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The Fujifilm Finepix S9600 is a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 10.7x Optical Zoom that will build on the success of the previously released S9500.
The Fujifilm Finepix S9600 features:
The new camera’s sensitivity range, made possible by Fujifilm’s Real Photo Processor enables users to achieve images in all lighting conditions, not just bright sunlight. Furthermore, the potential for blurry images is all but eliminated – unlike optical image stabilisation systems, the high ISO setting combats blur caused by both camera shake and subject movement.
The camera’s highly-specified Fujinon 10.7x (28-300mm - 35mm equivalent) zoom lens incorporates aspherical elements within its design, and has already distinguished itself in terms of its optical qualities. Not only does its versatile optical range offer all of the most popular focal lengths in one package, but the closed unit of body and lens ensures that the user will not have to contend with the issue of external specks of dust compromising image quality. The lens is easily controlled via a manual zoom ring, giving pinpoint accuracy when composing the image.
The FinePix S9600’s areas of differentiation from the FinePix S9500 are:
- Increased sharpness and resolution achieved via improvements in new image processing algorithms: The image quality of this body and sensor combination has already gathered acclaim, and the FinePix S9600 delivers improvements in the area of resolution and image sharpness, giving enthusiast photographers a level of quality that will satisfy even the most critical inspection.
- Increased size 2” LCD monitor with 235,000 pixels: The size of LCD has been upgraded from the FinePix S9500. The new 2.0 inch tilting LCD screen on the FinePix S9600 means flexibility for shooting at any angle, such as close to the ground or above the head. Unlike conventional digital SLRs, the 235,000-pixel LCD can also be used to compose images, which means even more convenience for the photographer.
- Intelligent flash function, achieving even foreground illumination, with blur-free, well-exposed background: Using flash at night has traditionally involved the choice between the dark, underexposed backgrounds of conventional flash, or the blurred background swirl of slow-sync flash. Fujifilm’s Intelligent Flash on the FinePix S9600 makes full use of the camera’s inherent sensitivity to achieve a clear, sharp, well—exposed background, making a perfect match for the flash exposure in the foreground.
- Improved autofocus speed: The camera’s response times for autofocus have also been improved, enabling the user to compose, frame and take action photographs without delay especially in dark condition by up to 40%.
- Inclusion of HS-V2 software for full functionality in RAW file conversion: The inclusion of Fujifilm’s Hyper Utility Software HS-V2 version 3 as standard software, means that the photographer can explore the full potential of the camera’s RAW file format. By fully controlling the 18 million pixel RAW file from the Super CCD, the photographer can enjoy the control and flexibility of working on a ‘lossless’ file format.
In addition, the camera features a 30-frames-per-second movie mode with manual zoom capability, giving high quality moving images with sound – a function that cannot be integrated into traditional digital SLRs due to the physical design of the camera.
Megapixel has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9100/S9600 and writes, "In our opinion, presenting the FinePix S9100/S9600 as a serious revision of the S9000/S9500 is a bit of a stretch. And, while the S9000/S9500 was indeed a ground breaking camera when it was introduced in mid 2005, this is now 2007 and a lot of developments have taken place since. So, although based on an SLR design that makes it comfortable to use, the S9100/S9600 does not have either the flexibility, nor the image quality that dSLR cameras offer; and with a street price that is close to some entry-level dSLR cameras, the S9100/S9600 may be faced with some tough competition."
Trusted Reviews has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9600 and writes, "To be honest, the fine JPEG mode with its big low-compression files so is so good it’s hardly worth using the RAW mode most of the time, unless you really want to hand-process all of your shots. You’ll still get the best picture quality this side of a good mid-range SLR, and you’ll be able to enjoy the camera’s improved performance. ... The S9600 offers only a few minor improvements to what was already an outstanding enthusiast’s camera. If you’ve already got an S9500 it’s probably not worth upgrading, but if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a digital SLR, or a second camera for when you don’t want to cart your whole kit around, the S9600 is the best choice on the market."
