Home > Consumer Reviews > Fujifilm FinePix S9600 Digital Camera - Black (9.0MP, 10.7x Optical Zoom) 2.0 inch LCD

Its a very long time since I was into "real" photography... dealing with apertures, shutter speeds, depth of field, etc etc. I've had Fuji compact cameras before (and they've all been excellent) but they have all been the point and shoot variety. I wanted to be a bit more creative but still be able to fall back into the "idiot proof" pre-programmed modes. This camera fits the bill precisely. If you want to take control of virtually any aspect of the photo then it will allow you to do so. The menus are a breeze for anyone used to other Fuji cameras but the beauty of the S9600 is the major functions can be accessed by one several buttons on the casing. The hugely versatile lens caters for virtually any situation from really close macro stuff right up to 10.7 times magnification which is awesome and the results even at this length are staggering. I've seen some criticism about its performance in low light which I can't agree with. Having shot over 600 snaps virtually every shot is perfectly exposed and breathtakingly sharp even in dim light. This camera is ideal for anyone who wants the ease of fully automated photography in various preprogrammed modes ie night, portrait, landscape etc but also wants to experiment with the more advanced creative/arty and technical side of photography. Either way the results are stunning and the value for money this camera represents is superb! Fantastic piece of kit!

I have used a Fuji S5000 and Sony DSC-H2 over the last 4 years, the Sony since its release last year. These two very fine cameras, though, just do not stand comparison with the S9600. It's hard to know where to start, so perhaps money, as both cost me more; the S9600 is a steal at £258 from Amazon including next day delivery. I do not know how Fuji can make it for so little. It is a beautifully made camera and for this sort of price the quality is outstanding. It feels and looks like a dSLR, which is a comforting to those of us used to film SLRs. However, I question the expense of a dSLR for the non-professional, considering the low cost of film SLRs, but does anyone still use film? RIP. That said, prices are tumbling.

The S9600 has a very nice feeling 10.7x zoom - manual, so faster and saving battery drain. I hadn't realised what a drag powered zoom is (not so Auto focus). I took a series of shots in the Lea Valley with excellent results at all focal lengths, and the wide angle 28mm equivalent is unusual for this class of camera and gives a lot more scope that a 35 or 38mm equivalent. Again, I hadn't realised how much I had missed this focal length.

The exposure on auto, colour saturation and naturalness were outstanding. The pictures (taken at 5MP rather than 9MP which is the maximum) leap out of the monitor at you. I can't imagine how they could be improved, rather like the £10 bottle of wine, I suppose, you gotta be a bit crazy to spend more. But of course technology will continue, and the Super CCD sensor which is unique to Fuji, and is probably the best currently available, will get even better.

The EVF is excellent, not quite like having an optical one, but mighty fine anyway. Whilst you cannot see the depth of field you can always use the manual or aperture setting and stop it wide open or closed depending on the subject. The LCD is very clear and of excellent quality. It's hinged but I use the view finder anyway. Unlike the Sony camera there is no electronic stabilisation but Fuji relies on its outstanding low noise at higher ISO settings (courtesy of the Super CCD and processor) to obviate the need. Noise levels are very low at ISO 80-400, acceptable at ISO 800 and useable at ISO 1600. The only way to get a better result would be with the much larger sensor of a dSLR. There isn't much more to say, I would thoroughly recommend Cliff Smith's very accurate comments on www.trustedreviews.com. I completely agree with him, and many thanks to him and those here whose reviews alerted me to this camera. Whilst there may be a few minor quibbles about the S9600, he rates it as 10/10 in every category, and for £250 this has to be the best camera bargain of the year. Just don't expect to put in in your your trouser pocket.... it is about the size of the smaller SLRs and one hunky piece of machinery.

I've used a variety of digi-cams over the years and purchased this in favour of a DSLR because of paranoia about getting dust on the CCD - probably the equivalent of getting quick setting wet cement on your camera lens - not fatal but really warrants professional (and expensive) cleaning.

If you don't read the manual then you may get some unpredictable results in low light conditions. That said, we've just fired off 20 in a room 24 feet by 12 feet lit by 3 60watt bulb table lamps at night and the results were mind boggling. Without flash I doubt if any other camera would have got close.

The other feature that appealed was the lack of lag time - I have tried waiting in my back yard for a flock of birds to fly over and then swithched on, raised the camera and clicked away. Fantastic results.

I used the 300mm zoom to fire off some shots of a pidgeon sitting in a tree in a field behind our house. At ISO 100 I can zoom in on the pidgeon to fill my 17" laptop widescreen and the results are sharp, colour balanced and generally fabulous.

I'm still discovering features on the camera as I've only had it for 3 days but if anyone is in any doubt, don't be - fabulous bit of kit.

I don't know what settings Mr Molyneux was using but I've had no problem with black speckles as he described which made me wonder if his camera has a problem with the CCD?

I was given this camera for Christmas and thought that I would wait a few weeks before writing any kind of a review....

This camera is truely excellent.

The features that allow you to control the picture mean that almost every conceivable option is included. I must also say that the auto-focusing is probably the best I have ever had the pleasure to use. Although there is manual focussing available, I don't seem to do it as well as the auotmatic function.

One suggestion I do have is about the longer term protection of your camera. This model as a 58mm filter thread on it. If you ever scratch the non-removeable lens, then you have totalled the camera. I would suggest buying a 58mm filter (I have bought a circular polarising filter) that is left in place the whole time. If the filter gets scratched, then that £20 for a new one; much cheaper than a replacement camera. When you buy this camera, I strongly suggest that you also add a filter to shpping basket.

I could go on about the excellent quality prints that can be achieved, but many others have already done this.

Finally words: I think your search for an excellent camera in this price range has just finished. Don't bother looking any further.

Have just received this camera and run it through some preliminary tests. Pictures can be as sharp as anything I have seen, but in low light or in high contrast situations user error can mean poor results: handbook instructions help to remedy this and and enable you to get 1st class results. I have used many cameras over the years from second hand novelties to professional cameras in all formats: all have their plus points and the simplest to use are often the best. This is not a complicated camera and I chose it over more professional models not just because it is cheaper, but because I wanted to avoid some of the problems associated with pro or prosumer cameras especially regarding dust and lens changes. The fixed lens provided is more than adequate for most situations and a wide-angle attachment is available. Re: noise at higher iso ratings - what's new - use the noise to your particular creative advantage and put it in photoshop to complete the picture (it's still quicker than spending half the night in a darkroom). My main criticism of this and all digital stills cameras I have handled is that it feels so plastic. The rubberised grip is great and I wish is had been extended all round the main body of the camera as this would have made it feel better: somehow plastic feels cheap. Size and weight is good as is the handling and I am satisfied with the quality of image the lens and 9m pixels can produce: 5 stars less one because plastic just doesn't feel right.