Is this camera a good buy?

[Saitek]

This isn't computer hardware, even though its digital. I wanted to know as it second hand - 18months old. It is from a reliable person and is selling for

[Politically Incorrect]

Almost the same spec as my Kodak Easy Share I paid $80 for. So I would say it is probably a decent price.
It wasn't until I went to the Air Shows that I realized the limitations of mine, but for most shots it is pretty good.
After studying up on cameras I found that the megapixel thing more or less will keep you from enlarging a good quality photo. The 2mp will enlarge to a 8X10 nicely anything bigger and the quaility deterorates.
Of course though I just noticed you have it at 50 pounds I assume that symbol means??? What is that in American dollars?

[Hagar]

Here's my opinion for what it's worth. Although I have a budget priced automatic I have no great knowledge of digital cameras. You can see what it's capable of in the Photos forum.

This really depends on what the camera will be used for. A small automatic, which I assume this one is, would be perfectly OK for ordinary everyday snapshots. As Fret points out they do have their limitations for things like action shots or photos of aircraft in the air. It would also depend on what extras, if any, are included. Things like memory cards & batteries can be expensive. It might be worth putting the money towards a better or more recent model.

A comparison with the value in dollars wouldn't be much help. Most things tend to be far more expensive in the UK. The price of an item in $ in the US is often the same price (or more) in

[Pinchaser...]

find out first how much memory you are getting...if its less than 32, i would think twice.

[Stormtropper]

2 megapixels? 3x zoom? Thats kinda.........er..........old

I just got a Kodak DX6490, its got 4 megapixels and a wapping 10x zoom for 400 bucks, I think its great, but it only has 16 mb of internal memory.........but I got a good deal on a memory stick, 256 mb for only $50.00

Jeff

[chomp_rock]

I wouldn't buy it, save your pennies and get a nice camera.

[Rifleman]

Is this a European version of an Olympus ?.....I have an Oly .....mine is the C2040z, shoots through F 1:1.8 at full aperture for up to 16 seconds in the dark without flash......with 2 MP and 3x zoom.....totally adequate for my uses, as I don't intend to print any of my shots at anything over 8x10.....1600x1200 will provide me with that, Thank You Very Much......4-5-6 megapixel cameras are not necessary unless you want to print posters and use big memory cards to save all those large files to......

If you can test the camera for clarity and colour, with all features working, then maybe you will be happy with an inexpensive bargain like you are considering....

[Bazza]

I spent a bit of time and research before buying digital myself recently.....in my currency (NZ $) that would equate to about
150 pounds - my keyboard doesn't have a pound key.

I wouldn't consider that a bargain - the optical lens is a plus (as opposed to digital) but I would say forget it...

[Craig.]

for those needing a currency convertor, www.xe.com

[Politically Incorrect]

...4-5-6 megapixel cameras are not necessary unless you want to print posters and use big memory cards to save all those large files to......

That is what my understanding was when looking into buying a camera, thats why I chose the Kodak Easy Share.
Also another thing I have learned.
Don't bother with the digital zoom numbers, they really mean nothing, go by the optical. Digital zoom creates lousy pictures,eats battery power and memory.

Although Staples has a 3.2mp with 6X zoom Fuji FinePix on sale this week for $199, after rebates that I'm seriously thinking of getting!
Anyone have anything on this one??

[Hagar]

Also another thing I have learned.
Don't bother with the digital zoom numbers, they really mean nothing, go by the optical. Digital zoom creates lousy pictures,eats battery power and memory.

I agree. Thanks to Ken & others on this forum I already knew this before puchasing my own camera.

Although Staples has a 3.2mp with 6X zoom Fuji FinePix on sale this week for $199, after rebates that I'm seriously thinking of getting!
Anyone have anything on this one??

Do you know the model number? I think most Fuji digital cameras have the name FinePix. If it's the FinePix S3000 it might be a good buy. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=671931&NoMapp=1
I hesitate to give advice on the technical aspects but you would have to consider extras like batteries & memory cards. The higher resolution settings can use a lot of memory. From my own experience, it's most annoying & frustrating to run out of memory or power at an air display or other special event.

I don't know if this is the current model. I got my Fuji F401 at a bargain price because it had just been replaced by a new model.

[Saitek]

Thankyou all very much for the great response.
I think I feel the person is selling it for just too much. I can now go back to my friend with a decent backup. I also found one on ebay that had only 1 bid at the price set of

[Craig.]

Fret the one your on about sounds like the newer version of the one i have. I have heard some good things about it and at that sort of price if you can afford it, you cant go wrong.

[Rifleman]

If you are talking about the S3000, I can offer this.......its a cheaper version of the 3800 which is the 3mp model of the 2800..........I have a friend who just purchased the 3000 and we now know this......it has a few shortcomings.....for static work its ok, but for moving subjects, it has some serious shutter lag....you may lose focus or exposure settings by panning with an object.......also, it has dropped the sound from the vid portion - maybe not a big deal, but was a nice feature for Wendy on her 2800......again, with the 6x zoom you don't have an optical viewfinder, just an electronic one, so there is no diopter correction and it takes some getting used to, looking at your intended image through this little TV screen.......basic controls are run by the camera in program modes, and there is not a lot of manual override to shoot the way that you may want to......for me, I think I might stick to what I have or maybe when I win a Lottery, I'll get that Olympus E-1.....

[Mr. Bones]

when buying a Fuji, keep in mind that it produces very much (more than the standard) noise!

and euh Ken, EVERY compact digicam has troubles with shutter lag...you won't get rid of this, you'll have to buy a (D)SLR!  ;)