...
Enter the Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom. As it's SLR styling would suggest, this camera includes all the features you would expect from Pro cameras, yet, as it's price point implies, at it's heart, this is a point-and-shoot camera.
The S5600 includes a number of modes, all chosen by a ... Read review
Advantages: Good image quality, Exceptional Zoom, Good look and Feel, Full manual controls. Disadvantages: No external flash port, Manual controls somewhat awkward, No MF/Zoom Ring, no image stableizer.
.../>
Enter the Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom. As it's SLR styling would suggest, this camera includes all the features you would expect from Pro cameras, yet, as it's price point implies, at it's heart, this is a point-and-shoot camera.
The S5600 includes a number of modes, all chosen by a convenient rotary selector on the top right, behind the shutter button. These modes include all the standard fare (Portrait, Landscape, Anti ... ...turns off the flash, adjusts the shutter speed and aperture to take in more light and increases the ISO. On top of this, it features a very good "auto" mode, which is where this camera will spend most of it's time.
The camera runs quite happily in auto mode, and will give very good results in most situations. Most people will successfully pick up this camera, and within a few shots be taking beautiful 5 Megapixel shots. more
I would love to think myself a great photographer. I liked that I knew how to use aperture and shutter speed get a desired effect. In truth however, I was a fraud.
In my life, I have owned but two digital cameras. The first, an old 2 Megapixel Kodak point-and-shooter, and more recently the "stills" option on my Panasonic Mini-DV camera. Still, using the limited manual features on that camera inspired me.
Enter the Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom. As it's SLR styling would suggest, this camera includes all the features you would expect from Pro cameras, yet, as it's price point implies, at it's heart, this is a point-and-shoot camera.
The S5600 includes a number of modes, all chosen by a convenient rotary selector on the top right, behind the shutter button. These modes include all the standard fare (Portrait, Landscape, Anti Blur/Motion) and a very useful "natural light mode", which turns off the flash, adjusts the shutter speed and aperture to take in more light and increases the ISO. On top of this, it features a very good "auto" mode, which is where this camera will spend most of it's time.
The camera runs quite happily in auto mode, and will give very good results in most situations. Most people will successfully pick up this camera, and within a few shots be taking beautiful 5 Megapixel shots.
The shutter button is conveniently located (front right) for my slightly large hands (though people with particularly small hands may have some issues), and provides good feedback. It is clear when the button is half/fully depressed. It is surrounded by the off/review/shoot selector. When choosing these modes, there is a large distance between them, and it is sometimes a little easy to miss the mode you are looking for, especially since there is a less distinct "click" than i would like when you hit the mode.
The built in "filler flash" does an average job at short distances, but i would have preferred the option to attach a larger external flash. Still, natural light mode and 1600 max iso makes it un-necesarry in most circumstances.
The lack of image stabilisation on the face seems undesirable when you conceder it's 10X optical zoom. Thankfully an excellent sensitivity range (ISO 64 to 1600) and minimal noise even at ISO-1600 thanks to its fifth generation super CCD sensor mean this is also somewhat un-necesarry. The noise that is there can be minimised even more by shooting in RAW mode.
For the more avid photographer, it includes all the bells and whistles you would expect from the more expensive SLR cameras it seeks to emulate. With Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Full Manual modes, and a somewhat cumbersome manual focus mode, photographers with an eye for that "something more" photo, will achieve results simply impossible for the typical point and shoot camera.
While the pro would laugh at how awkward these modes are, It is certainly in these modes that serious amateur/aspiring pro photographers will have most fun. They are usually surprisingly easy to adjust, through the 4 way selector, and basic changes soon becomes second nature.
However here again, the cameras desire to be used in "auto" mode once again shows up. The features pro's will take for granted often take 3 or more button presses to find and it is a little cumbersome at times. For example "White Balance" is third in the main menu, below "Self Timer". Manual Focussing is a similarly taxing process requiring you to press multiple buttons (EV Compensate+W/T) to set, and the LCD and Electronic Viewfinder are both a little small and low res to effectively determine exactly how in focus your subject is.
