Fujifilm Finepix S5700 - thoughts?

I recently purchased one of these as my student loan won't stretch to an SLR, and I'd read some great reviews. I was wondering if anyone else has one? I'm struggling to always get the best out of this camera, as am only just learning about aperture and shutter speed and how to get the best pictures.
I think it's a great camera though for general use, and I LOVE the 10x optical zoom, proved very handy for all sorts of situations, getting close in, and I like how the zoom is internal so less obvious. I'm not abel to get great action shots yet, so any help would be appreciated. Overall though I think it's a great started camera for me. What do fellow owners think of this camera?
I'd be happy to post some test shots if you like, if anyone's interested in how this camera performs.
Best wishes
Melanie

I have this camera, any questions ask away.

Don't know the camera but would love to see some of your shots please.

thanks jols....i have lots of questions. my main one being about the working of the aperture/shutter priority modes. how do you know which numbers are mean higher shutter speeds and which ones mean f. something which are better for action shots?? that may be a general camera question, or perhaps it works differently for different camera.

hey snapper, here's some untouched test shots

showing skin tones outside, about half zoom

1





duck, fully zoomed in (10x)
2





an attempt at an action shot, how would I get this lighter? I'm happy with it freezing the moment, but how could I not get a black subject?
3





dog, 10x zoom
4





couple of action shots, 8x zoom and through a window and no flash
5




6




7





showing the macro
8





one last action shot, blurry
9





how could I improve those shots?

sorry if thats too many shots, trying to show it's full range

Some lovely shots there BG - goes to show what a great little camera it is.. and that you have an eye for a good picture!

Hi BG, I asked to see the shots but I am no expert so you will need to hope one arrives soon. Love the Tigers.

Only thing about the dark photo you could lift the shadows in Elements or Photoshop or I would think any of that type of programme.

Thanks Azz, I think the camera does pretty well for not being an SLR

Thanks Snapper, I have tried to 'lighten/contrast' it, but I don't know how to lift shadows, how does that work?

BlackGrace ( Melanie)

First of all I am impressed with those photos apart from the last one with the blurred movement.

Please don't think me being rude but in your profile you say your father teaches photography. Apart from asking advice on here which members are always willing to help, I would have thought that just maybe your father could give you a more pratical lesson on your camera, unless he lives too far away that is. Far far better to be shown than talking thru a problem on a forum.

Apart from that you also have to take into account the limitations of a lower priced end of the camera market , this could include one of your problems in the last photo -shutter speed.
A great mistake is often made when viewing pictures is to expect the same results as a high end priced camera. Generally they are great for portraits-landscapes- buildings and the like, but trying to get that little bit more is beyond the cameras capabilities, as in telephoto and already mentioned fast action shots

This is where the DSLR scores over a P/S camera

Bazza

If I remember correctly the aperture range on the 5700 is quite limited. I had the 602Pro which was older, but had more features, and I think that only went from F2.8 up to F11

The main issue I had with the Fujis was the EVF and the shutter lag.

Apart from that, as a begginer camera I though my 602 was great, it's real redeeming feature is that is has a proper lens, not a platic shirt button

I was thinking about buying one of the newer Fuji (8500 is it) for a sling in the bag job as it is more than a P&S.

Alan.

fuji makes a wicked camera.

I shot my first wedding on a fuji s5000 [for a friend] still keep it in the bag and also the fuji s5700 is great.

I always take the 5700 to fairs and adventure parks ect cause the video capability is great..

also takes lovely pics my diggerland pics were all on the 5700.