Fuji Finepix F610 Digital Camera [6MP 3xOptical]

It is lightening quick when starting up and even says "Hello".

12m pixel mode is obscenely good. It is incredible how close you can zoom into the pictures you have taken before picture quality degrades. Cropping pictures on the camera is a fantastic option too. You can be creative before you even get to a PC.

For the hardcore photographer, you can turn of all auto features and have a completely manual camera. The great thing is that you can turn the features off individually therefore setting the camera up just as you desire. But when full auto is this good you will only need manual settings when being artistic. The choice of focusing options is very wide, and work exceptionally well.

Just two gripes:

The supplied 16mb memory card supplied is pitiful. I bought the 512mb card from Amazon and have no regrets about the £105. 211 pictures at 12m pixels - nice.

Fuji in their infinate generosity make you buy the camera case seperately. How mean and penny-pinching can you get?

Conclusion: bought this camera and have no regrets. The end.

All these cameras had their advantages but the Fuji Finepix F610 had several features which particularly attracted me. Firstly, it is the only camera which has a 6 megapixel chip, a first for a camera in this price range. I also liked the upright design, which has the effect of minimizing camera shake and makes it easier to take a picture with one hand. The camera also has two display screens, one for composing your pictures and one for adjusting settings, this is a feature normally reserved for more expensive digital SLR cameras.

The first thing I noticed when using the camera is how incredibly fast it is. The F610 starts up quickly and has minimal shutter lag. The twin screens have the effect of making it very easy to access all the cameras features. The camera is also very compact, so you feel you can have it with you all the time and can take a picture at a moments notice. All the pictures I've taken with the camera so far have come out well, at least to my subjective eye, and I'm particularly impressed with its macro abilities.

If I had one small complaint, it would be that because of the cameras unconventional shape, you have to take care when holding it, not to let your fingers cover the flash or get in the way of the lens, but you soon got used to this.

This camera works well as a point and shoot camera, but if that's all you want it for then its probably overkill, especially considering the price. But if you want to have more creative control when taking pictures, with the convenience of a compact camera you can carry with you everywhere, then I can only recommend it.

The only gripe I have is that you have to manually release the flash...but then you don't need it very often because I get great results even in low light conditions, and one handed operation is soooo easy due to the design, that also stands out a bit and looks fantastic.

They are a bit tight by not including a case at this price but then who does!! You do get a 16m card. I bought a 512m card and it stores from 211 in best quality to 1200 on lowest.

To finish I'm very happy with this camera a good intro to digital cameras or even like me a 3rd or 4th one.