Fujifilm FinePix F601 Zoom Review

First Look posted 4/09/02
Full review posted 5/09/02

Click to take a QuickTime VR tour of the FinePix F601 Zoom

Click on the FinePix F601 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The FinePix F601 Zoom continues Fujifilm's signature series of unique, vertically designed digital cameras that started with the MX-700. The F601 Zoom captures exceptionally colorful and detailed pictures, records digital home movies and audio and has advanced yet user-friendly features in a very compact and stylish body.

Using Fujifilm's new, third-generation Super CCD with 3.1 million effective pixels, the F601 Zoom captures still images in color at resolutions up to 2832 x 2128 (6.03 million) recorded pixels. Combined with Fujifilm's new, proprietary image processing method, known as Pixel Data Coupling Technology, and new noise reduction technology, the new higher sensitive Super CCD enables the FinePix F601 Zoom to deliver a wider range of ISO sensitivities all the way up to 1600 in 1280 x 960 mode with a minimal increase in CCD "noise." The new Super CCD system, which reflects yet another significant advancement in Fujifilm's digital imaging technology history, also allows for a unique vertical and horizontal "Pixel-Mixing Technology" that enables the camera to capture high-quality VGA digital video.

In addition to freezing special moments in eye-pleasing color, the camera also can record up to 33 minutes of audio on a 16MB card and up to nine hours using a 128MB card, making it ideal for recording meetings, interviews and other events. Its digital video recording feature captures AVI digital video with sound at full VGA (640 x 480) and QVGA (320 x 240) resolutions at 15 frames per second. Features such as quick image transfer via USB cable, PC-cam video conferencing, audio/video port connections and the recharging of the camera's battery are made easy with the camera's optional PC-sync PictureCradle. Also, for quick and easy narration of individual photos, the camera offers 30-second voice captioning capabilities.

The FinePix F601 Zoom also incorporates a range of other capabilities to make sure users get the most from their digital photography experience. These include continuous shooting modes at the one megapixel (maximum 1.8 frames/sec up to 40 images at 1280 x 960) and six megapixel (maximum five frames/sec up to 4 images) resolutions and a Super EBC Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens (with up to a 4.4x digital zoom option) that allows for more detailed close-ups. In addition, shutter speeds range from three to 1/2000 second with adjustable ISO sensitivity of 160/200/400, including a high sensitivity one-megapixel (1280 x 960) mode at ISO 800/1600 featuring Fujifilm's noise reduction technology for crisp, clear photos.

Sporting a 1.5" color LCD monitor, the camera's rugged, sleek metal alloy body measures a mere 2.8" W x 3.7" H x 1.3" D and weighs a slight 7.8 ounces without the battery. The camera is bundled with a 16MB SmartMedia card as well as a super-slim NP 60 lithium-ion battery, AC power adapter, hand strap and USB cables.

Along with DP Editor, ArcSoft's VideoImpression 5.0 and Apple QuickTime software, the FinePix F601 Zoom is packaged with Fujifilm's FinePixViewer software program that automatically launches and organizes pictures stored on the camera's SmartMedia card. The FinePixViewer links users directly to the World Wide Web for answers to frequently asked questions, picture taking tips, support utilities, updated drivers and the receipt of periodic and pertinent promotional announcements from Fujifilm. The camera is Windows and Macintosh compatible.

FinePix F601 Zoom Features:

1/1.7" 3.1 Million Effective Pixel Super CCD
Up to 6.0 Million Output Pixels (2832 x 2128)
Fujifilm's new 3rd generation Super CCD imager featuring Pixel Data Coupling Technology for Increased sharpness and color with less electronic noise, and new Pixel-Mixing Technology for improved video capture with greater detail.
3x all-glass aspherical zoom (36-108mm equiv) plus 4.4x smooth digital zoom
Movie Mode; 66 sec. QVGA (320x240) Motion JPEG at 15 fps with sound or 27 sec. VGA (640x480) Motion JPEG at 15 fps with sound
Continuous Shooting Mode; 5 Frames / Sec. at Full Resolution for 5 pictures or 1.8 Frame/Sec for 40 pictures at 1 MegaPixel Mode (1280x960)
Voice Recording Modes - 30 sec. Picture Annotations or 60 minutes Voice Memo
PC-Cam Mode for Internet Video Conferencing
Auto or Full Manual exposure control
Black and White mode
Auto or Manual focus control
3-1/2000 sec Shutter Speeds
ISO Modes; 100/200/400 and 800/1600 at 1 MegaPixel Mode
1.5" LCD Color Monitor
Uses removable SmartMedia cards (4-128MB)
USB / Battery Charger Hot Sync Cradle with PC-Cam Tilt (sold separately)
7.8oz (excluding Battery)

