Fujifilm FinePix E550

Value (8.5)
Although this camera by Fujifilm does cost US $399.95 online, it becomes a contender based upon its large 6.3 MP CCD, the 2.0-inch LCD screen, plentiful manual controls, and sleek, clean design. It is possible to edit images both in-camera and on personal computers, and it is direct-print capable. It also has a 4.0x optical zoom lens and a fairly slender body, considering the size of the screen and the AA batteries needed. It’s a good candidate for a user already familiar with point-and-shoot digital cameras and seeking a new camera with more options.

 Comparisons
Olympus Stylus Verve - This popular stylish digital camera by Olympus has done well, due in large part to its design and the advertising blitz. This camera has a 1/2.5-inch 4.2 MP CCD, with five image size settings and two movie pixel ratios both shooting at just 15 fps, though it has a relatively small 2x optical zoom. A plethora of preset scene settings are available to its user, extending far beyond the limited options offered by the E550. The Stylus Verve also comes in a variety of candy colors. It also has a nicely sized 1.8-inch LCD screen. It retails for approximately the same price as the E550.

Kyocera/Yashica Finecam M410R - This model by Kyocera is a larger point-and-shoot digital camera, with a sizable 10x optical zoom that targets a slightly different type of user than the E550. The Finecam M410R has a smaller 1/2.7-inch, 4 MP CCD, and only four still image settings, with three video formats available. It has plenty of manual features, although no external flash capability, and it runs on SD/MMC memory cards. This camera is direct-print capable, although it is not set up for webcam use. It also has a much smaller LCD, at only 1.5 inches, and a much larger body –a hefty 10.9 ounces without batteries. The electronic viewfinder offers accuracy comparable to that of the LCD screen, something the E550 cannot boast. Users attracted to extended zoom should gravitate towards the Finecam M410R, while users more concerned with portability should look into the E550.

Fujifilm FinePix S5100 - Another camera also by Fujifilm, the S5100 has a 1/2.7-inch, 4 MP CCD as well as a 1.5-inch LCD screen. (Both are smaller than the offerings on the E550.) It has four recorded resolution sizes available for still images and two for video, although it is at the same 30 fps frame rate. It has an impressive 10x optical zoom rating, which is great for users seeking more control for longer distances. This camera has a 16 MB memory card included, and a large number of manual control options available. It is direct-print capable, and can deliver video output. It is capable of webcam performance. This camera, like the Kyocera, has a larger body and a huskier weight of 11.9 ounces to go along with the added telephoto range.

Kodak EasyShare DX7630 -This camera costs slightly less than the other cameras listed, available in some retail stores for US $349.95. It has a 1/1.8-inch 6.1 MP CCD and five still image settings. The DX7630 is not capable of capturing audio clips, and is only capable of video clips in one mode at 24 fps. This camera has a 4x optical zoom lens but few manual controls. It has 32 MB of built-in memory and a video output device. Finally, it has the largest LCD of all the cameras featured, coming in at 2.2 inches.

 Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters- For the point-and-shoot user who isn’t seeking an overwhelming number of presets, this camera may be suitable. It’s geared more towards a consumer with greater familiarity with camera controls.

 Budget Consumers- With its 6.3 MP CCD, large number of controls, and nicely sized LCD screen, the budget consumer will be able to receive many desirable options at a lower-than-expected price.

Gadget Freaks -This camera by Fujifilm is sleek and attractive. However, its major appeal would most likely come from its manual control, and the number of bonus features is limited.

 Manual Control Freaks- This would be a great camera for those seeking a camera with both manual and automatic features. It has plenty of controls, including such features as Shutter Speed and Aperture Priority Settings.

 Pros/Serious Hobbyists —This camera is not intended for the pro or serious hobbyist. Perhaps it could be amusing for a while, but the low-quality manufacture of certain details is sure to annoy.