(See updates posted August 2014 and July 2015 at end of this review)
I originally awarded 4 stars because of battery drain when using flash, but having now used a Canon SX50HS for two years and having found it to be very weak in several areas, I've concluded that for my interests and styles of photography the S7000 leave it for dead. I've now bought two more ... the updates to my original review explain why.
I chose the S7000 a few years back because it would allow me to develop macro photography without the need for separate lenses. I use the barrel which is usually needed for additional lenses, but with a protective AV filter instead. With this in place I can get so close to flowers for photography that the AV filter almost touches them --- the macro mode is BRILLIANT.
Battery life without using flash is OK-ish but if you use flash, it eats them alive. I've tried rechargeables but I need to have lots to hand as their life is also poor. I'm now siwtching to Eneloops which work better.
I'm hoping that there is now a modern Fuji camera of this size and style which uses its own proprietary rechargeable battery. ANYONE KNOW OF ONE THEY CAN RECOMMEND?
Other modes (normal and moderately close) are also good and auto-focusing is usually extremely good and quick. There is a noticeable lag between pressing the button and the shot being taken - but that's not unusual with this type of camera. I've always liked these heavier style cameras, having using Pentax and Nikon SLR's in the past.
If anyone can recommend a more modern Fuji model of the type I've described, I'd be grateful - as might many other review-readers.
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UPDATE 15.08.2014
I eventually bought a Canon SX50HS and have become truly disappointed with the darn thing. It isn't a patch on my old S7000 when it comes to taking the types of photo I like to take (macro, weddings, grandchildren who never stay still etc). The S7000 was much, MUCH better in lower light conditions whereas the SX50 is so bad I switch to using my wife's SX210.
I'm so hacked-off with the SX50HS I will be looking to buy a 2nd hand S7000 instead.
Oh yes - another huge advantage of the Fuji is that it doesn't have too many menus, sub-menus and sub-sub menus. It's straightforward, powerful and so good I may even buy 2 just to be sure I have one for years to come. Battery life IS poor, but that's a small price to pay for reliability and excellent results.
Anyone want an SX50HS - I'll soon be selling mine?
-------------- UPDATE 2 --- JULY 2015 ---------------------------------
I went ahead and bought a replacement S7000 and after using it in conjunction with the Canon, I've confirmed my opinion that FOR ME it does a vastly better job. OK, so the batteries can be a problem (although packs of 50 Duracells are now cheap, and Eneloops are a good alternative option), and the viewscreen is smaller, but for the type of photography that I enjoy, the S7000 wins hands down. AND NO OVER-STUFFED MENUS. I'm now about to buy another S7000 as backup.
It's all a matter of what you need, what you feel comfortable with and what produces the types of result that you want. Others want modern hi-tech features, options and gizmos. I'm happy with the camera that I can use almost as an extension of my own imagination, so I'll be buying a spare in the near future because it won't be long before the S7000 becomes hard to find.
-------------- UPDATE 3 --- JULY 2015 ---------------------------------
I've now bought that additional backup. Interestingly, I contacted one seller who was advertising an S7000 as being 'AS good as new'. They responded quickly and said they were'nt quite sure if they wanted to sell but could guarantee their description as accurate. But - big BUT - when I went back to check, they had INCREASED the asking price by over £20. I didn't like that so I contacted another seller who had just sold two of the three S7000's they originally listed. They still had their most expensive offer for sale but as a consequence of my genuine enquiry, they immediately DECREASED the asking price by £10.00 so that's where my money went.
Both sellers are to be commended for quickly responding, but 'Snap-it-up' are to be especially praised for their excellent attitude to sales and customer relations.
| Package dimensions | 21.6 x 16.8 x 15.8 centimetres |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 1138.54 Grams |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 9.7 x 12.1 x 8.1 centimetres |
| Item Weight | 1.14 Kilograms |
| Brand | Fujifilm |
| Colour | Black |
| Max Focal Length | 210 Millimetres |
| Min Focal Length | 35 Millimetres |
| Model year | 2005 |
| Part number | S7000 |
| Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
| Effective still resolution | 6 MP |
