Design and performance

Fujifilm FinePix S2950 review – Design and performance

The S2950’s design owes much of its style to more advanced, and more
expensive, bridge cameras on the market. This is in no small part thanks
to the bulbous front caused by the large lens, and well the AA battery
accommodating handgrip place to the right of the camera’s body. The
handgrip is certainly a blessing, affording a comfortable hold on the
camera in use as well as easy access to the camera’s zoom rocker.
Despite having the body of a slightly shrunk bridge camera, and in spite
of using four AA batteries for power, the S2950 still managed to fell
compact and light in the hand. The benefit of the large and traditional
mode dial is certainly a bonus, as it allows for quick selection of
functions, is rigid so not easily knocked, and with the combination of
controls of the rear of the camera allows for comfortable operation.

This
intelligent control layout certainly hints at a pleasing compact camera
to use, although there are a several disappointing features which
result in the opposite being true. Firstly is the camera’s LCD screen –
despite being of ample size at 3in, the resolution is quite far below
competing cameras, although this is no doubt due to price cutting
measures so is understandable. The real issue with the LCD screen is a
persistent ghosting and slow refresh rate, the combination of which
result in an uncomfortable framing process and which blights the capture
process. Also, while it’s a benefit to have the viewfinder, one of this
size is far from preferable.