Fujifilm FinePix S1800 12.2 MP Digital Camera

Fujifilm FinePix S1800 - 12MP, Fujinon 18x Wide Optical Zoom (28 - 504mm), 3.0" LCD + Viewfinder. Other features include: Face Detection w/ Red Eye Removal, Face Recognition, Tracking Auto Focus, Dual Image Stabilization, High Sensitivity 6400 ISO, 6 Scene - SR Auto Automatic Scene Recognition, Panorama Mode, HD Movie 720p w/ Sound, Instant Zoom/Zoom Bracketing, Smile/Blink Detection Mode, 4-AA Batteries.

Features

• 12.2-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD for photo-quality poster-sized prints
• Fujinon 18x wide-angle optical zoom lens (28mm wide-angle to 504mm telephoto); Dual Image Stabilization
• Capture movies in HD quality 720p resolution
• 3.0-inch high-contrast LCD and Electronic View Finder
• Track a moving subject automatically for still picture capture

Customer Reviews

  A lot of camera for your money.
If you are one of those digital camera users who want some of the high end features of an SLR without the big price tag this might be right for you. It is so new hardly anyone knows it is slowly coming out on the market. Got mine at a special launch on HSN. Though there have been mixed reviews as to how good it is I don't have any complaints. Like zoom capability? The Fuji S-18 has as much as anyone practically needs. My only knock is you have use a tripod when using full zoom power unless you have a steady hand. The super Macro feature is great too if you like getting things really close up. Amazing resolution overall. The 3 inch LCD is nice but like all LCDs is hampered in bright light conditions, super sunny days. Thats where the good old Standard View finder comes in handy. It is better than most and works great in all conditions, even if you have wear glasses like me. Indoors or on less sunny days the LCD is just fine. There are a lot of really great features that are easy to use and figure out even if you don't ever read the operation manual you can upload on to your computer. Good all around product if you are looking for an upgrade or even a first time buyer. At the price point it sells for you get a lot of camera for a very good price. Though it uses AA batteries, alchaline or rechargables, and they seem to last a long time. Got a great little battery from Amazon that brings your batteries back to life in almost no time at home or on the road. You don't have to worry about fidling around with your camera settings and killing your batteries befor you take a picture....like me. Check it out. Nice camera based on Fugi's S-15 with a couple of extras thrown in. Recommended!


  An excellent choice for the price
I've been looking for a camera for months now, so when given the opportunity to review this Fujifilm FinePix S1800, I jumped at the chance. As with any product, there are good and bad aspects to the camera. The real and final question will always come down to whether the good outweighs the bad. In this case, I would say you definitely get your money's worth, and then some.

First thing you will notice about this camera is that it is LIGHT and small! Then, you'll be amazed by the zoom! Definitely two large pluses for someone who doesn't enjoy lugging around heavy cameras for their zoom capabilities.

Having said that, and having used SLRs in the past, as well as regular point-and-shoot digital cameras, I knew that I wanted my next camera to not have that 'lag' between the time I hit the shutter and when the picture is finally taken. I don't want to wait around 2 or 3 seconds (which seems like not a long time, but even so, it's annoyingly long when you're trying to hold up a camera and pray that you won't move it by accident) for the picture to be taken only to find out something went wrong. With SLRs it's instant and that's what I was looking for. With the FinePix S1800, it's almost instant, and considering this is about half the price of the cheapest SLR that I would get (a Canon rebel), that's perfect for me.

I have to agree that the digital display on the camera is a bit 'grainy', I have found this mainly on point-and-shoot cameras, not on SLRs. In the end the quality is good but not at the level of a more professional (and more expensive) camera. Then again, you have a lot of options with which to make it a better picture, and depending on lighting, exposure, etc., you might get exactly what you want. But leaving it on auto will not produce the same type of picture, quality wise, as an SLR on the same setting. In the end, for 230 dollars, you definitely get a good quality camera and one that non-professionals can at least experiment with and enjoy.

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Sony Alpha A330L 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera

High sensitivity (ISO 3200) for superior noise reduction , Super-quick AF response to catch the perfect moment , Up to 2.5 fps shooting while using the optical viewfinder , Built-in pop-up flash and integrated accessory shoe , Advanced Anti-Dust Technology keeps imager clean , Stamina® battery power for up to 510 shots.

