Difference between revisions of "Fuji FinePix S6000/S6500fd"

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[[Category:Fuji|FinePix S6000/S6500fd]]
+
* 6.3 Megapixels with 6th Generation [[Super CCD]]-HR Technology, 1/1.7" size
 +
* 2nd Generation of Real Photo Technology with new RP Processor II
 +
* Face detection technology with one-touch operation
 +
* Picture Stabilization with easy mode dial access
 +
* Dual Shot mode
 +
* I-Flash Intelligent Flash system
 +
* 2.5-inch LCD for easy framing and sharing pictures
 +
* 4 - AA battery operation (AA alkaline batteries included)
 +
* 10.7x Optical Zoom with manual control (6.2-66.7mm f/2.8-4.9)
 +
* 15 selectable scene position modes
 +
* Movie Recording with Sound @ 30fps
 +
* Internal memory (Approx 10MB) for onboard storage
 +
* Compatible with [[xD Picture Card]]s for storage up to 2GB
  
[[Category: Japanese digital|Fuji FinePix S6000/S6500fd]]
+
== Strengths and weaknesses ==
[[Category: F|Fuji FinePix S6000/S6500fd]]
 
  
 +
Based on professional and user reviews.
  
'''All about Fujifilm Finepix S6000fd/S6500fd'''
+
=== Strengths ===
 +
==== Image quality ====
 +
* Excellent resolution and sharpness makes very good to excellent photo quality
 +
* Class leading high ISO performance, especially if pictures are made in RAW and post-processed. This makes the camera a great option for low light conditions
 +
* Archives low noise from ISO 100 to 400. At ISO 800 little noise is visible. ISO 1600-3200 are usable but requires additional noise reduction post-process
 +
* When compared to other super zoom with noisy pictures above ISO200, the ability to shoot at ISO 400 to 1600 with low noise compensates lack of real optical image stabilizer
 +
* Nicely saturated colours
 +
* The 6MP resolution is well-suited to the size of the chip
  
 +
==== Lens ====
 +
* 10.7x zoom lens with highly versatile 28-300mm zoom range (6.2-66.7 mm f/2.8-4.9)
 +
* Low distortion lens with excellent edge-to-edge performance
 +
* Threaded lens for optional filters, wide angle (WL-FXS6) and telephoto converters
 +
* Wide-angle mechanical zoom lens is smooth, precise and well-made
 +
* The 28mm wide angle provides excellent coverage for landscapes and in tight internal spaces
 +
* Non removable lens means sensor is safe from dust, so no need to remove lenses to clean it
  
By John Ml.
+
==== Speed ====
+
* Very low shutter lag
jmdp_domain@yahoo.com
+
* Great focusing speed
 +
* Fast and responsive operation
 +
* The photo lag time and refresh rate is better than most Cameras
  
04/26/2007
+
==== Controls ====
 +
* Comprehensive and intuitive photographic controls and menus
 +
* Full manual control
  
 +
==== Battery use ====
 +
* Above average battery life
 +
* Uses AA batteries which are easily found anywhere and any time
 +
* Accepts [[Ni-MH]] rechargeable batteries
  
'''Professional Reviews.'''
+
==== Flash ====
 +
* Powerful flash performance
 +
* Red eye is not a problem with this camera
 +
* Strong AF-assist lamp which is very good for low light focusing
 +
* Very capable i-Flash producing attractive flash shots
 +
* Control over flash intensity
 +
* Its "Slow Syncro" flash mode takes natural looking pictures without the usual harshness of flash exposures
  
 +
==== Movie Mode ====
 +
* Nice movie mode with good resolution; zoom can be used while filming
 +
* Fairly fast focus (especially towards the wide end of the zoom range)
  
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/FujifilmS6000fd/
+
==== Options ====
 +
* Fast and effective face detection system, great for shooting portraits or groups of people in social situations; can also be used in playback mode
 +
* Face detection ensures focus and exposure
 +
* Playback face detection shows close-ups for verification
 +
* Manual zooming via rubberised ring around lens barrel is simple and effective
 +
* Manual zoom is also excellent for silent zooming while in movie mode
 +
* Helpful "Natural Light & With Flash" function
 +
* Manual Focus Ring with One-Touch AF makes manual focusing simple and easy
 +
* Programmed AE mode with Program Shift
 +
* Area AF with 49 positions for easy off-centre focus
 +
* Full exposure flexibility and many features make this camera perfect for learning and growing in digital photography
 +
* Live view of histogram is available for composing pictures
 +
* Great manual mode which is not available in other similar super zoom cameras
 +
* Ability to Shoot in RAW format which allows huge flexibility in editing and adjusting parameters like white balance, sharpness, colour, Noise reduction, colour curve, etc. This is essential for professional-looking pictures
  
