Not many years ago, Fujifilm was rubbing shoulders with Kodak and each was fighting for supremacy in the photography consumables field. They manufactured analogue cameras that used films, photo papers etc. The tide would unfortunately turn suddenly with the introduction of digital cameras and more players entering the field. It was not an even playing ground anymore. Companies that were struggling to make inroads in the photography world were now on top of the world with their cutting edge digital cameras and a whole new line of consumables like digital storage devices.
In all that competition, Fujifilm has remained strong, and at times springing out surprises that shakes even bigwigs like Sony and Nikon. With the new thing being the war of super zooms, Fujifilm has done some productions of its own in that field and its latest release of 2011 is Fujifilm FinePix S4000. This is purely an entry level camera for amateur photographers and those who want to enjoy the feeling of what a real DSLR can do in real life. Here is a quick review of this camera.
DesignFujifilm FinePix S4000 has had a few predecessors who had almost the same features like the S4000. The first thing one notices is the improved ‘f’ button. This is a button that Fujifilm had capitalized on in its advertising, since it makes accessibility to various functions easy. Though this function is also seen in other camera models like Canon Powershot, it is still a great addition to Fujifilm FinePix S4000.
One main reason that will make anyone go looking for this camera is the powerful lens that is far reaching than many in its league. Nikon with its P500 was a leader in super zoom but the new Fujifilm FinePix S4000 with its alluring lens flaunting a focal range of 24 - 270mm in 35mm terms is a real awe inspiring model in this arena. What is regrettable though with this lens is how the makers failed to include zoom ring that was present in earlier models. Though this lens has got 45 steps, it misses the zoom ring rendering it more of an auto camera than manual.
Many of other details are as it was in earlier models and in other cameras, though one will notice that the command dial has fewer options and many of these have been put into the menus. The grip is enhanced by a rather large handle with a rubber finish. This makes the camera easier to use and safe to handle. The camera has a leathery finish though it’s not actually leather and makes it a little slippery.
Why go for it?
Lenses to start with, then the quality of photos taken by Fujifilm FinePix S4000 which are more crisp and sharp than the earlier models and other camera in the same league. The camera is designed to make the photos sharp by increasing the stabilization capabilities of the Fujifilm FinePix S4000. The camera can stabilize images at telephoto with its sensitivity value of ISO 6400 which allows faster shutter speeds and it also has sensor shift to keep the photos steady.
If you are venturing into areas with not easy access to electricity, this may be your camera since it does not use rechargeable batteries but regular AA batteries which can be easily purchased to replace the ones that are exhausted.
Final take
There are a few options missing in the camera that many could have wished were present. I personally would have preferred a rechargeable lithium battery to minimize maintenance cost instead of the AA batteries. The camera seems a little slow when reviewing the photos and takes time to zoom on a photo being reviewed. But with a great LCD monitor and 14 megapixels processor, the camera is still a great buy for amateurs. The camera is modestly priced at a little above Rs. 16,000 and at times nearly Rs. 18,000 at some online stores.
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