Fujifilm FinePix S6000fd 6.3 Megapixel Bridge Camera

Fuji Finepix S6000fd

Strengths: Closest to a DSLR that you'll ever find at 1/2 the price; superb options, great zoom focal lengths and lense speed; great ISO settings; much shooting modes

Weakness: The manual focusing in dark sky (such as photographing stars and comets-- yes, it can do that!)was a bit cumbersome; probably need more practice with it.

I researched DLSR's and various "prosumer" digi cams over the past year. Was looking for a Nikon DSLR (because I have 3 Nikon 35mm film cameras and 6 Nikon lenses). But the prices of the DSLR's turned

By Yarray Eromlig; - Dec 14, 2007

Feel like a Pro without spending like one

Strengths: Ultimate versatility, low price

Weakness: It's not for everyone or everywhere

Most people who look at this camera are those interested in DSLRs, but don't want to go there just yet. Or maybe that's just me. This is my third Fujifilm digital camera, and the CHEAPEST one I've bought. 4 years ago, the amateurish A330 cost me the equivalent of $300. The first-class F10 cost me $284 after taxes. This one will set me back $266, after rebates. With this camera, I've taken...
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Most people who look at this camera are those interested in DSLRs, but don't want to go there just yet. Or maybe that's just me.

This is my third Fujifilm digital camera, and the CHEAPEST one I've bought. 4 years ago, the amateurish A330 cost me the equivalent of $300. The first-class F10 cost me $284 after taxes. This one will set me back $266, after rebates.

With this camera, I've taken pictures that wouldn't be possible with a P&S. From detailed super macro of flowers, to ultra zoom action of speedboats and planes, to panoramic night shots of the city skyline. Without having to change lenses. And here's the clincher, it also does video, can you say the same for your DSLR?

The main problem most expert reviews have with this camera is that it does not come with image stabilization. I mean, come on! How would you expect Fujifilm to sell the camera at this price range? Check it for yourself, you don't see Canon selling their 28-300mm IS lenses for less than $1000.

This camera also includes the new Fujifilm face-detection feature, which I admit was more exciting to read than actually use. I've been so engrossed tinkering with the manual controls that in most portrait shots where face detection was applicable I would forget to use it. But I'm glad it's there and easy to access, and in the future hopefully there will be low-light party situations where I can use it.

Want to expand the camera's capabilities? Not a problem. The S6000fd is compatible with all the accessories of the higher-end S9000/9100. If you check out Amazon, there are filters, wide-angle and tele-photo lens adapters that I've purchased and attached to my camera. What you can't do is get a remote or external flash (with the S9000 series you can).

The EVF is great when taking pictures outdoors and the scene is too brightly lit to see on the LCD screen. It also steadies the camera a little bit more. Thankfully it has a diopter correction dial so I can still wear my glasses.

The problem with this being a DSLR-like camera is that it gets treated like a DSLR. What this means is that it is bulky and heavy: You have to put it in a dedicated camera bag instead of your pocket, you need a real tripod that can carry more than 1 lb. and so on. Also, like a DSLR, it's harder to hand it over to a stranger and expect him to hold and shoot it properly.

So for casual users who like to carry a camera all the time inconspicuously, this is not for you. For those that judge every pixel, take pictures in RAW and post-edit them, this is also not for you. For the ones who find that a point and shoot is too difficult for certain situations, and don't mind having more control over your camera, then you have a winner right here.

[Update 7/27/2007:] Even though I mentioned that this camera isn't for DSLR users, the S6000fd does indeed provide a RAW option. IF you decide you want to process the image yourself then you have the means to do so. In the uncommon situation where you might need it, this may allow you to salvage a poor night shot that would have been too noisy when converted to JPG. For some, this may be the unique feature that may sway them to choose this over the excellent Finepix F-series cameras.

By walterso - Jul 21, 2007

Great camera

Strengths: manual zoom(cool!), super ccd, 1/1.7 ccd, awesome color, face detection!

Weakness: no real optical stabilization.

I did some research before I buy a super-zoom, and now I like this camera very much. I like the feeling of operating a DSLR but I hate the experience of getting dust. This camera operates as a DSLR and its picture quality is good. It is suitable for professionals, as well as for novice to learn photography. The face detection is fast, accurate and surely a lot of fun. The only complain is lack of...
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I did some research before I buy a super-zoom, and now I like this camera very much. I like the feeling of operating a DSLR but I hate the experience of getting dust. This camera operates as a DSLR and its picture quality is good. It is suitable for professionals, as well as for novice to learn photography. The face detection is fast, accurate and surely a lot of fun. The only complain is lack of optical stabilization, otherwise it will be a perfection.

By bestshiwei - Jun 30, 2007

Great SLR-Like Digital Camera

Strengths: Great photo quality, great optics (lenses), nice big 2.5" LCD display with high resolution, face detection that really works, and many many more great features.

Weakness: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) would be nice. XD picture card is not as popular or cheap as SD card.

After doing months of research I finally made a decision to purchase this camera and so far I don’t regret a single bit. This camera beats every compact and ultra-zoom camera on the market hands down and it comes extremely close to big boys like Rebel XTi and D40. The image quality is amazing! So far I took over 700 shots with stellar results. But you don’t have to take my word for it, see it...
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After doing months of research I finally made a decision to purchase this camera and so far I don’t regret a single bit. This camera beats every compact and ultra-zoom camera on the market hands down and it comes extremely close to big boys like Rebel XTi and D40. The image quality is amazing! So far I took over 700 shots with stellar results. But you don’t have to take my word for it, see it for your self go here: www.imaging-resource.c..., and compare image quality for your self. You will be amazed as to what this camera can do.

By igpo3737 - May 9, 2007

Superior sensor under great optics makes a great camera.

Strengths: Great low light performance. Low end of the zoom range of 28mm (equivalent). Face detection that works.

Weakness: Higher end of the zoom can benefit from a good optical image stabilisation. xD memory that is more expensive and slower that SD pr CF.

The 6-th generation SuperCDD sensor is really great. The performances of this camera in low light blows out of the water the other cameras that I had owned before. I do take a lot of pictures indoors and this camera has an excellent zoom that at low end reaches the equivalent 28mm. I couldn’t find that at other cameras and is really helpful. Combined with a perfect picture quality at ISO 200...
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The 6-th generation SuperCDD sensor is really great. The performances of this camera in low light blows out of the water the other cameras that I had owned before.
I do take a lot of pictures indoors and this camera has an excellent zoom that at low end reaches the equivalent 28mm. I couldn’t find that at other cameras and is really helpful. Combined with a perfect picture quality at ISO 200 (or perfectly decent ones at ISO 400 and even 800) and an intelligent flash is giving me the perfect shots. No more dark “tunnels” in my living room.
The camera feels like a real camera, not like a toy, doesn’t shake when you press the shutter button, flash is ready for the next picture by the time you preview the last one (no more 10-15 seconds waits).
It has lots of controls and operating modes and worth the trouble to learn them (instead of letting the camera on “auto”).
I am using an 1GB Olympus xD card type H (that's faster that type M).

By sorinicu - Jan 20, 2007