Fuji's F601 is the follow-up to the popular F6800 and has a wealth of options for avid digital camera users. Based around a vertical orientation instead of the usual horizontal one it will at first be unfamiliar territory for those used to a 35mm camera, but once you've put aside your differences the images that the F601 produce are very good.
Fuji cameras, like Kodak's EasyShare range sits in a docking unit, making wires dangling around the desk a thing of the past. This is a nice addition for the new comer keen to make the transfer of files to the PC as easy as possible.
Working on the 3rd Generation Super CCD that FujiFilm is renowned for, the 3.1 million pixels can be boosted up to a whooping 6 mega pixel result. Running from the 3x optical zoom lens that has an aperture of f2.8 - f8 the camera can achieve a 36 - 108mm equivalent focal length on a 35mm camera. On top of this, the F601 also offers a macro mode and 4.4x digital zoom to boot.
Manual settings offer control of everything. The most impressive being the ability to set the ISO setting to 1600 making this an ideal camera for speed or night work. Combine that with the option to capture 40 frames a second and you've got a great camera for sporting events. Other options to keep you entertained include five pre-programmed shooting modes, five flash modes and six white balance settings.
Image quality overall is very good. The camera copes well in both night and daylight settings. The macro mode gets you close but not that close, which can be a bit of a set back if you are looking for this function, but then with a macro mode of 20cm this camera never professes that it is one of its strong points. Colors are well covered and detail strong without too much noise - even when we shot with the 1600 ISO setting. --Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk
Replacing the FinePix 6800, the FinePix F601 uses Fuji's third-generation 3.1-megapixel Super CCD sensor, which can produce a maximum image file size of 6 megapixels through interpolation. It also features a 3x optical zoom, 4.4x digital zoom, movie mode, and voice annotation function.
Optics and Resolution
With its 3.1-megapixel Super CCD (interpolated up to 6 megapixels), the FinePix F601 delivers resolutions up to 2,832 x 2,128 pixels for colorful prints to 11-by-14 inches and beyond. Combined with Fuji's proprietary image-processing method--Pixel Data Coupling--and new noise-reduction technology, the new Super CCD enables the FinePix F601 to deliver a wider range of ISO sensitivities with a minimal increase in CCD "noise."
The FinePix F601 also features a Super EBC Fujinon 3x optical aspherical zoom lens (with up to a 4.4x digital zoom option) that allows for more detailed close-ups.
Fuji's Super CCD
Instead of conventional CCDs with square photodiodes and pixel arrangements, Fuji's Super CCD has octagonal-shaped photodiodes and pixels situated on 45-degree angles. This "honeycomb" pattern increases sensitivity, allowing pixels to be efficiently packed at maximum density. The area of the photodiode in a half-inch Super CCD with 2 million pixels is about 1.6 times as large as the area offered in the conventional CCD with the same number of pixels. The Super CCD improves overall signal-to-noise ratio and offers a much wider dynamic range.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the FinePix F601 produces color digital videos in multiple creative formats, including QVGA (320 x 240, 66 seconds) and VGA (640 x 480, 27 seconds)--both at 15 frames per second and with sound.
The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on SmartMedia memory cards. The included 16 MB card holds approximately 6 images at the highest 6-megapixel setting (fine setting--2,832 x 2,128 pixels) or 26 images at the typical 3-megapixel setting (normal setting--2,048 x 1,536 pixels).
To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera--your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.
Power
The camera is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is charged by the included AC adapter.
Size
At 2.8 by 3.7 by 1.3 inches and 7.8 ounces, the FinePix F601 is a powerful camera that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
More Features
- Shutter speeds range from 3 to 1/2,000 seconds with adjustable ISO sensitivity of 160/200/400, including a high-sensitivity 1-megapixel (1,280 x 960) mode at ISO 800/1600.
- Continuous shooting modes at 1 megapixel (maximum 1.8 frames/sec up to 40 images at 1,280 x 960)
- Voice-memo function records up to 30 seconds of audio with each picture
Contents and Recommended Accessories
This package contains the FinePix F601 digital camera, 16MB SmartMedia card, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter-battery charger, wrist strap, USB cable, printed manual, and CD-ROM featuring FinePixViewer software and drivers.
We recommend a higher-capacity SmartMedia card. Also, the F601 cradle enables you to effortlessly charge the battery and transfer photos while the camera comfortably rests on your desktop.