This is a Professional review about the camera.
+
==== LCD and EVF ====
 +
* Large 2.5 inch LCD screen visible in bright outdoor light and dimly lit rooms
 +
* Great LCD resolution with 235k pixels giving Bright and sharp image
 +
* LCD gains up very well in low light
 +
* Very smooth LCD and EVF refresh rate
  
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/fuji/finepix_s6000fd-review/
+
==== Construction ====
 +
* Bridge body with manual zoom and focus rings
 +
* Very good looking camera. Its Professional look resembles a DSLR
 +
* Camera feels light but sturdy too, and has an excellent grip
 +
* The fixed lens comes with a nice hood and allows the use of polarizer filters for creative control.
  
This is a Professional review about the camera.
+
==== Others ====
 +
* USB 2.0 High Speed support
 +
* Amazingly low price for the lens and sensor quality
 +
* For the quality and features this camera offers, an average US$300.00 is an excellent value
 +
* Good software package. RAW editor is included for editing RAW images
  
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S6000/S6000A.HTM
+
=== Weakness ===
  
This is a Professional review about the camera.
+
==== Image Quality ====
 +
* High contrast tone curve tends to clip shadows or highlights
 +
* Noise reduction and JPEG artefacts (when viewed at 100%) at all settings from ISO 400 and up
 +
* ISO 1600 / 3200 JPEGs are not as good as those given by the [[Fujifilm FinePix F30|FinePix F30]] (can be solved by shooting RAW)
 +
* JPEGs are slightly over-sharpened, can look a little over-processed (can be solved by adjusting sharpness to soft)
 +
* Auto white balance is not great under artificial light
 +
* In camera Noise deduction system produces slight loss of detail at ISO 800. The loss of details is more pronounced at ISO 1600 and 3200
 +
* Chromatic aberrations may be present
 +
* The camera doesn't produce its best pictures in Auto mode, so to get full advantage of the camera P, S, A and M modes are needed to be understood
 +
* Auto and Natural modes has the tendency to use high ISO
  
http://www.photoxels.com/fujifilm-s6000fd-review.html
+
==== Lens ====
 +
* No optical image stabilization which helps with telephoto and slow shutter pictures. Instead the camera offers Picture Stabilization mode which boosts ISO and degrades quality
  
This is a Professional review about the camera.
+
==== Speed ====
 +
* Full shutter speed range only available in full manual (M) mode
 +
* Slow shot-to-shot speed when capturing RAW images
 +
* Bust mode is slow and at fast Continuous Mode the buffer is limited to only to 3 shots
 +
* Impossibility to disable post-shot review meaning that is required to wait 2 or more seconds before the camera is ready to take another picture; thereby eliminating any speed advantage of using higher speed memory or RAW mode
  
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/fuji_s6000fd.html
+
==== Controls ====
 +
* Needs a command dial
 +
* White balance, metering, raw mode and other options are hidden in menus
  
This is a Professional review about the camera.
+
==== Flash ====
 +
* No hot-shoe for additional more powerful flash
  
http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/fuji-s6000/s6000-gen.php
+
==== Movie Mode ====
 +
* Hard to control zoom lens in movie mode
  
This is a Professional review about the camera.
+
==== Options ====
 +
* FinePix Studio software doesn't let the user to control noise reduction
 +
* No ability to set a top at ISO400 in Auto ISO mode (like in the Finepix F30)
 +
* Shutter-priority limits shutter speed to 4 Seconds
 +
* No way to disable post-shot review in single-shot mode
 +
* There's no delete button in playback mode, to delete you have to go through the menu
 +
* There is no way to delete a picture immediately after taking it
 +
* Shallow depth of field (isolate subject from background) is not easy to achieve
 +
* Face detection won’t work if the subject turns sideways or if is covering its eyes or mouth
 +
* Unable to adjust the WB in the AUTO mode - only for one of the P, A, S and M modes
  
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2072682,00.asp
+
==== Construction ====
 +
* Battery compartment doesn't lock so it may pop open
 +
* Tripod thread is made of plastic
 +
* Little amount of built-in memory, only 10 MB
 +
* The camera is big and bulky
  
This is a Professional review about the camera.
+
==== LCD and EVF ====
 +
* No tilting LCD for easier different positions shooting
 +
* The resolution of the Electronic View Finder (EVF) is only 135K pixels so it is not very sharp. It would have been better if it have optical viewfinder
 +
* The colours in the viewfinder are shifted a little to the blue side
  
http://www.cnet.com.au/digitalcameras/cameras/0,239036184,339272592,00.htm
+
==== Others ====
 +
* The camera uses xD Picture card as storage media. They are more expensive and are limited to 2 GB. Other formats offer more storage like [[Compact Flash]] and [[Secure Digital]].
  
