Product Description

It¡¯s never wise to alter a successful formula. So rather than reinvent the hugely successful S9500, the new S9600 sees the introduction instead of some carefully-chosen improvements. Improving LCD size, image sharpness and low light autofocus, the new camera acts as a definite upgrade to its predecessor.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11856 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: FujiFilm
• Model: FinePix S9600
• Released on: 2006-10-04
• Dimensions: 3.66" h x 5.04" w x 5.08" l, 1.43 pounds
• Display size: 2

Manufacturer's Description
Introducing the FinePix S9600 Zoom

It’s never wise to alter a successful formula. So rather than reinvent the hugely successful S9500, the new S9600 sees the introduction instead of some carefully-chosen improvements. Improving LCD size, image sharpness and low light autofocus, the new camera acts as a definite upgrade to its predecessor.

Nonetheless, you still have the impressive zoom lens; covering the crucial 28-300mm* range, and crafted from the highest standard Fujinon optics, this is a built-in lens that has been engineered to work perfectly with the camera’s sensor technology. And the sensor technology is just as advanced – a nine million effective pixel Super CCD and Real Photo Processor combination that not only delivers on detail, but also the major image quality milestones: colour, low noise, dynamic range and sensitivity.

10/10 FinePix S9600 Zoom IS TOP OF THE CLASS

Fujifilm's FinePix S9600 is the sort of camera you can take anywhere and get a great shot. Thanks to its huge 10.7x Fujinon optical zoom lens you'll capture all the action – whether you're shooting details close-up or vast landscapes. It's a hugely versatile camera, which has advantages over DSLRs for new and enthusiast users. It can shoot still photographs or movies, has a live preview screen for easy composition, and, because of Fujifilm's unique Super CCD and Real Photo Processor, image quality is spot on. Its robust, compact body means you can take it anywhere, and fixed lens housing means there's no need to worry about dust on the sensor. Here at Fujifilm we think it's one of our best cameras yet.

INTEGRATED DESIGN

The S9600 design allows you to do many things that you can't with a digital SLR. For instance, using the 2-inch LCD to compose your image, rather than having to lift the camera to cover your eye. Using the zoom to reach virtually any of the major focal lengths, rather than having to change lenses and possibly see harmful dust enter the camera, not to mention missing the shot. Also, the mirror-free design allows you to enjoy the added functionality of a movie mode, which is something that SLRs cannot offer.

SUPER CCD WITH REAL PHOTO TECHNOLOGY

This camera is about a lot more than just nine million pixels. Super CCD technology has long been associated with class-leading performance in top-end digital cameras. Unlike generic image sensors, this system is developed and manufactured entirely in-house, and is performance only available from Fujifilm. Compared to the S9500, the S9600 sees refinements in the area of image sharpness, delivering a bitingly-crisp rendition of reality. Furthermore, the impressive ISO range of 100-1600 means that you will get great, blur-free results in all light, not just daylight. Because of its incredible potential in low light conditions, the S9600's autofocus has been further improved, enabling it to find focus more quickly in dim conditions.

FUJINON 28-300mm* LENS

Unlike interchangeable lenses, this one's fixed to the camera for ever. And that is a good thing – not only will the interior of the camera be protected from dust and the elements, but you also have an incredible zoom range at your disposal. Fujinon optics have an enviable reputation within the photography industry for their clarity and quality, and the lens on the S9600 lives up to the name. The 13 elements include one hybrid aspherical element, one glass moulded aspherical element, as well as ED glass. Furthermore, photography enthusiasts will like the manual twist barrel zoom control, as well as the manual focusing ring, both giving pinpoint control.

*35mm equivalent

TILTING 2 INCH LCD MONITOR

One of the more visible improvements on the S9600 is the large 2-inch LCD monitor, mounted on a tiltable axis on the back of the camera. Possessing an extremely detailed display of 235,000 pixels, it enables you to check focus and get an immediate idea of image sharpness. Unlike an SLR, you will find yourself able to shoot above your head and from the floor, unlocking amazing shooting potential.

FAST RESPONSES

People that use the S9600 will not miss many shots. There is no agonising wait as a motor extends the lens (it is already in position), and the autofocus locks on to subjects with a speed that will make you think twice as to whether this really is not a DSLR. With its use of manual zoom ring, dials and buttons for important functions, the S9600 is designed for photographers who do not want their camera to get in the way of their photography.

MOVIE MODE

Anyone who doesn't think that much of movie modes on digital cameras has not tried this one. Not only does it offer the top-level 30 fps VGA benchmark, but you can also use the zoom lens during recording, which is a special enhancement of this feature. With the massive onboard media storage, the S9600 offers extended movie potential, and is a valuable backup to the camera's still image capability.