1 How to reset
Hello ALL
Can any one guide me on how to reset the camera????
I have been using Finepix F601 Zoom serial number 2ML26749 around a year and have run into a problem. The Camera now doesnot power up anymore. The last working state before the problem occurred was as follows:
1. Connected the camera to the Picture Cradle .
2. Connected the cradle to Windows XP PC (Home edition) via USB
3. Powered on the Camera
4. Windows Task Manager prompts that a digitalk Camera is connected and display avaible options
5. Select Copy pictures from Camera to HDD
6. After Copying the pictures from the camera to HDD, We shut down the XP leaving the Camera Powered on and in "access via USB" State which was indicated by a USB icon on its display.
After the PC was shut down, the camera couldnot be powered off and hence leaving the only option to remove the camera from cradle and remove the battery manually from its compartment. Ever since I am unable to power the camera unit. I tried to replace the memory and battery but of not use.
Please email at rvinukonda@juniper.net
2 my second fuji - I'm hooked
After starting with a 1300 - I lucked out and found this camera on another web site - I got the camera AND the charger at an amazing price. It also came with an extra memory card. I love the size - the upright design takes a little getting used to - but I'm getting there. Photos are clear and crisp, the menu is easy to use and figure out. Options abound, and I just don't think I'll ever buy another brand of digital camera. Fuji gets high marks from me for several reasons. Most importantly - they use readily available smart cards - and they stay with them. I can use all my old accessories from my starter cam - the finepix 1300 - which saves a bundle in the long run. I am glad that the battery is lithium - I have heard that it lasts even longer than previous fuji batteries - and I bought a spare on ebay rather cheaply - as a backup. I've only had it a week and I can't say enough about it. I look forward to using it until it's time to upgrade to my third fuji.
3 FinePix F601 vs FinePix 6800
... I owned a FinePix6800 for over two years, although I have sold the unit, and replaced it with a Canon PowerShot S400 for reasons of preference, not dissatisfaction. The 6800 served me well, and is now servicing a friend who bought it from me. Although I have never used the F601 but have saw it. The unit is slightly smaller than the 6800. Both cameras use the same SCCD which interpolates 3MP to 6MP, however the F601 probably has an improved version of this CCD. The problem with the interpolation is it does cause digital noise, especially on night shots with slower shutter speeds. This is due to the heat that the CCD generates, so mostly I shot in 3MP mode. The noise generated does not [ruin] the shot, but it is noticable. Shooting day time shots, the noise is less apparent if non-existant. As for the zoom feature, like all digital cameras, don't use digital zoom if possible, stick with optical as the shot tend to get grainey. Now if I understand correctly, and the other reviews are accurate, the F601 doesn't come with a docking cradle, the 6800 did. This is a convenience that is needed. Check on this before making the purchase. Other considerations would be with the F601 itself. The 6800 came with a Mini Movie Mode of 160 seconds, the F601 can only do 66 seconds. The 6800 came with a 2" LCD the F601 has a 1.5" perhaps this is to decrease power consumption, but why the shortened movie times?? I also noticed that the settings knob has been placed at an angle on top of the camera the 6800 has it placed on the upper front in a vertical position next to the shutter button. This allows for easier manipulation of the settings, but this may just be a preference of mine, as I can see the LCD at the same time. Before you buy, check both cameras out, and for those of you who are buying a digital for the first time, both the 6800 & F601 will take some getting used to due to the vertical design. Overall these are nice cameras, but in no way should they be considered pocket cameras, due to the weight of the units. Buy a nice padded case like the ones made by Lowepro or Tamrac Digital Series, and attach it to your belt or use the shoulder strap. One waist high drop on concrete, and you can say Aloha to your brand new camera.
PS The 4 star rating is due to reduction of the movie mode, and smaller LCD screen. If the unit doesn't come with a docking cradle out of the box it's a 3. I don't understand why less would be an improvement, except in costs. And because of the falling prices of digitals, I paid [dollar amount] for the 6800 in 2000, for [dollar amount] MSRP, you should get at least what I got in 2003 if not more!
4 It stops working twice in one year
I do not recommend anyone to this camera.
5 Super Digital
I have owned two Fujifilm FinePix 6300 cameras in the past and was thrilled with their capabilities. When the F601 became available, it was a no-brainer for me to upgrade to it. The resilution is great, it is sturdy camera that I'm not afraid to take with me everywhere, and the pictures are incredable. The only complaint that I have about all of the Fuji's that I've had is that they don't fit my hand (large hands) as well as a 35mm style camera would. In my opinion, the F601 is a fantastic camera.
