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The Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd is a six megapixel (CCD) digital camera with a 10.7x Optical Zoom (28-300mm) and new 'face detection' technology (hence the 'fd' in the model name).
The Face Detection will find up to 10 faces in a frame and will focus and meter for them appropriately.
The Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd has an ISO of up to 3200 and has a mechanical zoom ring. It will hit stores in October 2006.
New digital camera combines hardware based Face Detection technology and high ISO sensitivity to stunning effect
Fujifilm today announces the launch of the FinePix S6500fd digital camera, debuting industry-first hardware based Face Detection technology to enable the camera to recognise faces and optimise settings to get the best photograph in just 0.04 seconds. With Fujifilm’s acclaimed sixth generation, six megapixel Super CCD sensor and Real Photo Technology II, class-leading ISO 100-3200 sensitivity and Fujinon 10.7x (28-300mm equivalent) optical zoom lens, the FinePix S6500fd combines the photographic possibilities of a digital SLR with the ease of use of a compact.
Fujifilm expects the FinePix S6500fd to be a popular camera for hobbyist photographers. It will be a powerful, fun tool for people looking to move on from their compact digital camera, but who don’t want the restrictions or level of manual input that can be required by a Digital SLR.
Face detection
Photographs of friends and family are among the most popular in day-to-day photography. Yet these are the shots that are hardest to get right because the best photographs are not the posed ones, but those that are unexpected. Previously, face detection concepts have been a slow, software based process, relegating them to a novelty feature rather than a powerful picture-taking tool. The potential delay in ‘seeing’ a face and optimising settings is not conducive to good people photography. Crucially, Fujifilm has built its Face Detection technology into the FinePix S6500fd’s processor, enabling it to identify faces and take a photo within 0.04 seconds.
The FinePix S6500fd’s Face Detection uses an algorithm, which recognises eyes and a mouth to lock on to faces in the frame. Coping with up to ten faces in a frame, it optimises settings such as focus and exposure level before taking the photo. Face Detection can identify a face irrespective of its position in the frame or the composition of the shot, and is not confused by spectacles. Furthermore, movement tracking ensures the camera stays locked on the subject until they move out of the frame. All this, combined with split-second accuracy, results in picture-perfect people shots with no need for user intervention.
High sensitivity for precision photography
Alongside Face Detection, the FinePix S6500 features Fujifilm’s Real Photo Processor II technology, delivering class-leading ISO 100-3200 sensitivity. Research shows that the majority of photos are taken in low light with the subject in the foreground. These shots can be problematic because of blur, or because the subject is over-exposed by an automatic flash. The high ISO of the FinePix S6500fd means that sharp, focused images can be achieved in low light without the need for a flash, so skin tones look natural and foreground and background exposure remain balanced. When used in conjunction with Face Detection, the result is natural-looking people pictures that appear just as the human eye sees them, even when shot in low light.
The FinePix S6500fd features a Fujinon 10.7x optical zoom lens with twist barrel control to give plenty of scope for precision composition. Because the camera’s high ISO sensitivity also combats image blur, the user can even achieve sharp, clean images at the telephoto end of the zoom; perfect for fast-moving sports photography. Its fixed lens also prevents dust collecting on its sensor, another convenience factor versus DSLRs.
For flash photography, the camera features Fujifilm’s Intelligent Flash system, which automatically balances flash power output and exposure for both foreground and background. This ensures more natural-looking skin tones and clearer background exposure when using the flash function. In addition, a ‘Natural Light & Flash’ Dual Shot Mode takes two shots in quick succession, one with flash and one without. These are then displayed side by side for immediate comparison.
The FinePix S6500fd also features a High Speed Shooting Mode with rapid focus and a shutter lag of just 0.035 seconds.
The 2.5” LCD screen and high resolution electronic viewfinder give the user a choice of how to compose and view images. With fourteen special-scene modes, including Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum and Party, the FinePix S6500fd ensures users will never miss an opportunity for a great photo. A 30 fps VGA movie mode with sound and manual zoom capability provides an attractive alternative to still photography that can not be incorporated into a digital SLR.
Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Photo Products said, “The FinePix S6500fd is aimed at people for whom photography is a hobby. They want to be able to get fantastic images but also want the option of point-and-shoot simplicity on demand. With Face Detection and incredibly high sensitivity, this camera does a particularly good job of photographing the most important subject of them all: people. This model is all about combining absolute convenience with fantastic image potential.”
Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd Accessories
The FinePix S6500fd’s optional Wide Conversion Lens, WL-FXS6, expands the camera’s wide-angle capability without compromising image quality. It allows the extreme angles of view normally only available with changeable lenses on an SLR camera.
Also available is an optional premium leather case. Fujifilm World Travel Adaptor, for charging abroad, and spare Lithium-ion battery, NP-70 make travelling with the FinePix S6500 easy.
The camera comes with shoulder strap, USB and A/V cables, Lens cap and hood and software CDs FinePix Viewer (with RAW File Converter included), ImageMixer VCD2 LE for FinePix and RAW File Converter LE.
Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd features at a glance
* Hardware based Face Detection technology
* Sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200 for low-noise photography in all light situations
* Super CCD HR VI sensor delivering six million effective pixels
* Real Photo Processor II reduces noise and delivers enhanced colour reproduction
* Fixed 10.7x (28-300mm equivalent) optical zoom lens with twist barrel control
* Intelligent Flash achieves the optimum combination of high sensitivity and natural skin tones
* Manual, shutter- and aperture-priority and program exposure modes
* Single, continuous and manual focus modes
* Jpeg and RAW file formats
* High Speed Shooting Mode with a shutter lag of just 0.035 seconds
* High resolution 2.5 inch LCD screen with reinforced, scratch-resistant glass
* TV-quality VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
* PictBridge compatible for direct printing without a PC
Availability & pricing
The FinePix S6500fd will be available from UK retailers in October 2006. Pricing and stockists will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch.
Photo-i reviews the Fuijifilm Finepix S6500fd and writes - 'I used the FujiFilm FinePix S6500fd for about three weeks. It was love at first sight, but the novelty wore thin when I started to use the camera on location. I didn't like the 1.5 seconds review time after every picture, when the "Live" picture came back either the camera or the subject had moved. Handling was comfortable and it is easy to see the entire viewfinder even when wearing glasses. The lens was more than sharp enough for most picture taking situations, but the focusing often spoilt the picture.'
Think Camera reviews the Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd where hey give it a rating of 9 out of 10 and write - 'If I wanted to buy a bridge camera right now I'd get a Fujifilm S6500fd. If I wanted to buy a budget DSLR with a travel zoom then I'd also think long and hard about whether the S6500fd wasn't a better choice. It's between £50 and £100 cheaper than the S9600 and unless you need the extra pixels I think it's a better buy. It will also save you £100 - £200 off the price of an entry level DSLR and be somewhat easier to live with. The face detection isn't perfect - many times it just doesn't work yet but I like to see it as a handy bonus. This is a great camera with face detection thrown in. '
PhotographyBLOG has a review up of the Fujifilm Finepix S6500fd and writes, "The major dislike that I had with the Fujifilm Finepix S6500fd is the EVF display, which is low resolution (just 115,000 pixels) and also on the dim side, not a great combination. As this camera has largely been designed to replicate a DSLR, it means that you will invariably compose your images by holding the camera up to your eye. I found that the EVF, as well as being dim and pixellated, doesn't keep up with the eye quite as quickly or precisely as an optical viewfinder, and it also gave me eye-strain after extended periods of use. On the plus side, there is a lot more visual feedback via the EVF than on most optical viewfinders, it offers 100% scene coverage and dioptre adjustment, and you can also playback your images on it! ... In summary the Fujifilm Finepix S6500fd almost achieves what Fujifilm set out to do - combine a digital SLR design with all the advantages of a compact digicam. There are some notable flaws and omissions, notably the lack of an optical image stabilisation system, slow RAW format and poor EVF."
Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Fuji Finepix S6500fd and writes, "as is typical of Fuji cameras the Finepix S6500fd outperforms other brands when a higher ISO setting is being used. Lower levels of noise are visible at ISO 400 than with other makes. Even so if you push the ISO rating up much higher than this noise becomes an increasing problem and reduces overall picture quality. ... The Fuji Finepix S6500fd is one of the few super zoom cameras I have reviewed that appears to be able to avoid the dreaded purple fringing. If you have a slightly higher budget you will get more features including image stabilisation, but this is certainly a camera worth considering."
Absolute Gadget has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd and writes, "Taking a test picture of the fireplace in the office was a pleasant surprise. Everything in focus and the colours are rich and vibrant without being overbearing. ... If you want what a compact camera does but in something that looks more like an SLR then the Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd is for you and it does take really good pictures. Although for around a hundred quid more you could just go out and buy a proper digital SLR camera like the Canon 350D."
Let's Go Digital has a review of the FujiFilm FinePix S6500fd and writes, "Not only the quality convinces, also the operation of the camera is without a doubt good. Let it be with a few glosses. Essential settings are, like RAW, light measurement and white balance, in the menu. And the flap for the battery holder has a less solid construction. On the other hand you have an excellent LCD monitor, very pleasant operation of the zoom, excellent face detection and a ditto auto focus. ... After a long test period, my conclusion is therefore unambiguous; I am particularly satisfied about the qualities of the camera. The image quality of the Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd is excellent and Fujifilm again shows its image. The Fujifilm S6500fd is an all-round digital Megazoom camera that offers a lot for its money, excellent!"
Posted by Darren in our Fuji category on July 13, 2006
Thanks a lot for this review. I recently purchased the Fuji Finepics S5200, and after taking it to Israel and the Mediterranean, i am very pleased. The new S6500fd looks even better with face recognition and the amazing ISO. Your article has whet my appetite! Thanks, i cannot wait to learn more.