For the money, it would be difficult to find a digital camera that could match the features and image quality of the FinePix 3800. A true 6x optical zoom sets this 3-megapixel camera apart from the crowd, allowing for shots that simply wouldn't be possible with a typical point-and-shoot camera.
It uses a bright pop-up flash that stays far enough away from the lens to reduce red-eye, and pictures can be framed using either the crisp 1.8-inch LCD screen on the back or the large viewfinder, which is surrounded by a rubber sheath. The viewfinder also uses an LCD, so unfortunately you can't see anything through it when the camera is turned off.
Beginners can leave the camera in fully automatic mode and snap away, while pros can use the many manual adjustments to achieve more professional results. Either way, the resulting pictures feature excellent color saturation and impressive detail, despite the camera’s relatively aggressive image compression. Hair loses some of its texture, and reds tend to look slightly more orange in the photos than in reality, but the camera's abilities are outstanding for the price.
The only real problem with the FinePix 3800 is that it is nearly impossible to frame a picture or get the camera's autofocus to work in a low-light situation. Images seen through the viewfinder or displayed on the LCD get very murky in candlelight conditions. However, 90 percent of the time the camera works marvelously, and its light-gathering abilities once it does manage to focus in dim light are outstanding.
You'll definitely want to get a higher-capacity xD-Picture Card, as the included 16 MB card holds only 12 high-quality images. But other than that oversight, this camera provides everything you need to take some great digital photographs. --T. Byrl Baker
Pros:
- Pop-up flash
- 6x optical zoon
- Captures a terrific amount of detail
- Needs a bigger memory card
- Low-light performance suffers
Product Description:
The FinePix 3800 digital camera, with 3.2 million effective pixels, produces image with 2048 x 1536 recorded pixels. The camera has a simple, user-friendly control and an easy USB computer connection. Built into a compact body it features a precision retractable Fujinon 6X optical lens, with 3.2X digital zoom, mini Though-The-Lens (TTL) electric viewfinder, pictures voice annotation, video recording, and PC-Cam Internet mode. Set to automatic, or select manual for greater control over each picture. It has optional wide and telelenses. The camera comes with a 16MB XD-Picture Card, 4 AA batteries, FinePix Software and a USB cable.
Fujifilm FinePix 3800 3MP Digital Camera w/ 6x Optical Zoom