Pre-PMA 2002: The second camera announced by Fujifilm is the new FinePix S602 Zoom. For a while now many people on our Fuji Talk forum have complained that they have been unable to get the 6900Z, well here's the reason. The S602 Zoom replaces the 6900Z and then some. Just like the other cameras announced today the S602 uses the new third generation SuperCCD. On top of the 6900Z features is a higher resolution EVF, dual media slots (now takes CF Type I/II as well as SmartMedia), an all new body, a new user interface and several other new features.

Todays Fujifilm announcements: FinePix F601 Zoom, FinePix S602 Zoom, FinePix S2 Pro

Fujifilm UK press release:

The best just got better: Fujifilm announces FinePix S602 Zoom Digital Camera

Click here for more pictures on the Japanese Site PC Watch

Successor to the multi-award winning FinePix 6900 Zoom boasts 3rd generation Super CCD for the ultimate picture quality and a wealth of new features

Fujifilm today announced the successor to the highly acclaimed FinePix 6900 Zoom with the introduction of the FinePix S602 Zoom. The new camera builds on the popular mix of advanced digital and photographic features, superb handling and class-leading image quality of its predecessor. It also shares the professional quality Fujinon Super EBC 35-210mm (equivalent) 6x zoom lens, which now also benefits from faster autofocus and a 1cm Super Macro setting.

The outcome of extensive user feedback, the FinePix F602 Zoom incorporates a significant number of additional features and upgraded functions, including - for the first time on a camera in this class - dual SmartMedia and Compactflash type II (including IBM Microdrive) media slots.

The development of the 3rd Generation Super CCD image sensor and all-new LSI algorithm enables the S602 Zoom to achieve ultra-high ISO Sensitivity of 1600*, producing results with even better colour reproduction and even lower noise. As a result the FinePix S602 Zoom offers an unrivalled combination of control, handling, image quality and - equally important - value for money.

New features at a glance

• New 3rd Generation Super CCD sensor and advanced LSI algorithm (3.1 million effective pixels) producing class-leading 6.03 million recorded pixels (2,832 x 2,128)
• High ISO values (up to 1600)*
• New high-resolution electronic viewfinder with dioptre adjustment
• Fastest autofocus in its class
• Dual media slots for SmartMedia and Compactflash type II (IBM Microdrive compatible)
• New 1cm Super Macro setting
• High quality VGA movie capture at 30 frames per second with sound
• New design two-tone magnesium alloy body for even better handling and easier access to controls
• High-speed shooting at up to 5 frames per second
• Multi, spot and average metering patterns
• Powerful built-in flash
• New easy-to-use Graphical User Interface

3rd Generation Super CCD and advanced LSI for stunning image quality

At the heart of the FinePix S602 Zoom lies the 3rd Generation Super CCD sensor. Already renowned for its class-leading colour reproduction, high sensitivity and low noise, the latest incarnation of Fujifilm's unique technology offers significant improvements in sensitivity (up to 1600 ISO* - the highest ISO speed of any compact digital camera**) and even lower levels of noise. The higher sensitivity of the new Super CCD system brings with it several significant benefits, especially in challenging lighting situations. Users can now choose to shoot hand-held photographs without flash in situations that would be impossible with other digital cameras, even by candlelight. From atmospheric portraits to photography in theatres and museums (where flash is often banned) - or even at parties, where flash can be intrusive - the immense versatility offered by the ultra-high sensitivity reaps rich rewards for all photographers. Fujifilm has managed to overcome the most serious problem associated with higher sensitivity - that increasing sensitivity generally amplifies unwanted noise in the image. The the 3rd generation Super CCD system resolves this problem through the use of Fujifilm's new Noise Reduction Technology, which utilises a new LSI to process both the luminescence and chroma information from captured images before removing the noise element.

* In 1280 x 960 mode only ** As of January, 2002

As a result, the 3rd generation Super CCD system offers high sensitivity shooting while maintaining outstanding picture quality. Fujifilm has also newly developed a Pixel Data Coupling Technology that is applied by the new LSI to realise the higher sensitivities.
In addition, a new auto white balance algorithm guarantees perfect colour by incorporating focus distance information into the calculation, whilst a new digital signal processing system improves sharpness without increasing noise.

