Fujifilm Finepix SL300 14MP Digital Camera with 30x Optical Zoom (Matte Red) (OLD MODEL)

Before I bought this Fujifilm Fine Pix SL300, I have read so many customers' reviews. Most of them are positive and only few are unsatsifactory. Then, after testing this camera for a few days, I really love this camera because it has all the functions it claims and easy to use it. Panorama is amazingly easy to use. The quality of the pictures I took is extremely clear and bright.(above my expectation). As for other functions, I have to read the user's manual to test them out and they are easy to use in the end. Even though this is a entry level for SLR camera, it's already good enough for me since I am NOT using it professionally. Most SLR costs a lot but this one is an inexpensive model for you to see if you need to go to the sophiscated model. Like my wife said: "This model is complicated enough, don't give me more functions. I only need to take some clear pictures and video. I will be very satisfied if the quality of photos and video is bright & clear." Overall, I'd recommend this camera to others.

This camera takes beautiful photos very simply. As an amateur photographer and not having the time or funds to explore the fancy cameras, I find this camera to be perfect for my needs. I can quickly and easily photograph my daughter or scenery on vacation. This is the best money can buy if your price range is $150-200.The only thing I dislike about this camera is that it is a tad too automatic. I wish that on the rare day I have the time to customize the settings that I would have more options. But for the price, it is a wonderful camera.UPDATE:I was able to use this camera over the weekend in D.C. (Two moths after purchase.) This is the first trip I've taken it on and the first time I've had the opportunity to really see what it can do.I set it on automatic and took several pictures as we walked. If I didn't stop completely, the photos turned out blurry. I did get some beautiful photos of the Washington and Lincoln Memorial at sunset. The color wasn't as vivid in the photos, but that is an easy editing fix.When we were at Ford's Theatre, I had the most difficult time trying to get a decent photo in low lighting. I ended up snapping a few with my iPhone - which much to my surprise turned out quite crisp and clear.I still must say, for the price, I am quite pleased with this purchase.

I bought this camera through a lightning deal for about $130 US. It has a whole lot more features than I'm used to-- I'm not really a technology person. I'm used to just a simple point & shoot kind of camera with not many features, so this camera is a tad overwhelming for me, but I just look at it as an opportunity for me to learn more. It was also more than I was really okay with spending, but its well worth it. I was wanting a better camera than the one I previously had, for more professional-type photos and this was an excellent choice. The user manual that comes with the camera is quite helpful. I keep it in my camera bag just in case I need to look up which setting would be best for whatever type of photo I am taking. I love that you can switch back and forth from the LCD screen and the viewfinder. I find that having the rechargeable battery is so much better than having to put batteries in it. I do recommend buying at least one additional battery, though. I'm just starting to use my camera, trying it out, familiarizing myself with the features....and the fully charged battery was used up quite quickly. I sure hope it doesnt normally drain that fast, but either way, it sucks when your battery dies and then you dont have a backup battery and you cant take pictures till its charged. But again, I think the rechargeable battery is cheaper than continuously going through regular batteries, like some other cameras use. The lens cap is a bit annoying since you have to press the grip levers...I'd rather have one that snaps on. The strap that comes with the camera is good. Feels and looks well made. I LOVE that you can add notes to your photos... I had never had a camera before that was capable of that, so I find this very awesome. You can take a picture, then go to review it and there is an option to add an audio recording to it-- for me this is helpful because when I travel, I can add an audio note so that when I go to look at the pictures later, I will have those notes as a reminder of the exact place I was at. I'm not sure how silhouettes are taken or if this camera is capable, but I'd like to find out. It has a panoramic setting, which I'm learning is pretty neat. The 30x zoom is great-- you can zoom in REALLY close on objects that are far away, and it still picks up on all the detail. I had a little bit of difficulty finding a camera bag. I wanted to buy one locally because I think it easier to return items that way if I get the wrong thing as opposed to when I purchase online. Unfortunately, the stores I went to around here didnt have much of a variety. I am very happy with the bag I got, but if you plan to carry camera accessories with you, you'll be looking at getting, what I consider to be, a large bag. I do wish the user manual was more detailed. For someone like me who isnt used to a camera with so many features, it'd be nice if the manual explained more. There are terms in there that I'm not at all familiar with. Also, I like that there are little indentations for where your thumb and index finger rest. This camera is most suitable for a right handed person.

I was very lucky to be able to buy this on a lightening deal on Thanksgiving day. My camera arrived Monday afternoon in perfect condition.I wanted a camera with a really good, sharp optical zoom and a great macro too. I took photos yesterday and today both zoomed and in the macro mode. Learning the camera takes a little getting used to so be sure to read the manual.The LCD shows an up close view of the item you were taking the photo of after you take the photo, if what you wanted in focus isn't just right, click to move the part you wanted in focus onto the center of the LCD screen and take another photo. Somehow, the cameras is able to sense from this action the area to focus on.Haven't needed the flash, video or panorama yet so I cannot comment on these.I added a 32GB flash card (be sure it is class 10) and bought two more batteries on Amazon. The camera includes a nice neck strap as well as a lens cover. The camera reminds me very much of my 35mm Pentax from 30 years ago. Seems between a true digital SLR and a point and shot digital.I recommend this only to people who really love photography that cannot afford a higher end DSLR. Not a camera for those who only know how to point and shoot.I can tell this is going to be my favorite of all my digital cameras! Can't wait to go to the zoo or nature area.