Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd
Manufacturer: Fujifilm Part number: 15774199
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Fuji's S8000fd 18x megazoom has a nice body design and offers a commendable level of control, but its mediocre image quality and sluggish performance blights what could otherwise be an excellent camera.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/03/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd price range: $444.95
- Reviewed by: Philip Ryan
- Reviewed on: 11/19/2007
The good: Long 18x optical zoom lens with 27mm-equivalent wide angle; nice manual exposure controls; sensor-shift image stabilization.
The bad: Sluggish performance; mediocre image quality; no hotshoe; no RAW capture.
The bottom line: Fuji's S8000fd 18x megazoom has a nice body design and offers a commendable level of control, but its mediocre image quality and sluggish performance blights what could otherwise be an excellent camera.
One of the best reasons to consider a megazoom is the fact that you get a big zoom range in a small package, so you don't have to carry around huge SLR lenses and, more importantly, you don't have to pay the huge prices for those SLR lenses. Fujifilm's FinePix S8000fd sports an 18x optical zoom lens that covers a 35mm-equivalent range of 27mm-to-486mm with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-to-f/4.5. Given that a lot of megazooms start around a not-so-wide 36mm with their zooms, this camera's lens should make group portraits or big landscapes easier to frame.
With its well-sculpted, rubberized grip and another nicely contoured and rubberized area for your thumb, the S8000fd is more comfortable to hold than some megazooms. However, the F button, which leads you to the FinePix menu that lets you change ISO, image quality/size, and color mode settings, is located too close to where your thumb goes, and I accidentally pressed it a few times during my field tests. Other than that, the buttons are placed well. The only button not on the right hand side of the camera is the flash button, which is logically placed on the left side of the flash itself.
Close scrutiny shows that the FinePix S8000fd has a lot in common with Olympus' SP-550 UZ. Both use 1/2.35-inch CCD sensors that are a touch smaller than the 1/2.5-inch sensor in Panasonic's 18x megazoom Lumix DMC-FZ18. Also, both have the same zoom range, since they have identically-spec'ed lenses, and both include sensor-shift image stabilization. Their bodies are very similar in layout, though the Olympus is a touch smaller and has a nice grip around the barrel of the lens, but its main grip isn't as nicely shaped as this Fuji's grip. The biggest difference between the two is that the SP550UZ is a 7.1-megapixel camera, while the S8000fd has an 8-megapixel CCD.
The S8000fd includes most of the features you'd expect to find in a megazoom. The two biggest omissions are a hotshoe and RAW capture. As mentioned above, the S8000fd includes sensor-shift image stabilization in contrast to the DMC-FZ18's optical image stabilization. While sensor-shift IS has a reputation of being inferior to optical IS, I got impressive results from the S8000fd. In my field tests, I was able to capture a sharp image shooting at 1/150 second and the lens zoomed all the way to its 486mm limit. Without image stabilization, I would have had to shoot at 1/500 second to get those results. Fuji also includes an ISO-boost mode that they also refer to as an IS mode. However, as always, higher ISOs bring with them more noise and less sharpness.
As has become the trend, the S8000fd includes face detection, but this camera uses Fuji's original algorithms rather than the newer system incorporated into its little sister, the FinePix F50fd. Still, it does a good job of finding faces in your shots and tends to lose track of the faces if it can't find both eyes, while the newer version can find faces even if they are in profile. Once the camera finds the faces, it uses them to help determine focus and exposure so the camera won't make a mistake and focus on something in the background instead of Grandma's lovely smile.
Control freaks will appreciate the S8000fd's manual exposure controls, which give you up to 10 choices for apertures spanning f/2.8 through f/8 and 40 shutter speeds ranging from 4 seconds to 1/2000 second. The interface for those controls could be better, though. Rather than including any thumb or finger wheels, you have to press the exposure compensation button and then use the control pad to set aperture and/or shutter speed. One, or even better two, wheels would make the process a lot smoother of an experience. Still, it's nice to see manual exposure controls with this many choices, since some only include two or three choices for apertures.