Digicam Review has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9600 / S9100 and writes, " The Fujifim S9600 / S9100 is an impressive 9 megapixel digital camera with a wide angle 10.7x optical zoom lens and a large 2" display. The camera is one of very few to include ISO 1600. It has excellent responsiveness and is designed to be able to take great photos in situation the majority of cameras would fail. Although some people may be overwhelmed with the number of controls, with use and familiarity, they become almost intuitive. Particularly welcome is the pivoting screen (which could have been even better had it pivoted on both axes). The FujiFilm S9600 / S9100 is well worth considering - there are few digital cameras that offer so many options and so much quality for such a low price."
XYC Computing has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9100 and writes, "In and of itself, I think the S9100 is a good camera. It is extremely easy to use and after a few minutes with the instructions almost anyone will be able to do things once reserved for camera geeks, like take multiple exposures, shoot with manual zoom/focus, or adjust exposure time in an instant with a thumb wheel. It also gives the versatility of a point-and-click with its ability to shoot movies and never need a new lens. The S9100 does have its problems though. The design features almost no changes from the last generation and it would have been nice if some things could be addressed. ... The camera needs to keep changing if Fujifilm wants to keep it competitive and while it is a good deal at the current price, it would be nice to see a slight decrease just so we can avoid the tempation of going with a true DSLR."
Photoxels has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9100 and writes, "Noise starts to be visible at ISO 800 but is usable, and quite visible at ISO 1600. Despite advertised stated improvements, there does not seem to be any observable differences between the 5th and 6th Gen. Super CCD HR in the S9100. The low-light performance also does not unfortunately approach the exceptional low noise capability of the Fujifilm F30 (probably due to the higher pixel count). CA (purple fringing) can be visible in everyday shots."
Unbeatable.co.uk has a review of the Fuji Finepix S9600 and writes, "The improved image processing is as quiet as a mouse, or probably quieter, but unfortunately, not quite as good as that of the Fuji Finepix F30, however with a 1/1.6in sensor on board which is larger than most compact digital cameras and creates a better colour depth and keeps image noise to a minimum. The only way you will get better images is with a mid-range SLR but this will sting your pocket by a huge amount. ... We were very impressed by the improvements on the Fuji Finepix S9600, although quite minor and minimal. The S9500 digital is a great model and with the improvements we would certainly recommend this camera. If you already have the S9500 it is probably not worth trading in, but if you are after a cheaper alternative to a digital SLR, then the Fuji Finepix S9600 has got to be the one."
BlogCritics has a review of the Fuji FinePix S9100 and writes, "A lot of the shots were out of focus, even though they had seemed to be in focus on the camera's screen. When we used the Loupe to view good shots at 100%, all of them were trashed. I have no better way of putting it. It looks like the sensor isn't really meant for 9 megapixels, and FujiFilm is forcing it to produce that resolution through interpolation. But that results in some really cheap-looking shots at full-size. All of the detail is lost, and a whole lot of white pixels are seen instead. Really, the photos are that bad! To put things in perspective, the photos from my Kodak v610, which is a 6.1 megapixel camera released last summer, and my Panasonic Lumix FZ20K, which is a 5 megapixel camera that's about three years old, are better than the photos from the S9100!"
PCAuthority has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9600 and writes, "Although focus and shutter-lag speeds are good, performance is an obvious step down from even entry-level D-SLRs. Startup time varies from virtually instant to nearly two seconds, and continuous shooting in best-quality JPEG mode is limited – just four shots before the camera runs out of buffer, and then 10 seconds while the resultant images are processed. ... The trouble for Fujifilm is that, at $749, the S9600 is less than $200 cheaper than true D-SLRs such as Nikon’s D40. The Nikon can’t match the 9-megapixel rating of the S9600, with a mere 6-megapixel sensor, but it offers much faster performance and better image quality."
PCPlus has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9600 and writes, "While we like this camera a lot, it’s not the best when it comes to working with photos saved in the RAW format. As most readers will know, RAW refers to unprocessed, uncompressed digital photographs that you can fine-tune for maximum impact, and the S9600’s RAW files tend to be rather unwieldy. Another problem is the supplied HyperUtility 2 software for RAW to JPEG conversion. While it works fine, it can be infuriatingly slow, so this is probably not the package for semipros in a hurry to get shots to clients. A Camera RAW plug-in is available for Photoshop, but the results are worse than using the Fujiflm software. While we wouldn’t consider the rather clunky RAW processing a deal breaker, you certainly need to consider this niggle when making a buying decision – it’s one thing we would like Fujifilm to improve."
