The FinePix S602 Zoom digital camera is equipped with Fujifilm's 3rd generation, 3.1 million effective-pixel Super CCD sensor. It produces a high-resolution image with up to 2832 x 2128 (6.03 million) recorded pixels. Great pictures start with a great lens, the S602 Zoom features a powerful Fujinon EBC-coated 6x optical zoom lens. Fujifilm's proprietary Pixel Data Coupling Technology along with a new noise reduction technology allows the Super CCD 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 also allows for a unique vertical and horizontal "Pixel-Mixing Technology" that enables the camera to capture VGA (640x480) video at a rate of 30 frames per second, a rate and quality not normally associated with digital still cameras.

In addition, the FinePix S602 Zoom offers a dual media slot for both SmartMedia and IBM's 1GB Microdrive, which can be inserted into the camera's CompactFlash Type II slot for the storage of 145 pictures with 2832 x 2128 pixels (Fine compression) and 15 minutes of VGA, 30 frames-per-second video. Building upon the exceptional usability and output picture quality of the FinePix 6900 Zoom, the FinePix S602 Zoom has advanced features such as a passive auto-focus sensor combined with TTL CCD contrast auto-focus that enables photographers to capture better images in a variety of lighting situations including low light. It offers manual control modes (aperture, shutter speed, focus) as well as automatic point-and-shoot convenience.

Shutter speeds range from 3 to 1/2,000 of a second in auto mode and 15 to 1/10,000 of second in manual mode with adjustable ISO sensitivity of 160/200/400, including a high sensitivity, noise reducing one-megapixel mode (1280 x 960) at ISO 800/1600 that features Fujifilm's noise reduction technology. In this same mode, picture takers can snap 1.8 frames/second up to 40 frames. Other continuous shooting modes capture five frames/second up to five frames, including one that allows an infinite number of shots while the shutter is depressed, only saving the final five frames when the shutter is released. The FinePix S602 Zoom also includes a voice annotation feature that allows the user to attach 30-second voice notes to photos, and the camera's TTL electronic viewfinder has 180,000 pixels for clear viewing, up from 110,000 pixels for the FinePix 6900 Zoom.

The camera measures 4.8" W x 3.2" H x 3.8" D and weighs 17.6 ounces, without batteries. Bundled accessories include a 16MB SmartMedia storage card, four AA alkaline batteries, shoulder strap and USB and video cables.

Along with DP Editor, Arcsoft's VideoImpression 5.0 and Apple QuickTime software, the camera is packaged with Fujifilm's FinePixViewer software program that automatically launches and organizes pictures stored on the camera's storage media. 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.

Additional bundled software includes Adobe Photoshop Elements designed for photo enthusiasts looking to explore their creativity in digital imaging.

FinePix S602 Zoom features:

• 3rd generation 3.1 million effective-pixel Super CCD sensor
• Produces high-resolution images up to 2832 x 2128 (6.03 million) recorded pixels
• Large-diameter 6x optical zoom (35-210mm 35mm equivalent)
• Passive AF sensor combined with TTL CCD contrast AF for improved low-light performance, it focuses twice as fast as the FinePix 6900 Zoom
• Manual focus via ring and on-screen magnification
• Shutter speeds: 3 to 1/2000 in Auto, 15 to 1/10000 secs in Manual
• Aperture priority (F2.8 to F11 in 13 steps)
• Full Manual control of both shutter and aperture
• Five Scene Position modes plus Auto and Program AE
• Auto Exposure Bracketing (3 frames, 0.3/0.7/1.0EV steps)
• Eyelevel TTL color electronic viewfinder w/180,000 pixels
• 1.8-inch color LCD monitor for review or preview
• Burst rate of 0.2 sec/frame for up to five frames in full resolution
• Unique "Final 5" burst mode captures up to 25 images and stores the last five frames
• 1.8 frames/second up to 40 frames in 1M resolution mode
• Captures 640x480 or 320x240 AVI video w/sound at 30fps
• ISO sensitivity: 160/200/400 and 800/1600 in 1M mode
• Built in popup multi-mode intelligent flash
• Attach 30-second voice notes to photos
• SmartMedia and CompactFlash II, fully Microdrive compatible
• Powered by four AA-type batteries
• Compact dimensions of 4.8" W x 3.2" H x 3.8" D

Physical Views

Here's the FinePix S602 Zoom and the FinePix F601 Zoom

A trio of super-zoom cameras, the 8x Coolpix 5700,
the 8x Olympus C-720UZ and the 6x Fuji S602 Zoom.