Film-Camera Reviews

This camera seems to have it all for a sub-200 model! Although I am not a novice digital photographer, I am not a professional -- nor do I want to be. I wanted a camera that would take nice pictures of friends, family and the occasional scenery shot that could be printed out or uploaded. The Fujifilm 1.3 does this well, and prints very nice photos at photo size (I do 4x6, 5x7).

The selling points (besides the price) are as follows: 1) its very small -- making it easy to take with you in a pocket, 2) it works on both my Mac OS X and Win 98/ME PC via USB -- essentially plug-n-play, 3) it takes great daylight pictures, 4) it doesn't eat batteries if you don't use the display mode -- ie: operating it like a normal camera using a viewfinder. I have not filled up the 8 MB card that came with the camera yet, although I haven't tried very hard (maybe a max of 20 photos on fine resolution in a sitting). Because I download to a laptop, I don't really need to spend additional money for a bigger card. I've also dropped it a few times, without affecting performance, so its a pretty sturdy little camera.

The only issue I have with the camera is that there is a learning curve for most of the features that may cause you to lose good photo opportunities at first. You have to read the manual to know how the display works, and how to set the camera for different sorts of lighting schemes. I blurred a few photos because I didn't realize the macro switch had turned on while it was in my bag, and didn't discover this until later when I downloaded them. I haven't quite mastered the various flash settings and took a low-light, indoor shot from about 8 feet away that isn't great. If I were to put some time in learning the display functions, rather that setting it on "auto" and using the viewfinder all the time, I might become quicker at changing the settings for different lighting situations. As it is now, the camera is fine for my uses, and I can usually brighten the "mistakes" in Photoshop.

I've had this camera for close to 2 and a half years. It has put up with all my abuse, rain, rocks and snow.

I have no idea what the settings do. I keep everything on auto and come out with great pictures, just point and shoot. It's a great entry-level camera. I have rechargable batteries and they last a lot longer than disposables.

I'm in the process of picking out a new digital camera. I'm looking for more megapixels and an optical zoom. I absolutely love that there is almost no delay from when you press the button to when the picture is snapped. I'm worried that I won't be able to find a fancier camera that takes the picture right away.

This camera is so easy to use and practical. I would recommend it to anyone who isn't interested in optical zoom or more megapixels.

This is a great consumer grade camera. I have 2 SLRs, and 2 Nikon/Olympus One Shot cameras and for quick snaps, and sending pictures online - i'm hooked.

The 1.3MPix will fill a 1024x768 screen with sharp graphics. So far this camera's color accuracy amazes me. It is pocket sized, simple to use, and the price is tuff to beat. Most of my shooting is outdoors and it works well in a variety of lighting conditions - i usually shoot people with the flash.

The finepix PC software is basic. If you don't like it just plug in the Camera's USB port, and open the USB Device in Windows Explorer and use what ever you want. Buy rechargable batteries, you can maybe get 60 or so snaps with disposable's included.

In my opinion the next logical upgrade above this camera would be an optical zoom, and 2-3 MPix.

I read a lot of reviews and also some background info on digital cameras. I bought this camera for the features and price. Actually, it is a little more complicated than I wanted because I'm not a techno junkie. It takes great pictures and is quite compact. I also bought the Kodak rechargeable batters and charger, a 32mb smartmedia card, and a case logic brand case. The software was easy to install except you have to search to find the Adobe photodelux pgm. I did have to get usb ports installed ... I thought that would be better than having to buy a card reader. The transfer from camera to pc is fast, but with the included software, you have to save each picture individually while the camera is running. Instead, I learned to do it via My Computer by selecting all, copying all files, and pasting to a folder of my choice. I would like to get a card reader, but I need to find a reliable one without problems. In summary, the Fujifilm 1400 is a great entry-level camera. We bought it over the 1300 because of the lens cover.

I've had this camera for over 2 years now and haven't had the need to upgrade it. It takes clear pictures and the 3x optical zoom comes in handy. Memory is a steal nowadays. With a 64mb card, I can take ~150 fine pictures. I print photos at around 4" X 6" and they turn out fine. Perhaps I'll upgrade to a camera with a movie mode and tv out capability, but for a beginner that just wants a simple point-and-shoot or someone new to digital photography, I'd recommend the Finepix 1400.