This is a Professional review about the camera.
+
== External links ==
 +
*[https://www.manualslib.com/products/Fujifilm-Finepix-S6000fd-1834254.html Fuji FinePix S6000/S6500fd user manual] at [https://www.manualslib.com/ Manualslib]
 +
=== Review compilations ===
 +
* [https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms6000fd Fuji FinePix S6000/S6500fd review] at [https://www.dpreview.com/ DPReview.com]
 +
* [https://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S6000/S6000A.HTM  Fuji FinePix S6000 review] at [https://www.imaging-resource.com/ Imaging-resource.com]
 +
* [http://www.dcviews.com/_fuji/s6500.htm DC views]
 +
* [http://www.digicamreview.com/2007/03/fujifilm-finepix-s6500fd-s6000fd-review.html Digicam review]
 +
* [https://www.reviewed.com/cameras/content/fujifilm-finepix-s6000fd-digital-camera-review Fuji FinePix S6000 review] at [https://www.reviewed.com/ Reviewed.com]
  
http://www.easydigitalcameras.com/content/Fujifilm-FinePix-S6000fd---Easy-Camera-Review.htm
+
=== Sample photos ===
 +
* [http://www.pbase.com/cameras/fujifilm/finepix_s6000fd Pbase]
 +
* [http://www.flickr.com/groups/fujis6500fd/ Fuji s6500 group on Flickr]
 +
* http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/s6000fd/ s600fd tag] on Flickr
 +
* http://www.dpchallenge.com/camera.php?CAMERA_ID=1575&view=owners
 +
* https://web.archive.org/web/20080109202649/https://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26764 (archived)
 +
* http://meinekamera.00hensche.de/index.html (in German)
  
This is a Professional review about the camera. It includes comparison to similar cameras.
+
[[Category:Fuji|FinePix S6000/S6500fd]]
 
+
[[Category: Japanese digital|Fuji FinePix S6000/S6500fd]]
http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/fujifilm_finepix_s6000fd/
+
[[Category:F|FinePix S6000/S6500fd Fuji]]
 
+
[[Category: Bridge camera]]
This is a Professional review about the camera.
 
 
 
http://www.neocamera.com/review_fuji_s6000fd.html
 
 
 
This is a Professional review about the camera.
 
 
 
http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/cameras/Fuji%206700/page-1.html
 
 
 
This is a Professional review about the camera. From UK.
 
 
 
http://www.digicamreview.com/2006/11/fuji-finepix-s6500fd-s6000fd-zoom.html
 
 
 
Hands on review.
 
 
 
http://digitalphotography.weblogsinc.com/2006/07/15/fuji-finepix-s6000fd/
 
 
 
Short description.
 
 
 
http://www.photoaxe.com/fujifilm-finepix-s6000fd-review/
 
 
 
Short description.
 
 
 
 
 
'''Compilations of professional reviews.'''
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.productcritic.com/product/154-fujifilm-finepix-s6000fd-s6500fd
 
 
 
Compilation of professional reviews and average score.
 
 
 
http://www.dphotojournal.com/fujifilm-finepix-s6000fd-review-sample-photos/
 
 
 
Compilation of professional reviews and average score.
 
 
 
http://www.digitalcameratracker.com/archives/2006/11/14/fujifilm-finepix-s6000fd-review-roundup-and-sample-photos.html
 
 
 
Compilation of professional reviews and average score.
 
 
 
http://www.viewscore.com/vsPP/3/1939
 
 
 
Compilation of professional reviews and average score.
 
 
 
http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/reviews/fuji/fujifilm_finepix_s6000fd.php
 
 
 
Compilation of professional reviews
 
 
 
http://www.digitalcameras-plus.com/fujifilm-finepix-s6000fd-camera-lists.html
 
 
 
Compilation of professional reviews.
 
 
 
http://www.ciblant.com/product_reviews.php?productId=582
 
 
 
Compilation of professional reviews and average score.
 
