The new FinePix camera from Fujifilm takes the burden out of manually selecting shooting modes by introducing a new Scene Recognition technology that automatically changes the setting to capture the best possible photo. It also comes equipped with the latest technology, ensuring users of a jam-packed camera for everyday use.
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The FinePix F60fd is easy to use, thanks to its simple layout and design. The unit’s power button, shutter button, zoom control, and Dual IS button can be found on top of the camera, while the mode dial, play button, photo mode button (f), cursor up (exposure compensation and delete button), cursor left (macro button), cursor right (flash), cursor down (timer), Menu/Ok button, DISP/Back, and Intelligent Face Detection button are next to the LCD screen.
Finally, users can find the battery compartment in addition to the xD/SDHC card slot inside the ‘battery-chamber cover.’ The addition of the SDHC card slot makes it easy for users to switch to this camera as they no longer need to purchase another type of memory card (xD). There is also an AV out port on the camera’s right spine, which makes photo and video sharing easy.
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The F60fd comes with eight shooting modes all with different functions. The Auto Mode sets the setting according to shooting conditions, the Natural and Flash mode shoots two images continuously with and without flash, the Manual mode allows a user to set some settings like flash or white balance manually. Aperture Priority AE is an automatic mode that allows a user to set the aperture, and the Movie mode allows for 640×480 movie shooting with sound.
The unit also comes with an SP (Scene Position) mode that contains all the ‘modes’ usually found in other point-and-shoot cameras like Portrait, Portrait Enhancer, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower, and Text mode. It also comes with a Natural Light Mode that retains the natural look and feel of a shot.
As mentioned, the main highlight of this snapper is the Scene Recognition mode that selects the optimum camera settings for certain modes. This mode shifts from portrait to macro mode on the fly, and even shifts to Night or Landscape mode without doing anything. This mode most definitely simplifies photography and is perfect for first-time photographers who just want to take that breathtaking shot anytime. The only ‘problem’ in this mode is that it constantly makes a clicking sound, but is understandable since it is just the internal motors doing the work for you.
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Noise was minimal during our tests, with subjects looking clear and vivid. Setting the unit’s ISO to 6400 (3-megapixel shot), and taking shots in places with low light, still produced print-worthy shots, although we recommend users to keep ISO settings as low as possible to keep noise levels at a minimum.
The Fujifilm FinePix Viewer software automatically saves the photos stored on the camera to the hard drive. It also comes with an Image Utilisation function that allows a user to rotate images, insert text, adjust image quality, correct red-eye, resize images, change saved format, or resaves the file back to the camera.
The Fujifilm Finepix F60fd is not only perfect for beginners who want an easy-to-use camera, but is also great for advanced photographers who want a reliable point-and-shoot packed with advanced settings. The Fujifilm Finepix F60fd is available now with an RRP of $399.
See page over for product specifications and final rating.
Fujifilm Finepix F60fd Specifications:
Number of effective pixels: 12.0 million pixels
CCD sensor: 1/1.6-inch Super CCD VII HR
Storage media:
Internal memory (approx. 25MB)
xD-Picture card
SD memory card
SDHC memory card
File format
Still image: JPEG
Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG) with sound
Audio: WAVE format, Monaural sound
Lens: Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, F2.8 (Wide) – F5.1 (Telephoto)
Lens focal length: f=8.0 – 24.0 mm, equivalent to 35 – 105 mm on a 35 mm camera
Digital zoom: Up to 8.2x
Aperture: Wide: F2.8 – F8, Telephoto: F5.1 – F8
Focus distance (from lens surface):
Normal
Wide: Approx. 45 cm / 1.5 ft. to infinity
Telephoto: Approx. 60 cm / 2.0 ft. to infinity
Macro
Wide: Approx. 7 cm – 80 cm / 2.8 in. – 2.6 ft.
Telephoto: Approx. 30 cm – 80 cm / 1.0 ft. – 2.6 ft.
Sensitivity: Auto / Auto (1600) / Auto (800) / Auto (400) / Equivalent to ISO 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 (Standard Output Sensitivity)
ISO3200: 6M pixels or lower (Number of recorded pixels)
ISO6400: 3M pixels or lower (Number of recorded pixels)
Shooting modes:
Mode dial: SR AUTO (Scene Recognition), Auto, Natural Light, Natural Light & with Flash, SP, A/S (Aperture or Shutter priority AE), M (Manual), Movie
SP: Portrait, Portrait Enhancer, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower, Text
LCD monitor: 3.0-inch, Approx. 230,000 dots, TFT color LCD monitor, Approx. 100% coverage
Movie recording: 640 x 480 pixels / 320 x 240 pixels (25 frames/sec.) with monaural sound
Video output: NTSC / PAL selectable
Digital interface: USB 2.0
Dimensions: 92.5(W) x 59.2(H) x 22.9(D)mm
Weight: 163g
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Fujifilm FinePix F60fd | $399 | 
| www.fujifilm.com.au
For: Ease of use; Face detection software; Clear and crisp shots; Good face detection and image stabilisation; Scene recognition mode
Against: Slow between shots; Some noise visible even at low ISOs
Conclusion: Photography made easy with Fujifilm camera