HYPER ULTILITY SOFTWARE HS-V2

As an added bonus, the S9600 comes packaged with a high-value piece of software aimed at getting the absolute maximum out of the camera's formidable imaging potential. The HS-V2 software processes RAW files from the camera, enabling the user to fine-tune sharpness settings, white balance and other image parameters without worrying about 'losing' information, which is what happens when jpegs are recorded and re-recorded again. When you select the RAW option, the camera gives you the original 18 million pixel file that is delivered to the processor, and the HS-V2 software enables you to get the most out of it.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

Finepix Fabpix!
Its a very long time since I was into "real" photography... dealing with apertures, shutter speeds, depth of field, etc etc. I've had Fuji compact cameras before (and they've all been excellent) but they have all been the point and shoot variety. I wanted to be a bit more creative but still be able to fall back into the "idiot proof" pre-programmed modes. This camera fits the bill precisely. If you want to take control of virtually any aspect of the photo then it will allow you to do so. The menus are a breeze for anyone used to other Fuji cameras but the beauty of the S9600 is the major functions can be accessed by one several buttons on the casing. The hugely versatile lens caters for virtually any situation from really close macro stuff right up to 10.7 times magnification which is awesome and the results even at this length are staggering. I've seen some criticism about its performance in low light which I can't agree with. Having shot over 600 snaps virtually every shot is perfectly exposed and breathtakingly sharp even in dim light. This camera is ideal for anyone who wants the ease of fully automated photography in various preprogrammed modes ie night, portrait, landscape etc but also wants to experiment with the more advanced creative/arty and technical side of photography. Either way the results are stunning and the value for money this camera represents is superb! Fantastic piece of kit!

Outstanding quality
I have used a Fuji S5000 and Sony DSC-H2 over the last 4 years, the Sony since its release last year. These two very fine cameras, though, just do not stand comparison with the S9600. It's hard to know where to start, so perhaps money, as both cost me more; the S9600 is a steal at £258 from Amazon including next day delivery. I do not know how Fuji can make it for so little. It is a beautifully made camera and for this sort of price the quality is outstanding. It feels and looks like a dSLR, which is a comforting to those of us used to film SLRs. However, I question the expense of a dSLR for the non-professional, considering the low cost of film SLRs, but does anyone still use film? RIP. That said, prices are tumbling.

The S9600 has a very nice feeling 10.7x zoom - manual, so faster and saving battery drain. I hadn't realised what a drag powered zoom is (not so Auto focus). I took a series of shots in the Lea Valley with excellent results at all focal lengths, and the wide angle 28mm equivalent is unusual for this class of camera and gives a lot more scope that a 35 or 38mm equivalent. Again, I hadn't realised how much I had missed this focal length.

The exposure on auto, colour saturation and naturalness were outstanding. The pictures (taken at 5MP rather than 9MP which is the maximum) leap out of the monitor at you. I can't imagine how they could be improved, rather like the £10 bottle of wine, I suppose, you gotta be a bit crazy to spend more. But of course technology will continue, and the Super CCD sensor which is unique to Fuji, and is probably the best currently available, will get even better.

The EVF is excellent, not quite like having an optical one, but mighty fine anyway. Whilst you cannot see the depth of field you can always use the manual or aperture setting and stop it wide open or closed depending on the subject. The LCD is very clear and of excellent quality. It's hinged but I use the view finder anyway. Unlike the Sony camera there is no electronic stabilisation but Fuji relies on its outstanding low noise at higher ISO settings (courtesy of the Super CCD and processor) to obviate the need. Noise levels are very low at ISO 80-400, acceptable at ISO 800 and useable at ISO 1600. The only way to get a better result would be with the much larger sensor of a dSLR. There isn't much more to say, I would thoroughly recommend Cliff Smith's very accurate comments on www.trustedreviews.com. I completely agree with him, and many thanks to him and those here whose reviews alerted me to this camera. Whilst there may be a few minor quibbles about the S9600, he rates it as 10/10 in every category, and for £250 this has to be the best camera bargain of the year. Just don't expect to put in in your your trouser pocket.... it is about the size of the smaller SLRs and one hunky piece of machinery.

It does everything it says on the lid ....
I've used a variety of digi-cams over the years and purchased this in favour of a DSLR because of paranoia about getting dust on the CCD - probably the equivalent of getting quick setting wet cement on your camera lens - not fatal but really warrants professional (and expensive) cleaning.

If you don't read the manual then you may get some unpredictable results in low light conditions. That said, we've just fired off 20 in a room 24 feet by 12 feet lit by 3 60watt bulb table lamps at night and the results were mind boggling. Without flash I doubt if any other camera would have got close.

The other feature that appealed was the lack of lag time - I have tried waiting in my back yard for a flock of birds to fly over and then swithched on, raised the camera and clicked away. Fantastic results.

I used the 300mm zoom to fire off some shots of a pidgeon sitting in a tree in a field behind our house. At ISO 100 I can zoom in on the pidgeon to fill my 17" laptop widescreen and the results are sharp, colour balanced and generally fabulous.

I'm still discovering features on the camera as I've only had it for 3 days but if anyone is in any doubt, don't be - fabulous bit of kit.

I don't know what settings Mr Molyneux was using but I've had no problem with black speckles as he described which made me wonder if his camera has a problem with the CCD?