While not as slow between shots as the Olympus SP550UZ, the S8000fd is far from a speed demon and can't even nearly keep up with the SP550UZ's burst rate. The camera took 3.1 seconds to start up and capture its first JPEG. Subsequent JPEGs took 2.6 seconds between shots with the flash turned off and 2.9 seconds with the flash turned on. Shutter lag proved slightly sluggish, measuring 0.8 second in our high contrast test and 2 seconds in our low contrast test, which mimic bright and dim shooting conditions, respectively. In our continuous shooting test, we were able to capture 8.1-megapixel images at a dismal average rate of 0.5 frame per second.
Image quality could also have been better and ends up about on par with the Olympus. While colors look accurate and the camera's automatic white balance does a fine job of serving up neutral colors in all sorts of lighting conditions, images are not as sharp as we would have liked. We saw very little colored fringing and even then only under the most extreme circumstances. In some cases, the camera tended to underexpose a little when using the Average metering mode, which uses the entire scene to determine exposure.
Noise is not the S8000fd's strong suit. I saw some noise even at the camera's lowest ISO setting of ISO 64, though you probably won't notice noise in prints until you reach ISO 200. Even then, artifacts should be minimal, and Fuji's noise-reduction algorithms don't degrade sharpness appreciably until ISO 400. However, prints should still be very usable at that sensitivity. By ISO 800, images lose a lot of their sharpness, along with a noticeable amount of shadow detail. ISO 1,600 images become heavily blurred and have a very granular look with off-color and white speckles covering the images. Fuji includes ISO 3,200 and ISO 6,400 at a reduced resolution of 4 megapixels. This does help keep noise from becoming much worse than it is at ISO 1,600. However, I didn't see any advantage, either. I'd stay below ISO 800 when shooting with the S8000fd whenever possible and don't recommend shooting at ISO 1,600 or above at all.
If forced to choose between the S8000fd and the SP550UZ, I'd probably go with the Fuji, but only based on its faster performance. Of the trio of 18x zooms, the
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User reviews
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This camera is CRAZY!!!!
by paulndyment on October 5, 2007
Pros: Face recognition 2.0 (Automatic red eye removal *new feature) , Dual Image stablization, 18x zoom & wide angle in same packaged lens, Super macro.
Cons: It isn't 12 MP... oh well, the 18x zoom makes up for it.
Summary: If you like maximum control with the option of being lazy sometimes, buy this camera, you won't regret it.
I had the Fuji s7000 for years until I dropped ...Summary: If you like maximum control with the option of being lazy sometimes, buy this camera, you won't regret it.
I had the Fuji s7000 for years until I dropped it and I could only take video. The s7000 took the best pictures... the manual settings allowed for some incredible shots. Super macro is what got me into photography in the first place, and the vibrant colors that you get with Fuji is incomparable.
Face detect 2.0 with automatic red eye removal. Most cameras have red eye removal but it is manual. If you want the red eyed version the camera keeps the flawed version "just-in-case."(technology is really coming along)
18x zoom... 5.1x digital zoom... total zoom power = 91.8 zoom capability built in. (Just don't let it get in the hands of a peeping tom.)
Blurry photos with zoom??? Not a problem, dual-image stabilization, it corrects the shaking of your hands and the motions of your subject.
Real photo technology... No more washed out flash photography. Fuji has this awesome feature that you need to see to believe. I hated flashes until they came up with this.
Bottom line... Worth every penny.13 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Except For One Design Flaw
by barry_dfw on October 5, 2007
Pros: Amazing Zoom Quality,User Friendly,Sharp Pics
Cons: Flimsy USB Port Door, That's All
Summary: Two months ago I purchased the Fuji S700 camera
and liked it so much, I almost bought another one until I saw the S8000FD at only $45.00 more.I ...Summary: Two months ago I purchased the Fuji S700 camera
and liked it so much, I almost bought another one until I saw the S8000FD at only $45.00 more.I just got it today and am truly amazed at how sharp the zoom pics are at full 18X mode. Close ups in macro mode are just as impressive.I put memory cards in the slots on my computer but if you hook up the camera's USB port connection, be careful, the door has a feeling like it's about to break off. Perfect camera for any setting.They should not call this one a "point and shoot"13 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Camera - Does IT All!
by kirkmerritt on October 12, 2007
Pros: Like a DSLR and 3 lenses in one compact package
Cons: Some design flaws
Summary: Have had toe S8000fd for one week. In a word, stunning! The specs are impressive and the performance lives up to the specs. The 18X zoom with dual IS produces ...