In spite of these drawbacks, with a little patience and conditioning, you will be able to duplicate most if not all of the results you would see on much more expensive DSLR cameras.
The look and feel of the camera is perhaps it's most pleasing feature. Between it's fixed lens barrel, matte black (plastic) finish and rubberised grips it feels like a much more expensive camera than it really is, and moreover, except from very close, the average person will not be able to tell this is not a DSLR from looking at it. The only drawback here is that the rubberised grip around the barrel is... well, just that. Looking at it, and even holding it, you expect to be able to twist it to adjust either zoom or focus, but this is not the case, and both of these options are provided by button presses on the back.
All in all, this is an excellent camera which i can highly recommend to both point and shooters looking for a long range zoom lens, serious amateurs, or aspiring pro's looking for a springboard into the world of manual photography, and even pro's as a cheap extra camera.
One final thing of note is that like most Fuji cameras it uses only the proprietary and somewhat expensive xD picture card format, which may be a little off-putting to those who already have large SD or CF cards from prior cameras. It also only includes a 16 MB card which is only good for a hand full of images at 5 Megapixel, and only one in CCD-RAW mode.
Advantages: Superb quality and features at a great price Disadvantages: None so far
Having owned a Fuji Finepix S2800 for a few years with no real complaints I at last decided it was time to upgrade.The main reason to upgrade was the S2800 was still a fairly basic camera that although took great pictures was begining to struggle taking pictures of my main interest ,that of rugby.
I had no hesitation at going for another Fuji and at first looked at the impressive S9500 but eventually decided against this camera basically on its ... ...bigger brother but in a much smaller unit.The camera is small being only 113.5mmx85mmx112mm and weighing in at 470g with batteries and an XD picture card.
The main features of the camera are as follows;
* 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensor
* 5.1 million effective pixels
* 10x optical zoom
* Real Photo Technology and ISO 64 - 1600 sensitivity range
* Anti-Blur Mode to minimise blurring from photographer and subject
* Highlight Warning function ...
Rutley 22.02.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom
Advantages: Great value, 10 x zoom and quality 5 megapixel images Disadvantages: Camera is too large to fit into handbag etc
I've owned three digital cameras in my time, and in terms of picture quality and the capabilities of the zoom feature, this camera is by far the best, and worth every penny. I'd recommend it very highly to anyone needing a high quality camera with a powerful zoom action - but it won't fit into a handbag!
The camera looks like an SLR Camera (though it isn't), and some people may be put off by the size of the camera, which is 11 by 11 by 8 cm. However, ... ...of the camera size.
For starters, the camera takes pictures at a range of settings up to 5.1 megapixels. This quality image could easily be enlarged to A3 or even A2 without any problem from pixelisation (when the picture starts to look like a set of dots). Not only is the picture high quality, but there are a number of settings you can change for type of shot (with ISO speeds from 100 to 1600). Basically this means that even fast-moving images ...
Paulshistory 18.02.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom
Advantages: 10 times optical zoom plus 5.1 megapixels, substantial solid casing Disadvantages: The large size may put some people off
I've owned three digital cameras in my time, and in terms of picture quality and the capabilities of the zoom feature, this camera is by far the best, and worth every penny.
The camera looks like an SLR Camera (though it isn't), and some people may be put off by the size of the camera, which is 11 by 11 by 8 cm. However, the quality of the camera far offsets the slight disadvantages of the camera size.
For starters, the camera takes pictures at ... ...quality image could easily be enlarged to A3 or even A2 without any problem from pixelisation (when the picture starts to look like a set of dots). Not only is the picture high quality, but there are a number of settings you can change for type of shot (with ISO speeds from 100 to 1600). Basically this means that even fast-moving images (sports etc) will be captured without blur by the camera. The camera even adjusts automatically for different light ...
