Fujifilm's FinePix S304 — 3MP 6x-zoom bridge camera of 2002, sold in the US as the FinePix 3800.
The Fujifilm FinePix S304 was a compact SLR-styled digital camera released in 2002, sold in North America as the FinePix 3800 — the two names cover the same camera. It replaced the FinePix 2800 at the top of Fujifilm's consumer long-zoom range and was itself replaced by the FinePix S3000 in late 2003.
It used a 3.2-megapixel CCD producing images up to 2,048x1,536 pixels, with a 6x optical zoom covering a 38-228mm equivalent range at f/2.8. Composition was via an electronic viewfinder or a 1.8-inch 115,000-pixel LCD. Images were stored on xD-Picture Card and power came from four AA batteries, a practical combination for its day.
The S304 offers bridge-camera handling in miniature, with a proper grip and eye-level EVF that make the long zoom manageable. It appeals mainly to early-digicam collectors today: the 3MP CCD renders the characteristic warm Fujifilm colour of the period, but operation, autofocus and screen refresh are all slow by later standards.
As with all xD-era Fujifilm models, the discontinued xD-Picture Card is the key purchase consideration, so listings that include a card are worth more. AA power means no charger worries. Check the EVF for dimming, the zoom motor for smooth travel, and the AA compartment for corrosion. Many eBay listings use the US name FinePix 3800 for the identical camera.