For the novice digital photographer, the Fuji FinePix A303 offers 3-megapixel resolution with flexible functions in a trim, slim design--just over 5 ounces with batteries. It also is one of the first digital cameras to utilize the tiny XD memory card.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a CCD sensor with 3.24 million effective pixels, the FinePix A303 delivers a wide range of detail and color (with images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels) and prints up to 11 by 14 inches. The FinePix A303 features a fast f/2.8 Fujinon lens with a 3x optical zoom and a 3.2x digital zoom for a 9.6x total zoom. Its lens focal length is equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera.
Storage and Transfer
The FinePix A303 is one of the first digital cameras to be compatible with the new XD memory card. Comparable in size to a penny and weighing less than one-tenth of an ounce, the new XD memory card is not only the smallest storage medium, it also uses less power for better battery performance and has faster data transfer rates than other memory cards. The included 16 MB XD card will store approximately 12 images at fine mode and 26 images at normal mode.
To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera--your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the FinePix A303 produces digital videos (with no sound) in QVGA (320 x 240) format for movies approximately 60 seconds in length at 10 frames per second. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
More Features
- 1.5-inch LCD monitor
- White balance: auto, plus six selectable positions in manual mode
- Flash modes: auto, red-eye reduction, forced flash, suppressed flash, and slow synchro
- Sensitivity: ISO 100 equivalent
- Shutter speed: 1/2 to 1/2,000 second
Power
The FinePix A303 is powered by two AA batteries (alkalines are included). We recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch.
Size
At 3.8 by 2.5 by 1.4 inches and 5.1 ounces (without battery), the FinePix A303 is an easily pocketable point-and-shoot camera.
Contents
This package includes the FinePix A303 digital camera, a 16 MB XD memory card, two AA alkaline batteries, a USB cable, a hand strap, and a CD-ROM with software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
1 Good for birthdays and trips to the zoo.
For a point and shoot this is an ok camera. If you use the LCD mid day light will look washed out and dawn/dusk will be too dark to see anything. I often take two pictures, one with flash one without in hopes of getting something I do not have to spend an hour in photoshop correcting. Slow speed causes a lot of hand shake error-esp in low light. If you want to do more than point and shoot occasionally- save your money for another month and get a better one.
2 Can't beat it for the price...
I bought this phone last fall before digital camera prices drastically fell. It was still around just $200, which was a wonderful deal. This is a very nice camera for $200. The pictures turn out beautiful. The camera is sturdy and appealing to the eye...it's size is great too. Flashes, options, battery life...it's all there. It is SO easy to learn how to use. I've had some trouble because some photo processing places (i.e. Rite Aid) cannot yet service xD. xD is also a bit costly, but it is actually wonderful...very small and effective. Overall, a wonderful camera, especially for a beginner or a student. If you want to edit your pictures well or anything, you'll need better software than what comes with the camera, but that could be found online for free. Great deal...highly reccommend!
3 Unsatisfactory
While the interface of the camera is professional looking, and the overall appearance of the camera is aesthetically pleasing, I was very disappointed with this camera. I noticed that the quality of the prints were very inferior to those taken by my friend's Nikkon Coolpix 3.2 mega pixel model. In addition, it was very hard to find a place to develop pictures, as most novice camera stores (and even some professional ones!) did not have machines that were compatible with the XD card (which by the way, costs almost double what any other memory card would cost).
I accidentally dropped the camera once, and the LCD screen broke, and it no longer displayed images. Soon thereafter, the zoom broke, and the lens got stuck on the exterior of the camera. I threw it out, and got a Kodak EasyShare CX6330, which while not as aesthetically pleasing, takes much better pictures, and is far sturdier.
4 Lasted A little over two years
I loved my Fugi camera. I had bought it when digital cameras were at their peek craze and 3.2 mp's was really cool. Unfortunately I naively thought the camera was of top quality and that I would not need to sign up for the four-year warrantee/service plan. I was disappointed when on my study abroad trip the camera's zoom lens got stuck outside of the camera. When I returned home (now without any pictures) they told me it would cost around $100 to fix the stupid thing. I decided to buy a different brand digital camera with the 4-year service plan!
5 Great digital Camera
This camera is great. I recieved one from my parents for my birthday. The only things I can complain about are: there is no AC adapter included (with mine atleast) and the flash takes a while to charge, and the camera LOVES to use the flash if you let it.
