Since I’m a photography nerd, people have often asked me what camera they should buy? Ultimately, the answer comes down to budget, what they want to shoot, etc.
I didn’t need another camera and really wasn’t in the market for one, but I saw this camera used at Glazer’s Camera in Seattle for $179! I’ve had an X20 before that I bought for $250 (used). I enjoyed it, and sold it for a profit. I had an X30 for a short time, but needed the money for a lens for another camera, so I decided to sell it. For $179, I figured I couldn’t go wrong! As of right now, a used X20 is selling for $275 on Amazon. Not a bad deal if you ask me.
What do I like about the camera. It’s snappy with it’s autofocus, sharp pics, shoot raw files if desired, Fuji colors, facial autofocus, light, and CHEAP! It’s great for casual snapshots in well lit areas, not for sports, action, or low light. The lens is also quite a useful zoom range and it does macro really well. If you’re in the market for a point and shoot that doesn’t suck, I higly recommend a used Fuji X20. If you spend more than $225 though, you’re paying too much.
Today, I took the camera out on it’s maiden (used) voyage to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle with my two daughters (seven and three). Along with the camera, I was carrying snacks for myself and the three year old, her water bottle, and my own, also quite often I was carrying my seven year old’s purse as well (with her snacks and water bottle). Normally, I would take my Olympus E-M1 and a couple of lenses for a day like today, but for $179 — how could I resist?
Here are the JPEGs straight out of the camera (I really should have been lower in all of these shots, but I was weighed down too much to get down for every shot, hence the amateur/parent downward looking angle in EVERY shot — a major nit pick of mine when viewing photos):
