Coolpix 2500: Update

[Ken Moffat]

Ted Ozolins wrote:

>   I'm seriously considering picking up a digital cam. All that remains 
> is to figure out which one :)
>
Don't overlook the fuji Finepix 3800, which is 3.2 megapixels, 6x 
optical zoom, has some manual features, has both an lcd and an 
electronic viewfinder, and I got for $330 on ubid.com. You might get it 
for less now mail order if you search. Battery life is excellent, my 
rechargable AA nimh (takes 4) last a long time, but you have to buy them 
and the charger. Not included. It's usb mass storage and works with 
kernel 2.4.20 (not 2.4.19, at least on libranet linux). Comes with a 
16meg dX card, and you can get 64meg cards for about $35(us) or 128 meg 
for around $60(us) on line. a 64 meg holds about 100 shots at 3.2 
normal. There is a 3.2 meg fine setting that I haven't tried yet. You 
can also step down to lower res settings all the way to 640x480. Also 
does 60second avi's with sound. I like the camera a lot, and it's pretty 
highly rated.

2 drawbacks, not too good in low light, since the viewfinder blacks out, 
and no manual focus. These are easily worked around with a laser 
pointer.  Or you can use the fixed focus (2ft to infinity) of the wide 
angle setting. Or if you must zoom the focus will fix at 6 ft if 
autofocus won't work due to low light.  

Anyway, IMHO, being no expert on digital, for the $$ it's a fine buy.