It's always good to have extras... so here are a couple of things that might enhance the camera... or anycamera for that matter.
1) Bigger memory card. I have a 64MB chip in mine. it holds over 100 images on the second highest setting... the 16MB chip holds less than thirty.
2)AA rechargeable battaries... I already had these from my mp3 player.
3)Case, you don't want it to get scratched do you???
Thats it. you could get a tripod if you really want to...
Picture quality is great when left on the automatic setting.
6 LEMON
I too bought this camera shortly before studying abroad. About halfway through my program, it stopped taking pictures altogether, even though I had never dropped it or damaged it in any way. It later started working again, but all my pictures were distorted and full of lines. I brought it into a repair shop, and they said that it would cost $175 to fix the lens alignment. Since I got it back from them, it doesn't seem to adjust to light properly, and all my pictures are too dark to see. This camera is a complete piece of junk, and I am so angry to have wasted so much money on it. Please buy a different brand, or at least get a hefty service plan with it.
7 good one, beautiful and clear photos.
this is my first digital,and I plan to keep it for a long while. I've owned film cameras for years and they are just fine. this little camera is the right size. Do work with the light however. forget the movie part. I would venture out and say this a303 is under rated. once you fiqure it out, your turn out of photo's will have you saying oh yeah I took those.
8 What a headache!
I bought this camera in June '03 while on vacation. I was so excited because it was my first digital camera, it was super easy to use, and pretty light weight. At the end of October it wouldn't upload pics on to my computer (after 3 months with no problems). I took it to the only Fuji certified shop in Southern California and it sat there for 5 weeks! I finally got it back and the problem still isn't fixed! I've been sending e-mails to Fuji with no results. I'm out just over $300 (for memory card and camera). I am terribly disappointed with the product and I wish that I had stuck with my usual favorite- Sony.
9 Couldn't be happier
I bought this camera right before leaving on a trip to Asia. I did not have much time to learn everything about it, and I'm sure I still havn't, but i feel like I don't need to.
It is such an awsome camera. It is my first digital, and I really could not be happier. I have taken amazing pictures, and the quality is great.
To all of those people who wrote bad reviews about the camera, you should realize that it is meant for the casual photographer, not a professional. It is easy to use, which makes it easy to bring along and use with friends and family.
Most of my friends already know how to use it, so we can all pass it around and share the fun.
It is a great deal, and wotth every penny.
10 Great Little Camera
This is my forth digital camera, and the best by far. My others have been HP's and have done a great job, but don't hold a candle to this one as far as res. and speed between shots. Fuji hit the mark! The zoom is smooth and the macro autofocus is right on! I just wish I would have started with Fuji in the first place.
11 A great no-hassle camera
this is my second Fuji purchase. Earlier one was Fuji 2600. The advantages -
1) a great 3MP below $200
2) 3 modes of operation - still, movie (minus sound) and web (saves another $50 for equivalent quality web camera)
3) small and light
there are many more, i'll get tried if I satrt writing them all. If you want a digital camera go for this one. no doubt about it. Its the full value for money.
since i already have a video camera, so i donot really care about digital cameras being able to take video. No matter what ever brand you take, digital camera can never replace a video camera.
the picture quality is damn good. got a several prints from walmart and they have come out much better than my previous point and shoot film camera
the only disadvantage is I feel it has longer time lag between taking back to back photos.
You will definitely have to shell out more for rechargable batteries ($20) and a 64-128 MB card ($35-$70)
Otherwise with this incredible value one cannot ask for more. there are already so many customer reviews written for it, so i need not say anything else.
12 Great Camera!
This is my 3rd digital camera and I couldn't be happier. The last two were both Olympus.
Pro's: Small and lightweight, fast reaction time loading images on LCD, fast reaction when turning cam on and off, very simple to use, built-in flash (as opposed to flip up), and new XD card technology. The complaints about the "cheap plastic" feel really don't bother me since I prefer to have a lightweight camera.
Cons: No sound on video, fast battery drainage (get rechargeables).
13 AWESOME CAMERA
Is a wonderful camera! My girlfriend has one and she took her XD card to a photo place and had some pictures printed out, and printed her own on quality paper and you could not tell the difference. If you read the manual that comes with it you can figure out the best settings for the flash and everything else. Would really recommend this camera to anyone. I bought mine new on ebay for $212, and that also included a 32MEG card(along with the 16MEG), 4 rechargeable batteries & charger, cleaning kit, and case. She paid $300 alone for her camera, so if you shop around you can get some good deals.
