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: #925 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: FujiFilm
• Model: FinePix S9600
• Released on: 2006-10-04
• Dimensions: 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

At this price it's a five star camera
There simply is too much choice when it comes to digital cameras. Wanting an upgrade from an excellent Sony point and shoot compact, I decided on this on the basis of customer reviews - and the Amazon price.

It looks and feels like an SLR, but first impressions are that this is very easy to use, and takes great pictures when you've mastered the controls - pretty much like any other camera really! The menus are easy to follow on screen, and the ability to frame pictures either through the viewfinder or on the larger, tiltable panel is a real bonus. I also like the tic-tac toe grid that you can call up to help with composing great pictures - it's a real help.

With more settings modes than you can shake a stick at - this camera seems to have it all in terms of helping the point and shooter make the next step up. Build quality is fine, and printing via a Pictbridge printer is also very easy.

As many other reviewers have said - it's battery hungry, so investing in re-chargeable alternatives to what is supplied is essential - but that's no big deal given they are reasonably priced these days.

But the bottom line remains the price - I wouldn't have spent over £400 on this piece of kit, given that upgraded models are coming out all the time and I could buy an SLR for that money. But at under £200 when I bought it - that's certainly good value for money.

A great camera for a beginner
IF you really want to take some great photo's, but don't want to pay professional prices for a DSLR camera then this is the camera for you.

Having taken the time to read a few sections of the manual (how to use the manual settings) i quickly ignored all of it and just used the Auto modes (mainly Auto and landscape). I've taken this camera to Africa on safari, and taken some fantastic photo's and I truely am impressed with this camera and how good the pictures are.

Things I would suggest you also buy if you're buying this camera: -
1) A 58mm UV Filter/Lens protector - protects your lens and helps make your piccies look ace!
2) A Flash gun with a bounce head - got mine from jessops for £22 - really improves indoor flash photos.
3) a lense pen - big lense = lots of dust - get a lens pen or a blower to get it clean
4) 2500 mAh rechargeable batteries and a decent charger - this thing will munch through normal AA batteries.
5) the Big Fuji bag for this camera - I've got everything I need in it - and plenty of space for more!
6) a circular polarising filter for those out door sunny shots, shot through glass, and shots over water! makes them look ace

Good rubust easy to use camera
I like it, good robust and easy to use camera

Quick to start-up, no electronic motorised lens, so you can use it immediately, fast zoom and focusing

excellent macro mode (butterflies a cinch)

photos a bit over exposed and harsh.
easy to set under -exposure that is remembered after power-off and warm up the photos by default too.

It will synch an external flash, so I use it with a big blinder hammer flash gun.
It does have a screw fitting shutter socket; so I can use a remote control

It does not come with any memory card, which is silly. But all manufacturers ever give you is a small one so its useless anyhow!

Buy a fast compact flash card (XD is dead) at the same time
and buy the faster type III or at least 160 x times speed 2 gb minimum
they are cheap now and it makes all the difference.

The vari-angle LCD panel is great for overhead crowd shots and floor level shots, just bend it so you can see.
However the best bit is the proper viewfinder, so you use it like a real SLR camera and great in daylight.

Can't change lenses? Quite honestly -its over rated for normal use -the supplied one does all the standard ranges you might need at less expense and the bother of carrying the damn extra lens around.
28mm to 300mm will do most everythings and it's an f2.8 lens, whereas most 300mm lenses are f4 and therefore darker.
Did i mention it has a standard tripod screw? very useful.

Very fast to download to a PC