I have a FujiFilm s700?

Question

I have a FujiFilm S700. I bought the camera when I had to return a film SLR to the store and just exchanged the two out because I wanted a digital. I am still a beginner in photography and am about half way through my first photography class. I admit when I bought the camera I thought it was a digital SLR but now I know it's not...so what is it?
Also...it takes great pictures...but is it the camera taking the great pictures or is it me?
I have the manual and I have read it some but admittedly I haven't gotten all the way through it yet. Probably should do that lol.

Answer 1

This may sound funny, but it's true. It's considered an SLR "Like" camera.

These are cameras that are not true SLRs, but have many of the same advanced features and flexibility of an SLR.

The area between an SLR and a SLR Like camera is small. By definition SLR means "Single Lens Reflex". In other words, when you look through the viewfinder you are actually seeing the same thing the camera film or sensor is seeing.

The reason for this is that if you look at the camera, you have the lens, then behind the lens is a mirror, then behind the mirror is the shutter, and behind the shutter is the film or the digital senser (for digital cameras).

Remember I mentioned a mirror. Well when you look through the viewfinder there is a series of mirrors inside the camera at about 45 degree angles. The last one is the one right behind the lens, thus you are actually seeing through the lens. When you hit the shutter button, that last mirror flips up out of the way so the film or sensor can now see through the lens. This is the snap or noise you here from these cameras. At this split second, while looking through the viewfinder, you don't see anything because the mirror is blocking your view.

This happens so fast, you generally don't notice it, however if you set the camera to a very slow shutter speed, say 1/15 or slower, you'll see how it blocks your view.

A true SLR camera allows you to change lenses, most of the SLR Like cameras don't.

Answer 2

IF its not an SLR its called a PHD (Push Here Dummy) and for good reason...these cameras do everything for you...you cannot learn about photography using these types of cameras. Some may have manual functions, but its still technically a 'phd' lol. :) Sorry you accidently bought the wrong one. If it isn't too late, you might be able to exchange it, or sell it on Ebay so you can get a real dSLR camera. :)

Answer 3

Another difference between dSLR and "prosumer" cameras, probably the most important one, is the size of the sensor. Digicams, advanced or not, have smaller sensors than dSLR. This means more noise at higher ISO, and more difficulty in achieving limited depth of field due to the small sensor size and wide angle lenses used.

Are you sure you have the model number correct? I was thinking the s700 was introduced several years ago. At any rate, Fuji makes decent consumer digicams with generally better high ISO performance than many competitors. Good luck with your class, and definitely study your camera manual!

Answer 4

Just a note to Tripple Threat - Yes you can learn on them. I did. www.straightshots.co.nz