How much do manual modes matter (Fuji F20 vs. F30)?

[billhouseman]

I am a complete camera novice. I have no idea how much having manual modes makes a difference between the F20 and F30. Right now the price difference is $100, so i am leaning toward the F20, but i don't want to find that i later really need or wanted the extra features.

the only differences i see are the lack of manual modes and the iso max of 1600/2000 instead of 3200, but i imagine that 3200 is practically unusable anyway.

the other differences are the less bright screen (is this a big difference) and shorter battery life (300 pics seems enough to me, although it may be problematic in shooting video, perhaps).

can a camera expert lend some helpful advice? thanks!!

[tim11]

How much do manual modes matter?
To me it's the diff. between a buy and a no-buy. I am all for F30 but I can't say the same to everyone.
Do you intend to learn more about photography after you are comfortable with the new camera? If the answer is YES, then F30 will allow you to learn and enjoy more hence it manual controls/modes do matter more to you.
Otherwise, if you are just happy with just framing then press the shutter and let the camera does the rest then you will just be paying for buttons that you will never need.
ISO3200 is nice to have but in reality you may only come across the situation that you really need it once in a blue moon.

[jdhu]

I know $100 is a significant difference, especially to poor students like myself...but...

If possible, go with the F30..the camera is just awesome, I bought one in June...

It seems like the lack of manual controls were one thing that people complained about regarding the F10, and this was one main upgrade of the F30...