Features

• 10.2-megapixel APS-size CCD image sensor for ultra-fine detail
• Included SAL1855 18-55mm standard zoom lens
• SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization; Eye-Start Autofocus
• Tiltable, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display (upward by up to 135 degrees, downward by up to 55 degrees)
• Compatible with high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (sold separately)

Customer Reviews

  Outstanding Entry Level DSLR
This is my first DSLR camera. I have spent some time looking for the perfect beginner's camera and finally decided to go with the Alpha 330. Simply a great camera and I recommend it to anyone looking an entry level DSLR. The photo quality is outstanding, the handling and ease of use make it convenient, and the price can not be matched by competition. Since I've had it for a while, I can attest to the quality of Sony's DSLR. The camera feels great in your hand. The whole thing about the grip being too small is nonsense. Once you get used to it, other cameras just feel too big. Make sure to compare features, and definitely don't listed to the Nikon / Cannon fanboys, at least don't listen blindly. Check out the features, decide what's important to you -- Best in class liveview or faster burst mode?, for example -- and then choose the camera for you. The bottom line is that Nikon and Cannon ( and other manufactures for that matter) provide wonderful products, but that is not a reason to take away from Sony, as some reviewers do. Regardless, compare features and offering from everyone competing for your business in your price range and than choose the best camera to suit your needs. In my case, Sony Alpha won hands down. I simply love it.


  Awesome entry level dSLR
This is a fantastic product for an entry level dSLR user. It may be a great camera for an intermediate or advanced user too, but as I have little experience with photography, I really can't speak to the more advanced demographic. To research my purchase I spent time in two different brick-and-mortar camera shops. When I explained that I use a point and shhot digital and that I had experience 15 years ago with a 35mm film SLR, both shops instantly directed me to the Sony Alpha line (and to the A330 in specific when I disclosed my price range). They said that for the price, its the best quality camera in town and the only camera in the range with a tilting LCD for live view (They also mentioned that SOny makes most of the sensors used in Nikon and Canon dSLRs) which has already come in handy. The menus and display options are what really sold me. The menu interface when shooting on aperature and speed priority mode are very straight forward and the location of the scroll wheel is perfect for making changes without moving yout eye from the viewfinder. Changing the aperature, shutter speed, white balance, ISO, auto-focus area and all other in-the-moment settings are very easy and therefore fast. If you remember to look and pay attention the two different LCD displays make your shot all but dumie proof (which helps me a lot) and in live view you can get a histogram and a few more options to help optomize your shot. The body feels very solid in my hand and, despite being an entry level lens, I have captuered some great wild life and macro shots in the month that I have owned the camera. I have cropped some shots up to 60% and, on a 4x6 print, you would never know it was blown up.

Over all I am excited about my purchase and the quality that Sony is putting into A330.

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DiCAPac WPS10 Waterproof Case for SLR/DSLR Cameras

The DICAPac WP-S10 Waterproof Case will protect your SLR camera when you are using it at the beach, swimming, kayaking, skiing, fishing, sailing, snorkeling or diving. This is a PVC vinyl housing with a polycarbonate lens. It can be used with SLR cameras. The housing meets JIS IPX8 requirements for underwater usage.

Features

• Waterproof underwater housing usable up to 16.4' (5.0 m)
• Meets standard requirements for JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) IPX8 at 0.5 water pressure (underwater 5.0m), tested for 30 minutes
• Has port for lenses 2.0" (50mm) to 6" (150mm) long
• UV coating polycarbonate on the lens for clear pictures
• Ideal for taking pictures in the rain, at the beach, or on the ski slopes

Customer Reviews

  You get what you pay for...
Hard shell cases cost thousands of dollars but give you full control. This bag is a little more than a Benjamin, and gives you almost no control over the camera.
It is hard to look through the viewfinder and virtually impossible to change any settings. So you'll have to set the camera to P-mode (or "automatic") and hope for the best. Even then you'll have to press the glass window against the lens to prevent vignetting. Dicapac is suggesting the existence of lens adapter rings (which would fix the position of the glass window against the front element) but I have not seen those yet.

So, despite all the shortcomings, four stars? Yes, because for a very small amount this bag WILL allow you to use your SLR under water. Although rated for something like 20' I would not try it out that deep, but I felt perfectly safe using it in a pool. Once the sealing is properly closed the camera is perfectly safe and I sense that the recommendation in the manual to test the bag in a bathtub (with a tissue inside the bag instead of a camera) is more to test the user's ability to close the bag properly (it is a bit tricky) than anything else.

Do not expect a perfect product - you will start to appreciate the specialized hard shells when using this. But it is still a great opportunity to use an SLR under water and for that I think it offers great value.


