The venerable Fuji S304 digital bridge camera was the first camera I bought for myself. I had previously used a compact Konica; an electric Minolta SLR; and a mechanical Pentax SLR; though all were without guidance and the only knowledge I brought to the hugely influential S304 was how to hold a camera steady.
I ultimately concluded that the S304 outshone the more advanced cameras of its time because of a relatively short start-up time, quiet operation, and easy settings changes. A touch of rubber on the shapely grip made it quick and easy to position. The speed of use, and its quiet operation, meant it helped to capture relaxed animals where other cameras only irritated them. The S304 also introduced me to video making, and although the resolution was too low to be effective, it did at least spark an interest. I quickly outgrew the spartan set of features of the S304, but I believe this reflects very positively on Fuji's guiding manual.
Positive memories:
* Lightweight
* Simple usage: plan, zoom, focus, frame, click
* Comfortable shape
* Quiet
* Good manual showing useful techniques
* Standard battery format
* Standard add-on filters
Negative memories:
* Proprietory memory-card format
* Electric menus
My S304 was ultimately passed on to my younger brother (I bought a Samsung DSLR), then returned to me (he bought a Samsung bridge). The S304 was later given to my partner, and again returned to me (I bought her a new Fuji compact).
It's limited 3 mega-pixels and outmoded memory card format mean the S304 is no longer viable.
I ultimately concluded that the S304 outshone the more advanced cameras of its time because of a relatively short start-up time, quiet operation, and easy settings changes. A touch of rubber on the shapely grip made it quick and easy to position. The speed of use, and its quiet operation, meant it helped to capture relaxed animals where other cameras only irritated them. The S304 also introduced me to video making, and although the resolution was too low to be effective, it did at least spark an interest. I quickly outgrew the spartan set of features of the S304, but I believe this reflects very positively on Fuji's guiding manual.
Positive memories:
* Lightweight
* Simple usage: plan, zoom, focus, frame, click
* Comfortable shape
* Quiet
* Good manual showing useful techniques
* Standard battery format
* Standard add-on filters
Negative memories:
* Proprietory memory-card format
* Electric menus
My S304 was ultimately passed on to my younger brother (I bought a Samsung DSLR), then returned to me (he bought a Samsung bridge). The S304 was later given to my partner, and again returned to me (I bought her a new Fuji compact).
It's limited 3 mega-pixels and outmoded memory card format mean the S304 is no longer viable.