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Fuji FinePix 6800 Zoom A new SuperCCD sensor gives Fuji's latest ultra compact true 3.3 megapixel resolution and great color. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet FinePix 6800 Zoom Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on FinePix 6800 Zoom Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 4/8/2001

Video Out
US and Japanese models of the 6800 Zoom come with an NTSC A/V cable for connecting to a television set. (European models come equipped for PAL timing.) Once connected to the 6800 Zoom, the television set can be used to review captured images and movies, or used for composing shots, providing interesting options for portraits. Images and movies can also be recorded to video tape. The video output is active in all camera operating modes, so it can be used as both a viewfinder and playback device.


Power
The 6800 Zoom is powered by an NP-80 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. An AC adapter also accompanies the camera. The AC adapter also acts as an in-camera battery charger (you can also charge the battery through the cradle accessory). The self-timer LED lights solid on the front of the camera whenever the battery is charging. Fuji estimates that a fully charged NP-80 battery pack should provide about 120 shots with the LCD monitor on, and 250 shots with it switched off (or one hour of video/audio recording with the LCD monitor on and three hours of audio recording with the LCD off). A battery icon flashes in the circular LCD status panel when the battery power is getting low.

Operating Mode	Power Drain
Capture Mode, w/LCD	710 mA
Capture Mode, no LCD	200 mA
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	710 mA
Half-pressed w/o LCD	430 mA
Memory Write (transient)	n/a
Flash Recharge (transient)	1040 mA
Image Playback	450 mA

The FinePix 6800's power consumption is about average. Based on our power measurements, we'd estimate operating times of about an hour to hour and a half in capture mode with the LCD turned on, 5 hours in capture mode without the LCD, and 2-3 hours in playback mode. Pretty good overall, but we still strongly advise purchasing a second battery to bring along on your shooting expeditions.

Like many cameras today using the same compact LiIon batteries, the 6800 has a 5 volt external-power connection. This means it can't be used with conventional external battery packs to achieve longer run times, because most such packs put out too high a voltage. There is a solution however: Maha's NiMH PowerBank (sold under the PowerEx brand name, as shown above) can be combined with a special "step-down" cable, which drops the pack's voltage to the level required by the camera. This makes it feasible to use an external power pack with the 6800. With the generally good power consumption of the 6800, a PowerBank should give you 4-5 hours of continuous operation, when combined with the internal battery. One note - Maha makes both NiMH and LiIon versions of the PowerBank, make sure you get the NiMH model for the 6800. (Model number MH-DPB180M.) And, don't forget the step-down cable! Click here to order, or for more info.


Included Software
A USB cable and PC connector cradle accompany the 6800 Zoom. What's interesting about the cradle is that it serves multiple functions. With just the AC adapter connected, it charges the NP-80 battery pack in the camera. You can also connect the cradle to your computer via the USB cable, allowing you to quickly download images straight from the SmartMedia card. Windows users can take advantage of the 6800 Zoom's "webcam" functionality, with the included PictureHello utility that is part of the FinePix Viewer software, making the 6800 Zoom an effective Internet videoconferencing tool.

A software CD packaged with the camera holds USB drivers, FinePix Viewer, Exif Launcher, ArcSoft VideoImpression, Adobe PhotoDeluxe HE, and Adobe ActiveShare. All software (except for Adobe ActiveShare, which is for Windows users only) is compatible with Windows 98/2000/ME and Macintosh OS 8.6 to 9.1. Fuji's FinePix Viewer software allows you to view and categorize thumbnail images and set them up for printing. You can also view images at full size and perform minor corrections. Exif Launcher is the utility that launches FinePix Viewer whenever a camera is connected. FinePix Viewer also includes the PictureHello software utility that allows Windows users to set up the 6800 Zoom as a videoconference tool, providing limited remote control of the camera. Adobe ActiveShare is a web sharing utility that enables Windows users to share digital images over the Internet.

ArcSoft's VideoImpression software provides minor video editing capabilities, allowing you to add or delete frames, add music, etc. We're definitely pleased with Fuji's inclusion of Adobe PhotoDeluxe HE, which provides a wealth of image manipulation tools for correction and enhancement. Creative filters and effects provide more artistic control, and correction tools allow you to crop, rotate, lighten, darken, etc.


In the Box
Packaged with the FinePix 6800 Zoom are the following items:

• 16MB SmartMedia card
• AC adapter
• NP-80 rechargeable battery
• Cradle
• AV cable
• Wrist strap
• USB cable
• Software CD