  Great overall
Overall, this is a great product and allows you to take stunning underwater photos (way better than a waterproof point and shoot) It does take some getting used to though, and it's main drawback (as has been noted by other reviewers) is , because of the unneccesary hard plastic casing over the lens area, the lack of the ability to move the zoom ring on the barrel of a standard SLR lens. This drawback in itself will affect sales. Dicapac should do two things. Keep this model for people who want to use it for large zoom lenses-where you can move the zoom- and make another model which has a soft plastic casing over the lens area which would allow the zoom to be used on a smaller standard lens. I I sympathise with the guy who said he had a leak with hi product but I think this is very rare other wise there'd be lots of such stories on the internet (which there isn't. I did some research before buying this) But in general this is essential for ocean shots, swim shots, pool shots, rain shots, etc etc. A slightly flawed but excellent product, and it's a great price too

  Better than expected 
I bought dicapac under the influence of my friend, if it was up to me, i'd never buy it, thinking what good can come from a housing this cheap? nevertheless, i decided to try, and when i got the package i was surprised, because i was expecting something less reliable. we tried it out many times during the end of the summer, and had no problem with it - only good photos. the only problem that comes to mind, is its really hard to fiddle with controls in the water, -not impossible, but takes time. and you'd have to take really good care of it, which goes for everything you emerge in salt water, like goggles, etc.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 12.1 MP Live MOS Interchangeable Lens Camera

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G2 is a digital, interchangeable lens system camera with a movable LCD that allows for touch-control, and the successor to the award-winning and revolutionary Lumix G1, which was the world's first Micro Four Thirds digital camera. The intuitive touch-control shooting elevates the camera's operability, letting the user adjust auto focus (AF) simply by touching the subject on the large 3.0-inch 460,000-dot high- resolution LCD. The Lumix G2, also shoots 720p High Definition video using the AVCHD Lite format, and joins the Lumix G10 as part of the Lumix G Micro System.

Features

• Touch-screen operation with 3-inch free-angle LCD and Contrast AF system
• Includes Lumix G Vario 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens
• Dual Full-time Live View for LCD and LVF
• 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Intelligent Resolution technology
• HD Movie in AVCHD Lite and HDMI compatibility featuring Viera Link

Customer Reviews

   Great addition to micro four thirds
Impressive little camera! Focus very fast and the touchscreen ability is a plus! At first, I thought it was just a marketing gimmick but really adds to the overall experience allowing to change settings faster in conjuction with buttons. My only complaint is that the panasonic's jpeg engine still needs work. That's no problem for me though, because I shoot raw and process them using Lighroom 3. The body's build quality is impresse and feels very sturdy. The lens performs great but feels a little cheap in contrast with the camera body.

Great well thought product.


  Great for a beginner like me!
This is my first system camera, I've owned it for about two months. I'm a young mom with a young baby, and a point and shoot doesn't do it for me anymore, especially while taking photos of my little one who likes to run around and hide in dark spaces. This camera is just the ticket. It's lighter and smaller than my hubby's Olympus DSLR, so I am able to lug it around with a diaper bag and a toddler in tow. I love tweaking the manual settings, and this camera is packed with it. The touch screen (and the dedicated quick menu button) is awesome. Very useful for making quick adjustments, and with a subject that doesn't stay still, this comes in pretty handy. And I'm really loving the swivel screen, perfect for self portraits and odd angle photography. And when the camera isn't being used, just turn the screen inward so it's protected from scratches. The dedicated iA and movie buttons are really helpful too (although I never use iA myself, the rest of my family don't know how to use this camera and that's where the iA button comes in). I'm very satisfied with the images this camera produces. I've just recently learned to tweak it enough to produce sharp, crisp, bright and vibrant images that sometimes I hardly need to do any post processing.
I don't mind it not having an in-camera stabilization.. aside from the kit lens, the only other lens I use it with is the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens for Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Cameras that lacks image stabilization, but I hardly get any blurred photos because that particular lens is very fast. I'm not so sure how this camera performs with other lenses.

Two things that I think may be improved:
1. The lens mount does feel plasticky, compared to other DSLRs I've borrowed, but it seems pretty sturdy.
2. Above ISO 800, I see a lot of noise.

If you are a mom like me looking to take great pictures of your kids, and like to mess around with manual settings (because this camera is complicated -- at least from a beginner's perspective), I'm pretty sure this camera will suit your needs, and I highly recommend it.  

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Sony A390 Digital SLR Camera

The Sony α390 DSLR camera brings you the freedom of Live View, which lets you compose and shoot photos using a tiltable 2.7" (diag.) LCD screen. SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization reduces blur in every shot, while 14.2 megapixel resolution preserves those special moments in spectacular clarity and detail.

