Fuji FinePix S602Z Digital Camera [3.1MP 6xOptical]

Things I like:
- AA batteries(!!!)
- Excellent movie modes (640x480 for 15 minutes on the 1Gb Microdrive, or 320 x 240) - Playback, with sound, is very good quality on a TV.
- 6x optical zoom
- Macro + SuperMacro modes
- Black + White special scene mode (handy for me copying text)
- V.Good quality LCD viewfinder, and 1.8" LCD display.
- Takes microdrive/CF2 and SM simultaneously
- Picture quality & detail is EXCELLENT in my (limited) experience.
- Metering & Flash work well even in quite dark conditions
- Digital cameras make it so easy to learn about shutter and aperture priority manual modes as you see the results immediately on the LCD, or soon afterwards on a PC.

Things I didn't like:
- PhotoDeluxe comes bundled, but it is a discontinued product from Adobe. Any problems and you're pretty much on your own! This seems to require "true color" or it will not start. Simple but cost me a few hours of internet searches and a few e-mail exchanges with most helpful Adobe tech staff.
- Video editing software is basic - Or else I've missed something :-)
- A bit worried about the quality of the Off/Play/Record switch. No problems so far.

I'm happy I made a good choice, and would buy it again if I had it all to do over.

I really like the 'SLR' feel to the camera, the shape and weight are nice too. It has loads of features, which are the biggest reasons I went for this camera, like the macro modes, the black&white mode etc. One feature I really like (and loath occasionally too) is the focus check - it tells you when you it thinks you have focussed it in manual mode!

Like all digital cameras I've heard of, it does eat batteries, so I've already ordered some rechargables. The 16MB SM card allows you to get going with the camera, but you really will need more memory. I'm saving up for a 1GB Microdrive, but have 128MB SM card on order to keep me going for a while.

Don't run away with any notions that these camera are as good as real professional gear however. My 60mm x 60mm medium format (thats the size of the negative 2.5x as big as a 35mm negative)beats this hands down for quality and everything but ease of use, but these type of cameras do cost three times as much.

What I bought here is an extremely good digital camera of the current generation, good enough to hopefully allow me to sell my 35mm kit soon.

I spent a long time looking for a digital camera before settling on this one. What else would I look at? The Fuju FinePix S2Pro model, or the Minolta DiMage 7i perhaps. If I had the money, the Nikon Coolpix 5700 (Think thats the number, so many to choose from!). Beyond these, you're really getting into the 35mm replacements that will allow interchangeable lenses (from their 35mm siblings), and their just silly money.

I'm into digital photography for more more than 3 years now and this is my 3rd camera so far. And by far the best. Don't let other camera confuse you with megapixels and all taht jazz. Lens and Light are at least as important as that. And this camera can catch light beatifully. Also, the fact that it can take CF/Microdrive and SmartMedia is a winner in my book. However, you have to be careful when taking videos with standard CF cards though since they are not up to the speed to the data transfer. SmartMedia or Microdrive seems to be more suitable for this. Talking about taking video: It's just fun and the quality of picture is amazing. Even the sound quality doesn't leave a lot to complain about.

I took some sunset / night shots with a tripod (the camera comes with a decent metal tripod thread at the bottom by the way) and I was very impressed. Shots in very dark surroundings can prove to be tricky as the view finder has problems displaying it properly, but usually you're OK by adjusting the view finder's brightness slightly. If you can't see anything in the view finder than it's usually too dark for pictures anyway, I think.

I could go on for hours about this great camera, but one of the best side effects about it are the 'Ohhhs' and 'Ahhhs' you get from family and friends when you get it out for a shot.

On the whole, this camera has enough features to satisfy a semi-pro or pro but yet with its AUTO mode is easy enough to use for a beginner.

Go and get it !