 
 
http://www.dcviews.com/_fuji/s6500.htm
 
 
 
Compilation of professional reviews and average score.
 
 
 
http://www.digicamreview.com/2007/03/fujifilm-finepix-s6500fd-s6000fd-review.html
 
 
 
Hands on review and link to other professional reviews.
 
 
 
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=893
 
 
 
Camera specification and reviews links.
 
 
 
 
 
'''Users Reviews.'''
 
 
 
 
 
http://blog.tmcnet.com/B000GFWFY8/Fujifilm-Finepix-S6000-6MP-Digital-Camera-with-10.7x-Wide-Angle-Optical-Zoom-with-Picture-Stabilization.htm
 
 
 
Here you find User reviews.
 
 
 
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Customer-reviews-for-Fujifilm-FinePix-S6000-Digital-Camera-Black/sem/rpsm/oid/164493/rpem/ccd/productDetailReview.do#tabs
 
 
 
Here you find User reviews.
 
 
 
http://amazon.com/Fujifilm-Finepix-Digital-Wide-Angle-Stabilization/dp/B000GFWFY8
 
 
 
Specifications of the camera, user reviews and prices.
 
 
 
http://www.digicamreview.com/2007/01/fuji-finepix-s6500fd-s6000-user-review.html
 
 
 
User reviews with sample pictures.
 
 
 
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/fuji-finepix-s6000_reviews.html
 
 
 
Specifications of the camera, user reviews, prices, question and answers about the camera.
 
 
 
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/digitalcamera/default.asp?productFamilyID=610&ref=list&display=priceDetail
 
 
 
User reviews.
 
 
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830122092
 
 
 
User reviews.
 
 
 
http://www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=readrecent&FORUM_THREAD_ID=567142
 
 
 
A user recommendation of the S6000fd.
 
 
 
 
 
'''Sample Pictures.'''
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/fujifilm/finepix_s6000fd
 
 
 
Compilation of pictures taken with S6000fd.
 
 
 
http://www.flickr.com/groups/fujis6500fd/
 
 
 
Camera User group with compilation of pictures taken with S6000fd and discussions.
 
 
 
http://technorati.com/tag/Finepix%20S6000fd
 
 
 
Refers to digital camera tracker. Some sample pictures.
 
 
 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/s6000fd/
 
 
 
Compilation of photos taken with S6000fd
 
 
 
http://www.dpchallenge.com/camera.php?CAMERA_ID=1575&view=owners
 
 
 
S6000fd Users and contest.
 
 
 
http://www.s5000.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=110532&sid=7875c38acaf13f3e47817518f1fe6409
 
 
 
Forum thread with samples of the S6000fd
 
 
 
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=117194&forum_id=16
 
 
 
Forum thread with samples of the S6000fd
 
 
 
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26764
 
 
 
Forum thread showing how great pictures come out of the S6000fd.
 
 
 
http://meinekamera.00hensche.de/index.html
 
 
 
Example Pictures, Tips and personal Opinion
 
 
 
 
 
'''Comparisons.'''
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=117154&forum_id=16
 
 
 
This is a forum thread comparing the S6000 against the S9100.
 
 
 
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?forumID=58&threadID=234717&messageID=2409632
 
 
 
This is a forum thread comparing the S6000 against the S9100.
 
 
 
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=120167&forum_id=87
 
 
 
This is a forum thread comparing the Fuji S6000fd against Olympus SP-550
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1012&message=22340421
 
 
 
This is a forum thread comparing the Fuji S6000fd against Olympus SP-550
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1012&thread=22995234
 
 
 
This is a forum thread comparing the S6000fd and f31fd against the Canon S3 and S700.
 
 
 
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=105638&forum_id=16
 
 
 
This is a forum thread comparing the S6000fd against the S2
 
 
 
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?forumID=58&threadID=234717&messageID=2409632
 
 
 
Comparison between S6000fd and S9100.
 
 
 
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29211
 
 
 
This is a forum thread comparing the S6000 against the S9100.
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1012&thread=22869937
 
 
 
This is a forum thread comparing the S6000 against the Sony H1/H2/H5
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1012&thread=22427122
 
 
 
Comparison between S6000fd and S9100.
 
 
 
 
 
'''Know How to…'''
 
 
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1012&thread=20716473
 
 
 
Tips and tricks for S6000fd.
 