Let's Go Digital has a review of the FujiFilm FinePix S9600 and writes, "The Fujifilm FinePix S9600 leaves me with mixed feelings. The camera itself is fine and feels exceptionally solid. It really seems like a camera for the serious user. This is mainly because of the lens with the real zoom ring and the fine zoom range. The FinePix S9600 will surely please both wide-angle as well as tele-lovers. Also the large amount of buttons indicates a camera for the advanced photographer. This group benefits more from buttons than a button-friendly classification. Those who know more about photography will change a setting quicker to take the right picture. Even though some buttons can be on a strange spot, you will get used to this quickly after some hours of working with the camera."
Imaging Resource has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9100 and writes, "Image quality was a mixed bag, unfortunately. Most of the shots I took were a pleasure to review both on the LCD, and later on the computer. But the S9100 has a tendency to lose highlight detail in shots taken in full sunlight. If you're shooting in full sun, use Exposure Compensation to protect your highlights. Turn on the live histogram display to see what's going on. But for shots taken in the shade, images were just gorgeous, with good detail and smooth tonality. If they gave awards for histograms, the S91000 would have a shelf of trophies. Color was true and natural, avoiding the oversaturation so common on digicams. ... Designed for the person who wants to take pictures instead of snapshots, the Fujifilm S9100 provides every tool for the job except image stabilization, which would certainly make this bargain more expensive. It's a pleasure to handle, relying on three sets of well-laid-out buttons to set its controls. And the images it captures in available light may just make you ignore its intelligent flash."
Absolute Gadget has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9600 and writes, "Focusing on a subject is quick but the motor powering the auto focus is quite loud so maybe not a camera to use for spying with! Taking pictures is easy enough, and multiple shots can be achieved without having to wait an age for pictures to be committed to memory. The actual pictures themselves are also of decent quality. Pictures can be stored in JPEG or RAW formats. Taking pictures in the RAW format will allow you to store around 50 shots on a 1GB card. ... While this is a cheaper alternative to a digital SLR, we can't help but think that saving the extra money to buy a proper SLR will have more benefits. This is not to say it is a bad camera, the pictures are very good and it does a workmanlike job of producing decent photos and will give many years of good service to any owner."
Steve's Digicams has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9100 and writes, "All users will enjoy the smooth essentially noise-free images shot at ISO 80, while sports shooters will appreciate the ability to shoot full-resolution images at ISO 800 and 1600. Image noise is usually present in consumer digicams at high sensitivities, and the S9100 is no exception. Noise can be detected in shadows at ISO 200, in highlight areas at ISO 400, and is noticeable throughout the image at settings of ISO 800 and 1600. There's also a sizable loss of image detail at ISO 800 and 1600, the result of in-camera noise reduction. While image quality suffers at high ISO settings, sports shooters will be happy to have sensitivity settings that may make the difference between getting the shot and not. "
Pocket-lint has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix 9600 and writes, "We have to say that we are a bit confused by the FujiFilm 9600 and where it now sits in the world of digital cameras. While like its predecessor, the 9500, there is a niche for cameras like this, the DSLR market has changed so much since the creation of these bridge models that the 9600 finds itself caught out. It's not small enough as the likes of the G series from Canon to slip into your pocket, nor is it fully functional enough as even entry-level DSLR's like the Nikon D40, the Canon 400D, the Sony Alpha or the Olympus E-400."
Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Fuji Finepix S9600 and writes, "There are plenty of plus points when it comes to picture quality with the Finepix S9600 and not too many negatives. Outdoors the camera has few problems. Looking at the first scenic shot I like the colours. They are vivid and retain a natural look. ... I feel pretty positive about the Fuji Finepix S9600. It will not appeal to everyone owing to its large size. If someone is looking for a camera that closely resembles a digital SLR in terms of look and feel, but is unable to afford one then this is about as close as you are likely to get. Picture quality is also good and I think the camera offers good value for money."
Posted by Darren in our Fuji category on August 24, 2006