Summary: Have had toe S8000fd for one week. In a word, stunning! The specs are impressive and the performance lives up to the specs. The 18X zoom with dual IS produces great pictures, even hand held. The macro and super macro perform equally well. Using a Sandisk 2GB ExtremeIII the shots are processed very quickly. Bottom line, this camera does what an $800 DSLR + a $1600 zoom + a $600 macro (=$3000) will do $2600 less! The control features are very good and intuitive. The picture quality is great with very natural color saturation.
Fuji's design engineering fell down in a few places. The connection "door" feels cheep, the battery access door isn't easy to use and the camera won't accept filters. This is my 3rd digital camera and, so far, great.8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Gives good pictures when You become familiar with it.
by alhamn on December 25, 2007
Pros: Picture and video as good as the other superzooms. Eternal battery life
Cons: No zoom in video. Flash overexpose when auto+close object.. Exposure and focus measure in center when auto. Takes time to get used to. No zoom when video.
Summary: The Editors rewiev is full of faults. I found about 5 wrong in facts (for instance is the sensor bigger than in Panasonic FZ18) and lot of dubious opinions. Some ...
Summary: The Editors rewiev is full of faults. I found about 5 wrong in facts (for instance is the sensor bigger than in Panasonic FZ18) and lot of dubious opinions. Some critics mean that S8000fd donīt give sharp pictures. I you want sharp, just press a button for sharp. Normal is soft. Which I prefer i 90% of my pictures. Since the My rating means not that this is one the best cameras on the market. But for the price, I think it is one of the absolutely best. (Excuse of spelling. Iīm Swedish)
6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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good camera body / pictures not slightly fuzzy
by shutterbuggy on November 27, 2009
Pros: The camera body is good and has a nice feel. Nice zoom operation.
Cons: Tried everything and the pictures are not as clear as they should be.I found that Fuji lower models of cameras took much better pictures than this one. I would NOT recommend the finepix S8000fd
Summary: I find I have to take a lot of pictures to make sure I get a clear one. The auto focus does not work well. I have used lower models ...
Summary: I find I have to take a lot of pictures to make sure I get a clear one. The auto focus does not work well. I have used lower models of fuji cameras and they took much better pictures than this model.
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Cheap semi-pro piece of kit
by barneysbull on August 26, 2008
Pros: The price - the spec.
Cons: Build quality leaves a little to be desired
Summary: At the price, nothing on the market realistically compares.
Summary: At the price, nothing on the market realistically compares.
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A Dream Come True
by Call_Me on June 3, 2008
Pros: EVERYTHING I always wanted
Cons: Wish I had it 50 years ago!
Summary: I've taken photos my entire life. I specialize in bugs, birds, and blooms. I started out with a Brownie, then a SLR Canon with 1000 pounds of lenses and ...
Summary: I've taken photos my entire life. I specialize in bugs, birds, and blooms. I started out with a Brownie, then a SLR Canon with 1000 pounds of lenses and finally a couple of SONY Cybershots. This little camera, which I bought from HSN, is the camera I wish I'd had my entire life! Light-weight, lightening fast, and takes macro-close ups worthy of National Geographic. I bought rechargable batteries and can shoot for 4 hours with no problem. Thanks to this camera, my sales of nature photos are up 33% and I've only had it for 6 weeks. I love it!!!
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Taking some amazing pictures with ease
by jlewko on May 20, 2008
Pros: Lite, compact
Cons: That darn f-mode button
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Autofocus causes problems
by jblomquist on May 14, 2008
Pros: Value for price
Cons: Focus has issues
Summary: I received this camera as a gift and initially was thrilled with the 18x zoom. Since my initial love I have found that the autofocus often focuses on something other ...
Summary: I received this camera as a gift and initially was thrilled with the 18x zoom. Since my initial love I have found that the autofocus often focuses on something other than what I am trying to photograph such as the braches in the background if I am shooting at a bird.
Using the auto settings I have found that taking pictures of people causes bluring if they move at all unless I use the flash.