The FinePix F601 Zoom is available now with a suggested list price of $599. The optional PC-sync PictureCradle is priced at $59.99.

Physical Views

The Fujifilm FinePix F601 Zoom and a standard CD for size comparison.

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FinePix F601 Zoom Specifications

Sensor Type	1/1.7-inch Super CCD in an interwoven pattern Number of total pixels: 3.3 million Number of Effective Pixels: 3.1 million
Number of Recorded pixels	2832 x 2128 (6.03 million) 2048 x 1536 1280 x 960 640 x 480 pixels
File format	Still image: JPEG (DCF compliant, DPOF-compatible) Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG)
Storage Media	SmartMedia Card (3.3V, 2MB to 128MB)
Lens	Super EBC Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-108mm on a 35mm camera)
Zoom	3x optical Digital zoom: 4.4x (640 x 480) 2.2x (1280 x 960) 1.4x (2048 x 1536)
Focus	Autofocus/ AF Area Focus/Manual Focus
Focus Range	Normal: 2.0ft - Inf. Macro: 0.7 - 2.6 ft
Aperture	F 2.8/4.0/5.6/8.0
Viewfinder	Real-image optical viewfinder
Sensitivity	ISO 160/200/400 equivalent; ISO 800/1600 equivalent (only at 1,280 x 960 pixel mode)
Shutter Speed	3 - 1/2000 sec. (depending on shooting modes)
Shooting modes	Normal:� Auto, Portrait, Sports, Scene, Night Scene Continuous: 5 frames/sec. up to 4 frames; Max. 1.8 frames/ sec. up to 40 frames (only at 1,280 x 960 pixel mode)
Exposure Modes	Programmed AE Aperture Priority AE Shutter-Priority AE Manual
Exposure Control	64 Zone TTL Metering; multi, spot and average
White Balance	Auto, 6 positions selectable in Manual Mode (Fine, Shade, Daylight Fluorescent, Warm White Fluorescent, Cool White Fluorescent, Incandescent Light)
Flash	Effective range (at ISO 200): Wide: 7.8 in. - 15.4 ft Tele: 7.8 in. - 9.8 ft Auto flash using flash control sensor Flash mode (auto, red-eye reduction, forced flash, suppressed flash, slow syncro)
Self-timer	Approx. 10 sec.
Movie (AVI)	640 x 480 at 15 fps 320 x 240 at 15 fps AVI� (Motion JPEG) with sound.
Audio recording	WAV format
Voice Memo	Up to 30 sec. WAV format
LCD Monitor	1.5-inch low temp. polysilicon TFT (110,000 pixels)
Playback	Single frame (with 18 x Playback zoom), 9 multi-frame
Video Output	NTSC (USA/Canada), PAL (Europe) Note: Requires optional cradle
Camera Terminal	USB Interface, power-input socket, cradle socket
Power Source	NP 60 battery (1035mAh) or AC-5V AC adapter (included)
Dimensions	2.8 (W) x 3.7 (H) x 1.3 (D) inches
Weight	7.8 oz. (without batteries)
Included Accessories	16MB SmartMedia storage card, Li-ion NP 60 battery, hand strap, USB cable, AC Power Adapter AC-5VHS/AC-5VS, CD-ROM with FinePixViewer, DP Editor, Apple QuickTime, Arcsoft VideoImpression 1.6, USB Driver and Adobe PhotoDeluxe HE 4.0