Features

• Live View with Quick Auto Focus
• SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization
• 14.2 MP resolution for ultra-fine detail
• Lightweight and stylish body for improved handling
• Integrated on-screen Help Guide for easy operation

Customer Reviews

  Beats Canon and Nikon Basic SLRs
This is an excellent camera with many cool features! I compared this with the Nikon D3000 and the Canon Rebel XS, and ended up with this one due to the extra megapixels (14.1 vs. 10.1) and features. The image stabilization is actually in the camera, not in the lenses as with the other 2 cameras mentioned (and then only in the more expensive lenses). Very easy to use. Nice to have the "guide book" with you at all times built into the camera. The tilting live screen is also very handy when taking photos over a crowd or down low and not wanting to get down on your knees to take it. Just remember to purchase a higher speed memory card with the camera. Excellent photo quality - definitely worth the money!


  Great DSLR for Beginners!
Great DSLR for the amateur photographer! The other reviewers basically covered everything that needs to be said.

14.2 MP (like the more expensive models), the tilting screen (note: can only tilt out then up or down, the higher end Sony aDSLR's have the one that rotates), Really great camera! BUY IT NOW!!!

  Impressive image quality and ease of use 
I am a college photography instructor and have had a ton of cameras over the years. This is my go-to camera and the first one I pick up. I love the fact that the image stabilization is built into the body and not the lens. The Live View mode makes teaching with this so easy, as well as for a student to understand. The color quality from this Sony beats my old Nikon hands down. For the price, this is an AWESOME camera, and super easy to use, whether it be on auto or manual.

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Professional Series dSLR Zoom Holster

 

USA Gear Deluxe SLR Camera Holster
USA Gear brings you an extremely convenient, versatile, and functionally sound SLR camera holster.

Protection
With it's RIPStop Rhino-Nylon Exterior, HARD SHELL Water-Proof EVA Bottom, and Impact-Safe Internal Suspension System, your SLR camera is provided with excellent protection not matter where you are traveling.

Storage
With the photographer in mind, USA Gear has thought of how to allow the SLR camera user to have a compact, rugged holster while offering as much storage space as possible. The Internal Suspension System has been designed to accommodate your SLR with attached battery grips and standard zoom lenses(up to 5.0 inches in length and 3.5 inches in diameter). Hiding below the Internal Suspension system are two accessory pockets. There are also two accessory pockets on the inside lid of the case. The exterior also provides two spacious side pockets, and one easily accessible Velcro front pocket. Use these 7 pockets to store extra batteries, lens filters, memory cards, cables, lens/sensor/lcd cleaning supplies and much more!
USA Gear brings you a well designed, compact holster that fits more than just your SLR camera!

Features 

• Innovative Hammock Suspension System - cradles and isolates your camera to protect it from high-impact drops and collisions ; Accomodates SLR Cameras with Zoom Lens and Battery grips attached
• 7 Well-Designed Pockets for Additional Accessories
• Weather-Proof, Durable RIPStop Nylon and Water Proof EVA HARD SHELL Bottom to make sure your camera is safe!
• Included adjustable padded shoulder strap - Removable if you want to carry the case by it's handle
• QUALITY GUARANTEED - USA Gear 3-Year Warranty

Customer Reviews

  the PERFECT case!
I have A LOT of camera stuff, and I've had A LOT of bags to hold all that stuff. Lately though, I've really been wanting an every day walk around bag thats not too big, but still can hold at least my camers, two small lenses, and some other small things like memory cards, cables, batteries, etc. Oh, and I didn't want to pay a lot of money for it. I came across this bag on amazon, and took a chance. I hadn't really heard of the company USA GEAR and I'm so glad I took that chance and bought the case. It's really light weight, very durable and, and best of all, holds everything i need it to plus more! It comfotably fits my D40 with 18-55 lens and my space 35mm lens. The hammock inside suspends my camera so there is no pressure on the lens or body. It has like seven pockets for my memory cards, batteries, filters, keys, and a granola bar haha! It's just a really great functional bag that I honestly use every single day now. I'm thinking about buying another one actually, and one as a gift for a friend of mine.


  Good for the price
I bought if for my Nikon D5000 with kit lens. The camera fits perfectly.
The build quality is quite good, I love the hard (rubberized plastic) bottom which can protect the case in extreme weather conditions or even on beach on some wet sand.
The top zipper seems a bit flimsy and I am afraid to pull it harder. It is quite hard to open the zipper with one hand. Shoulder strap is adjustable and case can be positioned quite comfortable, and it is very lightweight. I would definitely recommend this one to someone seeking a non-expensive holster case.

