Improvment Id like to see in the future model:
1. I prefer optical view finder over the electronic one; its hard to see if subject is in focus when using manual focus, especially under sunlight
2. Better manual focus feel; the electronic focus steps just doesnt feel like an analog one, you know what I mean if you are familiar with regular SLR cameras
3. Faster recharge time; the included charger needs 5+ hours, I decided to buy a generic quick charger + battery
4. No B function for long exposure

If you are taking photography class, this is a good and affordable camera to own. You can practice a lot without wasting rolls of film.
Fujis newer model in this class is S602, it has higher res, movie mode with sound, longer exposure to 15 sec. Price is still better than its competition, should be worth considering.

The LCD viewfinder is another problem. The image you get from using the viewfinder isnt very clear in low light situations. My previous digital camera was the Fuji MX-2900 which had an optical viewfinder. If you get a chance to compare an LCD viewfinder to an optical one-you would agree that the optical works better. This also puts another strain on the battery life issue too.

Enough on the negatives. The best part about this camera is the image quality. Its excellent and I love the 6X optical zoom. I would avoid using the digital zoom whenever possible. The lens on this model was the main reason for purchasing this camera.

All others are more than good.

It is the first digital that Ive bought, and I specifically chose one with full exposure control to use in photographing small zoological specimens. I also have the wide angle lens adapter and a set of close-up lenses, plus a few filters.

It performs it intended function very well: I use it to record scientific images of a variety of marine snail known as a cowry. The aperture control allows improved depth of field in the close-up work that I do.

This is a well-executed design. I like the feel of its grip-type right side. The optics seem to be everything that they should be and the wide angle lens seems to be about the equivalent of a 28mm on a 35mm camera. (The lens and extender can be difficult to put together without cross-threading, so be careful! Fortunately, the extender threads onto the camera body much more reliably.)

Bearing in mind that Ive rated the Fuji FinePix 4900 at five stars, let me pick a nit: the lens cap needed further thought! Clearly "designed" to be attached at the left side of the camera, it should have had a clip on it to attach it to the neck strap when it was not on the lens. It is very difficult to control unless it is on the right side of the camera, where you can grip its lanyard in the hand that you going to keep on the camera.

I have yet to employ all of this cameras features but those that I have used work as they should. Photographers can work with this quality item!

The autofocus is very slow in all but the most ideal conditions. You cant capture an expression on someones face indoors (even in a brightly lit room) unless you go to manual focus. Also, battery life is too short, especially when the spares they sell are expensive and have a lower capacity than the original equipment.

I know this sounds very negative, but in fact the camera is very good in other ways. I have taken some very nice pictures with it. Just think carefully about what you want out of any digital camera before you buy.

To compare this thing with classical photo camera, i would say, that the problems are only with fast moving objects on the night. All others things are much, much better.

My only complaints are the irritatingly short battery life (buy a spare battery and the optional battery charger - it shortens charge time to a mere hour!) and the shutter lag. It is almost impossible to snap a good shot of my 3 year-old who cant stand still.

Addendum: This is now my camera of choice. It takes much better pics than either of my 35mm cameras. Like any digital camera, however, it still doesnt work well with fast-moving subjects because of the shutter lag.

I hope the wide angle attachment is available soon.

I used a pretty high resolution my first time out... I could see the pores of my daughters arms, in focus, with perfect clarity. It might have TOO good of resolution. Get this camera, and skip the little point and shoots. This baby turns heads, and does amazing work to boot!

Thanks Dave