Fujifilm FinePix S2550HD

The step-up model to the Fujifilm FinePix S1800 (*Est. $195), the FinePix S2550HD wields the same specs with the addition of HDMI output for easy playback on a TV. (See our review of the S1800 for more about shared features.) Reviewers praise the 18x zoom lens, manual and automatic options, and impressive burst mode for fast-action shots (up to 20 shots at 8 frames per second), although Mike Perlman at InfoSyncWorld.com likens the menus and interface to something "borrowed from an Atari game," and editors at Steves-Digicams.com say that having only two aperture settings -- narrow or wide -- "defeats the purpose" of the feature, which is to offer greater control over depth of field.

The S2550HD "blasted out high-quality still images rife with natural color, tonality, and sharpness" in Perlman's tests, but the weak flash along with a jump in noise and color saturation at higher ISO settings doesn't impress editors at Steves-Digicams.com. Likewise, HD video is "definitely not the camera's strongest trait," says Perlman, especially since the noisy zoom motor drowns out audio. While most users at Amazon.com consider the S2550HD a versatile camera at a great price, experts suggest checking out alternatives. Recommendations include the more compact, 14x zoom Canon PowerShot SX210 IS (*Est. $300) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 (*Est. $300) with its 18x zoom, top-notch HD video and RAW file support. Critics note the cameras cost more but offer superior control and image quality.

A brief report on the Fujifilm FinePix S2550HD at InfoSyncWorld.com is accompanied by a video review. A lengthier evaluation at Steves-Digicams.com offers a combined review of the S2550HD and the Fujifilm FinePix S1800. Nearly two dozen reviews appear at Amazon.com, where comments are detailed, but don't back low ratings from experts.