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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
The top-rated Fuji S6000fd delivers plenty of performance-oriented features, with enough panache to make a hard-nosed camera enthusiast proud while still retaining simplicity and ease-of-use. Its 28mm wide-angle setting makes it great for landscapes, interiors, while face detection technology makes large group shots a breeze. And high ISO capabilities and digital stabilization make it a good choice for action shots of fast-moving subjects like dogs, cats, and young children.
My Best In Class Pick
Fujifilm FinePix S6000fd
Fuji S6000fd. Both the SD800 and the FX50 have remarkably similar specs and features, but the Fuji stands out for its versatility. And while some folks prefer the ‘look’ of Canon’s Digic III processor over Panasonic’s Venus III engine, many others prefer the Fuji’s Super CCD chip for its extended dynamic range – part of Fuji’s heritage as a maker of photographic film. Only the Fuji has Dual Picture Mode – which takes pictures both with and without a flash, for side-by-side comparison; a rather neat trick, that. All things considered, we’ll take more reach over compactness: the Fuji’s zoom range is about 3x the Canon or Panasonic cameras. That means when you’re shooting Rover galloping around at the dog park, you can remain a comfortable distance away (your shoes will thank you for this). Or when you’re catching Junior’s touchdown all the way from the stands, you’ll be able to see the look on his face. Let’s face it, optical stabilization is great for static shots, but it doesn’t help for sports or action, since the subjects are moving. That’s why Fuji’s Picture Stabilization and Intelligent ISO features are a welcome tandem that makes the most out of the S6000fd’s ISO 3200 setting. Plus, the Face Detection feature allows us to capitalize on the 28mm setting for group portraits, by decreasing red-eye and making faces more detailed. For the price point, the S6000fd’s combination of unique and standard features are hard to beat.
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix S6000fd
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Best Price:
$499
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- $499 - $769 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 10.7x
- Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
- Resolution: 6.3MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.5 - 0.6s
- Easy to Use: Yes
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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| Customer Rating |
 
(from 92 reviews)
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(from 562 reviews)
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(from 14 reviews)
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| Price | $499 - $769 | ||
| Size (W x H x D) | 5.2 x 3.8 x 5.0 in. | 3.5 x 2.3 x 1.0 in. | 3.85 x 2.25 x0.99 in |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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6.3 megapixels | 7.1 megapixels | 7.2 million pixels |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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28 mm | 28 mm | 28-102 mm |
| Optical Zoom | 10.7x | 3.8x | 3.6x |
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Image Stabilization Available
Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
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Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Image Stabilization Type | Digital | Optical | Optical |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/4.9 | f/5.8 | f/5.6 |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 sec | 1/1600 sec | 1/2000 sec |
| Max ISO Setting | 3200 | 80-1600 | 3200 |
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Face Detection Available
Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color.
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Yes | No | No |
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LCD Screen Size
The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally.
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2.5 in. | 2.5 in. | 3 in. |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 235000 pixels | 207000 pixels | 230,000 pixels |
| Storage Media | xD-Picture Card | SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card | SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard |
| Sensor Raw Format Available | Yes | No | No |
Canon PowerShot SD800 IS
The SD800 is the only digital Elph to start at 28mm. It’s feature set is very good, about what you’d expect from the PowerShot line at this point. It has Face Detection for sharper, more detailed group photos, a basic 3.8x zoom that nevertheless reaches out to 105mm (film equivalent) – which happens to be a very useful range that covers everything except for extreme wide angle and extreme telephoto, and should easily handle wide group shots and close-up head shots. The SD800 has two very useful Auto ISO settings, including High ISO, which lets the camera assess the light and pick a setting up to 1600 in low-light situations. The camera has a top shutter speed of 1/1600, three types of metering, a 640x480 video setting, and the ability to accept SDHC cards for mega memory storage. Additionally, the camera is only 1” thick, has PictBridge for easy printer compatibility, and has a range of color modes, including Custom Color, Sepia, and B&W. About the only downside is the average 1.7 fps burst rate, which, when combined with the average zoom, makes this a less than ideal choice for action sports.
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot SD800 IS
Specifications
- Zoom: 3.8x
- Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
- Resolution: 7.1MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.4 sec
- Easy to Use: Yes
- Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50
The FX50 has almost all of the same features as the Canon, with a bigger LCD screen – 3” instead of 2.5” – sure to be a difference users will notice right off the bat. Like other models in the Lumix-branded line, the FX50 boasts a Leica lens with lens-based Image Stabilization. The FX50’s focal range is very similar to the SD 800: 28-100mm (film equivalent). Instead of a 3.8x zoom, the Panasonic has a 3.6x zoom. Not a big difference. What the Panasonic does have is a High Sensitivity mode which can select up to a 3200 ISO, just in case you find yourself in near-pitch darkness; and scene modes for “Pet” and “Sunset” which employ the speed-boosting Intelligent ISO control, which ups ISO and shutter speed to compensate for subject motion (Image Stabilization only stops camera shake). The FX50 can shoot in three aspect ratios: 16:9 (for viewing on a widescreen TV); 3:2 (replicating the typical photo album-sized shot), and 4:3 (for making prints that will be framed). There’s a brightness-boosting sensor on the LCD, which helps in dimly-lit conditions, and a burst mode that reaches DSLR speeds: 3fps in full resolution. All in all, a very impressive feature set.
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50
How It Works
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
