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<td><a href="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fujifilm-s1800.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1096" title="Fujifilm Finepix S1800" src="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fujifilm-s1800.jpg" alt="Fujifilm FinePix S1800" width="320" height="294" /></a></td>
<td>The FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 takes nice photos and is easy on the pocket at US $230. Armed with an 18x optical zoom lens (25-504mm), the camera is capable of producing clear shots with fine attention to detail, with the addition of 720p HD video recording. Targeted towards the novice photographer, it is easy to handle and navigate through the controls. And for those who want a little bit more control, there is a fully configurable manual mode.

The FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 is a great recommendation for beginner photographers who are likely to grow into wanting that little bit more control.</td>
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Let's get to the gist of it in the tabs below.

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[tabhead id="1"]  Overview  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="2"]  Cheers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="3"]  Jeers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="4"]  Who is it for?  [/tabhead] [tabhead_last id="5"]  The Verdict  [/tabhead_last]  [tab id="1"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
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	<li>Launched in February 2010</li>
	<li>Comes with an 18x optical zoom lens with a focal range of 25-504mm</li>
	<li>12.1 megapixels</li>
	<li>3.0-inch LCD screen</li>
	<li>High definition video recording</li>
	<li>Successor to the S1500 in the “S-series”</li>
	<li>Currently retailing for around US $230</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="2"] [list style="orb" color="grey"]
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	<li>A bargain at US$230</li>
	<li>Has 18x optical zoom lens for capturing distant subjects</li>
	<li>Offers high definition video recording</li>
	<li>Comfortable and easy to use for novices and experts alike</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="3"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
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	<li>Overall slowness precludes actions shots</li>
	<li>Very average performance in low light</li>
	<li>No HDMI Port to connect to LCDs and flat TV screens</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="4"]
 Proud beginner
 Casual photographer
<strong>√ Point &amp; shoot photo fan</strong>
 DSLR photo fan
 Advanced photographer

The S1800 will appeal to amateur photographers who want an affordable prosumer camera that will allow them to take their skills to the next level.[/tab] [tab id="5"]FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 may lack some features in comparison to other similar cameras, but with an affordable price the S1800 offers good value for money.
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<strong>Build Quality &amp; Design: </strong><strong>Handles with comfort. </strong>

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FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 is an all-plastic bridge model camera with a DSLR look and feel. As with all bridge models, the front of the camera is dominated by the superzoom lens which is still prominent even when retracted. It may look as if the S1800 will be difficult to handle but Fujifilm designed it with a large handgrip and a matte finish making it comfortable and easy to handle. <a href="http://www.digital-camera.com/1093/the-fujifilm-finepix-s1800-%E2%80%93-cheap-with-a-powerful-zoom.html">Digital-camera.com</a> says the S1800 “has a good weight to it, without being too heavy.”

It also has a 3-inch LCD monitor at the back with 97% frame coverage and a 0.2-inch Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with 200,000 pixels with 99%coverage - for the most part, what is on the screen is what you are shooting.

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<strong>Controls &amp; Ergonomics: “Versatility” is the word.</strong>

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FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800’s is aimed at novice to intermediate photographers so the controls are relatively easy to use. The buttons and controls are, for the most part, self explanatory but it also allows for a full manual mode for those more advanced users who are looking for more control.

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<strong>Shooting Performance: Quite slow.</strong>

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FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 is slow to turn on at 4.93 seconds, and shutter lag times were also on the slow side. This shouldn't be a major dealbreaker, but if you plan to take action shots you may want to consider something a bit faster. Overall, the camera produces sharp images with strong colors and good saturation. The light from the flash is bright enough to get the details in a scene but also soft enough to not overpower your subject.

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<strong>Image Quality: Strong colors, keen details. </strong>

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At 12MP, FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 produces good to reasonable photo quality. It has auto scene recognition with 17 scene modes, dual image stabilization, an ISO range of 64-400 with 800 as a back-up and shutter speeds of 8-1/2000 sec depending on the shooting mode.  It works tolerably in low light and at night with an 8 second maximum shutter speed. The Panorama mode also works well producing a good quality panoramic image. With a slow rate of 1.3 frames per second, burst shooting possible but not ideal at full resolution.

Video quality captures at 1280x720 pixels at 30fps with mono sound and recording time of 15 minutes per clip.

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<strong>Special Features: Tracking autofocus and dual image stabilization.</strong>

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FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 features tracking autofocus if you want to keep moving objects locked in focus.

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<strong>The Beginners' Lens Ratings </strong>

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This table will help you evaluate the usefulness of a camera according to various photographic situations. These ratings are based on our photographers’ experience, taking into consideration the features and reviewed performances of the camera:
•	1 flash is a poor performance;
•	5 flashes heralds a stellar performance.

The notes column features observations from advanced photographers. Feel free to agree/disagree in the comments below.
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Photo Type</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Camera Rating</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Notes</strong></td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Action / Children</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">1 flash</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">The S1800 is overall quite slow, don't expect to get great action shots with this camera.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Landscape / Architecture</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">2.5  flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">OK for close-ups, but unsuitable for wide angle shots.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Low light</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">2.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">The limited ISO range puts the S1800 at a disadvantage in low light situations.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Portrait</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">The long zoom can be useful for taking blurred background portraits, but you will not see DSLR-quality results.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Rough conditions</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">2.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Best suited to normal, everyday use.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Safari-like</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">The long zoom makes it a great camera for shooting subjects at a distance.</td>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CATEGORY		:	Bridge</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TOTAL RATING	:	16 / 30</strong></p>
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<strong>The Verdict (Extended version)</strong>

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FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 is recommended for those who are just starting out with photography, and offers good value for money with its flexible controls. While it lacks the more advanced features offered by its direct competitors, it functions very well at 12MP considering its good price point. Its flash is subtle enough to take photos without blinding your subject and its dual image stabilization allows for crisper images. Those who want full control of the camera are also given the option of using it in full manual mode.

Interestingly, while <a href="http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/fujifilm/finepix-s2550hd/fujifilm-finepix-s2550hd-review.html">Steves-digicams</a> notes images from the S1800 not being up to par with its competitors, <a href="http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/fuji-finepix-s1800.cfm">Cameras.co.uk</a> is at the opposite side as it attests that the S1800 produces images with good picture quality.

All in all, if you want a highly functional camera for less money, the FUJIFILM FINEPIX S1800 is for you.

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<strong>Review Digest</strong>

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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>CAMERA REVIEW WEBSITE</strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>WHAT THEY HAVE TO  SAY</strong></td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_finepix_s1800_review/">Photographyblog.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“The Fujifilm FinePix S1800 is the cheapest super-zoom camera that we've ever reviewed, yet it's by no means just a cheerful option, offering virtually all the functionality of its big brother, the S2500HD, at an even keener price.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/fuji-finepix-s1800.cfm">Cameras.co.uk</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“The big attraction of [S1800] is the price. It is hard to beat if you are looking for a digital camera with this much zoom power.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/fujifilm/finepix-s2550hd/fujifilm-finepix-s2550hd-review.html">Steves-digicams.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“FujiFilm's latest "S" series super-zoom is an improvement over past models.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4312&amp;review=canon+rebel+t2i">Reviews.Cnet.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“The S1800 does have a couple extras to make you think twice about spending the extra cash, though. For some reason only the S1800 comes with automatic picture rotation so you can shoot horizontally or vertically without having to right the images later, and Tracking Auto Focus for keeping moving subjects locked in focus until you're ready to shoot.””</td>
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