Fuji's FinePix 4900 is one of a new style of consumer digital cameras appearing on the market. Borrowing features from both film SLRs and point-and-shoot digital cameras, these hybrids offer an extremely potent set of features in a compact package and will undoubtedly steer even more film photographers over to digital.
The 4900 features an impressive 6x optical zoom lens plus a 3.7x digital zoom. Shots are captured on a SuperCCD sensor that generates images at resolutions of up to 2,400 x 1,800 pixels, producing photo-quality prints at sizes of 8 by 10 and beyond. By default, the camera is as easy to operate as a point-and-shoot, but virtually every function is manually controllable. Shutter-priority and aperture-priority modes are available, and the ISO, focus, white balance, and exposure compensation can all be adjusted. A pop-up flash features slow-sync, fill flash, and red-eye reduction, and a hot shoe on top of the camera allows you to use a dedicated flash unit.
Fuji has replaced the traditional optical viewfinder with a camcorder-style electronic viewfinder (EVF)--a tiny LCD display inside the eyepiece. The benefits of this arrangement are obvious: the EVF provides a traditional SLR-style through-the-lens viewing experience, works well even in bright sunlight, lets you hold the camera in the more stable, traditional position, and helps to extend battery life. However, there are some situations in which the EVF is inferior to a traditional optical viewfinder: if you're shooting in near darkness, it's virtually impossible to see through the viewfinder, and even in brighter light, the images tend to look grainy and washed out compared to the images in the 2-inch LCD on the back of the camera.
The 2.4-megapixel SuperCCD sensor was developed by Fuji and is only found on Fuji cameras. Instead of using a traditional grid of square pixels, it features octagonal pixels arrayed diagonally. Fuji claims that this system offers improved sensitivity and image detail over a standard CCD. To prove this point, the camera interpolates its 2.4-megapixel images up to 4.3 megapixels at the highest-quality setting. Independent tests typically place these interpolated images on a par with pictures from a 3.3 megapixel camera.
The 4900 is comfortable to hold, and its controls are logically arranged. Though it's bigger and heavier than a point-and-shoot, it's still smaller and lighter than an SLR, and the design feels good in your hands. The battery compartment forms a comfortable pistol grip for your right hand, and your left hand will naturally want to cradle the barrel. Fuji thoughtfully included dual zoom controls--one under your right thumb on the back of the camera, and the other under your left thumb on the barrel of the lens. An easy-to-reach thumb dial on the top of the camera controls shutter speed or aperture, depending upon your shooting mode, and a ring on the front of the lens manually adjusts focus.
Files can be saved at numerous resolutions and levels of compression, from a massive uncompressed 2,400 x 1,800 TIFF file (one shot nearly fills the included 16 MB SmartMedia card) to basic 640 x 480 JPEG files appropriate for emailing. The camera also features a movie mode for creating low-resolution silent film clips.
If you're an amateur photographer who loves using single-lens-reflex cameras but don't want to spend several thousand dollars on a true digital SLR, Fuji's FinePix 4900 offers most of the functionality of a digital SLR at a fraction of the price. The lens is not removable, but its 35-210mm range (35mm equivalent) is flexible enough to use in nearly any situation.
Pros:
- Impressive 6x zoom lens
- Comfortable, well-arranged controls
- Easy to use for beginners and experienced photographers
Cons:
- Electronic viewfinder is hard to use in some conditions
1 Fuji + Epson
As all of the previous reviewers have stated, the Fuji 4900 is an excellent camera.
Coupled with the Epson Stylus Photo 1280, I have made excellent 16" x 20" prints that look as good or better as film prints.
My Epson Stylus Photo 820 does an excellent job with 8" x 10" prints as well.
The Fuji 4900 is just an excellent camera EXCEPT for the poor battery life. I got tired of the constant need to recharge the NP-80s ( I have 6) so I bought a PowerBank MH-DPB180M battery pack from J&R Electronics and no longer have that problem.
2 NOT 4.3 MP
I just wanted to let everyone interested in this camera to be aware of something. This camera uses a 2.45 Megapixel image sensor and interpolates that to create a 4.3 MP image. I thought it was worth noting since the FinePix s602 was put into the 3-3.9 megapixel category, even though it has the capability to produce a 6 megapixel image. Just wanted to pass along the info...
3 Outstanding Image Quality
The image quality produced by this camera is spectacular. However, I think Fuji has some scope for improvement in terms of the user interface. I find setting the time and selecting the image quality to be a bit tedious.
4 Good price for SLR functions
I've owned this camera for a few months now, probably the best I've ever had. If you want SLR functions but don't want to spend a lot, this is the one.
