Fujifilm FinePix S6000fd

OK, let's start off with what this camera ISN'T:

1. A point and shoot for easy carry
2. A DSLR that costs $1000+
3. A movie camera


OK, now that we've said that, let's talk about what this camera IS:

1. A LONG zoom DSLR-LIKE camera
2. Easy to hold
3. Easy to zoom
4. A RAW-capable, low-noise, excellent color photo machine

This camera is Fuji's answer to the Sony DSC-H5 and the Powershot G series cameras. It has 6MP of resolution in a CCD chip mounted behind a large 10.7x optical, MANUAL zoom. Let's examine some of the points to consider when talking about cameras.

First, resolution is misleading. Many consumers think that higher megapixels mean a nicer photo with sharper details and camera companies encourage this thinking by slapping megapixel numbers on the front of the camera and all over the ads. Keep in mind, though, that megapixels alone do not a perfect photo make. The pixels are tiny dots on an imaging chip and each pixel is only sensitive to ONE of the three colors cameras use to record light information: red, green or blue. Camera manufacturers choose how much of each chip's pixel allotment is assigned to each color, so you may find that maybe 50% is green and 25% each is red and blue. Once that's decided, the chip maker has to determine the number of pixels to put on the chip. Well, the bigger chips (like in DSLRs) can hold more pixels and the smaller chips (like in any camera that's NOT a DSLR) can hold more pixels ONLY if the pixels are made smaller. So, if you have a half-inch chip with 10 MP and a quarter-inch chip with 10MP, the smaller chip has MUCH smaller pixels so it can squeeze them all in. Now, you might think that this is good, since smaller pixels can capture more detail...but you're wrong. When pixels are crammed too closely together, they can interfere with each other and loss of detail (noise) can result. This camera has a 6MP resolution that is well-suited to the size of the chip. The next model up, the s9000, has too many pixels on the chip and the images are noisier as a result. So, in the basic area of resolution, this camera is respectable and, with its MANY modes, scene presets, color saturation, sharpness and exposure control and manual focus, you will be taking nice, sharp, pleasant photos.

The next big thing is the zoom. Bigger is usually better and this is no exception. A large zoom allows for framing shots and the wide angle on this lens is perfect for scenes of mountains or beaches. The manual zoom feature on this cannot be ignored: it is a SUPERIOR form of zoom control. The zoom is fluid-damped, so it's smooth and precise. You also get a manual focus ring if you need to use it and the LCD shows a focus check circle when you do (the "manual zoom" is controlled by your fingers, but it is technically electronic.) The only downside is the lack of optical stabilization. At long zooms, this is critical for a good shot. The digital stabilizer just doesn't work as well.

This camera can also shoot in RAW mode. This is CRITICAL for those professional-looking shots! You can get the image straight off the chip, with NO processing and then edit it with the included software. This means that you can adjust white balance, sharpness, color and the color curve very precisely...almost like being able to take the photo over again! I've done some macro work with the RAW mode and have been very pleased with what a little tweaking can do. This camera encourages you to learn how to use it by being able to take good impromptu photos (with the very functional face detection system) and then allowing you to set whatever manual settings you want to. Note that the JPG mode is good, but the compression of the JPG algorithm inevitably means loss of detail. It's best (though inconvenient) to shoot RAW and convert in Photoshop to TIFF for printing perfect photos.

The camera's other features are nice, as well: big, crisp 2.5" LCD with plenty of pixels for clear viewing, a previous shot mode that shows the three previous shots alongside your current window to help you frame things, a killer 640x480 movie mode with sound and 30fps capture and a long battery life with rechargeable Ni-MH AA batteries. Proprietary battery packs are a pain in the rear if you're caught without a spare or hours to charge. With this, you can, in a pinch, grab some alkalines and get the shots you need! HUZZAH, FUJIFILM!


I've taken hundreds of photos with this since I got it and I can definitely say that, if you learn how to use it and the principles of photography, you can take GREAT photos with this. If, however, you don't care about anything but pushing a button and getting an acceptable photo, then this is probably too much camera for you. You MUST accept the fact that this is NOT a DSLR with a big chip and expensive lenses and it's not a movie camera...but it is very good for what it does and it is a definite recommend.

The only bad point is the ridiculous xD card that is only for Olympus and Fuji cameras. Not only are they more expensive per GB than any other card format, but they currently only go to 2GB. That's a lot of photos, but it's still inferior to being able to get an 8GB CF or a 4GB SD card. The s9000 CAN use CF cards, but this camera, in my opinion, takes less noisy photos and is the better buy for the price.

This camera was bought to replace a Kodak z740 which had lots of issues with focusing in low light. The s6000fd from Fuji is the same size of the more expensive digital SLRs and has a nice 'sturdy' feel and weight. The fact also that the camera runs on 4 'AA' batteries is nice, on one set of 2500 mAh rechargable NiMH, I have taken around 350 pictures and there is still no sign of weak batteries (it alerts you when the batteries are @ 1/4 charge left).