14 Great little camera
Just bought this little guy and I am very pleased. One negative reviewer hit the only drawback, it's plastic and feels a little fragile. Other than that, it takes great pictures with minimal effort. Buy yourself an expanded memory card too. I bought the 128 MB SanDisk xD card and it works great as well.
15 Great Camera For The Price!
I bought this camera after researching for a good digital camera that was inexpensive. I am glad I picked this one! It takes really good pictures and a lot of them with the xD cards. It will take a huge amount for web pages and the finer the picture you want, the less you can take but still it is a good amount for digital. I don't think you'll regret buying this one if you want a simple, easy to use, inexpensive everyday camera but if you are like some who are really picky or professionals then you should go for the more pricey ones. This camera is a 5 out of 5 stars for me!
16 Wonderful little camera
This is my first digital camera and I'm delighted with it. Excellent quality pics and super easy to operate (I hardly had to glance at the instructions - use is very intuitive). I didn't bother with the included software (Windows XP-bundled software takes care of everything as soon as you connect the included USB cable). Battery life is fine - regular AA batteries lasted ~150 pictures before the low battery symbol appeared.
17 A very nice digital camera
I really like this camera. I used it as often as possible and it was very light to carry around. I will say it takes practice to work all the modes. I took some night pictures and they weren't so great, but the other pictures I've taken are very sharp and very nice. I have used it also to talk with friends online on video and it worked very well. Does eat up regular batteries, but rechargable ones seem to last longer with the camera. If you use a high pixel mode, be aware there are fewer pictures. If you plan to take a lot of pictures and don't have access to a computer, get a bigger memory card. My only improvement would be sound on those movies! :-D
18 Doesn't overwrite images
I just bought this camera after doing a fair amount of research on various models. The interface is very simple to use, and it takes good pictures and makes decent movies for a digital camera.
I'm writing this mainly in response to another review. The only concern I had in buying this camera was that one reviewer here said that if you scroll through the images on the camera, stop in the middle, and then take pictures, it will overwrite the images that you've already taken. I talked to a friend of mine who also has a Fuji digital camera (although not this model), and he said it didn't happen with his, so I decided to buy the A303. After playing around with it, I found that it does not overwrite the images in the scenario described above. So I guess this guy either got a defective model, or accidentally deleted his pictures himself.
19 Camera review
I really like the quality pictures this camera takes. ...
20 GREAT!
This digital camera is great! Easy to use and understand! Beautiful pictures and great video! I love this camera.
21 Fun and easy to use
I purchased this camera during a recent trip to Boston, and am extreemly happy with my purchase. This camera takes excellent pictures, is easy to use, and typifies plug-and-play technology at its best. The only thing holding back a 5-star rating is the flash tends not to go off in some low-light situations, but this is easliy remidied by overriding the auto flash function.
22 Dynamite little package- but not without its problems
Buying a digital camera these days seems to be about as easy as using a spoon to empty Lake Superior. It's a daunting task to say the least, simply because there are so many different manufacturers out there and each makes several cameras. Worse, there are some companies that shouldn't be making digital cameras because the products are so lousy (Polaroid springs to mind). I myself looked at several cameras under five-hundred dollars and above two-hundred dollars as a starting point. I also had criteria including things like I didn't care whether it could capture video. All I wanted was a camera that took pictures and could then transfer those images to my PC. Once I started this process, narrowing down what camera I wanted became a little easier.
There aren't many digital cameras out there that can take pictures as well as a half decent 35mm SLR, at least not yet. Some make a very good attempt at it, but, and this is an important but, you're buying the convenience of not having to spend money developing rolls and rolls of film. Another criteria I looked at was storage medium- Compact Flash cards, Sony's proprietary memory sticks or the new XD cards. After examining the different media types, I found I didn't care which one my future camera took. How many of these things are you gonna need, anyway? Between the 16 mb card that came with the camera and the 64 mb card I bought with it, I can store about 250-300 high quality images. That's a lot of pictures and considering you can review and the delete the ones you don't like, freeing up extra space. So unless you're taking a 3-month tour of Europe, it is unlikely that you will run out of memory to store pictures.
