Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom Review

Review based on a "as-good-as-production" FinePix S602 Zoom, Firmware Ver 1.00

The S602 Zoom marks the fourth generation of Fujifilm's prosumer digital camera range. The range started back in May 1999 with the MX-2900Z (2 megapixel, 3x zoom), updated in August 2000 (about six months after the introduction of SuperCCD) with the FinePix 4900Z (2.4 megapixel SuperCCD, 6x zoom) and lastly in March 2001 with the FinePix 6900Z (3.1 megapixel SuperCCD, 6x zoom).

The S602 Zoom was announced on 30th January 2002 just before PMA, although the form factor is similar and the lens appears to be the same there are a lot of overall design changes introduced since the 6900Z.

Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom vs. FinePix 6900 Zoom (differences)

	FinePix S602 Zoom	FinePix 6900 Zoom
Sensor	SuperCCD III	SuperCCD II
ISO sensitivity	• ISO 160  • ISO 200  • ISO 400  • ISO 800 (at 1280 x 960 only)  • ISO 1600 (at 1280 x 960 only)	• ISO 100  • ISO 200  • ISO 400
AF Modes	• AF  • AF Area (49 selectable AF points)	• AF
Macro	• Macro AF  • Super-Macro AF (1 cm at wide)	• Macro AF
Movie clips	• 640 x 480, 30 fps, unlimited  • 320 x 240, 30 fps, unlimited	• 320 x 240, 10 fps (max 160 secs)
Continuous	• 5 fps up to 5 images  • 5 fps, 25 frames (stores last 5)  • 1.8 fps, 40 frames (1280 x 960)	• 5 fps up to 5 images
Shutter speed	• Auto: 3 sec - 1/1000 sec  • A priority: 3 sec - 1/1000 sec  • S priority: 3 sec - 1/1000 sec  • Manual: 15 sec - 1/10000 sec	• Auto: 1/4 sec - 1/2000 sec  • Manual: 3 sec - 1/1000 sec
Storage	• Slot 1: SmartMedia (up to 128 MB)  • Slot 2: Compact Flash Type I/II	• SmartMedia (up to 128 MB)
LCD Monitor	1.8" 110,000 pixel	2.0" 130,000 pixel
Viewfinder	0.44" 180,000 pixel	0.55" 110,000 pixel
Power switch	Combined with Play / Record now surrounding shutter release	Rear of camera push-on, push-off type
Command wheel	Independent	Surrounding exposure mode dial
Power source	4 x AA batteries (NiMH included)	1 x NP-80 Lithium-Ion battery
Dimensions	121 x 81.5 x 97 mm (4.8 x 3.2 x 3.8 in)	110 x 78.5 x 93.5 mm (4.3 x 3.1 x 3.7 in)

SuperCCD III

The use of SuperCCD doesn't have the same controversial impact it had when first introduced, but there are still a good number of sceptics of exactly how this honeycomb CCD layout produces better pictures. Fujifilm didn't help themselves back when they first announced SuperCCD by labelling their first camera '4.3 megapixel' when they were in fact 2.4 megapixel images being 'processed' (interpolated to you and me) up to a 4.3 megapixel image.

This 'processing' still occurs now, and the S602Z has a 3.1 megapixel SuperCCD which produces a 6.0 megapixel image. SuperCCD works by combining pixels from the 45 degree pixel layout into a normal square pattern, this has the side-effect of producing more image pixels than were actually captured.

With the latest generation of SuperCCD (now third) Fujifilm has added two new sensitivities of ISO 800 and ISO 1600, these work by 'coupling' (combining) neighbouring pixel values to effectively increase sensitivity. The disadvantage of these two new higher sensitivities is that you can only shoot at 1280 x 960.

Other new features introduced with SuperCCD III are the ability to record high frame rate (30 fps) VGA video as well as an improved automatic white balance feature.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this review (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the image, clicking on the image will display a larger (normally 960 x 720 or smaller if cropped) image in a new window. To navigate the review simply use the next / previous page buttons, to jump to a particular section either pick the section from the drop down or select it from the navigation bar at the top. DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C.

This review is Copyright 2002 Phil Askey and the review in part or in whole may NOT be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author. For information on reproducing any part of this review (or any images) please contact: Phil Askey.