The 3rd generation Super CCD is not just a new CCD, but reflects a comprehensive improvement in overall image quality through consideration of the complete system, including the CCD and the new LSI featuring an advanced image-processing algorithm.

Powerful Multimedia

The unique capabilities of the 3rd Generation Super CCD has also allowed Fujifilm to offer unprecedented movie capture performance in the FinePix S602 Zoom. With the ability to capture up to fifteen minutes of high-quality 640 x 480 pixel movies at an amazing 30 frames per second (with sound) onto a 1GB IBM Microdrive, the FinePix S602 Zoom boasts some of the most powerful movie-making capabilities of any digital still camera on the market today. The camera is also able to record voice captions of up to 30 seconds in .WAV format.

Hands on when you want control, hands off when you don't...

The FinePix S602 Zoom offers some of the most comprehensive photographic controls of any digital camera in its class. Whilst less experienced users can simply 'point-and-shoot' using the six fully automatic exposure setting or one of the five subject modes, the more serious photographer has a host of controls and options at his or her fingertips. Exposure modes include fully manual, aperture & shutter priority and program, and the metering options have been extended to include 64 Zone TTL multi, spot and average. The autofocus system has been completely overhauled to provide class-leading focussing speed and to add Quick AF and AF Area Focus modes to the AF and Manual Focus modes offered by the FinePix 6900 Zoom.

Optical Excellence and versatility

The FinePix S602 Zoom's professional quality Super EBC Fujinon 6x zoom lens is both powerful- equivalent to 35-210mm on a 35mm camera - and fast (F/2.8). Macro performance has been greatly enhanced by the addition of a new 1cm Super Macro Mode. The enormous versatility offered by the 6x zoom is further enhanced by a digital zoom (up to 4.4x) and by the option of additional wide-angle and telephoto conversion lenses. The state-of-the-art combination of high quality lens, the advanced signal processing system and the new Super CCD sensor work together to produce truly superb image quality, with perfectly exposed, richly detailed, noise-free photographs which show accurate colours and delicate skin tones.

"The FinePix S602 Zoom sets new standards for high-end consumer digital cameras," comments Michelle da Gama, Fujifilm's UK Digital Imaging Marketing Manager. "The new camera builds on the successful formula developed in the FinePix 6900 Zoom. By incorporating customer feedback and the latest technological developments we have created the perfect all-in-one solution for the serious photographer looking for a no-compromise, high-quality digital camera".

Better handling, better features

The FinePix S602 Zoom builds on the successful formula developed with the award-winning FinePix 6900 Zoom. The SLR-style handling has been enhanced with sturdy a new body featuring a larger grip and the control layout has been improved. The FinePix S602 Zoom's viewfinder boasts a 64% higher resolution than its predecessor does, with 180,000 pixels ensuring a crystal clear preview image. This high-resolution electronic viewfinder allows the camera to be used even in the brightest light without the usual glare problems, and offers true through-the-lens framing and full on-screen information. The viewfinder also features a dioptre control allowing it to be adjusted to perfectly match to the user's eyesight. A newly designed full colour Graphical User Interface (GUI) makes using the FinePix S602 Zoom's plethora of features child's play.

The FinePix S602 Zoom sports dual memory card slots allowing the use of either SmartMedia or Compactflash type II. The Compactflash slot is fully compatible with the IBM Microdrive, meaning photographers can take over 750* six megapixel images on a single 1GB card.

Complete out-of-the-box solution

The FinePix S602 Zoom ships with a full complement of accessories including four NiMH batteries and charger, 16MB SmartMedia card, strap, lens cap and all necessary cables. The supplied software CD includes USB drivers, Fujifilm's FinePix viewer for image browsing and corrections, DP Editor, and VideoImpression for movie editing and a copy of Adobe's Photoshop Elements image editing application.

Optional accessories include SmartMedia cards (4-128MB), Microdrive (340MB-1GB), Mains adapter, Wide Conversion Lens WL-FX9, Tele Conversion Lens TL-FX9, memory card readers.

Availability and Pricing

The FinePix S602 Zoom will be available in June at under £800 (inc. VAT).

Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom specifications

Todays Fujifilm announcements: FinePix F601 Zoom, FinePix S602 Zoom, FinePix S2 Pro