Initially I had settled on the Sony DSCP7 3.2 mega-pixel camera, but at the last minute jumped ship and purchased the FijiFilm FinePix A303- another smaller 3.2 mega pixel camera and haven't really regretted doing so. It's a wonderful little (about 3 x 2 x 1 inches) silver box that takes good quality images. It has everything I wanted- 6x total zoom, USB port for connecting to my PC, built in flash, built in timer, and red eye reduction. And like anything, it also had to be easy to use, because taking pictures shouldn't be work, but a part of the fun. The A303 can also take video without sound, but that doesn't matter to me since I also own a video camera and if I'm camping on traveling around, I carry both in the same bag.
Having owned it for a little over a month, I have found only two irritating functions. First, it eats batteries like there's no tomorrow. In day light, with the view screen turned off and no flash, you might be able to fill a 64 mb card before the batteries die, but if you use the flash and/or screen, forget it- you'll be changing batteries before you know it. The second thing it does and this is the killer because I lost pictures because of it, is if you scroll through images using the review function and don't go all the way to the end, you will overwrite images in memory when you start taking new pictures. I found this out the hard when on a canoe trip when I discovered that several pictures of a white tailed deer drinking from the river side were overwritten by later photos of friends around the camp fire. The first failing is forgivable- alkaline and rechargeable batteries are cheap, but replacing pictures like those are not. It's going to cost the camera a star. Some reviewers have also complained about its plastic construction- okay, so it's made of plastic- what isn't these days?
That aside, though, I am very happy with the A303- it does exactly what I want: takes good pictures quickly and easily that I can send to my family and friends. It's economical considering I don't have to pay to develop pictures or even wait to have them developed. It's small and easy to carry and now that I know about the overwriting foible, it won't happen again because I'll know better. For what it costs and for what you get, it's a great value, fun and easy to use. I don't regret buying and the pictures I've taken have made some people very happy.
23 A Surprisingly Little Gem!
Surprisingly good images from a small camera at a small price, what's not to like? Now and then, for work, I've shot with a number of 35mm, a couple large format film cameras, one pro-35mm digital, and one digital large format studio system. That's for work though. The little Fuji A303 is for fun and what simple fun it proved to be.
The camera belongs to my 12 year old nephew. It's so simple that a youngster has no trouble getting shots that are every bit as good as the ones I take! Carrying it around all day, taking indoor and outdoor shots, close-ups and scenics, this little camera never flinched. I never had to override any of the automatic exposure settings. It handled backlighting with ease (my subject was in front of a very bright window with southern exposure). I couldn't make it fail. Exposures were brilliant.
These images look great printed out, and they are super for use in web sites, email, etc. I'd even use them in a small brochure if shot at the highest setting. (But they are jpegs with some compression so I wouldn't use them too large if the printing is done professionally). All in all, I can't fault this little camera. It's a little stunner. You won't be sorry if you buy it.
24 Fuji delivers a lot for digital photo amateurs for the price
I have had several digital cameras, and none gave me better service than the Fuji FinePix. Normally, I do film photography and if I want digital pictures, I scan in the negative. When I went to straight digital photography, I found out that I needed certain features as "must-haves." The Fuji did pretty well on most counts.
Photos: Resolution
á 2048 x 1536 - on the fine setting
á 1600 x 1200 -on the normal setting (fine for most work)
á 1280 x 960 or 640 x 480 Lower resolution email setting for smaller files (nice!)
Features
á JPEG format.
á Up to 60 seconds of 320 x 240 or up to 240 sec's of 160 x 120 motion video
á 3X optical zoom
Pros:
á Great resolution for the price. Fuji delivers sharper pictures than many entry-level competitors.
á Choice of settings including that email setting, great if you are taking a bunch of pictures and want to email them without a lot of massaging
á Exposure compensation for backlight available (+1.5 to -.2.1 EV exposure value)
á White balance choice to change exposure from automatic, good if no manual settings are available, as they are not here.
á Controls are EASY to use. I love that directional button for playback and settings.
á XD Picture card-new standard for digital-supposed to reduce battery consumption and faster read/write, as well as large capacity.
Cons
á Relies on AA batteries, leaving you to have to shell out for a NiMH rechargeable instead, recommended so you don't leave a nasty pile of eco-unfriendly batteries behind you as you go on a photo shoot. And recharging IS more convenient, believe me.
á You may be concerned about moving to a new digital format (the XD) or have a stash of standard Smart Memory cards. It's annoying to move to a new standard, though XD offers some advantages.
