Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom

Advantages: Results, running costs, features, quality
Disadvantages: No remote shutter release

I've owned my S062z for about six months now. I needed a new camera as my beloved 35mm SLR became terminally ill after being considered to be 'baggage' as an airline security measure ! As a keen amateur photographer, and occasional 'semi-pro', I needed something which would allow me full control over the picture taking process when I needed it but could also take quick snaps if that was all there was time for. I had considered getting a digital camera ...
...technology to mature sufficiently to yield reasonable value for money. It seemed like the time was ripe, so I surveyed the market. Ignoring the extreme budget end, reasonable cameras seemed to start at about £200 - £300 for a two-megapixel model. The 'megapixel' number gives some indication of the picture quality you can expect, though there are other factors (more later) to be considered. Downloading some examples from various manufacturers websites, ... Read review

Advantages: Picture Quality, Feature Rich, Easy to Use, Versatile
Disadvantages: Eats standard batteries, No charger or extras included

I have been using the Fuji Finepix for about 2 years now having taken thousands of photos during that time so the following is based on substantial experience of using this camera. When purchased this camera was supplied with nothing more than the camera, some standard batteries, a 16mb memory card, a strap, lens cover and manual as well as leads to connect to a pc and some software for the PC. As most people tend to do I immediately set up the ...
...16mb memory card held about 15 photos. Not much use. Fortunately I had a 64mb card thrown in by the store so I was able to take another 40 or so but still not many. For this reason if you buy this camera I would suggest you also buy a 1gb compact flash card which will work in the slot designed for microdrives. I can fit over 600 photos on 1 of these cards in high quality. The quality of the photos is excellent, in normal quality the photos are ... Read review

Advantages: Advanced and comprehensively loaded camera, but can still be used for 'point-and-shoot'.
Disadvantages: Stupid name...but aren't they all?

Pentax cameras used to have an advertising slogan: Just hold a Pentax. The point was that the camera felt good to hold; solid, ergonomic and well-built. It fit your hand well, and felt comfortable. Hold one in a camera shop, and you would be well on the way to buying it. The slogan has gone, but the advice behind it remains. If you’re going to spend money on a camera, make sure you get it in your hands first, that it’s comfortable, well-built and ...
...all the features are what you’re looking for, then chances are you’ll be happy with it. OK. Lecture over, and on to what this opinion is actually about: My latest photographic acquisition, the Fuji Finepix S602 Zoom. ‘Not a Pentax then?’ I hear you ask, in a puzzled sort of way. No, not a Pentax, but a camera that begs to be held, handled and used all the same. A camera that looks and feels solid, reliable and well-built. A camera with a 6x optical ... Read review

Advantages: Strong, Good Picture Quality, Useful
Disadvantages: sometimes too large for the pocket

The Fuji Finepix S602 Zoom is a Camera beyond comparison. As a owner for 4 years, I have personally taken this camera to places the manufacturer never intended for it to go, and it has survived. In temperatures of -30, it functioned well, but slowly, all motions were slow, and I found simply by keeping the camera close to my body, and pulling it out when needed, quickly wiping off condensation, and taking the shot, seemed to work well. In temperatures ...
...normally. It has survived knocks, drops off trucks onto concrete, and even a drop into water. On top of all of this, its performance, and picture quality is excellent, with a dual memory card capability, low power consumption, and excellent video with sound performance, this little baby has proved most useful in recording Family Moments, and work issues. My camera, which still survives, has not been well treated at all, the writing has faded from ... Read review

Advantages: Zoom range. CF type I + II compatibility and FAT32
Disadvantages: Lack of flash sync socket

I have been a photographer for over 30 years. I use 2 x Canon A1's with a range of lenses from 17-500mm. I couldn't afford a digital SLR at the time I wanted to move into digital photography. Equally I didn't want a limited compact digicam that offered only a 3 x optical zoom. I also wanted a camera that felt and handled like a 'proper' camera. At the time the Fuji was the only real choice - 6 x optical zoom, good MP capacity, ability to use both ...
...ability to support large capacity cards due to the FAT 32 system. As well as using 'cheap' readily available CF memory it could run on rechargeable AA cells which are also very easy to obtain/flexible/cheap. The camera has a wide range of manual controls and auto features. It handles beautifully and feels good in the hand. Zoom range is perfectly acceptable for all everyday situations. Video movie performance is exceptional and is not limited ... Read review

Advantages: Versatile, easy to handle
Disadvantages: none yet

...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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

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!

...this is a superb camera with excellent picture quality. I mostly do macro shots - this camera will focus on an object 1cm away - which cannot be beaten at this price (infact i suspect it puts most low end SLR's to shame!) The only issue with this camera is the steep learning curve and the fact you can get the new fujifilm s5000 and s7000 which use a 4th gen ccd! Take your pic, i'm sure you wont be disapointed head over to http://severn.mysite.freeserve.com In particular have a look at the bee photo. That is an example of how powerful the super macro is on the s602! Have fun.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Ergonomic feel, lens quality, superb battery life
Disadvantages: Slow with best 6MP setting, poor low light focus.

...After several years of film photography, I made a partial changeover to an Olympus C40z as my first step. That was OK, but I got the BiggaMegaPixelBug, and wanted something with better resolution. I chose the Fuji on its good reputation, their excellent Fujinon lenses, and, at the time, a very good price deal. I've used some techie terms in this review, so I've added a mini glossary at the very end, I hope this helps.... *** Image setting and quality : The Fuji is somewhat strangely classified as an effective 3.1 megapixel (3.1 million pixels, or MP) but is also capable of "recording" images at 6MP. This tends to lead to some confusion, but I solved this by simply leaving it on Fine 3MP setting. The 6MP setting is achieved by Fuji's new SuperCCD technology which sets out the photodiodes in an interwoven pattern. I have... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful