ShoppingBuzz.net

Beat point and shoot camera (2010-08-14)
I've been using this camera for about two years now, and love it. It does everything that I want in a camera, and does it well. I spent 2 months reviewing cameras looking for the best non-SLR camera I could find, since I wanted something a bit smaller than an SLR that would not require me to carry 2-3 lenses to compete with the abilities of an SLR-like camera. The 18x optical zoom is amazing and has allowed me to take many great shots, the same goes for the super-macro feature. I keep the digital zoom turned off since I will never use it, Photoshop will blow up an image better than the camera ever can. Being able to use rechargeable AA batteries makes owning this camera cheaper since I take several sets with me when I travel, getting about 200-400 pictures per set depending on flash use.

The two things I don't like about this camera are the image sensor and picture format. I take virtually all of my pictures at fine 10MP, ISO 64. These pictures look very nice, unless you need to zoom in fully to blow something up in Photoshop, where the image looks somewhat grainy. But this is probably as good as you can get in a non-SLR camera due to the image size. The other feature that I would like would be RAW image formats, but I can live without it. I'd give it 4.5 stars if that was possible, but gave it 4 instead of 5 since it's not perfect.

Not for indoor action (2009-12-23)
Excellent all around camera however it has two significant drawbacks. First, the flash does not acutally charge until you press the shutter. This is OK for posed stills but creates a problem when shooting motion requiring a flash as the subject frequently ends up not centred. Second, if you are using the flash regularly, (say shooting indoors at reception) you burn through batteries fairly quickly. 200 shots took three sets of 4 AAs. Fuji could improve this camera tremendously by adding a hot shoe for a separate flash and a battery pack that can keep up with constant use. Otherwise this a good camera for the money.

The best camera for the amateur photographer (2009-11-18)
Hi,

I bought this in Germany immediately after seeing it in an electronics store. Well the initial days were tough for me to get good pictures because I don't know much about photography and the camera settings. I have spent few days in educating myself on digital photography.

after two months.... my photos are praised by many people, by my friends and people whom I don't know. What I like most is

1. strong colors in pics
2. The optical zoom (I love it)
3. Built-in shooting modes (no need to scratch head)
4. face detection and image stabilization
5. Adjustable image sizes based on mega pixel selection
6. All buttons seems to be perfectly placed

What I don't like
1. The lens cap is always an obstacle
2. Some times the images are blurred for no reason.
3. The slowest shutter speed is only 4 sec. There is no bulb feature.
4. Some times the colors are very light that they don't look good (May be I have to learn)

Totally this camera was the best for the price (I bought for much low price at the time).
For a beginner and amateur photographer this will give great experience.

Cheers
Gunasekhar

pretty good camera for the money (2009-09-16)
Easy to use and the image quality is pretty good, battery life is good too.

Good camera. . . (2009-08-19)
The S8100 Fuji is a good camera. . . just like a true SLR except the fact you can't change lenses, everything else is very good.