Fujifilm FinePix S7000

Viewfinder (8.0)
The Fuji FinePix S7000’s EVF (electronic viewfinder) is quite nice. The large window size and 230,000 pixel resolution are both features that are appealing to all users. Fuji boasts 100% coverage of the recorded image – the exact dimensions as seen on the LCD screen. There are pros and cons to this viewfinder type. The full frame coverage will make image composition easy and accurate, without the typical point-and-shoot frustration from inadequate viewfinders. However, EVFs, like LCD screens, often have a bit of a delay between what is happening in front of the lens and what is being seen through the camera. This can get annoying when trying to capture split-second moments.

LCD Screen (7.5)
The 1.8-inch, 118,000-pixel LCD screen on the Fuji FinePix S7000 is adequate for a digital camera of this size. Fujifilm gives users the option to adjust the brightness on the screen for varying lighting situations. Next to the LCD screen, there is a EVF/LCD button that toggles between the image being shown through the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Flash (8.0)
The pop-up flash on the S7000 offers six operating modes that are adjustable by pushing the Flash button and turning the Command dial. You can also put the camera into Suppressed flash mode by simply pushing the flash down if it pops up when you don’t need it. Auto flash mode is the most basic flash mode, which works well under a wide variety of shooting conditions. The Forced flash mode can be used for specialized conditions, such as backlit scenes. To ensure that your subject doesn’t have an unnatural red-eye effect, the flash has a Red Eye reduction mode and Red Eye Reduction + Slow Synchro for low light conditions. There is also a regular Slow Synchro mode for evening or low light situations.

The Fuji FinePix S7000’s built-in flash has a range of 1-27.9 ft. at a wide angle and 3-25.9 ft. at telephoto. For situations in which the built-in flash is not acceptable, there is a hot shoe fixture that can accommodate a wide variety of flash units.

Zoom Lens (7.5)
The Fuji FinePix S7000 is equipped with an EBC Fujinon f/2.8-f/3.1 lens that has a 6x optical zoom and 3.2x digital zoom. (Warning: digital zoom actually decreases the resolution of your image!) When the camera is turned off, the lens does not protrude an excessive amount, but when turned on, it extends about an inch and a half. There is a FZ ring on the outside of the base of the lens that can be used to focus when in Manual focus mode and is used as a zoom when the camera is set to Auto focus mode.