Conclusion: You can't go wrong here for an entry-level digital camera. This delivers plenty of performance for the buck and most people will be more than pleased. Just get a rechargeable battery.
Specs:
á 3.24 Megapixel CCD for images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels.
á 3x (38-114mm equivalent) F2.8 optical zoom lens
á Seamless 3.2x digital zoom in 640x480 mode
á 1.5-inch TFT color LCD, approx. 60,000 pixels
á Program AE, Manual mode offers exposure compensation
á Shooting modes: Still, Movie, Macro
á Motion video w/out audio up to 60 secs @ 320x240
á White balance selectable in Manual mode
á Shutter speeds: Automatic 1/2 seconds to 1/2000 second
á 64-zone TTL Metering
á ISO sensitivity 100 equivalent
á Built in flash with Auto, Red-eye reduction, Forced on, forced off and slow-synchro
á 9-frame and 13x zoom playback function with scrolling
á xD Picture Card storage, 16MB supplied
á USB connectivity
á Powered by two standard AA type batteries
á Small (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.5 in.) and lightweight (8.8 oz)
25 The FinePix A303 is Nice Point & Shoot Digital Camera!
Pros: This camera is compact, easy to use, has very good photo quality, inexpensive, Easy menu navigation, 3X zoom lens in relatively compact body, separate self-timer mode.
Cons: The movie (video) mode has no sound, Some add ons are a must and cost more, No rechargeable battery included, fairly long shot-to-shot delay, noisy images.
Summary: Just bought the A303, and I don't think I could be any happier. I have been snapping and printing shots for the past few days and it has been very easy, even for a technological nivice such as myself. The camera is small, good looking, and lightweight (7oz!). I Paid $300 before accessories, resonable for 3 megapixels. The camera basically comes with everything one would need, but for those who take a lot of shots, a larger memory card (16mb included with camera) would be necessary. I looked at many other brands. Canons were a little bit overpriced, Sonys looked good, but the accessories end up costing more than the camera. If your first time digital enthusiast like me, go for the A303, you won't be sorry!
26 We have three in the family. Action Catcher
We bought two for our sons for Christmas and they took them to Heavenly Valley skiing in the woods with two feet of powder. Great shots and video clips that were amazing. Fujiviewer was the simplest we have ever seen. We ran slide shows all day during out vacation. Now their dad bought one too. Fits in your pocket. Get the charger kit and ac adapter. Downloads like a breeze. Great!!!!
27 We have three in the family. Action Catcher
We bought two for our sons for Christmas and they took them to Heavenly Valley skiing in the woods with two feet of powder. Great shots and video clips that were amazing. Fujiviewer was the simplest we have ever seen. We ran slide shows all day during out vacation. Now their dad bought one too. Fits in your pocket. Get the charger kit and ac adapter. Downloads like a breeze. Great!...
28 Short term life
This camera worked great for about 25 pictures and then the lens got stuck and its life ended. My wife an I were disappointed about the 2 second delay of digital cameras. The quality of the pictures was extremely good, but unless we find a digital camera without the delay, we will return to our old camera.
29 Great camera!!!
Got this camera as a wedding gift and I love it! The quality of pictures is outstanding and does everything you need it to. Sure there are other cameras out there that may do more or may have a little bit more zoom but all that is unneeded unless you are taking professional pics...and most of us aren't. I love this camera and so does my fiance'. A great camera to start out with..planning on having this one for awhile!
30 Fuji A303 is well worth the money....
This is my third digital camera. My first was an Olympus, second an Fuji 2800. Listen very carefully. Each of the above digital cameras have (some) things I like better than the new Fuji A303. For example the Olympus has a far better optical zoom, but I go through batteries like food through a duck (it's awful), my Fuji 2800 has a SLR feel to it, very nice camera, but the if you choose not to use the LCD viewer, you viewing through a lens simulation, but it's really a LCD, a feature that is really a non feature. The movie feature actually has sound (a plus). My new Fuji (tired of waiting?) is powerful 3.24 m/p, nice 3X optical zoom. Here is the best part of this camera, IT'S SMALL, and easy to use. This is particularly important to women who have the smaller designer purses, this will actually fit. It's the size of a cigarette package. For most of us this Fuji has more features you will ever use. For me I set it on A (automatic)setting. You will love the use of the setting wheel, this saves you time, for example if you need a close-up, macro just turn the wheel one click, no menus to scroll down (I love it). Regarding the media card, this is smaller, looks like th older smartmedia, just smaller. Since I have three Digital cameras, I purchased a duel card reader, it reads the larger smart media, and the (new) very compact XD card. I just figured the small card is just more practical for the smaller cameras. The camera is also very handsome. The color LCD on the back is 1.5" and is very nice, If you like to look through a view finder (I do), you look through a lens viewer. A compact camera, 3.24 M/Pixel, and all the features. Save yourself time & money buy the A303, and thank me later, really.
