The Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd is Fujifilm’s first ultra zoom digital camera with image stabilization. It has many of the features beginner to serious amateur photographers could wish for: very good to excellent image quality, a 18x optical wide-angle zoom with an effective sensor-shift image stabilization, and flexible exposure control.

The new sensor-shift image stabilizer allows hand holding shots at the long focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. The wide-angle makes this a great camera for landscape and large group shots.

There is full exposure flexibility, so if you are a beginner, you can start with Auto, Scene and Program AE exposure modes, then move on to Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and full Manual modes when you are ready to learn and explore. Switching from mode to mode, and using the different options available is intuitive.

The Fujifilm S8000fd has good performance for an ultra zoom. A large 2.5 in. LCD monitor makes focusing and composition easy. Both the high-resolution EVF and LCD gain up very well in low-light situations. An AF-assist Lamp helps achieve focus in low-light. The on-board flash is quite good with a 8.8 m reach.

TheFujifilm FinePix S8000fd makes a great digital camera for beginner and serious amateur photographers.

What I like about the Fujifilm S8000fd:

* Very good to excellent image quality.
* Wide-angle 18x optical zoom lens (27-486mm, 35mm equivalent).
* Effective sensor-shift Image Stabilizer.
* High resolution EVF and 2.5-in. LCD gain up very well in low-light.
* Programmed AE mode with Program Shift.
* Availability of ISO AUTO 400, ISO AUTO 800 and ISO AUTO 1600.
* Area AF with 49 positions for easy off-center focus.
* Excellent handling and grip.
* Intuitive controls and menus.
* Full exposure flexibility makes this digital camera perfect for someone who wants to learn and grow in digital photography.
* Excellent metering.
* Face Detection allows instant review to see if face (eyes) is in focus

Improvements wishlist:

* Faster performance.
* Longer shutter speeds.
* RAW file format.
* Quicker one button access to Area AF and exposure that meters at selected AF point.
* Better Manual Focus implementation.
* A tilting LCD for close-to-the-ground shooting.