FujiFilm FinePix A340 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Reviews.

Excellent photo quality and a VERY reasonable price, October 19, 2004
Reviewer: AP
You're probably considering the Fuji A340 because you either want a good reliable point-and-shoot or simply because you want a really good deal. I've owned several digital point-and-shoots and even digital cameras several times the price of the A340 so the enclosed points speak from a fairly varied experience of digital camera usage over a 4 year period.

The Good
1. The photos are generally good quality when taken outdoors. Compared to other point and shoot cameras at least. But you'll instantly notice the difference in photo quality if you choose to buy (for example) a camera at twice this price. (I also own the 3 megapixel Canon PowerShot IS and love the vivid color in the photos there.)
2. If someone tells you 4 MP is not enough, ignore them unless you need to make prints larger than 11x15 (when did you make blow ups with a 35mm camera anyway???)
3. Battery life is decent. Please do invest in rechargeables. A worthy investment. Make sure you get a smart charger, not a dumb one

(enough product information and review material on Amazon to help you learn more on this if you would like.)
4. You'll appreciate the 3x zoom though instantly crave for more. At this price, I am not complaining!
5. There is not much else out there in the market under one hundred and eighty dollars. So if this is a gift, you've got a good starter camera to give with the additional accessories to be bought later by the recipient.

The Bad
1. XD cards are at least 40% more expensive than compact flash cards. Negates the whole concept of getting a really good deal. (Though there is currently a free memory card offer on Amazon that's worth looking at.)
2. Start up time at 3.3 seconds (according to Fuji at least) is painfully slow. That means you are guaranteed to miss a good action shot since time from start to click is at least 6 seconds (unless the word `draw' reminds you of the Wild Wild West and not your kindergarten days...) And remember, the frame-to-frame time of 0.62 seconds is only applicable when not using the flash. So all in all, not the best in case you want to take consecutive photos with a flash. Be prepared to wait several seconds between photos to allow the flash to charge fully.
3. If your really plan to take some video footage, you'll regret, soon enough, the lack of audio. Be prepared to be disappointed. I suggest you strongly consider a camera with audio. You can use Windows Movie Maker to add audio in later but you'll probably not find time to learn to use this efficiently enough.
4. its `just' a little too bulky to put into your pant pocket and still be completely comfortable. Especially if you have a carrying case with the camera.

Conclusion
A great starter camera. You cant go wrong with this purchase if this is your first digital camera. I'm being a little critical here because I'd like to share my likes and dislikes of this purchase. But I guarantee you, at this price, or for a starter camera, you'll be hard pressed to find anything better. (though the 3 MB Fuji FinePix A330 is a worthy contender for a starter camera.)

________________________________________________________________

Fuji Camera,s, January 26, 2006
Reviewer: Graham S. Sherrington "cyberphobia"

All the Fuji Finepix camera's are fantastic.
Iv'e had this one for over a year it takes better shots than my Nikon 90X. The SLRD Fuji's are way behind on technology but their point and shoot are spot on.
________________________________________________________________

Fuji FinePix A340, September 24, 2005
Reviewer: Monique F. Janney "capucine"

This is my first digital camera, I am satisfied with its capabilities, even though it doesn't have all the bells & whistles some other models have. For the price it is a good value
and I plan to get necessary expertise before purchasing an upgrade

________________________________________________________________

PIECE OF JUNK, August 11, 2005
Reviewer: DIGITIZED "RMRCALD"
SON RECEIVED AS A GRADUATION PRESENT. STOPPED WORKING AFTER 1 MONTH. I HAVE ANOTHER DIGITAL CAMERA 1MP HP3200 THAT WE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH. SO MUCH FOR NEW QUALITY PRODUCTS. ALSO TRYING TO HAVE IT FIXED IS A NIGHTMARE. TO REGISTER THEY WANT A PURCHASE PRICE IT WAS A GIFT!) OR THEY WANT THE RECEIPT IT WAS A GIFT!). I WILL NOT BE PURCHASING ANOTHER FUJI CAMERA.
________________________________________________________________

Good camera...but..., April 3, 2005
Reviewer: L. Muñoz

PROS
- 4 megapixel photos.
- Long battery life.
- Easy to use, just read.
- Just 7 buttons all optios in menu...(like using windows)
- Great Photos and in a 128MB you get 133 pictures in 4 MP or 66 in 4 MP+fine
- Easy conection to the pc just conect(like usb key, you can use it like) , and fast transfer speed.
- Great Auto mode and Macro modes (pleace read the manual)
- AutoFocus and good Zoom
- Great price

CONS
- Taking pictures at nigh is very hard because the LCD don`t show anything (but use the viewfinder, like 35 mm camera) and the working flash range is about 3 meters.
- Very soft case...
- Wend the handshake is detected is better no to take a picture, it will be moved.

I really love the camera, because is good poketsize and easy to use, just buy some memory 128 or 256 like me and you can get the camera everywere....i recomended for casual pictures....but not for profesional pictures (like calendar pictures or...)if you like it pay it ($800 Canon EOS)

Back to FujiFilm A340