  Excellent camera bag
This is a great camera bag for the money.
Well made and it holds my Canon digital rebel camera and stuff.
The hard case bottom is excellent and the sling inside keeps the camera from bouncing around. I would recommend this camera bag to anyone.  

 
 

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera

The LUMIX G1 Ultra-Compact Digital Interchangeable Lens camera is as easy to use as a compact digital camera. It's a new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera that does away with the mirror box and complies with the new Micro Four Thirds System standard. It also features Full-time Live View for compact digital camera shooting ease and iA Intelligent Auto) for beautiful photos with point-and-shoot simplicity. In short, the G1 writes an entirely new chapter in the evolution of the digital interchangeable lens camera.

Features

• 12.1-megapixel 4/3-type MOS sensor; world's first Micro Four Thirds camera
• Includes Lumix G Vario 14 - 45 mm F3.5 - F5.6 ASPH.Mega OIS lens
• Live View Finder and bright 460,000-dot resolution, 3.0-inch LCD
• New Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function; Face Detection and Intelligent Auto (iA) mode
• Capture images to SD/SDHC/Multimedia cards (not included)

Customer Reviews

  Great Camera, finally a little camera alternative
I am a professional photographer and I have looked for a perfect take-it-anywhere camera since I abandoned my Nikon 28Ti when I stopped shooting film. I have had everything in the small camera class from the original Nikon Cp950 to the Panasonic LX3. I had Canon G9 &10s, the Pro-1, various Fujis and a Ricoh compact. None of them came close to delivering the sort of image I get from a real DSLR. For a while I used a Canon Rebel TXi, but it just wasn't a size savings because the lenses are so big.

Enter the G1. It's very small, but still easy to use and hold steady. The lenses are tiny. You can use Leica-M lenses with a cheap adapter. The image quality is right there with a DSLR. Not quite as good as a Canon 5D at ISO 800, but fully useable at everything up to 1600 ISO. The G1 at 800 is better than the G10 at 100.

I highly recommend this camera to any serious photographer looking for a small, high quality alternative to a big DSLR with way better quality than even the best small sensor camera.

Tom Kachadurian


  Best Bang for the Buck
This camera is awesome. Bought it for my daughter to teach her photography and was absolutely blown away by its output. It has the best dynamic range per $ I have ever encountered. What a treat.

I shoot with a Canon 1DsMKIII and MKIII and must say that DR is as good as my MKIII, which to date I have considered the best. Of course one needs to put that comment into perspective as the G1 is no MKIII nor does it have the pro features or capabilities.

But for those looking for an "entry" level DSLR on a "budget" this is the one.

Yeah, it doesn't have built in video, which is the new craze, but if you don't need it big deal. My main complaint with this camera is the electronic viewfinder, which needs lots and lots of improvement.

Controls are well laid out for the beginner or advanced photographer, auto-bracketing and bracketing in general a snap. With HDR I tend to use AB much more often than I did and this camera makes it a snap. While there are those who will argue about HDR, for me it is a must and the ease of AB is a big concern for me.

In summary, this new technology, is awesome with better and better things on the horizon. You won't be sorry buying this camera; whether you are looking for an entry level DSLR or a light weight carry around to supplement your high end gear it will be hard to put this thing down once you see its awesome images pop up on your computer screen.

  Great compact interchangeable lens camera 
This camera has been great thus far. I have a Nikon D200 and D300. Three Elph Powershots, an Olympus 1050 and others. The fact that this camera is so compact and so sharp with excellent versatility and features makes it a unique and balanced addition to the others. It is so tight and compact and it has done an excellent job under a variety of conditions.

The camera records very detailed images and is able to maintain that detail at lower shutter speeds in despite of the O.I.S. The white balance appears excellent on the LCD but has not been great under certain conditions which have been easily corrected.

Focus is quick, battery life is good, color rendition is quite good and there is not much more to ask for when looking to complement a pro SLR. This camera can go where you want without the liability or the excess weight and it takes superb images. The tests will prove it.
Printed images should be good. It has been skiing in the Alps and the images have needed almost nothing. White balance is good when you don't have to think to hard about it or when a camera is consistent. The color rendition of skin tones under a variety of conditions is excellent and that includes the flash. The contrast detect AF is great but has not been tested with bursts or ultra low light. Nonetheless, this camera is a winner in my book and will most likely become a cult camera if it does not get adopted widely. It has worked very, very well thus far.

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