I have been a casual photograher for over 30 years. Most of thea time has been using the OM10 SLR and I have accumalated a fair amount of kit. After getting back from holiday with 8kg of photo gear I started to look for a digital camera. The FinePix S602 Pro Zoom suited me because: it has a digital viewfinder, there is no gazing at the rear of the camera, the viewfinder concentrates the mind on your scene; the traditional SLR shape is functional
In fully auto mode the camera is a cinch to operate. I took a great photo only hours after buying the camera. There are millions of settings to play with and I am still experimenting. The manual modes give exactly the effect you expect. There are no gimics with this camera, even the movie mode gives impressive results. This is what makes the camera attractive to those moving from 35mm slr kits.
A lot has been written about the 3 or is it 6mega pix category for this camera, but unless you are looking for huge prints the resolution has been more than satisfactory. The small media card is not very useful, the 1 Gb microdrive is an efficient storage media even if it is a bit slow. Focusssing can be problen in low light but most photographs are not taken in such adverse conditions. The advantages of the pro over the standard camera are the pc sync socket and the cable release, both of these are familiar to old SLR hands. What impresses me most is that I now have an SLR kit that fits into 1 bag and weighs less than a kilo. I can take all the photos I want, review them easily and only worry about storage when I get back to my pc or laptop. The total kit weghs 4 kg including the laptop. One gripe is having to pay nearly £30 for an adaptor to accept a filter. It takes a little time to wrk out what all the buttons and combinations of buttons will do.
With the new Fuji camera being released prices have dropped so some bargaining with the retailer pays off. If you are buying on features you can't beat this camera at the price.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS I paid £545 in Oct 200, this included the camera and the 1Gb Microdrive.
At the very best quality 1GB stores 59 pics. I can,t see the difference between Hi and fine so I can store 443 shots.
There is a facility to store the last 5 shots, so you press the shutter and a series of shots are fired off and only the last 5 are written to the media. Flash cannot be used in this mode.
The optical zoom is quotes as being equivalent to 35 to 210 mm on a std 35 mm camera. For me this means that I can leave the 2 telephoto lenses at home that I normally carry.
The digital zoom comes into play when the resolution is reduced, at 3 mega pix the zoom can reach to 462 mm ( equiv 35mm). i have yet to try this out fully.
There is a degree of "in-camera" editing but I would rather edit on the pc.
The self timer can be set to 2 sec or 10 sec.
I like the overlay that allows you to compose the shot to follow the rule of thirds.
The supplied software is adequate for the price £0, most pc users will prefer to use more familiar editing packages.
The best accessory to buy, after a case and a filter is a card reader, this will save battery life.
Hope the new comments are helpful.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Interesting, that 'is it three or six megapixel?',argument. I believe the reasoning is that Fuji have three million pixels but they are hexagonal instead of square which makes it possible for them to act as if they are 6 million, by virtue of the number of points at which they come into contact with eachother. I've got the rival Nikon 5700 which is a straightforward 5 megapixel. God knows which one's better and with an A4 printer who could tell?
karenlearmonth 12.01.2004 11:54
Hiya. I've been looking into getting one of these for a while and and have been keeping an eye out for new opinions. I basically take my camera everywhere I go and currently have a 3.1 MP Kodak one (take a look at my review of DX4330) and am looking to get a better one. Can you tell me roughly how many photo's you get on the 1GB MD on the highest quality. Also what is the speed at which you can fire it off like (very technical!). ie. can you take photo after foto in quick succession or do you have to wait for it to prime itself? I watch a lot of football and like to get good photographs. Would you recommed this camera as able to zoom this well (sideline to player closeup) or would you suggest a better one? Also do you know if there is a good range of accessories (lenses) on the market. Sorry for all the questions! Thanks Karen :)
Plymyphil 11.01.2004 22:55
A helpful op. but more information would encourage me to rate higher - Phil
The Lens Hood is one of the most important accessory you need for each lens you own.A lens ... more
hood provides multiple functions: preventing image-degrading lens flare by blocking stray light from striking the surface of the lens, it enables your lens to give you the sharpest photographs with the best contrast and most vivid colors, in inclement weather, it can assist in keeping moisture or wind-blown debris off the lens; and it protects the front barrel from the inevitable impacts against walls, door frames, and other real-life obstacles.The Pro Digital Hard Lens Hood Comes With A Rear Locking Ring. The Rear Locking Ring Allow Users To Rotate The Hood In All Directions
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days......
