Fujifilm's got a new ruggedized camera for those whose photography takes 'em into less than ideal conditions -- or anyone that just tends to beat up their equipment, we suppose. Its BIGJOB HD-3W also doesn't seem to skimp too much on features to accommodate your abuse, packing in a reasonable six megapixels and a 3x optical zoom, along with ISO settings up to 1600, VGA video recording, 23MB of built-in memory, and an xD slot for expansion. Just don't plan on going too crazy with it -- Fujifilm apparently doesn't recommend drops of more than two feet, although the cam is water and dust resistant. Price and availability are as yet unknown quantities, as is so often the case.
posted Nov 8th 2006 3:08PM
Can these cameras be used to take underwater shots in a shallow creek?. It says it is "water resistant" and not "waterproof". Thanks
I wonder if that front clear cover over the lens is easily replaced by the customer? That part's going to get pretty beat up. It would go a long way toward making the camera more "rough use" accepted.
So anyone know where those cheap DSLR's that they kept promising us are?... like 4 years ago?
When are camera manufacturers going to improve on the 3x optical zoom? Honestly, how many years have we been stuck on point and shoot type small cams like this one (and my s400 elph) that only have 3x zoom? Anything over 3.0 megapixels is redundant, memory cards can be upgraded and they take video. SO UPDATE THE ZOOM!!! :)
There are a number of p&s cameras on the market with zooms longer then 3x, including Fuji, which offers a 10x optical zoom.
The trade-off is size. There is no way currently to have an uber thin camera with a longer then 3x zoom. For now, the MP race seems to be over and it is more on form, functions and details. These include super thin, water-proof, long zoom, drop-proof, etc. It is a matter of picking a camera with features and functions that you will use in your life, not just on the MP.
In the case of this latest release from Fuji, it would make a great camera for new parents, who are carrying a ton of bags and trying to keep the kids under control, possibly dropping a thing or two, or for someone who enjoys to go mountain biking and likes to take a camera along with them but is afraid of the dust and possible impact dammage from falling.
A ruggedized camera that can't be dropped more than two *feet*? That's nuts! That basically rules out anybody over about three feet tall dropping it while taking a picture.