A spare battery is useful because the camera drains the battery really fast (especially when you always use the LCD monitor). A quick charger (BC-80) is really handy because it only takes an hour to recharge the battery (the AC adapter takes 8 hours). A few smartmedia cards are necessary because the 8MB smartmedia card that's included in the package doesn't hold much photos. For example, 1 picture taken at the "hi" setting (uncompressed file) and "1800x1200" pixel setting will use up 8MB of space already. Without the extra memory cards, you'll find yourself always running to your computer so you can move your picture files from your smartmedia card. By the way, unlike what the other reviewer said (5 photos at "fine" setting with 32MB smartmedia card), a 32MB smartmedia card will actually store up to 36 photos taken with the "fine" and "1800x1200" pixel settings. You can even verify this at Fujifilm's website... I suggest you visit that website to learn more about the camera's features and specifications.
The camera has both automatic and full manual modes. It even has a self-timer. There are so many features so make sure you read the manual... As of today (July 27,2000), this camera rates as #2 in the 2-3 megapixel range (second only to Olympus C2020).
I have not found much use for the "high" setting (uncompressed ".tiff" images). Like what the other reviewer said, this format is nonstandard. Most online photo sharing/printing services accept only the ".jpeg" format (available with the "fine," "normal," and "basic" settings for this camera). If you plan to print your photos, the "fine" and 1800x1200 pixel settings will produce 4"x6" prints that are comparable in quality to photos taken from a 35mm camera (I have not tried printing larger prints). Otherwise, for web sharing, the lower settings will do the job just fine...
I have no regrets about buying this camera. Yes, there are cameras with 3+ megapixels out there, but I do not yet see the need to upgrade. This camera is worth the price that Amazon.com is selling it for (I would not pay more).
Before I end this review, let me just say a few basic things: 1.)Cost: it's a good value 2.)Strengths: looks impressive (like those 35mm Nikons); auto/manual modes; photos show good colors; crisp images on LCD monitor 3.)Weaknesses: internal flash can be weak (make sure you always have your external flash at reach); the lens cap just dangles on the side; kind of slow (takes too long between shots) unless you use "continuous shooting" mode (in which case, you're automatically fixed at only 640x480 pixels)
This camera is easy to use. I have read the instruction booklet that came with it, but usage of the camera is pretty straight forward and reading it was only needed for some of the more complicated functions.
Everything you need is included. You get the cameras, a memory chip, a plug adapter (that also works in europe!), software for your PC (download mac free from www.fujifilm.com), rechargeable battery, and a cable to download images to your computer via the "scuzzi" port. It looks like Amazon has thrown in the USB connector which is a great - the downloads will be much faster. I recommend buying the 64MB SmartMedia memory card as you can take 100's of photos without downloading with that memory chip.
I have been traveling in Europe and have been able to take great pictures and send them back to my friends and family in the States via the intranet. I have the 32MB SmartMedia card and can take 64 pictures at the "normal" setting before needing to download. The pictures have so many pixels that I have to reduce the images in half for my personal website to allow the images to be viewed normally by web browsers. Using "Fine" mode, I can only take 5 pictures per 32MB memory card, but the photos are simply astounding.
Viewing the full size pictures on PC makes for a great slide show and an excellent image library for the occasional "remember this?" email to friends. Using software like thumbsplus (http://www.thumbsplus.com/) - makes it easy to turn my images into webpages and has an excellent database mechanism allowing me to search my pictures by keyword.
When I take the camera out for the afternoon I feel free to take pictures of whatever I want. If the picture doesn't turn out - I erase it - right from the camera. I have been able to be much more experimental with my photography this way as I don't have to shell out cash for every single picture I take that doesn't quite work out.
I like it so much, that I bought one for my Dad. He loves it and has been sending me a bunch of great pictures via email. Unfortunately, Amazon did not carry the camera at the time and I paid $750 for it! But now they do carry it for way less and I am passing this URL off to my friends who have asked about my camera.
