FujiFilm Fuji FinePix S1600 HD Digital Camera

Guardsman

My knowledge of cameras is a bit basic so I'm wondering if this one is any good.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FujiFilm-Fuji-FinePix-S1600-HD-Digital-Camera-Case?item=170802898201&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7576624454074344766
I currently use the Nikon COOLPIX 4800 but need a camera with a better zoom for sporting events mainly rugby matches.
I just want a no nonsense camera that does what it says on the packet.

Lifeforms

Well, obviously you will find a difference between the two. Fuji is 15x optical zoom, and 12.2 MP compared with what I can find about yours (8.3x zoom, 4MP)

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_finepix_s1600_review/image_quality/
That's a pretty comprehensive review, which gives you some good examples of quality/zoom etc.

I guess you need to think how professional does it need to be/do you want it to be. Not talking proper DSLR, but the Panasonic G2 is old stock yes, but still really quite good, and (brand new, not refurb) starter kit can be had for £200. But you'd need to look at a different lens on top, as the included is just 5x (inc digital)

It's basically a body that you'd be likely to keep, and upgrade over time, or as necessary with new lenses.

Otherwise for a pull out of the box and everything is fixed those fuji cameras are all right. We've had a few in the family, and they're not fantastic, but they're also not disappointing.

paddyrg

I'm sure it'll be fairly decent, pretty huge zoom range (although that includes a lot of digital zoom, so reduced resolution), and fast enough at 3Megapixels to shoot 20 shots at 8fps - which is good for fast-moving sports. It even has a 'sports mode', whatever that may be.

Frankly, not the fanciest camera in the world, won't fit comfortably in your pocket, but as things go, pretty decent unit it seems.

Lifeforms

Oh and just because it's off ebay doesn't mean it's cheap
Fujifilm FinePix S2960 Digital Camera (14MP, 18x Optical Zoom) @ tescos atm for £95.97 (free click and collect to store)

Guardsman

http://www.tesco.com/direct/fujifilm-finepix-s2960-digital-camera-14mp-18x-optical-zoom-3-inch-lcd/210-5008.prd Without bag.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FujiFilm-Fuji-FinePix-S1600-HD-Digital-Camera-Case?item=170802898201&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7576624454074344766 With a bag

Apart from one being supplied with a bag is there a huge difference between them ? Am I going to see noticeable difference between the quality of the pictures.

Lifeforms

It is two different models for a start, so you will see a difference in them.

Tesco's one has a better zoom on it *(not including digital, talking optical, actual zoom), it also has more Mega Pixels, though that is not the be-all-end all. Tescos also has points on them, and maybe Quidco or similar ?

Ebays one is refurb, sold as such. Means a return/old model, made to work new. Has a less better zoom on it, less MP, and costs more.

They both have the exact same sized sensor, so one could deduce they are the same chips used (which works in conjunction to give less noise etc on pictures, alongside MP/zoom/ec)

They are both Bridging cameras; as Quoted by Fuji:

Perfect picture taking solutions for photography enthusiasts that want the results similar to an SLR, without the heavy camera bag and huge dent in their bank balance.

Do not consider the cost of a case in the equation. The tesco's one is a better more upto date model, for a smaller price than a second hand one. It might be refurb, but it is still 2nd hand.

Cases can be bought dirt cheap, or they seem prevalent in places like ebay, charity shops etc

It seems pretty clear cut over which I'd take. BUT I do have to say, that I didn't search for that model specifically on tescos. I happened to be looking at the G2/digital compact super zooms, and that came up as an overal no search best buy. So that might not even be the best deal camera on there right now.

zee_2

fuji great but go to their own discount site ..note stock changes all the time so if not in stock chances will soon be , all are brand new but sold as refurbished with full fuji g'tee ,have bought cameras for all family and saved a fortune ,yhere should be a free delivery code somewhere ,and 7dayshop.co.uk great for cards.
http://shop.fujifilm.co.uk/refurbished-digital-cameras/slr-style
highly commend ,and other styles of cameras as well

Guardsman

Opted for this one http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5596038/Trail/searchtext%3EFINEPIX.htm

Daughter has part time job in Argos so I had 10% off the asking price.
I'm really pleased with the quality of the pictures and the x30 zoom is fantastic.
Thanks all for the advice it's truly appreciated.

Lifeforms

Glad you're happy with it! What we often find is that the cameras you first look at, are not necessarily the one you go for But as long as you're happy, then that is what matters!

As an aside I've just bought a TZ18 Lumix, which I'm really quite enjoying, especially the super zoom on it. Some cracking images with it pumped upto max. Nice compact camera.

johnmc

If you are looking at Fuji then consider their refurbished models;
http://shop.fujifilm.co.uk/refurbished-digital-cameras/slr-style

Guardsman

These seem to be a bargain when I have paid more for four in the past.
http://www.rechargeablebatteries.co.uk/products/521/8_x_AA_Duracell_2450mAh_Rechargeable