Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd 8MP is perfect for enthusiasts looking for a combination of 8 megapixels and stabilized long zoom in a neat, compact body. The S8000fd delivers one key feature that consumers cannot easily get on an SLR, a 27mm wide-angle to 486mm super telephoto (35mm equivalent) 18x zoom lens. Many consumers are looking for an easy to carry long zoom solution for sports events, concerts, wildlife photography, or just general tourism. Long-zoom photography is very popular for action shots of kids on the sport field, unobtrusive portraits of family or friends and candid nature photography. Using the digital zoom, the S8000fd can zoom up to an astonishing 91.8x magnification.
Additionally, the S8000fd is fitted with Fujifilm’s newly introduced CCD-shift Image Stabilization, which automatically detects and correct for camera shake. It is also fitted with Fujifilm’s acclaimed Picture Stabilization mode, which uses high sensitivity to freeze fast action, or produce sharp pictures in low light. Fujifilm’s S8000fd Dual Image Stabilization offers enthusiasts consistently clean, well-focused, blur-free shots.
Making sure the perfect shot is captured Face Detection technology by Fujifilm uses an exclusive hardware-based system to optimize focus, white balance and exposure for up to ten faces in a single frame. Using Face Detection with an 18x long zoom means that users can accurately focus on faces from long distance and concentrate on framing the perfect shot. Also, leveraging Face Detection technology, the S8000fd feature the new Red-Eye Removal feature, which can detect and remove red-eye as the shot is taken.
The S8000fd offers ISO1600 at full 8.0-megapixel resolution, and ISO6400/ISO3200 at 4-megapixel resolution–so important for high-quality pictures in low light or freezing fast-moving subjects. The S8000fd takes advantage of this high sensitivity with Fujifilm’s Intelligent Flash system, which controls power output to achieve natural foreground illumination with balanced background exposure. Also, Dual Shot Mode takes two full resolution photos in quick succession – one with, and one without, flash. Both photos are then displayed side by side for quick comparison so users will never again be left struggling with flash settings long after the moment has passed.
Helpful consumer’s review
I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera. My major requirements were high quality photos and a zoom lens. I finally decided on this particular camera because it looked like I was getting a lot for my money, and I believe I have. I took it on a trip within a week of receiving it and took excellent scenic photos, both close-up and with the powerful zoom, with almost no learning curve. I was pleasantly surprised that even with all of its power, the camera is not heavy and bulky, and its design makes it easy to hold. I also love the size of the screen and that I have the option of using the viewfinder or the large screen. I highly recommend this camera.
I was hesitant to buy the Fujifilm S8000fd because there were a few reviewers who found problems with the pictures it produced. I considered other cameras in the same genera and discovered there were a few reviewers who were not all that happy with those either. It was clear to me that pictures shot with the Fujifilm S8000fd were at least equal to those made by its competitors and it had a lot more features and capacity.
I think the people who fault the quality of photos taken with the Fujifilm S8000fd are either unable to read the instruction manual or are so “picky” about their pictures as to be neurotic. I have had my Fuji S8000fd for about a month and find the pictures I am taking are just great. I am not a professional photographer, but I have been an advanced-skills hobbyist for decades.
This is my forth Fuji digital camera and it is the best of the bunch. I researched my head off prior to buying the S8000fd and concluded that it was the best in its class and price range. There are really only three cameras currently occupying this “hybrid-SLR” group–the Fujifilm S8000 of course, the Olympus SP-560 UZ and the Panasonic FZ18. For my money–the Fujifilm S8000fd wins.
By the way, the price on this camera on Amazon.com is almost fifty dollars cheaper than it was when I bought mine only a few weeks ago.
