Rating: 
Summary: It's a great starter package for the price.
Review: I bought my brand new MX2900 camera (including the same"freebies") at an online auction last May 2000 for similar price... It's a GREAT camera, and this is a good enough price for this package (although you'll agree that it will continue getting cheaper with time). The package includes all the basics you'll need. However, I recommend buying the following extras: extra rechargeable battery (NP-80), a quick charger (BC-80)and a few more smartmedia cards (32MB or more). I also found useful to have a wide conversion lens (WL-MX29).A spare battery is useful because the camera drains the battery really fast (especially when you always use the LCD monitor). A quick charger (BC-80) is really handy because it only takes an hour to recharge the battery (the AC adapter takes 8 hours). A few smartmedia cards are necessary because the 8MB smartmedia card that's included in the package doesn't hold much photos. For example, 1 picture taken at the "hi" setting (uncompressed file) and "1800x1200" pixel setting will use up 8MB of space already. Without the extra memory cards, you'll find yourself always running to your computer so you can move your picture files from your smartmedia card. By the way, unlike what the other reviewer said (5 photos at "fine" setting with 32MB smartmedia card), a 32MB smartmedia card will actually store up to 36 photos taken with the "fine" and "1800x1200" pixel settings. You can even verify this at Fujifilm's website... I suggest you visit that website to learn more about the camera's features and specifications. The camera has both automatic and full manual modes. It even has a self-timer. There are so many features so make sure you read the manual... As of today (July 27,2000), this camera rates as #2 in the 2-3 megapixel range (second only to Olympus C2020). I have not found much use for the "high" setting (uncompressed ".tiff" images). Like what the other reviewer said, this format is nonstandard. Most online photo sharing/printing services accept only the ".jpeg" format (available with the "fine," "normal," and "basic" settings for this camera). If you plan to print your photos, the "fine" and 1800x1200 pixel settings will produce 4"x6" prints that are comparable in quality to photos taken from a 35mm camera (I have not tried printing larger prints). Otherwise, for web sharing, the lower settings will do the job just fine... I have no regrets about buying this camera. Yes, there are cameras with 3+ megapixels out there, but I do not yet see the need to upgrade. This camera is worth the price that Amazon.com is selling it for (I would not pay more). Before I end this review, let me just say a few basic things: 1.)Cost: it's a good value 2.)Strengths: looks impressive (like those 35mm Nikons); auto/manual modes; photos show good colors; crisp images on LCD monitor 3.)Weaknesses: internal flash can be weak (make sure you always have your external flash at reach); the lens cap just dangles on the side; kind of slow (takes too long between shots) unless you use "continuous shooting" mode (in which case, you're automatically fixed at only 640x480 pixels)
Rating:
Summary: It's a great starter package for the price.
Review: I bought my brand new MX2900 camera (including the same"freebies") at an online auction last May 2000 for similar price... It's a GREAT camera, and this is a good enough price for this package (although you'll agree that it will continue getting cheaper with time). The package includes all the basics you'll need. However, I recommend buying the following extras: extra rechargeable battery (NP-80), a quick charger (BC-80)and a few more smartmedia cards (32MB or more). I also found useful to have a wide conversion lens (WL-MX29). A spare battery is useful because the camera drains the battery really fast (especially when you always use the LCD monitor). A quick charger (BC-80) is really handy because it only takes an hour to recharge the battery (the AC adapter takes 8 hours). A few smartmedia cards are necessary because the 8MB smartmedia card that's included in the package doesn't hold much photos. For example, 1 picture taken at the "hi" setting (uncompressed file) and "1800x1200" pixel setting will use up 8MB of space already. Without the extra memory cards, you'll find yourself always running to your computer so you can move your picture files from your smartmedia card. By the way, unlike what the other reviewer said (5 photos at "fine" setting with 32MB smartmedia card), a 32MB smartmedia card will actually store up to 36 photos taken with the "fine" and "1800x1200" pixel settings. You can even verify this at Fujifilm's website... I suggest you visit that website to learn more about the camera's features and specifications. The camera has both automatic and full manual modes. It even has a self-timer. There are so many features so make sure you read the manual... As of today (July 27,2000), this camera rates as #2 in the 2-3 megapixel range (second only to Olympus C2020). I have not found much use for the "high" setting (uncompressed ".tiff" images). Like what the other reviewer said, this format is nonstandard. Most online photo sharing/printing services accept only the ".jpeg" format (available with the "fine," "normal," and "basic" settings for this camera). If you plan to print your photos, the "fine" and 1800x1200 pixel settings will produce 4"x6" prints that are comparable in quality to photos taken from a 35mm camera (I have not tried printing larger prints). Otherwise, for web sharing, the lower settings will do the job just fine... I have no regrets about buying this camera. Yes, there are cameras with 3+ megapixels out there, but I do not yet see the need to upgrade. This camera is worth the price that Amazon.com is selling it for (I would not pay more). Before I end this review, let me just say a few basic things: 1.)Cost: it's a good value 2.)Strengths: looks impressive (like those 35mm Nikons); auto/manual modes; photos show good colors; crisp images on LCD monitor 3.)Weaknesses: internal flash can be weak (make sure you always have your external flash at reach); the lens cap just dangles on the side; kind of slow (takes too long between shots) unless you use "continuous shooting" mode (in which case, you're automatically fixed at only 640x480 pixels)
Rating:
Summary: It's a great starter package for the price.
