FujiFilm Finepix S2950 review
The FinePix S2950 was added to Fujifilm's range of S-Series long-zoom range of bridge cameras in January 2011. If you are looking for a camera with a large amount of optical zoom, Fujifilm have plenty to offer. The new HS20 replaces the HS10 and has 30x optical zoom, and 16Mp EXR CMOS sensor. In the S range there is the S4000 with 30x optical zoom, the S3200 with 24x, the S1950, S1850, S1800 and S2800HD with 18x and lastly the S1730 and S1700 with 15x. Available in black, the S2950 is available to order now for £169.00.
Fujifilm FinePix S2950: Features
The S2950 has an 18x Fujinon optical zoom lens, 14 megapixel sensor and 3.0in LCD screen. The lens is a 35mm equivalent of 28mm – 504mm and operated using an electric powered zoom lever, which can even be operated during video recording.When using the lens at its longest or in the dark the camera helps to produce sharp images with a mechanically stabilised sensor, high ISO sensitivity and Dual Image Stabilisation technology. To take panoramic images the camera takes three consecutive shots, releasing the shutter automatically and stitches them together.
The S2950 is HD enabled and can playback HD pictures and videos on a HDTV via a HDMI cable, although this is not supplied with the camera.
Other features include Smile and Shoot mode, easy web uploading and the ability to select images in-camera to add to a photobook. Smile and Shoot mode release the shutter automatically when your subject smiles and the Blink Detection function will let you know if your subject has blinked so you can retake the photo. Pictures and videos can be tagged for uploading to FaceBook and YouTube via a PC and My FinePix Studio.
Key Features:
- 14 Megapixel CCD sensor
- Fujinon 18x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-504mm)
- 3.0in LCD screen, 230K dot resolution
- EVF, 200K dot resolution
- Easy web upload to Facebook and YouTube
- HD stills (Full HD) and 720p HD movie capture (30fps)
- HDMI mini port
- Up to ISO6400 (at reduced resolution)
- Face Detection with Blink Detection and Smile and Shoot mode
- SR Auto (Scene Recognition Auto)
- Full Manual Controls
- AF Tracking
- Motion Panorama mode
- Powered by 4x AA batteries
Fujifilm FinePix S2950: Handling
The camera feels remarking small in the hand considering its large lens, but it's not small enough to carry in your pocket. It is well built with rubber grips for your right hand's fingers and thumb. The buttons are conveniently laid out and easy to press. There are dedicated buttons for Face Detection, Continuous Shooting and the Electronic View Finder.The EVF is bright, clear and will appeal to those who like the traditional way of shooting rather than using the screen on the rear. The cameras menus are really easy to navigate and shouldn't prove a challenge for those who are used to compact cameras.
The camera is ready to take pictures within a couple of seconds of switching on and can zoom from one end of the lens to another in around three seconds. There are various methods of continuous shooting on the S2950. Top 3 takes up to three pictures when the shutter is pressed, final three takes up to 40 pictures but only the last three are recorded, long period takes as many as possible until the memoney is full. Top 10 takes 10 pictures when the shutter is pressed, top 20 takes 20 and AE BKT takes three shots each time the shutter is pressed. One shot is taken using the metered value for exposure, one under exposed and one over exposed by the amount set in the shooting menu.
Using the AA batteries provided the S2950 is capable of shooting approximately 300 images but if you require your batteries to last longer then Ni-MH batteries are capable of approximately 500 images and Lithium batteries are capable of approximately 700 shots.
