Fuji FinePix S602 ZoomFuji's latest electronic SLR offers improved image quality, fast response, high ISOs, and 30 fps movies at full VGA resolution!<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 4/18/2002 |
Video Out
The
S602 Zoom comes with an A/V (audio and video) cable that allows you to connect
the camera to a television set for reviewing images and movies. Since the viewfinder
signal in record mode is also routed to the video jack, you can also use a video
monitor as an expanded viewfinder for composing shots. US models come set up
for NTSC video timing: I assume European ones are configured for the PAL standard.
Unlike some cameras, the S602's video output signal is hardwired, and can't
be changed by way of a menu option. This means that European models can't be
made to work with US TV sets, and vice versa.
Power
In a departure from the previous high-end FinePix line, the S602 Zoom uses four AA-type batteries for power, rather than the small NP-80 battery used in the 6900 and other models. As you'd expect, the increased power capacity provided by high-capacity NiMH AA cells brings some clear benefits in terms of extended operating times. The 6900 was a little underpowered relative to some of its competitors, but the S602 shows very good run times.
As always, I strongly recommend buying a few sets of high-capacity NiMH AA cells and a good charger, and always keeping a freshly charged set on hand as spares. You can read my battery test results here, or see this article for a review of my favorite charger.
An AC adapter is available as a separate accessory, handy when downloading images or reviewing captured files, essential/mandatory if you plan to use the S602 Zoom as a webcam. An Auto Power Off function shuts off the camera automatically after either two or five minutes of inactivity (adjusted through the Setup menu), but can be disabled if you want to keep the camera ready all the time, at the obvious cost of shorter battery life. The table below details power consumption in various operating modes.
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(@ 5 v) |
(1600mAh, 4.8v 4 NiMH Cells) |
| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
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| Capture Mode, EVF |
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| Capture Mode, "sleeping" |
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| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD |
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| Half-pressed w/EVF |
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| Memory Write (transient) |
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| Flash Recharge (transient) |
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| Image Playback |
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Some cameras with large, proprietary LiIon batteries (certain Canon and Sony models) have longer run times than the S602 Zoom when running from four high-capacity NiMH cells, but for the long haul, you can't beat the cost-effectiveness of premium NiMH cells and a good charger. - And the run times here are quite respectable - 2 hours and forty minutes in the worst case capture mode with the main LCD screen in use. Interestingly, the EVF saves only modest power relative to the rear panel LCD monitor. The real (battery) lifesaver though, is the very low power consumption when the camera is left in capture mode, but goes to sleep after a brief period of inactivity. Overall, the power consumption/battery life of the S602 Zoom was quite a bit better than I had expected.
Included Software
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Packaged with the S602 Zoom is a software CD containing Fuji's Packaged with the S602 Zoom is a software CD containing Fuji's "Software for FinePix (version 3.0),"
Included Hardware
Included in the box are the following items:
- Fuji FinePix S602 Zoom digital camera.
- Neck strap.
- Lens cap with strap and holder.
- A/V cable.
- USB cable.
- Four AA-type alkaline batteries.
- 16MB SmartMedia card with case.
- Software CD.
- Instruction manuals and registration information.
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