Review: I bought my brand new MX2900 camera (including the same"freebies") at an online auction last May 2000 for similar price... It's a GREAT camera, and this is a good enough price for this package (although you'll agree that it will continue getting cheaper with time). The package includes all the basics you'll need. However, I recommend buying the following extras: extra rechargeable battery (NP-80), a quick charger (BC-80)and a few more smartmedia cards (32MB or more). I also found useful to have a wide conversion lens (WL-MX29). A spare battery is useful because the camera drains the battery really fast (especially when you always use the LCD monitor). A quick charger (BC-80) is really handy because it only takes an hour to recharge the battery (the AC adapter takes 8 hours). A few smartmedia cards are necessary because the 8MB smartmedia card that's included in the package doesn't hold much photos. For example, 1 picture taken at the "hi" setting (uncompressed file) and "1800x1200" pixel setting will use up 8MB of space already. Without the extra memory cards, you'll find yourself always running to your computer so you can move your picture files from your smartmedia card. By the way, unlike what the other reviewer said (5 photos at "fine" setting with 32MB smartmedia card), a 32MB smartmedia card will actually store up to 36 photos taken with the "fine" and "1800x1200" pixel settings. You can even verify this at Fujifilm's website... I suggest you visit that website to learn more about the camera's features and specifications. The camera has both automatic and full manual modes. It even has a self-timer. There are so many features so make sure you read the manual... As of today (July 27,2000), this camera rates as #2 in the 2-3 megapixel range (second only to Olympus C2020). I have not found much use for the "high" setting (uncompressed ".tiff" images). Like what the other reviewer said, this format is nonstandard. Most online photo sharing/printing services accept only the ".jpeg" format (available with the "fine," "normal," and "basic" settings for this camera). If you plan to print your photos, the "fine" and 1800x1200 pixel settings will produce 4"x6" prints that are comparable in quality to photos taken from a 35mm camera (I have not tried printing larger prints). Otherwise, for web sharing, the lower settings will do the job just fine... I have no regrets about buying this camera. Yes, there are cameras with 3+ megapixels out there, but I do not yet see the need to upgrade. This camera is worth the price that Amazon.com is selling it for (I would not pay more). Before I end this review, let me just say a few basic things: 1.)Cost: it's a good value 2.)Strengths: looks impressive (like those 35mm Nikons); auto/manual modes; photos show good colors; crisp images on LCD monitor 3.)Weaknesses: internal flash can be weak (make sure you always have your external flash at reach); the lens cap just dangles on the side; kind of slow (takes too long between shots) unless you use "continuous shooting" mode (in which case, you're automatically fixed at only 640x480 pixels)
Rating:
Summary: This is the best digital camera for the money
Review: I have had a Fuji 2900 for over a year now (and I paid a lot more than this!) and I love it. I had an earlier Fuji digital model before this and found that that too was a great camera. An unfortunate accident led me to purchase a new Fuji and I have been nothing but happy with this one. This camera is easy to use. I have read the instruction booklet that came with it, but usage of the camera is pretty straight forward and reading it was only needed for some of the more complicated functions. Everything you need is included. You get the cameras, a memory chip, a plug adapter (that also works in europe!), software for your PC (download mac free from www.fujifilm.com), rechargeable battery, and a cable to download images to your computer via the "scuzzi" port. It looks like Amazon has thrown in the USB connector which is a great - the downloads will be much faster. I recommend buying the 64MB SmartMedia memory card as you can take 100's of photos without downloading with that memory chip. I have been traveling in Europe and have been able to take great pictures and send them back to my friends and family in the States via the intranet. I have the 32MB SmartMedia card and can take 64 pictures at the "normal" setting before needing to download. The pictures have so many pixels that I have to reduce the images in half for my personal website to allow the images to