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S$699
Product Summary
6.5
out of 10View score
The bad: Finger gets in the way when using the EVF during zooming; no battery indication until power is almost used up.
The bottom line: Being lightweight and capable of taking quality images, the shooter is ideal for amateurs and photography enthusiasts who want to strike a balance between looking semi-professional and having the optical power.
Read full review of the Fujifilm FinePix S5600 »
Average User Rating
from 4 users
8.3
out of 10CNET Asia Review
Though small and compact, this SLR-styled 5-megapixel camera brings with it a 10x optical zoom capability. This should please general photography users who wish to capture out-of-reach subjects occasionally. However, handling the camera was a little tricky, especially when we kept mistaking the barrel for a manual zoom lens.
Design
The Fujifilm FinePix S5600 measures 113.5 x 85 x 112mm and weighs 470g--relatively compact and lightweight for a digital camera of its kind. You'll look a convincing semi-professional without having the feeling of lugging a brick around.
Generally, there aren't many surprises with the conventional camera design. However, we felt there were certain areas that could have been better implemented. Firstly, the rubberized lens barrel was often mistaken for the manual zoom when holding the camera. Turn it as hard as you want to, it is not going to budge. So do not force it. The location of the zoom buttons almost certainly forced users to use the LCD instead of the EVF; otherwise, the first finger would have hit the cheekbone.
Secondly, the power switch was mistaken on more than one occasion for the zoom lever, especially when using the EVF. It took us a while before we got accustomed to the unusual arrangement.
Thirdly, the pop-up flash could only be activated using the right button. The AF assist illuminator/self-timer lamp was a refreshing green compared with the usual red. At times, it did resemble a fish eyeball.
Fourthly, we found it a little hard to change modes on the grooved mode dial with just the thumb. The task was performed with more ease when done together with the first finger.
In addition, there is a four-directional navigational button situated to the right of the LCD screen. The buttons, however, serve only three functions in the photography mode: Delete (up), flash (right) and Macro (left)--one less than it could have been used for.
Remarkably, there is no battery indication on the LCD if the camera determines that there is still ample charge left. This is not ideal for users who want to keep track of the power status at all times.
It's not all gloom, though. We particularly liked the rubberized palm rest grip that gives the user a firmer hold of the shooter. The four other buttons near the navigation button also allow users to switch viewing pleasures from either the viewfinder or the LCD, brighten up the LCD, select different display options, and access quality/ISO/color settings.
Moreover, the AV-out, DC-in and USB ports are well hidden behind the rubber cover on the left of the camera. On the same side, the slot cover discreetly houses the memory card. The tripod mount and battery compartments are conveniently placed on the bottom edge of the shooter.
The unit works on four AA batteries, very suitable for on-the-go users. There will be no need to bring along the often bulky battery chargers, unless you plan to use rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries.
Features
Being the third incarnation of its S-series, the 5.1 megapixel FinePix S5600 boasts a 10x optical zoom and anti-blur mode that the camera maker claims is more effective than using image stabilization alone.
The mini-SLR style camera offers greater flexibility and control with user-customizable ISO settings from 64 to 1,600. Our tests showed that pictures taken with different ISO settings were of varying qualities. We found this to be a desirable feature as it enabled us to take better-quality images even in low-light conditions.
The electronic viewfinder comes with a diopter adjuster dial. The AF/AE lock buttons are implemented individually. The device supports 11 shooting modes, interchangeable with clicks on the mode dial.
In aperture-priority (F3.2 to F8 in 1/3EV increments) mode, this works in two ways. Pressing upwards increases the aperture value (smaller F-stop number), while pressing down decreases the aperture value (bigger F-stop number). In shutter priority mode, the shutter speed (3 seconds to 1/1,000 seconds) is increased by pressing down. For both aperture- and shutter-priority modes, it was only necessary for us to set the individual values and the camera would automatically determine the other.
Expectedly, it gets trickier in full manual mode where the Up/Down buttons determine the shutter speed. A combination of the exposure compensation and these buttons informs you of the aperture values.
Like most cameras of its class, the S5600 comes with a manual focus. However, we found it to be rather cumbersome using this. We had to switch the focus mode to S-AF and refocus on the subject. After which we had to select the manual focus mode on the selector button and hold down the exposure key before we could press the zoom buttons to adjust the focus. The long process certainly brought out the underlying meaning of manual focus.
The model uses a 1.8-inch TFT LCD screen, which is relatively large. We were impressed with the post-shot assist window that served as a guide for taking outer shots with similar composition, appearing as three photographed thumbnails on the left. Moreover, we were pleased to find out that images on the camera were separated chronologically, making it easier to locate pictures.
Apart from image taking, the FinePix is capable of recording VGA movies at 30fps with monaural sound. We were slightly disappointed with the inability to zoom during movie recording.
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User Reviews
A great all round package for the more serious photographer
Mar 14, 2006Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: Great versatility, good feel with well positioned controls, long battery life.
Cons: Auto focus rather slow. Noise on ISO 1600 setting.
Opinion:
Hold this camera and it immediately feels right fitting all but the biggest hand perfectly. It looks good too, just like a compact SLR. The zoom buttons are perfectly placed for the thumb and the shutter button for the forefinger.
Switch between Auto and Anti Shake for an easy life, but explore the manual settings to get the best results for varying conditions. RAW mode gives superior results, but there is no continuous shoot on RAW as writing to the card is quite slow. For tripod shots though, it gives the best. Having said that, most users will probably stick to 5.1 megpix jpgs and will not be disappointed. Set to High Speed Shooting, there is minimal shutter delay and a burst of three shots takes 1.5 seconds. Great for sport and action shots where you chose the best shot! If light is a bit tricky you can check the histogram post shot. Burned out spots on the ... Read more
great camera
Jan 13, 2006Rating: 10 out of 10 (Perfect)
Pros: powerful optics / Raw images / good battery life
Cons: none
Opinion:
great camera. Value for money. For all u wanna be profs..this is the camera to start shooting seriosly.
Not that good
Dec 13, 2005Rating: 6 out of 10 (Good)
Pros: A good choice
Cons: But there is something much better worth for my money to spend
Opinion:
I prefer buying Canon 5mgpxl w/ 48x optical zoom having almost the same price plus free mp3 player upon purchase...
