FujiFilm FinePix 2650 (FinePix A204)

Opinion: Thinks I like about it:

Picture Quality:
I was pleasantly surprised how much detail I was getting with this camera compared to my old HP Photosmart 315.

Battery Life:
I can get about 2 days of frequent use out it on rechargables, using all features and 50/50 optical/lcd view finder.

Portability:
This camera is very light. It only takes two AA size batteries, which help keep the weight low.

Speed:
This camera is quick to focus and complete a shot once it has been turned on. This was the main complaint I had with my old camera.

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Here are things I feel can be imporved:

Construction:
Drop the plastic and use metal. The lens cover is a little awkward to operate, and if it must remain in it's current form, at least design it to automatically turn on the camera when opened.

Optical View Fiinder:
I would like to see it bigger, brighter, and at the very least, stay in focus when zooming. I am not so sure it is a focus issue, but there is dfinite distortion when zooming.

Image Quality:
Just a little over-sensitive when shooting shaded areas in bright sunlight, when in auto mode. Had to fool around a lot with manual mode to get this right.

Flash:
Could be a little more powerful when used in daylight as a fill-in.

Features:
Woould be very helpful to have shutter speed priority option.

Playback:
Just a little more basic features such as image rotation, B & W

LCD:
Should provide more brightness when used as a view finder indoors.

Digital Zoom:
Can't understand why only low res modes are supported, when it would more useful in high res mode.

Batteries:
Allow in camera recharge

Opinion: I spent hours on end last Christmas shopping for the best digital camera. This camera had just come out and due to new technology, it was priced dramatically lower than other competing cameras.

The one thing I have noticed is that since December 2001, this camera's price has not dropped at all, whereas every single competiting camera (out at the time) has dropped a great deal. What does that mean?? Many competing cameras came out around the same time and one of them is still maintaining its initial value. That's quality to me.

A few basics:

It takes pictures and videos and is also a webcam. I am so impressed by this camera. Plus, I don't know of any other cameras that offer a free $40 rechargeable battery set. The overall quality and ease of use is wonderful.

Opinion: owned this camera for a few months now and its great photos come out so sharp and crisp.
All Fuji need to do is improve the LCD screen and redeisgn the zoom control similar to the S304 infact if they use the some specifications of the S304 then this camera will be the best on the market.
So come on Fuji we are waiting for such improvements

Opinion: I thought about buying a FinePix A203, but I bought a 204 model at last... I think that it is good cam for a novice user, althought I think that menu use is a little confusing...

You shoot - you'll get nice picture if you take it right, and it is good.

So, if you are looking some "near budget" cam it is might be a good choice for you.