This professional series photographic case is vital to the protection of film, digital or ... more
video cameras, lenses and lighting equipment. These cases have been put through countless hours of field use to ensure survival and functionally. Built of high-grade aluminum, it allows you to transport your camera and its accessories without having to worry about equipment damage. Manufactured to rigorous standards, they feature high quality dense foam, moveable interior dividers as well as two foam pads which can be easily shaped to accommodate specific equipment. Ultra-strong lightweight construction includes metal key locking clasps.
Postage & Packaging:£5.02 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days......
The device is workable for both direct hot shoe photography (when switches to Normal mode) ... more
and remote flash photography (when switches to Slave On mode. The device features 4 slave modes that allow it to work with cameras that fire their built-in flash instantaneously or that have single or multiple flash red-eye reduction systems. Please check your camera's owner manual to determine which flash system your camera has.The flash comes complete with a bracket. It has a hot shoe so that it can be fired from the camera too. It is fully synchronized with fill-in flash and red-eye reduction flash and can be used with virtually all of the digital cameras on the market. It works as a slave. It can be set for a single flash camera or a pre-flash camera.
Postage & Packaging:£5.02 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days......
Don't be the invisible man (or woman) in your family photo album! Get yourself in the ... more
picture using your camera's self-timer and this professional steel tabletop tripod which has superior rubber tip legs provides extra stability. Also great for steadying your camera for sharper close-up/Macro images.You receive also as a bonus a screen protector for your digital device
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
When your digital camera needs support for unique photo shoots, an ordinary tripod might ... more
not be able to tackle the job. The Gripster is the lightest and most versatile camera tripod available today. Featuring over two dozen flexible leg joints that bend and rotate, the Gripster will firmly secure your compact digital camera to virtually any surface ? anywhere and everywhere! Gripster is the ideal camera accessory for photographers on the go. Throw it in your pocket or backpack and you'll be ready for your next adventure! While the Gripster serves all the functions of a traditional camera tripod - steadying your camera under low-light conditions, taking timed group shots, etc. - it is the only tripod malleable enough to provide you with the perfect shot while wrapped around a tree branch, hanging from a pole, or perched on a jagged rock. The possibilities are endless!
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
This Professional Photo&Video Tripod extends to 70-Inch. It is perfect for any DSLR, ... more
compact, medium format camera or DV Camcorder. It features telescopic leg-angle adjustments for a better macro angle. It has long video handles for a smoother operation, as well as independent pan&tilt friction knobs to compliment the built-in leveling device.. 2 Foam leg covers for over-the-shoulder carrying comfort and adjustable rubber foot pads with retractable spiked feet. 1 Year Limited Warranty
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
Follow the action and keep your horizons true, shot after shot. And, when you move your ... more
camera for a different view, you can reset it level in seconds. No more fussing with blurry pictures or tired arms. ideal for today's photographer: whether shooting digital, film or compact video. Fast, light, compact and stable, this monopod is at its best where the action is.
Postage & Packaging:£5.02 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
This 72-Inch Photo and Video tripod features a special carrying handle as well as a ... more
professional foam grip. It has self leveling rubber leg tips as well as built-in bubble levels. It has a 3-way pan head and 3 section legs. It includes a deluxe carrying case .Lightweight, versatile, and affordable, the 72" tripod is a great tripod for photographers of all levels of experience.
Postage & Packaging:£10.56 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
If you require serious protection for your equipment, convenient access to your gear, and ... more
exceptional comfort all in a compact package, then the Zeikos Deluxe Backpack is the perfect case for you! Made from high-quality, water-resistant materials, this case is designed to provide the wearer with a truly versatile storage solution when taking photography gear on the road.Key Features:* Tough, water-resistant construction* Fully-padded camera compartment* Adjustable velcro dividers for lens storage* Sling design for quick access to equipment* Several pockets for storing a variety of accessories* Comfortable, soft mesh back and padded shoulder strap* Quick release buckles for easy removal* Built-in microfiber cloth* Accommodates one digital SLR camera/camcorder with zoom lens attached, plus 2-4 lenses and accessories* Dimensions (WxHxD): 10 x 16 x 5.5 inches (25.4 x 40.6 x 14 cm)
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
Advantages: Packed full of features, super macro mode is the best in its class! Disadvantages: so many features its quite difficult to use at first, you can now buy the s7000!
Advantages: Packed full of features, super macro mode is the best in its class! Disadvantages: so many features its quite difficult to use at first, you can now buy the s7000!
Jan 11th, 2004
(Jan 17th, 2004)
very helpful by (6%):
helpful by (81%):
somewhat helpful by (13%):
