Fuji FinePix S602Z Digital Camera [3.1MP 6xOptical]

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.

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.

To be on the safe side though you will need rechargeable batteries+charger, which you also need to buy separately. Alternatively you can use NI-MH batteries only, which last for up to 100 pictures, using microdrive maybe less!