What I like:
1. Powerful optical zoom at 6X
2. Good resolution up to 2400x1800
3. Short lag time between shots
4. Switching between shoot and play mode is fast
5. Selectable ISO from 125 to 800
Improvment I'd like to see in the future model:
1. I prefer optical view finder over the electronic one; it's hard to see if subject is in focus when using manual focus, especially under sunlight
2. Better manual focus feel; the electronic focus steps just doesn't feel like an analog one, you know what I mean if you are familiar with regular SLR cameras
3. Faster recharge time; the included charger needs 5+ hours, I decided to buy a generic quick charger + battery
4. No B function for long exposure
If you are taking photography class, this is a good and affordable camera to own. You can practice a lot without wasting rolls of film.
Fuji's newer model in this class is S602, it has higher res, movie mode with sound, longer exposure to 15 sec. Price is still better than its competition, should be worth considering.
5 A Couple of Drawbacks: Poor Battery Life & LCD Viewfinder
I've been using the Finepix 4900 for several months right now and I love the camera's features. I think the one big negative point about this model is the poor battery life. If you use the flash and the LCD display, expect about 40 shots before you get the low battery indicator. I would recommend purchasing a second battery and charger for long trips.
The LCD viewfinder is another problem. The image you get from using the viewfinder isn't very clear in low light situations. My previous digital camera was the Fuji MX-2900 which had an optical viewfinder. If you get a chance to compare an LCD viewfinder to an optical one-you would agree that the optical works better. This also puts another strain on the battery life issue too.
Enough on the negatives. The best part about this camera is the image quality. It's excellent and I love the 6X optical zoom. I would avoid using the digital zoom whenever possible. The lens on this model was the main reason for purchasing this camera.
6 Killer Camera!
This camera is well worth the money. The images are super sharp and it takes pictures as big as 15.3 megabytes!
7 FUJI 4900Z 4.3 MP DIGITAL CAM.
A VERY VERSATILE CAMERA. GREAT FOR PICTURE TAKING AT WEDDINGS, GRADUATIONS AND OTHER SOCIAL GATHERINGS (AUTOFOCUS AND AUTOFLASH COMES IN HANDY). THE SOFTWARE SUPPLIED WITH IT LETS YOU ENHANCE YOUR PHOTOS THE WAY YOU PREFER. 8X10 PICTURES ARE SUITABLE FOR FRAMING. RESOLUTION CAN BE VARIED TO ADJUST THE NUMBER OF IMAGES PER SMARTMEDIA CARD. HOT SHOE FEATURE LETS YOU ADD EXTERNAL FLASH TO PRESERVE BATTERY POWER IF AN ELECTRIC OUTLET IS NOT CONVENIENT. I WOULD RECOMMEND PURCHASING AN ADDITIONAL BATTERY, JUST IN CASE. I WOULD LIKE FUJI DEVELOP AN ADAPTER FOR CARS. OUTDOOR IMAGES HAVE EXCELLENT EXPOSURE.
8 Outstanding Digital Camera
This Fuji FinePix 4900 is an outstanding digital camera. This is the first digital camera that I have owned and it was so easy to use, and download the pictures to my computer. The only thing that I would sugest to go along with this great camera is one additional battery, 128mb smart card, and the carrying case. If you take the 30 minutes to read the owners manual you will be snapping pictures in 30 minutes. The battery actually lasted longer than some of the other reviews suggested. I am so happy that I was able to find this camera on Amazon ...
9 Excellent pics, but battery doesn't last long.
As far as picture quality and ease of use go the Fuji FinePix 4900 is by far one of the best digital cameras you can buy. Fuji probably discontinued this model though because the battery only lasts about 45 minutes to an hour if used with the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). If you use the EVF (Electronic View Finder) the battery will last longer, the LCD just looks cooler is all. The software that comes with this camera is also very user-friendly and appears to be compatible with all OS's. Overall an excellent digital camera!!!! Extra batteries can be bought through the following web site. --> http://www.eurobatteries.net/default.htm
10 Better be computer savvy
This camera takes some really great pictures and videos BUT, if you aren't a computer whiz, you better know someone that is to download the .avi video files because neither the owners manual nor the software users guide mention ANYTHING relative to getting the .avi videos on your hard drive to save them.
Installation of the camera and viewer software is a breeze but after that, your on your own to figure out saving videos.
Something that is not mentioned in advertising is that theres a warning in the owners manual about using it in the desert(which is where I live,LOL). Oh well we shall see.
11 Best All Around High Quality Digital Camera
My partner and I both purchased this camera. It actually produces better resolution (2,400 x 1,800 pixels) than 5.4 MB cameras that cost twice as much. In addition, it has an auto mode that enables my wife to take picutures without the complications of adjusting an SLR. Other features that I like: Electronic View Finder, Auto/Man Focus, Auto/Man/Custom White Balance, Continuous Shooting, 6x optical with 3.75 digital zoom. The resolution is so good, that you can zoom in on the individual pores of a persons face. As a result, it is excellent for medical imaging and I have used it in the operating room with outstanding results. The only thing is that you need either a photo printer or a color laser printer with high resolution to fully appreciate the high quality of these images.
