FujiFilm FinePix 2650 (FinePix A204)

Opinion: My first digital camera and still in regular use since buying it late 2002. My reasons for continuing to use it (as a sidekick to my S5600 and as a general use camera instead of the S5600) are simple - it is robust, relatively knock proof and produces a crystal clear image at 2 MP that is superior to images produced by many high megapixel cameras. I've even managed to get some relatively high A4 prints from photos done with this camera and within it's limitations (less zoom at 3x, fewer megapixels), produces better images than my 5 MP, 10x zoom S5600 in good light.

The menus are easy to use, easier than on later Fuji cameras where the clearer menus of the A204 (and cameras such as the S5000 and S7000) were replaced by a nested menu system (S5600, F10 and S9500). Shame on Fuji for changing the menu design. Digital zoom is only available at lower resolutions, but does not use interpolation (again a bugbear introduced onto later Fuji cameras), allowing for a clear image.

In lower light, image quality can degrade without the flash, however, the shutter can be slowed using the night time / low light setting and keeping the camera stationary to avoid image shake - images are still relatively noise free in moderately low light. The images produced seem more tolerant to correcting and lightening on computer later, also offsetting any problems at low light.

One thing I especially like is the ability to pull across a shield in front of the lens when not actually taking photos. In addition, the camera is of sturdy design. These two factors make the A204 fairly robust to knocks and bumps.

Opinion: I got this camera used a few weeks ago. I'm relatively new to digital photography. I've used a couple different Olympus models and found this camera a lot easier "figure out" and use. Changing the settings is really straightforward. Pictures are coming out really nice so far.

Opinion: I owned a Finepix 2650 for two years beginning in December '02 and took at least a couple thousand pics with it. Recently it stopped working (the zoom lens got stuck half way out and that also prevents it from taking pictures). This is a good camera for beginners or simply point-and-click photography. However, the pictures are somewhat dark and have way too much contrast in many situations. It is good in bright light (for example on a sunny day looking away from the sun). However, shadowy areas will usually appear black. I used software to adjust probably 80% of the photos I took in order to make them brighter and reduce contrast. Color was pretty good. I liked the 3x optical zoom, compared to many cameras in its class with only 2x optical or only digital zoom. I never used the digital zoom.
Overall, a good camera but I'm looking to get one that has better exposure in low light conditions.

Opinion: Post Christmas Bargain ($149.95 Canadian included a $25 case and $30 worth of photo paper) and so far the resolution of this camera is really amazing and I am selling some of my old camera stuff on ebay and the pics. for that are great. I am getting used to what is a quite simple process using all the features.

Opinion: I have been using this camera for taking pictures of industrial equipment (as part of my job) and it really works great. By using AA batteries, even if they don't last too long, you can always get new ones in any place.
The image quality and color of the pictures is very nice for 2 mp and the detail is very impressive, which i think it is due to a good lens.
It is probably one of the best 2mp 3x zoom camera in the market, even though it might not be the cheapest.

Opinion: Great camera and takes remarkably good shots for a 2MP camera and is also surprisingly affordable.

I also have a Fujifilm S602 and in comparison, I think for family outings and general use, I prefer the 2650 for its portability and quality of pictures.

Opinion: Have had this camera for nearly a year now and have been amazed by the quality of the photos. I also have a semi-professional SLR camera and have to say it easily matches the quality of photos that come from this. Only disadvantage of course is the lack of flexibility. Have been very impressed by the colour rendition too, it is so natural.

The macro setting is extremely impressive as well.

Opinion: Have had this camera for nearly a year now and have been amazed by the quality of the photos. I also have a semi-professional SLR camera and have to say it easily matches the quality of photos that come from this. Only disadvantage of course is the lack of flexibility. Have been very impressed by the colour rendition too, it is so natural.

The macro setting is extremely impressive as well.

Opinion: As a complete beginner, I noticed I made a lot of nice pictures with it. I noticed that my friends, some of them with a more expensive camera, didn't. If you ask me it's very easy to use and makes wonderfull pictures in automatic modus. At the time I bought it, I missed something to put it in (without a pocket.) But the 16Mb card was better than most others(standard 8Mb.)