31 This digital camera wasn't my first choice but...
I wouldn't trade it for any other brand. I love the size and the quality of the pictures. I take it with me everyday and have been asked by many to take pictures for special occassions and can depend on the FinePix A303 to deliver.
32 Very nice small digital camera
Small & compact. Easy to use. Takes great digital pictures. I have several digital cameras & this Fuji A303 is so handy. It uses 2AA batteries & you can take about 200 to 300 pics. depending if you shut down the LCD. Xd memory is the size of a stamp. You'll want the ac adapter & an Xd reader that is hard to find in stock. Camera is plastic, but holds up very well. You can't go wrong with this digital camera.
33 Great Camera. period.
This is a great camera. You can choose multiple resolutions, great flash, and I like that it uses alkaline batteries (you dont have to wait for it to charge up after the batteries are dead.) Also functions as a webcam. Easily intigrates with Windows XP. only down side is the software it is bundled with, but you dan dowload different software to remedy that soltion.
34 Great Camera!
I'm not a photography expert. Wanted a camera to take pictures of my children. I purchased this camera after much searching on the net and reading of magazine reviews. My local camera shop strongly recommended it. It is very easy to use, pictures are clear, sharp, and easily downloaded to your PC. Friends and family are amazed at the pictures and prints (from shutterfly.com) developed from the camera. (8x10 are unbelievable) The only downside I can see is slight red-eye in some photos..which is easily removed with software programs.
My wife (who hates cameras) even learned how to use in 2 minutes! You won't be disappointed.
35 Easy to use, battery drainer
The camera and its software are super simple to set up and use. Even with name brand alkaline batteries, the camera uses a new pair every few days or so with moderate use.
36 Expensive Non Standard memory
Do yourself a favor and limit your camera search to those that use the industry standard memory format, COMPACT FLASH.
37 Great Camera
Great little camera!! I took it skiing this past weekend and took video of the whole family. Great virbrant colors, would really recommend it over the 2mp. Buy the 128 and also get the charger and a four pack of the nickel batteries. Buy a nice bag and put the 16 that comes with it in the bag plus a couple of charge batteries and your set. You would have to be some National Geographic person to run out of room and power. Not sure what the last review was about, you have to crack the owners book and check some of the flash settings....probably a couple of pages. The best thing about the camera is you don't need a gym bag to lug it around, fits right on your belt.
38 Great Camera
Great little camera!! I took it skiing this past weekend and took video of the whole family. Great virbrant colors, would really recommend it over the 2mp. Buy the 128 and also get the charger and a four pack of the nickel batteries. Buy a nice bag and put the 16 that comes with it in the bag plus a couple of charged batteries and your set. You would have to be some National Geographic person to run out of room and power. Not sure what the last review was about, you have to crack the owners book and check some of the flash settings....probably a couple of pages. The best thing about the camera is you don't need a gym bag to lug it around, fits right on your belt.
39 Best deal
Paid ... & free 32meg card at "a store".
Love the camera. Great pic's. Not a battery hog if you use quality ones. Moved up from Kodak 3400 and glad we did.
Nice size and weight. Far as the complants on plastic body
go it is comparable to all cams in that price range.
40 Small, but mighty
After weeks of shopping I bought the A-303 over Sony and Cannon. I was blown away by the demure size and weight, and it's ability to give sharp pictures that will fill an eight by eleven glossy sheet. 3.2mp, macro setting, movies, and auto flash and focus for about $100 less than it's competition. How can you go wrong?
41 Is it worth your money ?
I will try to point out some of the problems with this camera,
1. It looks cheap and feels cheap plastic. Cover of lens although good looking in pictures, is very flimsy. Try playing with one in a store and you will realize what I mean. Its basically a very thin sheet held by a spring, sure to break soon.
2. Too thick/big to compete with Canon Elph's.
3. Very less weight means more camera shake and blurry pictures. Yes for a digital camera being too light is also problematic.