12 This camera's excellent
I am in charge of a design team in a large corporation. We needed a digital camera due to the expensive development. Haven't seen or tried any camera better than this one. Its really fantastic. Its very easy to use, plus the quality is outstanding. One minor problem though - max aperture time is 2 seconds.
13 It is really good
The things I don't like are:
1> zooming range is not enough
2> not good for close shoots (< 1.5m)
3> slow focus in auto mode
4> short battary life (in LCD mode)
5> when you push 'shoot' button, you never make sure it is on focus only or already take a pic.
All others are more than good.
14 Great camera for those who want/need perfect pictures
Bought this camera about three weeks ago, and have zero problems with it. Pictures in automatic mode are perfect, and scene specific modes work well too. The picture quality is fantastic - my wife is using Nikon Coolpix 995,... and my Fuji takes better pictures. It also has an auto-timer, TV out, macro mode, the 6x optical zoom works great, and can film 160 sec films. This camera is lacking these following features which I would add in a perfect world - sound for films, no web cam capability, and comes with only a 16mb card. Buy yourself a 128mb smartmedia card and an extra battery and your set. Takes professional quality photos.
15 4900 what a GREAT CAMERA!!
I did a fair amount of research before replacing my current digital camera. This camera is great. It has the "Auto" setting for my wife and the 35mm type manual features I wanted.. It takes great picture. I would HIGHLY Recommend it to those who want a good digital camera with advanced features..
16 If you go 'digital', this one's a "keeper"!
I've had my FinePix 4900 for half a year now and I'll be keeping it a lot longer!
It is the first digital that I've bought, and I specifically chose one with full exposure control to use in photographing small zoological specimens. I also have the wide angle lens adapter and a set of close-up lenses, plus a few filters.
It performs it intended function very well: I use it to record scientific images of a variety of marine snail known as a cowry. The aperture control allows improved depth of field in the close-up work that I do.
This is a well-executed design. I like the 'feel' of its grip-type right side. The optics seem to be everything that they should be and the wide angle lens seems to be about the equivalent of a 28mm on a 35mm camera. (The lens and extender can be difficult to put together without cross-threading, so be careful! Fortunately, the extender threads onto the camera body much more reliably.)
Bearing in mind that I've rated the Fuji FinePix 4900 at five stars, let me pick a nit: the lens cap needed further thought! Clearly "designed" to be attached at the left side of the camera, it should have had a clip on it to attach it to the neck strap when it was not on the lens. It is very difficult to control unless it is on the right side of the camera, where you can grip its lanyard in the hand that you going to keep on the camera.
I have yet to employ all of this camera's features but those that I have used work as they should. Photographers can work with this quality item!
17 finepix4900-
A fine camera, easy to use after minimal reading.Most features are almost intuitive,or can be figured out by the icons on the body.The 4900 does not handle fast moving subjects to well,often missing the shot altogether.You have to pan with a closed shutter on the burst mode(5 shots) and hope you get the good one in the frame.Other than that it is a super camera,doing every thing very well.
18 Could have been great
I agree with almost all of the good things you have probably already read about this camera, so I won't repeat them. Still, there are a few areas where Fuji really failed. The most annoying is that you cannot buy an adapter for mounting filters to the lens. When you pay this much for a camera with a good lens, you should be able to protect it with an inexpensive clear filter. As it stands, you have to buy an expensive macro adapter you may not need in order to get the filter ring. This seems like a customer-unfriendly approach.
The autofocus is very slow in all but the most ideal conditions. You can't capture an expression on someone's face indoors (even in a brightly lit room) unless you go to manual focus. Also, battery life is too short, especially when the spares they sell are expensive and have a lower capacity than the original equipment.
I know this sounds very negative, but in fact the camera is very good in other ways. I have taken some very nice pictures with it. Just think carefully about what you want out of any digital camera before you buy.
19 Great, great stuff
I'd like it. The quality is very impressive, interface is very good and communication (through USB) with PC is O.K., but could be better. There could be some problems with USB driver installation on Win2000, but true profis could fix it very fast. [On WinNT the software does not work].
To compare this thing with classical photo camera, i would say, that the problems are only with fast moving objects on the night. All others things are much, much better.
20 This is a 5 Star (PLUS) Camera Without Sound
This camera shoots perfection. The manual controls are fantastic and the video quality is as good as it gets. I have been shooting an Olympus and The FD 93 Mavica. The Fuji 4900 out performs them hands down. However the major dissapointment was perfect video AND NO SOUND! O.K. it is a "still" camera but with the video capibilitty sound would have been the right move. If you do not care about sound or voice overs for for commerical work or talking captions buy this camera....I truly wish I would have waited a generation and got the sound feature. The Fuji FinePix 4900 is a greater than 5 star camera as such but I gave it 4 stars because Fuji dropped the ball in regard to the sound.
