Can enyone help me .PC World have a digital camera FUJI 3.1x million pixel.6million pixel resolution output.10xoptical zoom. 16Mb memory card. 2.2x digital zoom.1.5"LCD sceen.Will this camera be any good for taking photos of birds .I have am new to this digital stuff as you can see.Ken
Hi Ken,
Do you know which model this is? I can't think of a Fuji with a 10x optical zoom, which means nothing in itself as I don't keep abreast of all cameras. 6 mp output sounds good, but don't forget that half of that is interpolated and adds no extra detail to the image. It's best to think of it as a 3 mp camera+ a bit more.
They do make decent cameras and 10x zoom is just about the best you can expect at the moment, apart from the Panasonic models. One thing to bear in mind though is that a 10x optical zoom is hard to keep steady when hand held unless it has a fast lens (wide aperture and low f number) and preferably an image stabiliser.
Others to consider with 10x optical zooms are the Olympus C7** series. Even better especially if you're just starting off may be the Minolta Dimage Z1, which was only recently launched. I had a good look at one and it is very easy to use and quick in operation. Personally I'm hanging on for the iminent launch of the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 which has a 12x optical zoom, image stabiliser and takes additional teleconverter lenses for a little more reach. An image stabiliser is a must for me.
It's a bargain - and brand new. The Fuji is a very fine camera that will thrill you and is capable of truly stunning results - but I don't think the large front element of the otherwise excellent Fuji lens will work well attached to a telescope. At least that's what I've heard concerning my Fuji S602, which is very similar.