Overview
The Fuji Finepix S5800 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 10x zoom lens. It also has manual exposure controls. One of the attractions of the Finepix S5800 is the fact that it is one of the easier to use super zoom digital cameras. This is mainly because it is not as feature rich as some of its rivals. This leads to a second advantage in that it is also somewhat cheaper.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
8
10x
2.5 inches
106.1 x 75.7 x 80.7m
307g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
1cm
No
Yes
AA
xD/SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The outdoor scenic shot taken with the Finepix S5800 is about average in terms of focusing, sun glare and colours. There are certainly sharper cameras out there, but a degree or two of latitude has to be given when you take into account that sharper super zoom cameras cost more. Sun glare is a problem for all cameras in this shot at this time of the year. It is handled as well as it can be expected to be. Some of the blue lines on the boat are showing a purple tinge.
The Finepix S5800 produces a decent wide angle shot. Focusing is not perfect with the scene being somewhat distant. There are signs of purple fringing creeping in around the edges of light coloured objects.
With the lens zoomed right in focusing has a tendency to drop off as you reach out towards the edges of the photo. Purple fringing also becomes a major issue and there is plenty of it in evidence here. Although this is a common problem with super zoom digital cameras it is quite marked here. It is likely to show on prints unless you undertake a clean up operation using a package such as Adobe Photoshop.
Portraits
The Finepix S5800 passes this test well. Sharpness levels have improved as the distance to the subject has decreased. The colours have a natural feel to them and the photo is well lit.
This is a good indoor photo with flash. There are two factors I particularly like. These are the fact that the whole photo is bright and the colours the camera manages to produce. When I consider the brightness of the photo the camera has done well to retain the amount of colour it does.
One of Fuji's big claims is that their cameras work well in lower light situations, giving you an alternative to constant use of the flash. This is not the case here though. Despite the fact the lighting is not that bad, the camera struggles to focus. This is a disappointing effort.
Macro, Colours and Noise
This is a bright, clear macro shot. If you look closely there is a hint of purple fringing creeping in around the edges of the watch. There are also some blue tinges on some of the numbers on the watch face.
The colours produced by the Finepix S5800 are quite standard. On the whole, Fuji does not produce over strong colours and this helps to leave some of the shots with a more natural look.
Noise does creep in at this level causing a loss of overall picture quality. Even so the Finepix S5800 manages to produces a better quality shot than most cameras do at this setting.
As for all cameras ISO 1600 is a step too far. I would suggest only using this setting if conditions are very dark and you are unable to use flash.
Summary
This is one of the cheaper super zoom digital cameras and that needs to be taken into account when analysing the test photos. The Finepix S5800 produces an acceptable set of photos in my opinion.
Style
The Finepix S5800 bears a resemblance to a small SLR camera. It is available in black.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.22 seconds
10.57 seconds
0.47 seconds
13.83 seconds
Ease of Use
Compared with other super zoom digital cameras the Finepix S5800 is one of the more straightforward. The camera does have fewer options than most, although it still has manual exposure controls. This leads to a simpler menu system.
Points I Like
Design and style - ease of use for a camera with these features
Where it Could Improve
Purple fringing
Verdict
If you are looking for a more straightforward super zoom digital camera at a reasonable price then the Fuji Finepix S5800 is worth considering. It is not the best digital camera ever made, but it is also a long way from being the worst. Therefore if you are looking for a longer lens and lower price tag then add this one to your shortlist.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Fuji Finepix S5800 Review Fuji Finepix S5800 Specification Fuji Finepix S5800 Sample Images Fuji Finepix S5800 Features
Review Date
November 2007
