Fuji Compact Digital Cameras

Fuji compact digital cameras can be divided into five categories:

• The A series are entry level point-and-shoot cameras designed for ease of use, first introduced in 2001
• The F series are very good for shooting in low light environments as they have relatively little image noise and natural colors even at high ISO settings
• The J series are low-cost, entry-level compact cameras first released in 2008 and have now partially replaced the A series range
• The Z series are ultra compact and very stylish, lightweight point-and-shoot digital cameras - some models are waterproof - all have non-protruding folded optics and sliding lens cover apart from the Z33WP which has no lens cover
• Fuji compact digital cameras now include Real 3D cameras which can take three-dimensional pictures using two lenses, and display them to the naked eye in 3D

Is a Compact Digital Camera Right for Me?

Compact digital cameras (or point-and-shoot cameras) are very small and totally portable, designed to fit in your pocket or handbag easily so you can take it with you everywhere you go. Casio compact digital cameras were among the smallest and thinnest when they started the ball rolling around 2002 but today many other manufacturers are producing lightweight, slim and elegant point-and-shoot cameras.

Most compacts have a lens which retracts into the body of the camera which means that even with the smallest of them, the focal length can be relatively long allowing you to zoom in on your subject.

If your camera is in your pocket or handbag, keys and other loose objects are a danger to the optics! To counter this, the lens usually has a built-in lens cap which automatically closes when the camera is shut down to protect the optics.

Compact cameras come with a wrist strap. If you keep the strap wound around your wrist when shooting, it helps to protect against accidentally dropping it. Some of the thicker compacts allow you to attach a neck strap for extra security.

Compacts don't have the advanced features of an SLR camera such as the ability to change lenses for example and picture quality is not as high as it would be with an SLR but ease-of-use and compactness make them an attractive buy. Compact cameras are great for holiday, parties, weddings, in fact just about every situation you find yourself and the beauty of them is you need never miss a shot as they are so lightweight you can always keep your camera with you.

This year (2011) some manufacturers have started producing compact digital cameras which can take 3D still photos which can be played back on a 3D television, an exciting development for the future.