The image quality is descent but no better than my Sony DSC-S75 point for everyday picture taking (birthdays, weddings, candid shots). I find myself using the Sony for most situations and the Fuji when I need the zoom or if I can take the time to set the manual settings. If I set the settings manually instead of using the auto focus the images seem to turn out better. -
Crappy camera...enough said!
by Skorpii on May 9, 2008
Pros: uses AA batteries
Cons: the whole camera...minus the batteries.
Summary: Fuji take a hike and stop producing cameras,the sooner the better,I gave Fuji 3 chances in the last 4 years AND this camera is a COMPLETE waste of ...
Summary: Fuji take a hike and stop producing cameras,the sooner the better,I gave Fuji 3 chances in the last 4 years AND this camera is a COMPLETE waste of money again. The purpose of a camera is to take pictures,having said that,a webcam will give you better results compared to this 'thing'. I paid close to 400$ for this and now my 6yr old as it but keeps it in the toy bin...he prefers the Spiderman camera we bought him last xmas(30$) and it takes better pics.
the above reviews are very misleading and probably from owners that have never used/seen what a good camera can/will/should do.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Fujifilm
- Part number: 15774199
- Description: Joining Fujifilm's ever-popular 'big zoom' range is the FinePix S8000fd. Like predecessors the camera features a stylish lightweight, compact yet sturdy body, but with a significantly boosted feature set, including a hugely versatile 18x optical zoom, CCD-shift image stabilization, 8 mega pixel resolution and Fujifilm's ultra-fast Face Detection technology.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 4.4 in
- Depth 3.1 in
- Height 3.1 in
- Weight 14.5 oz
Main Features
- Resolution 8 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Effective Sensor Resolution 8,000,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.35
- Light Sensitivity ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO auto
- Digital Zoom 5.1 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Text, Beach, Flower, Museum, Sunset, Auction, Fireworks, Landscape, Night mode, Sports mode, Party/indoor, Natural light, Portrait mode, Natural light & with flash
- Image Stabilizer Optical (image sensor shift mechanism)
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 4 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 10 steps in 1/3 EV step
- Exposure Metering Zones 256
- Face Detection Yes
- White Balance Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Fine, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent light (daylight), Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
- Digital Video Format AVI
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480 - 62 sec - With 58MB built-in memory, AVI - 320 x 240 - 99 sec - With 25MB built-in memory
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 58 MB Flash - Integrated
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Integrated Memory 58 MB
- Image Storage Fine JPEG 3264 x 2448 : 14 - With 58MB built-in memory, Normal JPEG 3264 x 2448 : 29 - With 58MB built-in memory, JPEG 3264 x 2176 : 32 - With 58MB built-in memory, JPEG 2304 x 1728 : 57 - With 58MB built-in memory, JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 91 - With 58MB built-in memory, JPEG 640 x 480 : 448 - With 58MB built-in memory
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 29 ft
- Features AF illuminator
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 4.7 mm - 84.2 mm - F/2.8-4.5
- Focal Length 4.7 mm - 84.2 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 27 - 486 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Min Focus Range 27.6 in
- Macro Focus Range 1cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-4.5
- Optical Zoom 18 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Manufacturer Fujinon
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features AE lock, AF lock, DPOF support, Face detection, Audio recording, Cropping an image, Histogram display, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital image rotation, In-camera red-eye removal, Digital image stabilization
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.24 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 230,000 pixels
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x xD-Picture Card, 1 x SD Memory Card
Software
- Software FinePix Viewer, Drivers & Utilities
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows 98 SE, MS Windows Vista, Apple Mac OS X 10.4, Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Included Accessories Lens cap, Shoulder strap
- Cables Included USB cable, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Battery
- Supported Battery AA
- Supported Battery 4 x AA Alkaline battery ( Included ), 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable battery ( Optional )
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- Labs information All values are expressed in seconds. Please visit our labs information page for information on how digital cameras are tested.
- CNET Labs Flash shot to shot time 2.9
- CNET Labs Shot to shot time typical 2.6
- CNET Labs Shutter lag bright 0.8
- CNET Labs Shutter lag dim 2.0
- CNET Labs Typical burst speed 0.5
- CNET Labs Wake up time 3.1
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Fujifilm
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Fujifilm products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.fujifilm.com/
- Address:
555 Taxter Rd.
Elmsford, NY 10523 - Phone: 800/659-3854
