Though small and compact, this SLR-styled 5-megapixel camera brings with it a 10x optical zoom capability. This should please general photography users who wish to capture out-of-reach subjects occasionally. However, handling the camera was a little tricky, especially when we kept mistaking the barrel for a manual zoom lens.
Design
The Fujifilm FinePix S5600 measures 113.5 x 85 x 112mm and weighs 470g -- relatively compact and lightweight for a digital camera of its kind. You'll look a convincing semi-professional without having the feeling of lugging a brick around.
Generally, there aren't many surprises with the conventional camera design. However, we felt there were certain areas that could have been better implemented. Firstly, the rubberised lens barrel was often mistaken for the manual zoom when holding the camera. Turn it as hard as you want to, it is not going to budge. So do not force it. The location of the zoom buttons would almost certainly force users to use the LCD instead of the EVF; otherwise, their first finger would hit their cheekbone.
Secondly, the power switch was mistaken on more than one occasion for the zoom lever, especially when using the EVF. It took us a while before we got accustomed to the unusual arrangement.
Thirdly, the pop-up flash could only be activated using the right button. The AF assist illuminator/self-timer lamp was a refreshing green compared with the usual red. At times, it did resemble a fish eyeball.
Fourthly, we found it a little hard to change modes on the grooved mode dial with just the thumb. The task was performed with more ease when done together with the first finger.
In addition, there is a four-way navigational button situated to the right of the LCD screen. The buttons, however, serve only three functions in the photography mode: Delete (up), flash (right) and Macro (left) -- one less than could have been utilised.
Remarkably, there is no battery indication on the LCD if the camera determines that there is still ample charge left. This is not ideal for users who want to keep track of the power status at all times.
It's not all gloom, though. We particularly liked the rubberised palm rest grip that gives the user a firmer hold of the camera. The four other buttons near the navigation button also allow users to switch viewing choice to either the viewfinder or the LCD, brighten up the LCD, select different display options and access quality/ISO/colour settings.
Moreover, the AV-out, DC-in and USB ports are well hidden behind the rubber cover on the left of the camera. On the same side, the slot cover discreetly houses the memory card. The tripod mount and battery compartments are conveniently placed on the bottom edge of the camera.
The unit works on four AA batteries, very suitable for on-the-go users. There will be no need to bring along the often bulky battery chargers, unless you plan to use rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries.
Features
Being the third incarnation of its S-series, the 5.1 megapixel FinePix S5600 boasts a 10x optical zoom and anti-blur mode that the camera maker claims is more effective than using image stabilisation alone.
The mini-SLR style camera offers greater flexibility and control with user-customisable ISO settings from 64 to 1,600. Our tests showed that pictures taken with different ISO settings were of varying qualities. We found this to be a desirable feature as it enabled us to take better-quality images even in low-light conditions.
The electronic viewfinder comes with a diopter adjuster dial. The AF/AE lock buttons are implemented individually. The device supports 11 shooting modes, interchangeable with clicks on the mode dial.
In aperture-priority (F3.2 to F8 in 1/3EV increments) mode, this works in two ways. Pressing up increases the aperture value (smaller F-stop number), while pressing down decreases the aperture value (bigger F-stop number). In shutter priority mode, the shutter speed (three seconds to 1/1,000 seconds) is increased by pressing down. For both aperture- and shutter-priority modes, it was only necessary for us to set the individual values and the camera would automatically determine the other.
As expected, it gets trickier in full manual mode where the Up/Down buttons determine the shutter speed. A combination of the exposure compensation and these buttons informs you of the aperture values.
Like most cameras of its class, the S5600 comes with a manual focus. However, we found it to be rather cumbersome using this. We had to switch the focus mode to S-AF and refocus on the subject. After which, we had to select the manual focus mode on the selector button and hold down the exposure key before we could press the zoom buttons to adjust the focus. The long process certainly brought out the underlying meaning of manual focus.
The model uses a 1.8-inch TFT LCD screen, which is relatively large. We were impressed with the post-shot assist window that served as a guide for taking other shots with similar composition, appearing as three photographed thumbnails on the left. Moreover, we were pleased to find out that images on the camera were separated chronologically, making it easier to locate pictures.
Apart from image taking, the FinePix is capable of recording VGA movies at 30fps with monaural sound. We were slightly disappointed with the inability to zoom during movie recording.
Performance
We conducted tests with the FinePix S5600 over a weekend. Unlike the promised high speed start-up time of 1.1 seconds, the time we measured was not the quickest, averaging about two to three seconds and one more second for the time to first shot. Switching between photography and playback mode took slightly longer than we expected, at slightly less than two seconds.
Shot-to-shot with flash took about three seconds, while it took two seconds without flash. Without image preview, shot-to-shot with flash took just under two seconds and a much better 1.5 seconds without flash.
Focal range of the camera was approximately 90cm at wide angle and 2m at maximum telephoto setting. Magnifying images during playback did give us some problems, with the process not exactly speedy. It was frustrating and disappointing.
We managed to take approximately 250 pictures and the battery status was still not indicated on the LCD display, meaning that the set was still capable of taking more shots.
We were generally satisfied with the quality of images taken with the mini-SLR camera.
With an impressive range of ISO 64 to 1,600, the camera made it possible to achieve high-quality images even in very low-light conditions. Coupled with the anti-blur mode, we were gently pleased with the outcome. Images were taken with minimal noise even in low-light settings. On most occasions, blurriness of the images caused by movement of the object or user was minimised. It is, however, important to note that the problem was not fully solved. Traces of blurriness were still spotted.
Add Your Review 28