 
 
http://www.pbase.com/p_schneider/tutorials_s6k
 
 
 
Tutorials about how to deal with the RAW software provided with the camera.
 
 
 
http://adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/.3bc03c04.3bc2a72b
 
 
 
RAW comparability for the s6500fd
 
 
 
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20386
 
 
 
This is a forum thread about converting RAW to adobe RBG.
 
 
 
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30393
 
 
 
Learn the basics of digital camera.
 
 
 
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30413
 
 
 
Tips about using metering setting.
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1012&thread=22999148
 
 
 
Making your S6000fd Faster.
 
 
 
 
 
'''Forum talk.'''
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1012
 
 
 
Forum list.
 
 
 
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14
 
 
 
Forum list.
 
 
 
http://www.photo-forums.com/WebX?13@9.FXaHbMJm3UF.1@.ee6f779
 
 
 
Forum list.
 
 
 
http://forums.steves-digicams.com/forums/view_forum.php?id=16
 
 
 
Forum list.
 
 
 
http://www.photo-forums.com/WebX?50@@.eea428f/0
 
 
 
It is a forum thread about the S6000fd camera.
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1012&message=22626670
 
 
 
Talk about buying a S6000fd or a dSLR
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1012&message=22546417
 
 
 
This is a forum thread about the battery compartment on the Fuji S6000 and other S series.
 
 
 
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=120798&forum_id=50
 
 
 
Forum thread about the S6000 with tele-conversion lens.
 
 
 
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1012&thread=22809767
 
 
 
Forum thread about the S6000 with tele-conversion lens.
 

Latest revision as of 06:53, 16 November 2022

  • 6.3 Megapixels with 6th Generation Super CCD-HR Technology, 1/1.7" size
  • 2nd Generation of Real Photo Technology with new RP Processor II
  • Face detection technology with one-touch operation
  • Picture Stabilization with easy mode dial access
  • Dual Shot mode
  • I-Flash Intelligent Flash system
  • 2.5-inch LCD for easy framing and sharing pictures
  • 4 - AA battery operation (AA alkaline batteries included)
  • 10.7x Optical Zoom with manual control (6.2-66.7mm f/2.8-4.9)
  • 15 selectable scene position modes
  • Movie Recording with Sound @ 30fps
  • Internal memory (Approx 10MB) for onboard storage
  • Compatible with xD Picture Cards for storage up to 2GB

Strengths and weaknesses

Based on professional and user reviews.

Strengths

Image quality

  • Excellent resolution and sharpness makes very good to excellent photo quality
  • Class leading high ISO performance, especially if pictures are made in RAW and post-processed. This makes the camera a great option for low light conditions
  • Archives low noise from ISO 100 to 400. At ISO 800 little noise is visible. ISO 1600-3200 are usable but requires additional noise reduction post-process
  • When compared to other super zoom with noisy pictures above ISO200, the ability to shoot at ISO 400 to 1600 with low noise compensates lack of real optical image stabilizer
  • Nicely saturated colours
  • The 6MP resolution is well-suited to the size of the chip

Lens

  • 10.7x zoom lens with highly versatile 28-300mm zoom range (6.2-66.7 mm f/2.8-4.9)
  • Low distortion lens with excellent edge-to-edge performance
  • Threaded lens for optional filters, wide angle (WL-FXS6) and telephoto converters
  • Wide-angle mechanical zoom lens is smooth, precise and well-made
  • The 28mm wide angle provides excellent coverage for landscapes and in tight internal spaces
  • Non removable lens means sensor is safe from dust, so no need to remove lenses to clean it

Speed

  • Very low shutter lag
  • Great focusing speed
  • Fast and responsive operation
  • The photo lag time and refresh rate is better than most Cameras

Controls

  • Comprehensive and intuitive photographic controls and menus
  • Full manual control

Battery use

  • Above average battery life
  • Uses AA batteries which are easily found anywhere and any time
  • Accepts Ni-MH rechargeable batteries

Flash

  • Powerful flash performance
  • Red eye is not a problem with this camera
  • Strong AF-assist lamp which is very good for low light focusing
  • Very capable i-Flash producing attractive flash shots
  • Control over flash intensity
  • Its "Slow Syncro" flash mode takes natural looking pictures without the usual harshness of flash exposures

Movie Mode

  • Nice movie mode with good resolution; zoom can be used while filming
  • Fairly fast focus (especially towards the wide end of the zoom range)

