Digital Photography Blog: Digital Camera Reviews, Ratings, News, Tips and Tutorials.
February 2010
February 2009
January 2009
August 2008
July 2008
April 2008
March 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
Canon | Casio | Fuji | HP | Kodak | Minolta | Nikon | Olympus | Panasonic | Pentax | Samsung | Sony | Misc. | Accessories | Lenses
The Fujifilm Finepix A500 is the big brother of the 4 megapixel A400 also released today. It features much the same specifications as the A400 except for a larger megapixel count - coming in at 5 megapixels (CCD Sensor).
It has a Fujinon 3x Optical Zoom, 1.8 inch LCD display (with anti glare) and 12 megabytes of internal memory. it measures 93.0 x 60.0 x 27.0mm and weighs 173 grams.
The Fujifilm Finepix A500 will retail for $179 (US$) and should be in stores in February 2006.
Compare prices on the Fujfilm FinePix A500 and get the latest price on the Fujifilm Finepix A500
Fujifilm’s decision to include the award winning* Super CCD sensor in its latest A-Series cameras is a boon to photographers who want the best image quality without the complexity of a more elaborate digital camera. Seven years ago Fujifilm set itself apart from other manufacturers by introducing its own image sensor, the Super CCD. Using the human eye as a model and mimicking the way it functions, Super CCD enhances vertical and horizontal resolution, improves color reproduction, widens dynamic range and increases signal-to-noise ratios and light sensitivities. All of these factors play important roles in the production of higher-quality digital pictures.
The A-Series cameras are ideal for the first-time digital camera buyer or any photographer who craves simplicity without sacrificing image quality. In addition to the Super CCD sensor, Fujifilm’s latest A-Series digital cameras offer the following desirable features:
* Four-MegaPixel (FinePix A400) and five-MegaPixel (FinePix A500) Super CCD HR performance. Users of either camera can enlarge pictures to an 8x10-inch print size without a problem and enjoy the zooming and cropping benefits that these new mid-range resolution cameras provide.
* 3x Fujinon Zoom Lens. Fujinon, a Fujifilm sister company, is a world leader in lens technology. Broadcasters, astronomers, scientists and the military all use Fujinon optics. Both FinePix A-Series cameras have sharp, 3x optical zoom lenses manufactured by Fujinon.
* Internal memory. This is a great safety net for FinePix A400 and FinePix A500 users. They can fill up their xD Picture card and have the security of knowing some extra space is tucked away for those unexpected picture moments.
* LCD with anti-glare properties. Fujifilm is a world leader in anti-glare monitor coatings and this technology can be found in millions of LCD, plasma and other displays around the world. The coating reduces glare on the 1.8-inch LCD of the FinePix A400 and FinePix A500 for easier viewing in direct light.
* Four scene modes: portrait, landscape, sport and night. These scene modes are great aids in getting the best picture quality in challenging photo situations.
* AA Batteries. Two AA batteries power the FinePix A400 and FinePix A500. This is yet another convenience for the user since AA batteries are readily available.
* Price – FinePix A400: $149; FinePix A500: $179. These prices are representative of the tremendous value of these two cameras, which includes technologies once found only in more advanced cameras. Both products are expected to be available February 2006.
PC Mag reviews the Fuji FinePix A500 where they write - 'Looking for a digital point-and-shoot that is both affordable and easy to use? Fuji has one for your consideration. The Fuji FinePix A500 ($179 list) is a 5.1-megapixel compact digital camera that features a 3X optical zoom. The lens has a 6.4mm-to-19.2mm zoom range (equivalent to a 35mm lens with a 38mm-114mm zoom) and corresponding maximum f-stops of f/3.3 to f/5.5. It comes with 12MB of internal memory and includes Fuji's patented Super CCD sensor (but I have to say that I've never noticed that this special sensor does anything out of the ordinary). On my tests, the A500 took very good stills and delivered solid performance for low-cost camera.'
Steves Digicams reviews the Fujifilm FinePix A500 and writes - ' the Fujifilm FinePix A500 was a mixed bag. It produced good quality indoor and outdoor images, but its versatility is limited by its relatively weak flash and poor autofocus performance in dim lighting. But at a street price in the $150 range, cost-conscious consumers might overlook its shortcomings and consider it a good value, especially considering its 5-megapixel resolution. Those for whom price is the greatest consideration should also look at the Fujifilm A400; with the identical features except for its 4-megapixel imager, it is available for about $30 less.'
CNET reviews the Fujifilm FinePix A500 and writes - 'Casual photographers on a tight budget will appreciate Fujifilm's no-nonsense FinePix A500, a compact 5-megapixel snapshooter. Unfortunately, the camera's low price comes at a cost: a limited 3X zoom range, no manual controls, just four scene modes, and a tiny 1.8-inch LCD. It has no burst capabilities at all beyond a 320x240-pixel, 10-frame-per-second Silent Movie mode. Image quality is only average, and perks such as batteries and a decent memory card will cost you extra, but you can tuck this little camera in your pocket for less than $200. If you're really strapped for cash, the almost identically featured 4-megapixel FinePix A400 goes for about $50 less.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Fujifilm FinePix A500 and writes - 'In terms of image quality, however, the Fuji A500 produced pictures with rich color and good sharpness which should appeal to most consumers. Despite a somewhat heavy overall color saturation, skin tones were rendered fairly accurately with good tonal balance. If this is your first digital camera, you might be delighted with the results. However, if you've tried other current entry-level models, you'll quickly notice that the Fuji A500 lags behind in its overall picture-taking performance which is why we cannot make it a Dave's Pick.'
DPexpert reviews the FUJIFILM FINEPIX A500 and writes - 'While there are manual over rides for some of the camera functions this is really a point-and-shoot camera for a person who takes the occasional picture. Its special virtue is its ability to produce very good photos on those occasions when it is used.... The Fujifilm Finepix A500 is excellent value for money. It will produce prints to A4 size with plenty of detail and fidelity. The Fujifilm Finepix A400 is a 4 megapixel alternative that is so similar to the A500 that they share the one instruction manual.'
DevHardware has a review of the Fujifilm Finepix A500 and writes, "The image quality of the A500 depends on lighting. At low lighting this camera struggles, even with the CCD. Outdoor shots during the day are neat, and fortunately I took a lot of those. Indoor shots show up the camera focusing and the light adjustment; it sucks at low light levels. Expect purple edges in bright light as well as white outs. If you wear a white T- shirt on a white background and you use the flash, your shot is white all mixed together (can they ever fix that?). The view finder is unreliable and won't tell you the quality of the pictures you have. When flipping through pictures you will get fuzzy pictures, and until they're up on your PC or notebook you can't be sure exactly what you have taken."
Compare prices on the Fujfilm FinePix A500 and get the latest price on the Fujifilm Finepix A500
Posted by Darren in our Fuji category on January 04, 2006