Expert Recommendation
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Overview
Cameras with the long telephoto lenses required for shooting fast action are few and far between in the budget realm - in fact the S700, with a 38-380mm 10x zoom and priced at just below $185, is one out of only two cameras that fit into this criteria. While it doesn’t particularly excel in any particular feature, the S700 is a capable camera that can get the job done.
My Best In Class Pick
Fujifilm FinePix S700
When it comes to fast-action, there are many, many features that are useful, but there is one feature that is a must-have: decent high ISO performance that will be able to freeze the motion of fast action. While the Kodak Z712 actually has a better continuous shooting mode and telephoto lens, its below-average high ISO ability is simply not good enough - it can barely even freeze motion in daylight situations without producing overly noisy images. The S700, while not great, is the only other ultrazoom with a long enough telephoto to shoot fast action in this price range, and while not an excellent fast action camera, is capable if you use it in daylight situations and don’t need to shoot in bursts.
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix S700
- Kolleridy Electronic… : $159.89 (Best Price)
- Compare Prices : $159 - $330
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
| Product |
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| Customer Rating |
 
(from 265 reviews)
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(from 156 reviews)
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| Price | $159 - $330 | $159 - $299 |
| Size (W x H x D) | 4.2 x 3.0 x 3.2 in | 4.1 x 2.9 x 2.7 in |
| Weight (without batteries) | 306 g | 300 g |
| Max Shooting Speed (continuous) | 1.2 fps for three, 0.4fps unlimited | 2.1 fps for six |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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38-380mm (10x) | 36-432mm (12x) |
| Storage Media | xD-Picture Card, SD Memory Card | SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card |
| Battery Type | AA-size (x4) | AA-size (x2) |
| Battery Life | 500 shots | 275 shots |
| Max Usable ISO (subjective) | ISO400 | ISO200 |
| Autofocus Rating | Average | Average |
| Fast Action Rating | Average | Poor |
Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS
The Z712 is Kodak’s budget ultrazoom model, featuring a large 36-432mm (12x) zoom lens that allows you to zoom in for close-up shots of fast action.
Like many Kodak cameras, the Z712 has below-average high ISO performance. This means trying to freeze action in even daylight situations will result in noisy images, and you can just about forget shooting fast-action in low-light.
The Z712 can shoot 6 photos at 2.1 frames per second - a good feature that will allow you to take a series of shots and choose the best photo or moment of peak action later, greatly increasing your keeper rate. The Z712 uses the same contrast-detection autofocus as the S700, allowing it to just barely keep up with fast action subjects in daylight, and making it nearly useless for low-light situations.
Where to buy
Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS
- Online Great Buys : $159.95 (Best Price)
- Compare Prices : $159 - $299
How It Works
Unbiased experts recommend the best digital camera for you based on the types of photographs you intend to take, your budget, and desired features.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