be viewed normally by web browsers. Using "Fine" mode, I can only take 5 pictures per 32MB memory card, but the photos are simply astounding. Viewing the full size pictures on PC makes for a great slide show and an excellent image library for the occasional "remember this?" email to friends. Using software like thumbsplus (http://www.thumbsplus.com/) - makes it easy to turn my images into webpages and has an excellent database mechanism allowing me to search my pictures by keyword. When I take the camera out for the afternoon I feel free to take pictures of whatever I want. If the picture doesn't turn out - I erase it - right from the camera. I have been able to be much more experimental with my photography this way as I don't have to shell out cash for every single picture I take that doesn't quite work out. I like it so much, that I bought one for my Dad. He loves it and has been sending me a bunch of great pictures via email. Unfortunately, Amazon did not carry the camera at the time and I paid $750 for it! But now they do carry it for way less and I am passing this URL off to my friends who have asked about my camera.
Rating:
Summary: This is the best digital camera for the money
Review: I have had a Fuji 2900 for over a year now (and I paid a lot more than this!) and I love it. I had an earlier Fuji digital model before this and found that that too was a great camera. An unfortunate accident led me to purchase a new Fuji and I have been nothing but happy with this one. This camera is easy to use. I have read the instruction booklet that came with it, but usage of the camera is pretty straight forward and reading it was only needed for some of the more complicated functions. Everything you need is included. You get the cameras, a memory chip, a plug adapter (that also works in europe!), software for your PC (download mac free from www.fujifilm.com), rechargeable battery, and a cable to download images to your computer via the "scuzzi" port. It looks like Amazon has thrown in the USB connector which is a great - the downloads will be much faster. I recommend buying the 64MB SmartMedia memory card as you can take 100's of photos without downloading with that memory chip. I have been traveling in Europe and have been able to take great pictures and send them back to my friends and family in the States via the intranet. I have the 32MB SmartMedia card and can take 64 pictures at the "normal" setting before needing to download. The pictures have so many pixels that I have to reduce the images in half for my personal website to allow the images to be viewed normally by web browsers. Using "Fine" mode, I can only take 5 pictures per 32MB memory card, but the photos are simply astounding. Viewing the full size pictures on PC makes for a great slide show and an excellent image library for the occasional "remember this?" email to friends. Using software like thumbsplus (http://www.thumbsplus.com/) - makes it easy to turn my images into webpages and has an excellent database mechanism allowing me to search my pictures by keyword. When I take the camera out for the afternoon I feel free to take pictures of whatever I want. If the picture doesn't turn out - I erase it - right from the camera. I have been able to be much more experimental with my photography this way as I don't have to shell out cash for every single picture I take that doesn't quite work out. I like it so much, that I bought one for my Dad. He loves it and has been sending me a bunch of great pictures via email. Unfortunately, Amazon did not carry the camera at the time and I paid $750 for it! But now they do carry it for way less and I am passing this URL off to my friends who have asked about my camera.
Rating:
Summary: Great camera
Review: I really feel I got a great deal with this one.Very happy with quality and the price was the best I found.
Rating:
Summary: Great Hardware, sorry software
Review: The Fuji MX-2900 Zoom is a great technical camera. The body parts and lens are very well made. It allows point and shoot for beginners and complete control for advanced users. The USB Smartmedia reader is wonderful! Let me say that again...WONDERFUL! BUT....Fuji uses a non-standard format for high resolution .tif images which can't be read by most image processing software. That means all the image software you now have will probably be unusable with these images. This is a problem if you want the best images for making large prints. If you don't need the high resolution .tif images, the MX-2900 is the best buy I've seen. I'm glad I purchased it.
