearly every picture I take with this camera is blurry and I don't suffer from any sort of body-shaking disorder. Even on a tripod and set to the "sports" setting, I can't get a decent picture of my kids playing basketball or volleyball. Everything's just a blur. I never had this problem with my old camera, so I'm dumbfounded. The other problem with this camera is the flash. It is very limited. If you are taking a picture of something within 10 feet, it is helpful. Beyond that and it only makes the picture darker. I generally leave the flash off but that also seems to worsen the blurring, so I have to choose between a really dark photo or a blurred one.
In short, I'll be buying a new SLR this week and giving this camera away to my worst enemy. :-)
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 280 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Easy Enough for Anyone to Use
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