Review 4 of 4
Summary:
Basically, this camera is a Fuji, although I am not clear whether Leica has added its own lens or not. Leica has made some interesting attachments for macro and copying slides. Whoever makes this camera, it is excellent.
The light gathering sensor boasts a "super" technology, which is supposed to give better results than cameras in the same class and the same results in cameras in higher classes. Although the name of the camera suggests it is a 4 megapixel design, it is actually 2.4, I believe. The claim is that it can make picture files of the larger size. I am not qualified to give an opinion on that, but the results I have gotten are very, very good indeed.
The camera design is interesting. Closed, the lens is covered by a metal cap that is automatic. The small flash also folds into the camera. It does not come up automatically, however. The basic controls are easy to handle. There are automatic settings for portrait, landscape, night pictures, short movies (80 seconds, if I remember correctly, and a general setting. All are had by simply turning a dial. There are also the usual set of menus on the screen (does anyone have the patience to use such menus, ever?). The case is not a traditional design and reminds you of a narrow pack of cigarettes. It fits in the palm of your hand, more or less, so if you are looking for a camera that you can easily carry, this is a good choice. Overall it is well made and sturdy.
You are pretty much relegated to rechargeable batteries, as the camera does not accept lithiums. You can buy an accessory adapter to plug into outside power (something I would recommend if you plan to download pictures directly from the camera to a computer). The best thing is to carry two or three sets of charged batteries in the bag and perhaps to invest in a quick charger.
I had a problem loading software for some reason and then getting help. When I finally did, however, the person with whom I spoke was courteous and spent some time with me.
Whether this is a better choice than another camera is always hard to say, since there are so many choices on the market. On its own, it does a very good job of picture taking and I can easily recommend it. On the other hand, it does not come cheap and for the same money, you may be able to find something more impressive.
At this stage in digital photography, I would not spend huge amounts of money. Photographs from film are still better and you can purchase an excellent film camera for hundreds of dollars less than a digital. To get a good print from a digital, you will need to buy a decent printer and photo quality paper. After all is said and done, depending upon your needs, a sharp point and shoot or good SLR may not really be any more expensive to use and may actually be less so than digital at this stage. Finally, with scanners having come way down in price, it is easy to scan a photo send via email or add to a web page.
Having said all that, the price of ever better digitals will keep coming down over the next few years. Spending too much now is simply not warranted. So while I can recommend this camera to you (you should be pleased with your results), consider the price and alternatives carefully. At $500 this would be a a very good buy today. At $750 or so, I would get less excited. Strengths:
Very good picture taking results, handy design (although not conventional). Weaknesses:
Limited power choices, fairly high price. Similar Products Used:
Olympus 3000 zoom (have not used long enough to make a good comparison
Customer Service:
A bit slow to get through, but courteous in the end.
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