Rating:
Summary: Great Hardware, sorry software
Review: The Fuji MX-2900 Zoom is a great technical camera. The body parts and lens are very well made. It allows point and shoot for beginners and complete control for advanced users. The USB Smartmedia reader is wonderful! Let me say that again...WONDERFUL! BUT....Fuji uses a non-standard format for high resolution .tif images which can't be read by most image processing software. That means all the image software you now have will probably be unusable with these images. This is a problem if you want the best images for making large prints. If you don't need the high resolution .tif images, the MX-2900 is the best buy I've seen. I'm glad I purchased it.
Rating:
Summary: Overall the Best Value
Review: There are many good things to say about this package but one of the best is that it works so much like a regular camera that most first time users will never become confused. In addition, for the more advanced user, it has almost all of the manual settings that you would ever use. You may see cameras at a lower price but then you have to add everything on. This comes with a recharger built in and unlike other comments, I found that I could take about 30 pictures and delete all but 15 without running the battery down at all. The key I think is to not use the LCD display unless you have to. The pictures in "Normal" mode are excellent for e-mail or e-bay and print out very well. The detachable flash is a real lifesaver (battery life that is) and works well. Having the AC adapter is a real bonus if you take a lot of pictures in a controled setting (such as for on-line auctions) or for when you are reviewing pictures on the TV or PC. I did have some difficulty loading the USB Card Reader but I think it was more "user error" than anything. I couldn't use the CD provided because it won't work with auto-run and my PC kept trying to open it as an audio CD. I then went to fujifilmsupport.com but it took me a long time to find the correct download. When I did get it, something about the program disabled my modem and I had to delete and re-load it again. Once I figured it out, it worked great. Again, I may have missed a step so I wouldn't make this a deciding point in purchasing this package. The zoom is excellent but I wouldn't count on the digital zoom being much help; the resolution goes down quick and you end up with a pretty low resolution pic. We spent a great deal of time researching cameras and this is by far the best for the money. I have to say one more thing: Amazon's service is incomparable. We ordered this camera on Saturday, regular mail. They sent it UPS on Sunday and we recieved it at 3:00 on Tuesday. We were able to charge it, play with it and then take it on our Vacation which started Wednesday. It was also great to be able to track the package on line. By the way, the best price we found around town (Sacramento) would have been over $700.00 with the accessories. If you have any questions e-mail me at moandlo@jps.net. Morris B
Rating:
Summary: Overall the Best Value
Review: There are many good things to say about this package but one of the best is that it works so much like a regular camera that most first time users will never become confused. In addition, for the more advanced user, it has almost all of the manual settings that you would ever use. You may see cameras at a lower price but then you have to add everything on. This comes with a recharger built in and unlike other comments, I found that I could take about 30 pictures and delete all but 15 without running the battery down at all. The key I think is to not use the LCD display unless you have to. The pictures in "Normal" mode are excellent for e-mail or e-bay and print out very well. The detachable flash is a real lifesaver (battery life that is) and works well. Having the AC adapter is a real bonus if you take a lot of pictures in a controled setting (such as for on-line auctions) or for when you are reviewing pictures on the TV or PC. I did have some difficulty loading the USB Card Reader but I think it was more "user error" than anything. I couldn't use the CD provided because it won't work with auto-run and my PC kept trying to open it as an audio CD. I then went to fujifilmsupport.com but it took me a long time to find the correct download. When I did get it, something about the program disabled my modem and I had to delete and re-load it again. Once I figured it out, it worked great. Again, I may have missed a step so I wouldn't make this a deciding point in purchasing this package. The zoom is excellent but I wouldn't count on the digital zoom being much help; the resolution goes down quick and you end up with a pretty low resolution pic. We spent a great deal of time researching cameras and this is by far the best for the money. I have to say one more thing: Amazon's service is incomparable. We ordered this camera on Saturday, regular mail. They sent it UPS on Sunday and we recieved it at 3:00 on Tuesday. We were able to charge it, play with it and then take it on our Vacation which started Wednesday. It was also great to be able to track the package on line. By the way, the best price we found around town (Sacramento) would have been over $700.00 with the accessories. If you have any questions e-mail me at moandlo@jps.net. Morris B
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