The manual zoom worried me at first, but since using it I will NEVER go back to the powered (?) zoom. The camera also has a manual focus ring for those that want more control. Speaking of control, the s6000fd has FULL manual control. The ISO range can go up to 3200 ISO, but noise is quite noticeable in this area. The flash has a LONG range and will light up my whole living area. The 'face detection' feature really does work and is nice to have for those of use that take a lot of portrait shots or general people shots. Face detection works by finding faces in a scene and focusing on that, not something else. It can find up to 10 faces in one scene. Natural light mode is also nice, and even though some noise will be noticed on the computer screen, it is not on actual prints. The camera also has a 'Scene position' mode that includes preset settings for beach, snow, parties, museums, fireworks, sunsets, sports, nights, landscapes, anti-blur and portraits. The camera also includes a movie feature, but I can not speak for that since I will not use the camera to make movies. I must say this camera does NOT have image stabilization, but rather the anti-blur mode. The anti-blur works by bumping up the ISO and switching to a faster shutter speed. This works, but optical image stabilization would have been better, then again I have never found the need for either. The LCD is nice and BIG for us aging people. Focusing occurs in a snap and is the fastest I have ever seen on an advanced zoom camera. Remember the low light focusing issue that I mentioned earlier with the z740? Non existent on the s6000fd! I have taken tons of pictures in low light and they all have come out sharp and focused perfectly.

The only complaints are that to delete a picture after taking it is to go into review and delete it from there. There is no way to delete immediately after taking. The only other issue is that it uses XD cards, instead of the more readily available SD cards. Just a side note, when I bought the XD card to use with the camera, I bought the Olympus 1 GB Model H card, its write time is about three time that of the Model M cards.

Make sure to check out a few of the pictures I have posted above for some samples of this wonderful camera's pictures! Enjoy!

The "face detection" feature, which sounds like a gimmick, for me quantifies this as the best digital I've ever used. A green box will appear over your subjects face and if they're like my toddler are constantly moving will actually follow their face (as long as they are looking in the general viscinity of the camera). It will give focus and lighting priority to their faces. It even works on the TV (had to try it). The macro is excellent, and while I wasn't sure of a manual zoom it's way faster and ultimately better than a battery consuming zoom. The ISO of 3200 can take unblurry pictures without the flash in my very dark house and they're still usuable VS the throw away blurrrrr of my canon. I'm really happy I finally pulled the trigger and bought this over the S3-IS. - (From a former S2-IS owner.) Only complaints are it's fairly large, but you can't put any super zoom in your pocket really.. The "on board" memory is about the dumbest thing ever. You can take about 1 picture on the finest mode before it's full. What's the point of that? I don't understand why you would buy a 6.3mp and use low quality shots. BUT the good news is the XD cards hold more per MB than the SD cards and are fast. Use the "M". I got a 1gb card they're quite reasonable and it'll hold about 350 pics at the best resolution (fine). If you want really rapid shots you're probably better off with a DSLR (more money). This will take a shot about every two seconds with the correct focus settings. If you need faster than that.. you're not looking at sub $500 cameras anyways..

To the reviewer before me: It takes one button to use all flash features. Push once for AUTO, then once for Red Eye Reduction, then once for Forced (what yours was obviously on) and once more for suppressed (always off). They use the the lightning bolt icon same as on a Sony, and on a Canon, And it takes one setting to turn off the preview after you take a shot. Landscape setting is only for LANDSCAPES you have a landscape shot in your backyard? Compact flash cards are outdated (too big) compared to SD or XD, and you show me a new digital camera not made of plastic and I'll eat my review. I do know it is sometimes about the "feel" that's a very personal thing.. And I'm not trying to be a jerk here but you should have used "AUTO". Because anyone who doesn't know how to shut of a flash shouldn't be using the advanced settings, and then complain when they don't turn out right. I think you also shouldn't slam a product without reading the manual . It's just not fair to the manufacturers. I hope you like your next one. Cheers!

I bought the Fuji S6000fd in December 2006 to help me take better pictures and to experiment with advanced photography techniques. Initially, I had mixed feelings about this camera and several times even considered selling it to get a " better dSLR". But after thinking long and hard and using it quite a bit and comparing its image qualities, I have come to the conclusion that it is indeed an excellent camera for what it is intended for. The camera is now a keeper.

I use this camera mostly for travel and family pictures. Below are my personal views about this camera:

PROS:
1. Picture quality: This is generally sharp with excellent color rendition (I use "chrome") for ISO 100-800.

2. Noise: This becomes evident only at ISO 800-1600, but they are still usable after running the pictures through Neat Image noise reduction filter, at 25% amount for ISO 800 and 75% for ISO 1600. I don't use ISO3200 because of loss of details.

3. SLR-like: This is the closest thing to an SLR with manual twist zoom, program mode dial and comfortable grip/ergonomics. The fixed lens comes with a nice looking hood and allows for the use of polarizer filter for creative control.

