Which is the better deal?

[Faded_Mantis]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a Fuji Finepix S5600 and I was wondering which pack deal you thought was the best.

Pack 1:
$499NZ (£179 - $350US)
* Fuji Finepix S5600
* 1gb xD card

Pack 2:
$499NZ (£179 - $350US)
* Fuji Finepix S5600
* 512mb xD card
* Large carry bag
* Mini tripod

In jpeg mode I should get 200-250 photo's on the 1gb card, however in RAW mode that is only 85 photo's on the 1gb card.

I was thinking of getting pack 2 and just buying a 1gb card seperatly, that way I'd have the 2 cards (512mb and 1024mb) to swap between if one gets full while I'm away from the computer

[Ant]

I would say the second because of the bag and tripod...also it is a good idea having 2 memory cards. I got a memory card included with mine and just bought a 1 gig one aswell. I keep the other just as a spare

[Nicole]

A second card is definitely a good idea, especially since you never know if one will go belly up (hasn't happened to me, knock on wood, but it's a good idea to have more than one card).

I'd say that the second is a good deal only if the extra items fit your style. Basically, if you don't like the bag, you won't use it, so it's of no benefit. Same goes for the tripod. If you're looking for a full size tripod, this probably won't cut it. I mean, consider first what you'll want to use the tripod for. If you're going to use it for landscapes or group photos, are you ok with having your camera less than 12" from the ground or having to find a table or something else to put the tripod on?

Just a few things I'd consider before deciding on the pack since if you don't actually use the items, the second pack isn't much of a value. Personally, I'd go for the first pack because I'd rather have the larger card and get the bag etc that fits my style.

[Naro]

Hi.
Why don't you go for the first one & buy another card of 1GB, especially when shooting in RAW mode (which means big size files).
I have a Fuji Finepix S5600 & never used a carrybag since the camera size is not that much big & there are no lenses to carry with.
I needed more storage space, particularly when shooting outdoors when I was not able to download files to clear the storage card for more shots.

[mattdm]

The tripod will be junk, and you're probably better off choosing a specific carry bag that's comfortable for you.

Also, I prefer to have more smaller cards than one huge one -- these things do fail, and I don't like to have all my eggs in the same basket.