Well, I did alot of research from the Amazon web site to CNet.com to pricegrabber.com. I already knew what my budget was for a digital camera (around $300.00 +/-) I compared brands, features, prices, and customer reviews. I narrowed my choice down to two, this one and the Olympus 360. If I remember right the only difference between the two was that Olympus had a video out so you can see the pictures on your t.v. But the Fuji did'nt yet the Fuji was USB compatible and the Olympus was just serial. I decided to forgoe the t.v. and go straight for speed so that I can manipulate the pictures and e-mail or print them. I am glad I did. The quality for an average occasional picture taker like myself is exceptional!! At the highest resolution the crispness, clarity, and detail is near 35mm quality. I do recommend as others have, buying rechargable batteries, and a bigger Smart Media card. I love this camera and for someone who is just looking for a good digital camera that takes quality pictures for an average picture taker, this is the way to go!!

I got this camera as a graduation gift (it was my first digital camera) last June. This is a good camera for beginners, if all you really do is pretty harmless point and click, but for anyone truly interested in photography, I wouldn't really suggest it.

The pros:
-good quality photos, especially for a 3.2.
-small, compact size and shape
-surprisingly durable (at least in the beginning). I took it out in the snow during the huge East Coast snowstorm and it performed very well. Lens froze a couple of times, but if you just breathe hot air onto it, it should start working again.
-runs on AA, so if the battery level runs low and you have extra AAs handy, you can still use the camera (versus Canon cameras where you have to use camera specific batteries)

The cons:
-HUGE, and I mean LONG delay between photos. 5 seconds may not seem like a long time, but when you're waiting for that perfect shot...and the camera misses it and you have to wait another 5 seconds for the flash to prepare itself again, the moment will already have been lost.
-The shutter cover is very flimsy.
-Movie mode includes no sound.
-Weak zoom.
-Drains alkaline AA power very quickly, so you'll have to buy rechargable Lithium Ion batteries (not that big of a deal though).
-uses xD (although these days the camera market is much more accepting of xDs and it's easier to find products that are created for them.). Cards can be quite expensive.
-Lastly, it's been slightly more than a year since I got this camera and it has completed died out on me. I haven't used this camera in about two months because I haven't been able to turn it on. I hold the power switch and nothing happens (it's definitely not the batteries).

Basically, if you're looking for a camera that will last and give you good quality photos, I wouldn't really buy this one. Look into the Canon PowerShot line, they're much more sturdy, record up to 3 minutes of video with sound, and are much better in general.

I really like this camera. I used it as often as possible and it was very light to carry around. I will say it takes practice to work all the modes. I took some night pictures and they weren't so great, but the other pictures I've taken are very sharp and very nice. I have used it also to talk with friends online on video and it worked very well. Does eat up regular batteries, but rechargable ones seem to last longer with the camera. If you use a high pixel mode, be aware there are fewer pictures. If you plan to take a lot of pictures and don't have access to a computer, get a bigger memory card. My only improvement would be sound on those movies! :-D

I bought this phone last fall before digital camera prices drastically fell. It was still around just $200, which was a wonderful deal. This is a very nice camera for $200. The pictures turn out beautiful. The camera is sturdy and appealing to the eye...it's size is great too. Flashes, options, battery life...it's all there. It is SO easy to learn how to use. I've had some trouble because some photo processing places (i.e. Rite Aid) cannot yet service xD. xD is also a bit costly, but it is actually wonderful...very small and effective. Overall, a wonderful camera, especially for a beginner or a student. If you want to edit your pictures well or anything, you'll need better software than what comes with the camera, but that could be found online for free. Great deal...highly reccommend!

It's the perfect size, but the lack of a zoom lense kills it. Also,the indoor photos have a redish tint and the quality of the photos fell far short of the Canon Elph 300. The only zoom on the camera is digital zoom -- just like cropping a photo on your computer.

The MP3 player software forces you to convert via a special process, but if you can get the music on to the camera then it's a great plus.

The instructions...very poorly written. English as taught in Seoul. I immediately bought extra batteries and a speed charger at Radio Shack. Have not regretted it. I've had it about two weeks. I love it. Never was big on cameras but being able to erase bad shots, edit good ones, email, print, take close ups from 6-8 inches. It is fun. Fits in my shirt pocket, sometimes I forget I have it with me. I am tempted to upgrade the memory but I have not reached its capacity yet. The picture quality is excellent. The video capability is a lot of fun too. It seems too tiny to do so much. Everyone who has seen it is impressed with it. I would buy it again.

were not included in package received as specified on web site ?

