Fujifilm FinePix S2980 - Is this a good camera?

[deejayburnout]

Peeptoids

Thinking of buying this for my misses for crimbo.

Is this any good. She is a complete beginner and thought it would be a good buy.

Click me for link to Fujifilm FinePix S2980

[kalniel]

Yes, but it's quite chunky/heavy. Is she likely to enjoy photography for its own sake? If so it's quite a good choice, but I think most people would prefer a more portable camera for their first one, something that they can use to capture moments rather than thinking about the camera/process of taking photos.

[deejayburnout]

Fair point.

Defo more for catching moments but i suppose a more portable one will be of more use to her. Probably packed with the same features as well.

Are the battery life on these cameras ok? i expect they will suck life out of batteries.

[g8ina]

Battery life is OK, as long as u just use the EVF not the screen VF.

Sally has a Fuji S5000 and it's very nice.

I like Fujis.

[deejayburnout]

ok thanks guys

just found its back up to normal price.

Doh

Recommend any other smaller cameras?

[Smudger]

If you want a lengthy zoom, but in a compact body, you're probably looking at a Panasonic TZ30, Canon SX240/260 or similar. They usually go to 20x or so...
Alternatively, you can get an EOS M for £700+...

[Manehead]

It all depends what you're looking for.

Do you want a small camera that will fit into your pocket to take on holiday?
Do you need long zoom for any reason?
Do you want advanced functionality or simplicity of use?
Do you normally take lots of night pictures or indoor pictures?

There isn't really a "good" camera that can be recommended to anyone. It all depends on the requirements of the user.

[deejayburnout]

If you want a lengthy zoom, but in a compact body, you're probably looking at a Panasonic TZ30, Canon SX240/260 or similar. They usually go to 20x or so...
Alternatively, you can get an EOS M for £700+...

£700 is a lot of money for a beginners camera.

[deejayburnout]

It all depends what you're looking for.

Do you want a small camera that will fit into your pocket to take on holiday?
Do you need long zoom for any reason?
Do you want advanced functionality or simplicity of use?
Do you normally take lots of night pictures or indoor pictures?

There isn't really a "good" camera that can be recommended to anyone. It all depends on the requirements of the user.

Was looking at a good camera for a beginner. Something that takes good pictures and is easy to use. Nothing too fancy.

[Smudger]

£700 is a lot of money for a beginners camera.

That was the wildcard...

I bought my wife a Panasonic FS16 last year for £100, and she loves it, mainly cos it's got image stabilisation. Most compacts around that price will have similar features, so it's probably a case of finding the one that has the features she wants and feels nicest in her hand. <sexism>Then go for the one that comes in the prettiest colour</sexism>

[scaryjim]

When I asked this about 18 months ago for the stepson we ended up getting him a refurb S1600 direct from Fuji and it turned out pretty much perfect for him. They don't have any in stock now, but they do have a lot of others in the same range (including the S2980 you're considering) for well under £100. Service from Fuji refurb was excellent when I ordered his - it was delivered in a couple of days and was in practically new condition. They've also currently got 40% off cases & SD cards bought with refurb cameras, apparently

tbh, for £80 I don't see any good reason not to get one if she's expressed an interest in actual photography (rather than just wanting a camera to take holiday snaps).

[oldboy47]

I too like Fujis and can vouch for their refurbished cameras, although the S2980 is currently showing out of stock. Also, if you have an existing Fuji that is not working so well, they will offer reduced price products as a trade in.