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Steve's Conclusion
Which brings us to the FinePix JX580, one of Fujifilm's latest budget-priced models. This camera sits just above the $100 price point, but it has 16-megapixels of resolution, as well as a 3.0-inch LCD. Both of these features are pretty impressive for a low-priced model. In addition, the JX580 is a really thin, lightweight camera that's available in black, blue, or red camera bodies. It only weighs a little over 4 ounces with the battery and memory card installed, and it feels really light and small while using it.
Like most Fujifilm low-priced cameras, this model isn't particularly stylish, nor does it have many advanced features. It's simply aimed to be a low-priced, point-n-shoot option for beginning photographers.
Unfortunately, even for a camera in this price range, the FinePix JX580's photography features and results are a disappointment. The JX580 is pretty inconsistent in its results and its performance levels, which means that you probably aren't going to be able to feel like you can rely on it for those once-in-a-lifetime photos. And if you can't rely on your camera, it really isn't worth purchasing, no matter how great the price is.
The list of disappointing features with the JX580 begins with the life span of its battery, which is well below average, even for a budget-priced camera. The battery is pretty thin, which helps to make the JX580 a lightweight camera, but the first time you run out of battery power in the middle of a photography session, you'll be more than willing to trade a little extra bulk for a better battery. With most cameras, I'd recommend purchasing a second battery to alleviate this problem, but if you're going to pick the JX580, its low price is going to be the primary reason, so adding the cost of a second battery to this model likely will drive it out of your price range.
The JX580's response times are below average as well. Shutter lag is a significant problem for this camera, making it tough to shoot moving subjects, which likely will move out of the frame before the camera can record the image. I'd recommend pre-focusing by holding the shutter button halfway every time you use this camera. Shot-to-shot delays are significant with this camera, meaning you may miss some spontaneous photos. However, the JX580's delays when using the flash aren't too much worse than when you aren't using the flash, which is rare in a budget camera. Most low-priced models perform much worse when using the flash than not using the flash.
You can try to work around these delays and shoot three photos at full resolution in about three seconds with the FinePix JX580's continuous mode. However, the camera must process these images after they're recorded, requiring several seconds of processing time, during which the camera cannot be used.
Although you'll find 16MP of resolution with this camera, don't expect to make a lot of large prints. The camera's autofocus mechanism produces soft photos much of the time, which makes it tough to make anything but smaller prints. At least the JX580's photos usually will look pretty good at small sizes on a computer screen, so if you're just looking for an inexpensive model to use for photos for social networking sites and e-mail, this model may work adequately.
The JX580 does shoot some really nice photos at times, so there may be times where you can create large prints. It's a consistency problem with this camera.
Most digital cameras in the market right now can easily surpass the 5x optical zoom lens on this FinePix model, so don't expect to shoot a lot of images over a distance with this camera. Portrait photos and wide-angle nature photos are going to be the best options for this model.
With a low-priced camera, one area where you normally can count on creating good images is in outdoor photography. The JX580 does do a pretty nice job with color accuracy in outdoor photos. Still, this model's image softness and slow responsiveness are noticeable in outdoor photography, which detracts from its usefulness outdoors. The LCD screen has some significant glare problems, which makes it difficult to frame images properly when there's bright sunlight. Although you can combat the glare by increasing the LCD's brightness level, this will cause the already poor battery life to become even worse.
Video performance with the FinePix JX580 is a bit of a disappointment, and it doesn't offer full HD video capabilities, either. Although you can use the optical zoom lens when shooting video, it moves a little slowly and the autofocus mechanism works pretty slowly, which may cause you to end up with some portions of your video that will be out of focus for a second or so.
One area where the JX580 performed better than expected was in flash photography. Even though the off-center built-in flash may end up creating some dark spots in your images, the overall quality of flash photo images is pretty good, especially for a model in this price point. I thought the JX580's effectiveness in portrait flash photos was one of the few areas where this model performed at an above average level. I also like the Natural & Flash mode that Fujifilm offers with this model, which is a great mode for beginners. In this mode, the camera shoots two photos in succession of the same scene, one without flash and one with flash. You then can later pick the one you prefer.
Fujifilm did create a camera that's pretty easy to use with this model. As you make various menu selections, explanations of the features appear on the screen, which is great for beginners. There aren't a lot of advanced shooting options or confusing buttons with the FinePix JX580, so for those beginning photographers who simply want a basic point-n-shoot camera with no frills, this one will fit the bill. However, that's part of the problem. Once you begin to advance beyond the basic beginner level in your photographic skills, you're going to notice the variety of flaws in this camera, leaving you very frustrated.
Despite being a really small camera with small control buttons, I thought the JX580 was pretty comfortable to hold and use. You can easily reach the controls on the back with your right thumb while keeping your finger near the shutter button. It's pretty easy to use this camera one-handed when needed.
Bottom Line - The Fujifilm FinePix JX580 has a tempting price point, but the frustrations that this camera will cause for photographers, other than the most basic beginners, are high enough that it's tough to recommend it. The JX580's battery life is extremely poor, which means that you aren't going to be able to shoot extended photography sessions with this camera. With 16MP of resolution, you'd expect to make large prints with this model, but focus softness makes that impossible much of the time. The JX580 only has a 5x optical zoom lens, and it can't shoot full HD video. Parts of the camera feel as if they have a really flimsy construction. Thhe JX580 will create some really nice photos from time to time, and its flash photos are of a decent quality for a low-priced model. Overall though, the nice photos don't occur often enough for my liking due to the JX580 being an inconsistent performer. Even for the photographer who has a really limited budget, there are better options around this price point in the market.
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
| Fuji JX580 16MP Compact Camera - 4.60-23 mm f/3.5-6.3 5x Zoom Lens - Red | |||
| Seller | Price | In Stock | Seller Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $92.54 |  7 reviews | |