21 Great pictures
This camera is simple enough to use as a point-and-shoot yet has many advanced features. The color and clarity of images is superb. It does well in low-light situations although the built-in flash will usually improve the picture.
My only complaints are the irritatingly short battery life (buy a spare battery and the optional battery charger - it shortens charge time to a mere hour!) and the shutter lag. It is almost impossible to snap a good shot of my 3 year-old who can't stand still.
Addendum: This is now my camera of choice. It takes much better pics than either of my 35mm cameras. Like any digital camera, however, it still doesn't work well with fast-moving subjects because of the shutter lag.
22 Picture Perfect All of the Time
After much work looking for a digital camera, my best choice was the FinePix 4900 and what an excellent camera it is. I will never use a film camera again! The pictures and ease of use were just perfect. I am very happy with my choice. If you want a great digital, after looking through the FinePix 4900 your choice will become easy. Now I just have to find the right digital printer :)
23 Great camera. High quality
The 6X zoom is powerful and the picture quality is superb. I like all the features too. It goes from fully automatic to fully manual for a professional. It allows an external flash. The only drawback which is true of all digital cameras is they take a lot of energy to run. The battery lasts about an hour give or take. But that is the same for all digital cameras.
I hope the wide angle attachment is available soon.
24 great camera.., no sound however
It is comfortable and easy to grip. The pictures are outstanding. It adjusted well to poor indoor lighting conditions. The movie format produces great pictures as well. I have friends with 2.1Mpixel cameras and the movies are not as good a quality. The only downfall is that the camera doesn't have any sound features.
25 good buy.. no sound however
It is comfortable and easy to grip. The pictures are outstanding. It adjusted well to poor indoor lighting conditions. The movie format produces great pictures as well. I have friends with 2.1Mpixel cameras and the movies are not as good a quality. The only downfall is that the camera doesn't have any sound features, which is disappointing.
26 battery time, memory capacity
I use my camera for work. Battery time is shortand must be longer. I need a min. of two 64 meg memory sticks. 128 or 256 or cd rom would be very nice and would be very helpful. I am waiting for next generation before I buy. Please hurry with the upgrades for memory, battery and lens options. Low light photos are a priority also. get off the stump and move fwd. I want to buy, but want what I need.
Thanks Dave
27 Pleasantly surprised in Seattle..
Wow. I knew I was getting a powerful camera. What I didn't understand is that I was getting the best, too. I was the last of my closest friends to get a digital camera -- and now I have the envy of the pack. While they're busy replacing batteries -- I'm still shooting, thanks to the "video camera" style of battery. Just plug in the camera, with the supplied A/C cable, and shot until nightfall. I haven't run out of juice yet!
I used a pretty high resolution my first time out... I could see the pores of my daughters arms, in focus, with perfect clarity. It might have TOO good of resolution. Get this camera, and skip the little point and shoots. This baby turns heads, and does amazing work to boot!
28 Great Camera - no sound
This camera has a very appealing body design. It is comfortable and easy to grip. The pictures are outstanding. It adjusted well to poor indoor lighting conditions. The movie format produces great pictures as well. I have friends with 2.1Mpixel cameras and the movies are not as good a quality. The only downfall is that the camera doesn't have any sound features. This is disappointing when using the movie mode.
29 Very inspiring
I have had the camera a month and so far it has lived up to its expectations and stated specifications. Using the big LCD display without the battery-saver enabled, I was only able to operate it on a fully charged battery for maybe 20 mins before the battery needed recharging, so if you were bringing the camera to an outside event and you like the LCD display, you will need to buy another spare battery...
30 Fabulous Camera
I've had this camera for over a month now and I love it. I tried many digital cameras but decided on this marvel. Its loaded with features, has a quailty build, feels good in the hand and best of all it takes beautiful pictures. It's also one of the fastest on the market at this time (no shutter lag) You just can't go wrong with this purchase. Enjoy!
31 Great camera
I am returning to photography after many years and going into digital mode! I think this is an excellent camera but since I have only had it for a couple of days and I am going out for a mountain hike with it tomorrow, I will definitely have more to say about it soon. I really think that for the quality and the features that you are getting in this camera, the price is more than justified. Most places are running out of stock on this so if you are planning on getting this camera, make your move soon.
More later
32 The best camera ever!
If you are tired of all those expensive cameras that are just 'duds', your solution is here. The Fuji FinePix 4900 Digital Camera is truly one of the best cameras I've ever worked with. All the high-tech features make this a camera you can't resist. For this relatively low price you can't find a better value. So if you're a person who loves to have the upmost in quality, BUY THIS CAMERA!