Options

  • Fast and effective face detection system, great for shooting portraits or groups of people in social situations; can also be used in playback mode
  • Face detection ensures focus and exposure
  • Playback face detection shows close-ups for verification
  • Manual zooming via rubberised ring around lens barrel is simple and effective
  • Manual zoom is also excellent for silent zooming while in movie mode
  • Helpful "Natural Light & With Flash" function
  • Manual Focus Ring with One-Touch AF makes manual focusing simple and easy
  • Programmed AE mode with Program Shift
  • Area AF with 49 positions for easy off-centre focus
  • Full exposure flexibility and many features make this camera perfect for learning and growing in digital photography
  • Live view of histogram is available for composing pictures
  • Great manual mode which is not available in other similar super zoom cameras
  • Ability to Shoot in RAW format which allows huge flexibility in editing and adjusting parameters like white balance, sharpness, colour, Noise reduction, colour curve, etc. This is essential for professional-looking pictures

LCD and EVF

  • Large 2.5 inch LCD screen visible in bright outdoor light and dimly lit rooms
  • Great LCD resolution with 235k pixels giving Bright and sharp image
  • LCD gains up very well in low light
  • Very smooth LCD and EVF refresh rate

Construction

  • Bridge body with manual zoom and focus rings
  • Very good looking camera. Its Professional look resembles a DSLR
  • Camera feels light but sturdy too, and has an excellent grip
  • The fixed lens comes with a nice hood and allows the use of polarizer filters for creative control.

Others

  • USB 2.0 High Speed support
  • Amazingly low price for the lens and sensor quality
  • For the quality and features this camera offers, an average US$300.00 is an excellent value
  • Good software package. RAW editor is included for editing RAW images

Weakness

Image Quality

  • High contrast tone curve tends to clip shadows or highlights
  • Noise reduction and JPEG artefacts (when viewed at 100%) at all settings from ISO 400 and up
  • ISO 1600 / 3200 JPEGs are not as good as those given by the FinePix F30 (can be solved by shooting RAW)
  • JPEGs are slightly over-sharpened, can look a little over-processed (can be solved by adjusting sharpness to soft)
  • Auto white balance is not great under artificial light
  • In camera Noise deduction system produces slight loss of detail at ISO 800. The loss of details is more pronounced at ISO 1600 and 3200
  • Chromatic aberrations may be present
  • The camera doesn't produce its best pictures in Auto mode, so to get full advantage of the camera P, S, A and M modes are needed to be understood
  • Auto and Natural modes has the tendency to use high ISO

Lens

  • No optical image stabilization which helps with telephoto and slow shutter pictures. Instead the camera offers Picture Stabilization mode which boosts ISO and degrades quality

Speed

  • Full shutter speed range only available in full manual (M) mode
  • Slow shot-to-shot speed when capturing RAW images
  • Bust mode is slow and at fast Continuous Mode the buffer is limited to only to 3 shots
  • Impossibility to disable post-shot review meaning that is required to wait 2 or more seconds before the camera is ready to take another picture; thereby eliminating any speed advantage of using higher speed memory or RAW mode

Controls

  • Needs a command dial
  • White balance, metering, raw mode and other options are hidden in menus

Flash

  • No hot-shoe for additional more powerful flash

Movie Mode

  • Hard to control zoom lens in movie mode

Options

  • FinePix Studio software doesn't let the user to control noise reduction
  • No ability to set a top at ISO400 in Auto ISO mode (like in the Finepix F30)
  • Shutter-priority limits shutter speed to 4 Seconds
  • No way to disable post-shot review in single-shot mode
  • There's no delete button in playback mode, to delete you have to go through the menu
  • There is no way to delete a picture immediately after taking it
  • Shallow depth of field (isolate subject from background) is not easy to achieve
  • Face detection won’t work if the subject turns sideways or if is covering its eyes or mouth
  • Unable to adjust the WB in the AUTO mode - only for one of the P, A, S and M modes

Construction

  • Battery compartment doesn't lock so it may pop open
  • Tripod thread is made of plastic
  • Little amount of built-in memory, only 10 MB
  • The camera is big and bulky

LCD and EVF

  • No tilting LCD for easier different positions shooting
  • The resolution of the Electronic View Finder (EVF) is only 135K pixels so it is not very sharp. It would have been better if it have optical viewfinder
  • The colours in the viewfinder are shifted a little to the blue side

Others

  • The camera uses xD Picture card as storage media. They are more expensive and are limited to 2 GB. Other formats offer more storage like Compact Flash and Secure Digital.

External links

Review compilations

Sample photos