This was my first digital camera. I had mostly been using a 35mm SLR and occaisionally a compact 35mm previously. I thought it was a great deal, so I joined the digital photography era. I have been extremely satisfied with the camera. For the price, I did not expect it to compare with my SLR. Many of the pictures I have taken, however, are comparable. The quality of the images are truly amazing to me. The auto flash and focus function as well as any compact SLR I have had. Compared to other digital cameras I have been exposed to (family and friends) the camera is quick to boot up and respond to pushing the shutter. The software that comes with it is not perfect, but I found it very easy to use. I am still trying to get an AC adapter for it. I have been using rechargable batteries and they last a reasonable period of time. With a 64MB card, I have taken 177 high quality pictures and down loaded them through the USB cable in about 6 minutes. For those who don't want to spend much for compact 35mm equivalent that is easy to carry and use and can take great pictures, I think this is a good choice.
Since I wrote my original review 8 months ago, I have had a problem with the lens protector continueously shutting the camera down and had to send it for repair. This took over one month and the camera still tends to shut down if the lens protector is moved even slighly. Also, I have noticed that pictures taken in a low light setting (with flash, of course) are frequently out of focus. Pictures taken in bright light are very sharp. I have reduced my rating from 4 to 3 stars.

I found on receiving my camera that I could not download the software on my computer. The model was not one of the choices to choose from that I bought. Therefore, I did'nt use my camera for quit sometime. When the portable printers came out for digital I bought one and started to use my camera. Unfortunately, the color is not what I expected and it seems to have to much red in it. Sometimes I also get red eye even when the eye reduction is on. I haven't used it outdoors yet. Maybe I will get better picture quality then. I would like to try to reach a customer service department so that maybe I could find out what I'm doing wrong, but I haven't had any luck in doing that either. I suggest if you get a digital camera don't wait a long time to use it

The reviews were good, but the pictures are even better than advertised! This compact, handy little camera takes absolutely great shots for the amateur or first-time digitaller. I've used several Mavicas, and the 2400 is much better. Colors are rich and details are sharp. Quality is especially good in well lit situations: outdoors, or brightly lit rooms. The flash works okay, but is prone to red-eye, although the red-eye reduction works moderately well. Battery life is excellent. We spent a week at Disney World, took 130 shots, mostly with the LCD display on and many with flash, without having to change batteries (NiMH, 1600mAH, Rayovac). My 64MB smartcard will hold about 160 pictures at 2 megapixel with "normal" JPEG compression (half that at the camera's best resolution). Even the 8MB card that ships with the camera will hold a respectable 20 shots. The camera is surprisingly rugged - it's even survived a bounce off a hardwood floor administered by my 2yr old. My biggest complaints are that the LCD display is pretty much useless in the dark or in bright sunlight (the optical viewfinder works very well though), and the delay time between depressing the shutter button and when the picture is recorded is disconcertingly large, making it difficult to catch a moving target. The software loading was very easy, and transferring pictures to my iMac via USB is a snap. I was disappointed that the PhotoDeluxe software which shipped with the unit was only for Windows, but the viewer for the MAC isn't bad. Altogether an extremely good value.

Besides the lag problem mentioned in another review, I've had an issue with the camera not staying on when switched. I miss about 80% of the shots I'm trying to take because I have to keep turning it back on, taking out the memory card and/or batteries and replacing them etc. Bad frame errors are haunting. Once it starts working, I can usually take many pictures in a row, but in the beginning it's horrible. This is all probably my fault for trying to snap a picture when the dial was turned to the viewing mode. But that shouldn't have harmed the electronics! One can't always remember to get the dial in the right position.

Don't even bother unless you plan to get an upgrade SM card (4mb is worthless) and rechargable batteries. Highly recommend a USB card reader - even using TWAIN/Photoshop 5.5 it takes FOREVER to download 1280 x 820 res pictures (the camera's middle setting). All my complaints are minor - this is a great camera overall. The mode select knob can stop in between modes, but look like it's pointing to a mode. This makes you think something is wrong until you move the switch the 1mm it's off so you are not between modes. Not a show stopper, just takes getting used to. I guess all camers mow batteries, but I bought 8 NiMh rechargables and that seems to work. Get a cord to plug in when you're downloading pix - will save batteries, especially if you are using the serial cable. The optical viewfinder is way off for anything closer than about 10 feet, so I almost always use the LCD - another battery killer. Camera won't auto shut off when in PC mode, I've drained lots of batteries when forgetting to switch the camera off after retrieving photos. These are really nit-pick items, most cameras would have same or similar. Overall I'm happy with this camera, it's well made and user friendly. For the money and 1.3 Megpixel is plenty for general use. Safe bet you will feel your money was well spent.