4. Live view/histogram: This is without a doubt the BEST feature of this camera. I use it every time to compose my shots and adjust my exposure compensation and white balance to "get it right first time". As a result, I am getting very high percentage of quality pictures out of this camera without having to do much post processing. To do this with a dSLR, you will have to take a shot first, then preview on the LCD, make the camera adjustments and then take the shot again. With the live view, it is close to WYSIWYG.

5. Focal range of 28-300mm: The 28mm wide angle provides excellent coverage for landscapes and in tight internal spaces. I don't use the telephoto range as much but it's there when I need it to zoom in on the details.

6. Face detection: It works, so I use for all people shots.

7. Movie mode: This is a bonus feature, and works well enough that it has replaced my camcorder. I get 30 minutes of video from a 1 GB card. The manual zoom works but you have to move it slowly to avoid "jumpiness" as the lens changes focus.

8. AA battery: I already use rechargeables, so not having to buy a spare lithium battery is a benefit.

9. Price: At ~$300+ and for the quality/features, this camera offers tremendous value.

CONS:
1. No image stabilization: This is a potential deal breaker for many buyers. But compared to other non-dSLRs with noisy pictures at ISO400 and up, shooting at ISO 800-1600 on the Fuji S6000fd offers a "compromise" which somewhat compensates for the lack of a real optical image stabilizer. But this is 2007, so I think it should be a requirement to include OIS on any lens longer than 200mm. I personally don't use long zoom that much, so it is less of an issue. But it would be nice if Fuji include this feature for its next release.

2. No shallow depth of field: This means you can't isolate the subject by creating a blurred background, and is a universal problem for all P&S cameras with small sensors. With Fuji S6000fd, there is some work around, such as using telephoto focal length combined with macro mode, but the blur effect is not as good as what a dSLR can produce.

3. Limited burst mode: Continuous mode is slow and the buffer is limited to only 3 shots. If you taken a lot of action photography, then this camera will be woefully inadequate.

4. Electronic Viewfinder: The brightness can be adjusted up or down but the resolution is only 135K pixels so it is not as sharp.

5. Auto mode: This camera doesn't produce good pictures with Auto mode or even the Natural mode because of the tendency to use high ISO. Those looking for a simple P&S should look at Fuji F20 or Canon models.

Conclusion: There are trade-offs in any camera purchase. Despite my initial hesitation, this is an excellent camera that offers close to (but not the same as) what you'll get from a dSLR. I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn photography but not ready to invest in a dSLR.

This would have been a "perfect" camera (for me, at least) if Fuji had included optical image stabilization (for another 2-3 stop advantage) and a higher resolution EVF.

I absolutely love this camera! It feels like a D-SLR and blows away my Sony Mavica 200 from a few years back that I paid twice the price for. I'm sure a top notch DSLR has it's advantages, but this camera gets it done really well, really quick and relatively easy! HUGE features that I love:
1) Manual ZOOM 10.7x-- You get there quick and you don't run down your batteries with power draining motor zoom (took 210 shots with older NiMH batteries). My biggest disappointment with the quick & easy cameras has always been the lame optical Zoom that usually maxed at 3x.
2) 1600 & 3200 ISO speeds -- life-saver for 4x6 moment keepers in mod>low light. A lot of sites were saying these speeds rendered totally unuseable photos, but that is ONLY if you are trying to print an 8 x 10. I have taken 100+ photos at 1600 ISO inside with moderate>low light (NO FLASH) and they totally blew away any moderate>low light picture ever taken with my Mavica 200. The Sony always streaked unless you used the flash and those pictures were always unbalanced in light and color (even after setting White Balance). It's actually hard to take an unuseable picture.
3) FACE DETECTION - Great feature to help set up the camera to take the best possible shot with the most natural color. SO EASY and works SO WELL!
4) Nice 2.5" LCD & easy to navigate -- I always frame my shots on the LCD and this one doesn't disappoint. The small Digital Viewfinder is the ONLY negative about the camera (it's somewhat challenging to get a clear look at your subject). Overall, this camera is as easy to navigate as any other I have used. A rolling dial to adjust parameters would have been a nice bonus, but not missed!
5) Natural Light Mode -- Very cool for getting the best shot without a flash (you can even take one with and one without flash at the same time--VERY COOL)
6) RAW photo capture -- SUPER HIGH RES photos with great detail! At the camera's price, that's a definite BONUS!
7) Manual options GALORE! You can go all manual, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, or a PROGRAM mode where Shutter & Aperture are still handled by the camera, but you can set most everything else (very nice).

Overall, for @$400 I don't think anyone can complain about the value/performance factor of this camera. Get a 1GB or 2GB xD Picture Card (H model) and let 'er fly. It's a FUN camera that feels like a PRO camera! I hope this helps you as I was somewhat apprehensive before I bought mine. I'm glad I picked this one!