4. Picture quality only average for a 3MP. Nothing spectacular. Don't be guided by just a "3MP" tag... doesn't necesaarily mean better quality. (Just like having fastest processor on your PC doesn't mean best performance, other things like motherboard, chispet, memory etc also count)
5. Has max shutter of only 1/2 sec, meaning you won't get any decent night or low light pictures.
6. No Video out port for watching pics on TV.
7. No sound recorded with movies. Movies have too low frame rate and useless quality. Use as a webcam also isn't practical.
8. Lens worse than even other Fuji, 2650.
9. To make things worse, it uses a propreitary xD card which is *more than twice* as expensive as CF card here on Amazon. Plus there's no 128MB in stock anywhere as of today. Death to xD card !
Why wouldn't someone buy a Canon A40/S200/S330 or Fuji 2650 or Nikon 2500 or Minolta Dimage X or one of dozens of Kodak/Sony/HP models floating around ? Why A303 with new propreitary card and no features for the price except a 3MP tag ? Maybe you might like it though.
I don't see any reason why Fuji couldn't use SD or MMC or CF or one of the existing formats or add video out and better movie mode. Hopefully FujiFilm will come with something better next time around !
42 A Great Camera for a Great Price
I had been trying to decide whether to buy this camera or the Canon Powershot S230, and decided on this one - I think that I made the best decision. For about $100 less, you get much of the same features, and, in my opinion, overall better picture quality than the Canon. We took this camera to the zoo this weekend, and the picture quality - richness of true color, was amazing - such impressive results from such a small camera. The added plus was that it was easy to use, and conveniently small enough to fit right into my purse. The only negative I would say is the shutter lag, and not being able to record sound in the movie mode. But I am so happy with everything else that it doesn't matter. This was definitely a smart purchase.
43 Love it.
Pros: excellent pictures/colors, light, easy to use (point & shoot), very good PC software, and much better priced compare with other 3.x Mega Pixels.
Cons: plastic body, shuttle lag.
I recommended this nice toy to all of my relatives and friends. We all love the outcome of pics.
44 Fuji FinePix A303 Review
I have recently purchased this camera and my wife and I have been testing it extensively to determine its quality.
We have both been pleased with the outdoor and indoor results. In either case, the pictures comes out very sharp and identical to what we would have seen with our own eyes.
The camera is very easy and intuitive to use. This in combination with its small size makes it convenient.
The main problem with this camera is that it is very power hungry...especially when downloading the pictures onto a computer via the provided USB cable. I would highly recommend purchasing the AC power adapter when downloading the pictures or using it for video teleconferencing.
45 really good value
this camera is a really good value, excellent quality pictures, decent video
2 problems: no sound, sux up the batteries like an elephant
46 Excellent Camera
I have just purchased the Fuji A303. The camera is very easy to use and creates great vivid pictures. Despite what you might of heard from other people this camera is awesome it's light weight, small, and also has a movie mode. The in camera menus are easy to use not complicated at all like other products. I hope this review helps someone out there thats looking for a great camera.
47 I loved it!
I purchased this camera a week ago (the night before my vacation). I've used digital cameras before, but this is the first I've purchased. I loved it's ease of use, compact size, picture quality, and style. This camera does not look "cheap" like many others. It's a great digital camera to carry with you while you travel -- it's not heavy and bulky and the picture quality is great!
48 A sharp little number
I was surprised at the sharpness of the pics. Colors seem to be good. I havent played with the settings much so any contrast brightness problems I can easily fix in a photo editor. I plugged it into our Macintosh G4 at work and all the photos were easily imported into iPhoto.
The camera was smaller than I expected. It has no case so you may want to find one for it. My only beef is that the casing of the body is plastic instead of metal. Metal would be nice, plastic makes me nervous about how durable it will be in the long run, but hell for the price I am very happy with it.
49 try another camera
i have a nikon cp800 now, and have used my friends fuji 2600 for 3 weeks. so, thought at 3mp this must be better than a 2600, wrong. i bought the camera and took about 50 pictures. the camera only give acceptable shots at full sunlight outdoors. the pics indoors are useless. even outdoors the camera gives lousy shots unless there is extreme bright light. i like fuji digital cameras, but they missed here. you get about the pic quality of a $$ 1mp camera. if your looking for a $ carry along camera, get the fuji 2600. my guess, half of a303 will be returned.