I have a digital camera, not this particular model. I was reviewing comments on this model (searching for a reasonably price model for a friend) when I notice criticism regarding download times. Please note: All the digital cameras will take a noticeable amount of time to download images to your PC if you are using the serial cable that came with the camera. However there are faster means. If you have one that uses either a smart media card or a compact flash card, you can buy a reader for either your parallel port or your USB port. Remove the card from your camera and insert it in the reader. Then the card will appear as if it is another disk drive on your PC. Use Explorer to copy all the files to your real hard disk drive. Thats the fastest way to get them to your PC. Forget the serial connector unless you only plan to transfer one or two images. It takes too long. (the previous reviewer and other may not be aware of this when they are buying the camera but this irritating issue applies to all digital cameras not just this one. Its the serial port thats slow.)

Second, there is criticism regarding the cost of a 32MB card which cost over $100. I found 64MB compact flash card for around $120 on the internet so search around. Also you have to remember you won't have to buy more memory cards. simply delete the pictures on the card and you are all set to capture more. Most cameras come with only an 8 Mb card so a 4 Mb for this Fuji is below what many other cameras provide BUT its also cost less. It looks to be one of the least expensive 1 Meg pixel camera around. You're going to have to buy another card if you want to be able to take more pictures before returning to your PC (when you are traveling.. unless you bring your laptop) even if you have a 8Mb card. Look at the Olympus 360 & 460 models at $300 & $400. They only come with 8 Mb also. The primary difference between them and this model will be a) more zoom options and b) image quality. The resolution may be slightly higher and color accuracy may be better.. you'll need to review some comparison reviews on accuracy. Another note: you can take more pictures that just 13 (26-27 on an 8 Mb card) if you settle for less resolution. If you plan to PRINT the image, then stay with the best resolution but if you only want to use it to create a screen saver so email the photos then you can reduce the image resolution to be able to take more pictures on the same 4 Mb or 8Mb card.

200x film is just not very versatile. The Kodak quality pales in comparison to the cheaper 800x Fujifilm 4-pack, which gives chrystal clear pictures in most environments and is therefore highly versatile. Don't waste your money on Kodak.

I got this film as a free special with the camera I purchased.
How can I complain??? :o)

I have tried this film in my brother's camera (Canon EOS 500N) many times and I've found that the results are always good, better than the other brands. Even some of my pictures are extra ordinary although I used only a standard camera and its standard lenses (28mm - 80mm and 75mm - 300mm) without any additional flash. The closeups are so clear and sharp, the landscape pictures are wonderful, and the portrait pictures are perfect. I also tried to take the picture of the sun with my custom-made filter and it is good enough. Even, I've tried it for a night scene and surprisingly, it works well! (of course, I have to use tripod or a steady structure). If there is anybody thinking that this film is not good enough, maybe it's your camera (or even you!). Anyway, it is cheaper than other brands (esp. Fuji) here in Indonesia.

Ordinarily I don't buy frivilous items. But this camera is so darn cute, it called to me from the shelf "buy me, buy me!" So I bought it, and I have been very pleased with it. It's tough and waterproof, and gave me some excellent shots above and below the water. The only complaint I have with it is that the icons painted on the dials wore off quickly, making it a little challenging to know what mode the camera is in. On the other hand, my wife doesn't like this camera at all. The underwater viewfinder makes it difficult for her to frame pictures properly, resulting in chopped off heads and the like. Also its unusual size and shape means she gets her fingers in the picture from time to time. Of course I'm about twice the size of my wife, and I don't have these problems, so maybe you won't either. If you plan on doing a lot of shallow underwater photography or if you plan on using the camera in a pretty harsh environment, this is the one for you. It's a lot tougher than a regular point-and-shoot, and it takes much nicer photos than a disposable waterproof. It costs about 10 times what a disposable would, but then it's about 300 times more useful.