Paulshistory 12.02.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom
Advantages: SLR features, easy to use, compact Disadvantages: Uses a lot of batteries
I got this camera for Christmas 2006 as I wanted a better camera for amateur photographer. This camera has been perfect for me. It is a normal camera with SLR technology, at an affordable price. The reaction time is fast, so much faster than my previous standard digital camera, that I was amazed. I was able to capture what I wanted when I wanted, which worked perfectly, considering I mainly photograph horses show jumping! The optical zoom is also ... ...the image quality! I think my favourite feature is the opportunity to either take a photo looking at the LCD screen or through the view finder, which can be very useful on sunny days when you can't see the screen!
The manual controls are super, if you know how to use them, but the camera comes with a great indepth manual which will give you a basic understanding of all the functions available.
I have upgraded the memory to a 1GB XD card, as the ...
aliclare 26.07.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom
Advantages: Advanced Features, 10x Optical Zoom, Choice of modes, Battery life. Disadvantages: Clunky Menu System
Fuji, a brand well known around the world have created an exceptional camera with their S5600. Being an Amateur photographer myself, I know the difficulty in finding a decently priced camera which has plenty of features, until this.
The S5600, Is an ideal camera for anyone wanting it for general use, or even for budding photographers. A wide range of features such as a great Macro mode, landscape, night, portrait, video, and many more offer you ... ...thing is the ability to change advanced settings, although they are hidden amongst some large menu's, and can sometimes be a hassle to find.
The S5600's battery life is also first to none. With NiMh 1300 Rechargeable Batteries, my camera manages to last for atleast 250 photos before gracefully burning out. The zoom is also superior, 10x optical which is far more than any other identicaly priced camera at this moment in time.
The only dissapointing ...
Danz0r 09.08.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom
Product Information for "Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom" »
Connections
Connector Type
1 x USB
1 x composite video/audio output
1 x DC power input
Expansion Slot(s)
1 x xD-Picture Card
Power
Power Device
Battery charger
Environmental parameters
Min Operating Temperature
0 °C
Max Operating Temperature
40 °C
Manufacturer's product description
This camera packs an almost unimaginable level of capability into its contoured, compact body. Not only does it feature Fujifilm's acclaimed Super CCD HR sensor technology, ensuring the best image quality possible, but you also benefit from manual control and the immense optical reach of a 10x Fujinon zoom lens. What's more, this camera has the crucial 1600 ISO setting, meaning that all forms of blur are much less likely to occur. Five million pixels is only part of the story. 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. First-rate color reproduction, image sharpness, low noise and excellent tonal response. Never mind the pixels. Feel the picture quality. This camera has real optical reach contained within it. There is also one major advancement on the previous models - the lens is fixed in place. This has two advantages. There is no delay, waiting for the lens to extend or retract, when the camera is turned on or off. The S5600 Zoom is blisteringly quick off the mark. The new design keeps the lens mechanism permanently housed within the exterior of the camera, rather than allowing the extending moving parts to be exposed to knocks and bumps. This makes the camera a more solid package overall. Just as you'd expect from a camera that echoes SLR design, the FinePix S5600 Zoom gives you full creative rein to influence shutter speed, aperture, ISO and focus selection. It is a real reassurance to know that the camera's performance can be directed in the way that you wish it. Then again, you could just take the easy route, and leave it on auto... The FinePix S5600 Zoom is designed to increase the likelihood of you getting a shot. Not only is it switched-on and ready in a double-quick 1.1 seconds, but its reaction to you pressing the shutter release is much quicker than previous models - a mere 0.01 seconds. You won't be missing out on much action with the S5600 Zoom. Anyone who doesn't think that much of movie modes on digital cameras has not tried this one. The S5600 Zoom offers the top-level 30 fps VGA benchmark, which plays back on television sets with remarkable clarity. Team the S5600 Zoom up with a big xD-Picture Card, and you will realize the full potential of this camera's multifunctionality.
Easy to use, lots of features 
