Fujifilm FinePix S9600 - DigitalVersus

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Fujifilm FinePix S9600

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Specifications
Sensor	SuperCCD 9 mégapixels (1/1.6'')
Zoom	10x (28 - 300 mm, F2.8 - F4.9)
Optical stabilization	Non
Internal/external memory	non / xD + Compact Flash
Sensitivity	80 - 1600 ISO
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Video mode	640 x 480 pixels / 30 fps
Power source	4 batteries AA
Dimensions/Weight	128 x 93 x 129 mm / 750 g
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Antonin Leeno
Updated: July 11, 2007 - Test date: March 13, 2007

Fujifilm S6500fd or S9600 ?

Between these two Fuji bridges, there is only the small 100 euros difference. So which one should we choose? There is, of course, the marketing argument of 6 versus 9 million pixels with the S9600 coming out of this match with a K.O. However, while we do gain slightly in precision, files are also larger, take more time to save, and more space on the memory card and hard drive is used. The S6500fd has « face detection » which is both practical and good for those doing portrait pictures. So, you may have to make your choice based on the small details, like the possibility to save on a Compact Flash card with the S9600 or the moveable screen. We liked the S9600’s 80 ISO, which, although it doesn’t go up to 3200 ISO, offers a sensibility range that is more « usable ».

Panasonic and Fujifilm share the middle and high end bridge markets. While we were only moderately pleased with performances of the brand new Lumix FZ8, this is the occasion to come back to the FinePix S9600, a less recent model for Fujifilm and available for about the same price. So, for optical stabilization versus sensitivity, which one will come out on top?

Ergonomics

More imposing than its competition, the S9600 could be mistaken for a small reflex. The construction is solid and there is a lot less plastic than with the FZ8. The large handle allows a good grip, and the objective dial is pleasant to use. Contrary to the FZ8, which has an electrical control for the zoom, the S9600’s is done manually. The zoom dial is fluid and allows you to move quickly through the entire large focal length (28-300 mm). Although it does not have the same quality as the screen which equips the Panasonic, the screen of the FinePix displays a satisfactory image, fluid and well contrasted. The electronic viewfinder is also improved, but is still not sufficiently detailed to be a convincing alternative to the LCD. Note that you can adjust the screen horizontally. This is valuable for making photos in macro, even if this system is less practical than the rotating hinge of the Canon S3IS, for example. The good ergonomics of the body seals our good impression, and we think only the linear menus should be updated to today’s tastes. The S9600 is powered by four AA batteries, which provide an autonomy that is just enough. You therefore might want to invest in higher performance Li-Ion batteries-something to take into account on the final bill. Finally, the FinePix accepts Compact Flash cards in addition to the classic xDs.

Quality of images

With its 9 million pixel (SuperCCD HR) sensor, the FinePix S9600 produces very detailed photos. Precision is of course superior to that of the FZ8 (7 MP) and comes close to the FZ50. Sharpness is good with some accentuation but it’s not exaggerated. Colors are true with good saturation, and here again without excess. Of course, it’s in soft lighting that the S9600 affirms its superiority with an electronic noise processing that is extraordinary. In this domain and without contest, it is above all the competition. Up until 400 ISO, noise is imperceptible and details are well reproduced. At 800 ISO, there is a slight smoothing out and at 1600 ISO it’s quite significant, but still easily allows 10x15 prints. Even with a flash, images produced by the S9600 are particularly soft. As finicky as we are, we constantly complain that Fujifilm doesn’t include mechanical or optical stabilization with such zooms. Adding a ''real'' stabilizer with the excellent electronic noise control would make a killing on the market.

Compare its test results to that of the competition's in the Product Face-off section

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Pluses

Zoom and focus barrel dials

Nice to handle, feels like a “real” camera

Better noise control than with Canon and Panasonic (even if for us this does not make up for the lack of stabilization)

28 mm wide angle

Face Detection with automatic focus

Minuses

Based on xD cards which are slow and expensive

Accentuated noise on some zones starting at 100 ISO

Indoor portraits without flash have a lot of noise

Bright zones are washed out

No mechanical stabilization

It’s very nice to handle, well conceived and easy to manipulate. Just don’t be too demanding for photo quality, because its very sharp and contrasted images are more « general public » than professional. If you want finesse, try something other than the automatic mode.