Canon Elph Sport Camera is a cute, all terrain Advanced Photo System (aps) camera that if properly used will give good quality pictures. The camera is waterproof to a depth of 5 meters or 16 ft. Underwater, if you compose correctly following the instructions'booklet, you will get pictures with a better quality of those taken with disposable waterproof cameras. But this is a camera for snorkelers or shallow water divers, not for professional or advanced scuba divers that will find that this little camera is useless at depths bigger than 5 mts. On land, the camera will also give a good performance. But again, this is mainly a camera for the tourist or the casual photographer since it is limited by its single Canon 23 mm f 4.8 lens. Other than that, the camera offers all the advantages, for the beginner photographer, that can be found on other APS cameras, that is, automatic film cartrigde loading, built in flash with red-eye reduction, automatic shooting modes, date, time and title imprinting and 3 print formats (classic, panoramic and group size). The camera uses one lithium battery (CR2) weights only 220 g. and it is small, portable and very nice looking (measures WxHxD- 4.1x2.9x1.8 in.)A good buy if you have some extra dollars to spend(199) in a versatile, elegant and easy to carry little camera.

My camera has really stood up to the elements and multiple beatings. It has worked well for me taking pictures underwater and in the surf, and has also been to the top of multiple 20,000+ feet mountains. Dropped countless times on rock, snow, sand, and also dunked as much into water. I have learned to force the flash on anything but super sunny days - the pics come out a bit dark in conditions other cameras would have no problem with, and i've found it could really use a filter in intense light situations. Nothing you wouldn't expect from a specialty use camera. Just bought a second spare one for when the first one finally does give up - which i don't think will be for a long time.
Good camera and good value!

Bought this camera to replace one I had actually worn out! I run a lot of film through a camera in a year. This point and shoot camera gave me sharp pictures with good color on 400ASA film, indoors with flash. The flash was effective to 17 feet away. I put 200 ASA film in and shot pictures both indoors and out. Results were more than satisfactory. I plan to take this camera to Italy with me instead of my SLR. The zoom is smooth, and the image in the viewfinder is very close to actual picture. I love it! Worth every penny!

I have owned quite a few cameras in my life, and feel this is one of the best I have come across. The zoom is excellent, and so far, only two rolls of film used, I have had zero failures. The buttons are a little bit small, and I just need to get used to that, the zoom is easy to use. The feel of the camera is good, despite its small size, it fits well in the hand. The point and shoot era is here, and all the years of my using a Nikon 35mm slr seem to be over. This is just too simple and easy. To go back to the changing lenses, carrying all the baggage, etc hardly seems worth the effort if the end result is as good or better.

This is simply a great camera. I have used it for over 2 years. I bought it at buy.com when it was newly released. We bought it primarily for the zoom. The zoom is simply excellent. This is one of the best point and shoot i have used. I have used Canon and Minolta before. The controls are all conveniontly placed and the zoom works great. I have never missed a picture.

I bought this camera several years ago and was extremely frustrated with it. The zoom part is great, and the pictures, when I could get them, looked fine. What I hated was that the camera wouldn't always take a picture when I wanted it to. Probably my pictures weren't perfectly focused, didn't have the best lighting, etc., but I was hoping for spontaneity and instead got a camera that argued with me. I like to snap pictures a bit before people are expecting it, so they don't get those frozen smiles. With this camera, I often had to push the button one, two, three, four, five, sometimes six or more times before it finally took the picture, guaranteeing that my subjects were as artificial and annoyed as possible. I tried every different setting but still had the same problem. Many cute pictures of my small children were lost forever because of this camera. I contacted Canon but they offered me no help whatsoever. I will never buy a Canon again!

I bought this camera before my trip to South Dakota and was thrilled with the resolution of the pictures. People always complimented me on them as if I were a professional, and I thank Canon for that. I still get great pictures,however, I do have some complaints: Candid shots are gone before the shutter goes off; The date stamp is impossible to work with, and is permanentally stopped at 1992 (why 92 I don't know). The date winds up in the worst places in the picture. I won't ever set a date stamp again unless it's tiny and ends up on the extreme corner of a shot--I don't think this exists.

I do love the pictures though even at the 135 zoom.

I have had this camera for more than 2 years now and have never been let down. This camera has documented several important events and vacations for me and always does a great job. People compliment me and ask how I learned to take such good pictures. Perfect for trips and vacations and ok for events and family photos.