FUJIFILM x20 - my take on it.

Two years ago I was looking for a camera that would have all manual functions as well as auto. I got the x10 and then changed to x20 last year. Years ago I had a 35mm, so I knew I could relearn basics of photography.

PROS
The Fuji x20 didn't not disappoint me. It is portable ideal for travel and great quality photos and I could afford the price range. For now this satisfies me until I can justify an expensive DSLR.

I have not used all the functions yet, there's so many! There is a learning curve, but in the beginning I used the Program and tweaked it with manual functions quickly, now I'm having more fun!

The 2 macro features are fantastic at 1cm; a compensation dial for exposure readily on hand. Love the retractable flash, I hardly ever use flash, so I know that if it was out there, I would have to remind myself to shut it off. I find it good in low light which was important for me.

And it comes with a physical manual!!!! not a link to web site, I really don't appreciate a url to a really manual. We need a small complete manual to take with us on site!!

What I love is the 'view finder' without having to carry my reading glasses all the time to use an LCD screen!! I find it very discouraging of camera manufacturers to have taken that away on almost all models of this kind. We are an aging population, am I the only one wanting a slightly more sophisticated camera than a point-an-shoot only? That would be hard to believe...but even if my eyes were 20-20 this is most useful for sunny, snow and beach conditions. Not to say that the screen is not good for those, it is!

I also think the menu is well thought out, not many levels to go through to what you are looking for, I tried others and rejected them on that basis, this one is just more intuitive for me. Probably a preference thing though.

The look is of course wonderfully reminiscent of the old cameras, so that is a bonus, but the casing is metal and is very sturdy, that is a big plus, this is no flimsy camera, and the lens cap is metal too. I love the leather (optnl) case for protecting the protruding lens and for traveling, just flip off the front and I'm ready to shoot.

CONS:

What is a disappointment is the battery life, I now have 2 on the go and a third in reserve fully charged for traveling. Good thing the on-off is mechanical, saves on the battery.

Video is also not great. I did not buy it for that, true, but it would have been a real treat for travel to be able to film without constant blurring because it can't focus fast enough while I'm spanning, even slowly.