Fujifilm FinePix S5700 Digital Camera

I had had a small digital camera without zoom. I was looking for a better one until I found the FinePix S5700 at an Auckland Airport duty free shop for NZD 399. I did not hesitate long, I purchased it. After three weeks now, I am very happy for my decision.
The S5700 takes 7.1 megapixel images, has a 10x power zoom and built-in flash. It uses xD or SD memory cards up to 2GB (that will store over 1000 high quality images). You can copy images between the camera's own 17 MB memory and the card both ways. The FinePix S5700 operates on 4 AA batteries. One set of alkaline batteries are included in the box but I bought NiMH rechargeable ones. These will last for many hundred shots at a time, even when many of the shots are taken with flash.
The camera is easy to hold, and for all its features it's lightweight. The startup time is just one second, and subsequent shots are taken after another second. The picture is taken almost immediately after you press the shutter button, and the flash (that has a range of over 5 meters) recharges in no time as well. To view your subject you have the option to switch between the viewfinder and the bright, large 2.5 inch screen on the back of the camera, so there is no problem at bright sunshine.
The camera is fully featured: There are many setting for all needs. There are different program settings, such as aperture or shutter priority, fully automatic and manual setting. You can choose between special program settings too (like portrait, flower or sports mode). All features are easily accessible through buttons and menues. Well, if you want to use all these features, you need to read the manual and practise on the camera for some time. Initially I wished there was an in-camera charger but since the batteries last very long, this is not necessary. Included are cables for tv and USB to view your images and videos on tv or on a computer monitor. Although you can take short videos with mono sound, this is not the same as a camcorder's video. At playback there are many options as well. You can rotate portrait images in the camera to upright position, or you can group pictures by the date taken. The 2.5" monitor is crisp and bright. The pictures taken with the S5700 are nothing less than beautiful. Viewed on a computer monitor, or printed on the Fuji Digital Printer in a store, they are as good as you can wish. 20 years ago I had a 35mm SLR camera set with 3 lenses that took about the same quality pictures with 10 times the weight and over 10 times the price!