Fuji FinePix F40fd

The biggest disappointment is the exposure sensitivity - it just doesn't pick up detail in the shade, and many pictures come out too dark. Its auto mode it chooses too high a ISO, in manual the picture is often under exposed. Also the Best Shot modes in the Casios really put this camera to shame - particularly shooting at night. You are often frustrated by trying different modes to get something acceptable, which in today's market is not good enough really.

Overall the best thing to say about the F40Fd is the value for money. However Fuji have worked hard at reducing noise, but failed in my opinion at making this camera easy and quick to use. If conditions are overcast the photo WILL be dark, and indoors the flashes do not always produce sharp results.

The problem with choosing a digital camera these days is so much choice and far too many mediocre models, which the F40fd must be regarded as.

You'll get some nice photos, no doubt, but often after several tries, and somewhat clumsily at that. I think things will improve in the market over the next two years, as the megapixel race dies down and the quality (exposure and detail) becomes the new challenge.