My New Digital Camera: Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd 10MP

This is my new digital camera: Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd 10 MP (3x Optical zoom). I research a lot of camera, but I decided to go with Fuji. Basically, I was looking for a point and shoot (P&S) camera that:

• Performs well in low-lit indoor activities
• has fast shutter speed
• takes clear night time pictures
• takes high quality outdoor pictures
• is small, not bulky
• is capable of taking videos

Well, Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd does that and more.

- Low-Light Environment - Do not be afraid to take pictures if the room is poorly-lit. Fuji can use room lighting and still takes sharp photos.

- Shutter Speed - Shutter lag is the Achilles' heel of P&S camera. Fuji in my opinion is the best camera that has a minimal shutter lag (delay of taking pictures when button is pressed). However, the delay increases for low-lit environment, which is true in all P&S digital camera.

- Night Time Pictures - Fuji captures natural color of objects in the night time setting. The scenery is still sharp, and colors are vivid.

- Small and Stylish - Fuji comes in different colors, mine is black/gray. It is small -- smaller than a cellphone (Blackberry 9210), only wider and thicker by a hair. The lens doesn't not come out when you turn it on (you slide the cover to turn on) or when you zoom. It is a huge advantage as it eliminates bulkiness.

- Video Capabilities - Fuji can take videos as well. It has a different button, so you do not have to go to menu or turn other wheels. MPEG 4 format, and it offers two frame sizes.

OTHERS

- Intelligent Face Detection - One command can detect if the subject has a face. Very cool to avoid red-eye reduction and blurriness of the face.

- Tons of Pre-set Modes - There's AUTO (default), Beach, Sports, Auction, Beach, Night time, Museum to name a few. Of course, there's also the Manual if you want to configure your own setting.

- BATTERY and Memory Cards - Product comes with battery and charger. Battery life is okay, it charges 2-3 hours if your battery is fully exhausted. The camera is compatible with xd, sd/sdhc cards.


OVERALL

Overall, I am very happy with this purchase. It's easy to use and manipulate. The menu and settings are very easy to follow. Although manual setting is available, I am not using it all because of the fantastic pre-set options. I would recommend this camera if you are a kind of person who likes to carry a camera with you when you go out. It's very slim and small, and you do not have to wait if you turn it on. you'll definitely capture the moment the way you want it.