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Fuji FinePix S7000 Fuji's latest electronic SLR offers a larger, 6.3-megapixel CCD that interpolates to 12.3 megapixels - one of the highest resolution consumer models we've tested to date! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet S7000 Photo Gallery! S7000 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 S7000 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Camera Modes & Menus :(Previous) | (Next): Video, Power, Software>> Page 10:Image Storage & Interface Review First Posted: 01/16/2004

Image Storage and Interface
The FinePix S7000 is relatively unique in that it features a dual-media slot that accepts xD-Picture Cards as well as CompactFlash Type II memory cards (including microdrives). The camera comes with a 16MB xD-Picture Card, which won't hold very many high resolution images. Given the S7000's large maximum file size (4,048 x 3,040 pixels), I highly recommend buying several large memory cards, or possibly microdrive. In addition to the Fine and Normal JPEG quality settings (only for 12.3-megapixel images), the S7000 also offers a RAW format, enabled through the camera's Setup menu.

The LCD display reports the number of available images at the current resolution/quality setting, so you always have an idea of the remaining image capacity. The table below shows the number of images of each size that can be stored on an average 64MB memory card (vs the puny 16 MB card included in the box), and the approximate level of JPEG compression used for each. (Note that this is NOT the size card shipped with the unit, but rather a typical and fairly useful size many owners may end up using. Divide the image capacities shown by four, and you'll see why I say you really have to plan on buying an extra card or cards with the camera: The included 16MB card really isn't very useful with files this large.)

NOTE: While it has a large, Type II CompactFlash card slot, the S7000 does NOT support the FAT32 file system, so it will only work with memory cards 2GB in size or smaller.

Image Capacity vs Resolution/Quality 16MB Memory Card		RAW	Fine	Normal
Full Resolution 4,048 x 3,040	Images (Avg size)	4 16 MB	12 5.3 MB	26 2.5 MB
	Approx. Compression	2.3:1	7:1	15:1
High Resolution 2,848 x 2,136	Images (Avg size)	-	42 1.5 MB	-
	Approx. Compression	-	7:1	-
Standard Resolution 2,016 x 1,512	Images (Avg size)	-	82 780 KB	-
	Approx. Compression	-	12:1	-
Low Resolution 1,600 x 1,200	Images (Avg size)	-	-	101 634 KB
	Approx. Compression	-	-	9:1
Low Resolution 1,280 x 960	Images (Avg size)	-	-	137 467 KB
	Approx. Compression	-	-	8:1

As you would expect, the memory card should never be removed while the camera is in operation to avoid damaging the media. An LED lamp next to the memory card compartment lights when the camera is accessing the card. A steady orange light indicates that the camera is writing to the card, while a flashing orange and green light means that the camera is writing to the card, but is ready to capture another image. A blinking red light indicates a problem with the card.

The S7000's Playback menu offers write-protection for individual images or all images on the card, preventing files from being accidentally erased or manipulated. The Erase menu option under the Playback menu lets you erase individual or all images while in Playback mode. (Note that formatting a memory card erases all files on the card, even those with protection.)

A USB cable and software CD accompany the camera, for connection to a computer. Like many USB-equipped cameras these days, the S7000 is a "storage class" USB device, meaning that it will show up on the desktop of Mac OS 8.6 and higher machines, as well as those of Windows Me, XP, and 2000 computers, without having to load driver software. This is a really handy feature, since it makes it a lot easier to connect the camera to computers other than your own, without having to worry about special driver software, etc. Thanks to its SuperCCD technology, the S7000 can also function as a "webcam," streaming video imagery over the USB connection to a host running the appropriate software. It also supports the PictBridge standard, allowing the camera to be connected directly to PictBridge-compatible printers, and prints made without the need for a computer.