6 Great Camera
This camera is great. I find it unfortunate that the 2 reviewers who rated t so low got what are obviously rare lemons. I love the camera. It is easy to use and very convenient. I find myself taking it eveywhere. The only downside is that at first it is awkward to hold due to it's small size and upright design. You get used to it very quick though. This is my first digital camera. It is kind of expensive but got mine on sale, so I lucked out. Overall, great camera. Get one today, along with a 128MB card.
7 Great Camera to Take Along
When I started looking for a digital camera my first thoughts were to get a Fuji 6900. I realized I normally declined to bring along my 35MM because of it's size so I started looking for a smaller camera that I could slip in a pocket. The FUJI A601 is a great camera for the average person. After purchasing I took it home and read the one page instruction "cheat sheet", charged the camera and immediately started taking pictures even though I'd never used a digital camera before. It is very easy to use and I take it just about every where due to it's small size. After my last trip, I realized some of my photos were slightly blurry so I finally dug out the instruction manaul and read it. I now take crisp, clear photos every time. I recommend buying the 128MB smartcard and the cradle as I've found both of them very beneficial.
8 Works Great!
The F601 is a great camera! I donot know why one of the previous reviewers complained that this or the optional cradle do not work with Windows XP. It works and installed very easily for me on XP. Maybe they should read the manual before trying to install. Anyway picture quality seems to be wonderful in 1MP or 3MP modes, some pictures appear blurry, but i think this is just because i am getting used to this camera. Battery life is average or a little better than average. Again i don't know what the previous reviewer has used before but i do not know a single digital camera that will fill up a 128mb card. For instance the Canon S330 battery only lasts about 1 hour! This battery is certainly better than that but i would by a second battery if you can afford it. Video mode works great and is only limited to the amount of space you have free on your smartmedia card. Bottom Line is this camera creates great pictures, is extremely fast starting up and zooming(especially compared to the Minolta F100, which seemed very slow) and movie mode works great. It also has full manual controls. Downsides seem to be initially that the redeye reduction does not seem to work all that well(although this can be fixed with photoshop) and the price, which is more expensive than most 3MP Cameras. The only thing i am concerned with is the negative reviews about quality, the camera seems very well made and solid and so far i have had no problems.
9 Avoid the 601
This camera simply does not live up to expectations. The lens is inferior, with obvious distortion visible in indoor shots (wall lines bend). The colors are inferior to other makers, notably Canon. And the controls/software are poor. I am in the fortunate position of being able to compare this Fuji with a Canon Supershot, and the Supershot wins hands down. With this model at least, BUYER BEWARE
10 Breaks all the time
Within 3 months this camera stopped working. I never dropped the camera, I've never exposed it to extreme temperatures, the camera looks brand new on the outside. Several functions stopped working 2 monts before the camera stopped working. I sent the camer in to fuji for repair; and got it back 4 weeks later, now the zoom doesn't work. If you don't enjoy unnecessary suffering; DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA! If you want a digital camera, get an olympus.
11 You won't go wrong with this one, but...
There are many things that really make this camera worth buying. These are a few that sold me:
1) Form factor - The 601 has got a really nice upright shape that lends itself to smaller hands.
2) Controls - The basic point-and-shoot controls are very easy to manipulate. Switching between Movie, Auto Control, and Manual Control is a cinch and zooming and focusing is a breeze.
3) Picture quality - The pictures that are produced are almost always true to life. Even at 1 megapixel normal mode, the pictures are sharp and clear.
But since I bought it, there have been a few niggling inconsistencies and drawbacks that take the sheen off the thing.
1) No picture stabilization - If you have jittery hands, you will end up with lots of fuzzy pictures.
2) A bug in the lens retraction system causes my camera to not stow the zoom lens when I turn it off.
3) Complicated menus - Once you decide to leave the familiar point-and-shoot environment and start fiddling with apertures and f stops, the menus become very complicated.
4) FinePix software - If you can avoid it, just don't install it. It is slow and heavy. I suggest getting another imaging suite like Photoshop Elements or Macromedia Fireworks or Jasc PaintShop Pro.
5) Short battery life - At 1 megapixel normal mode, it is almost impossible to fill up a 128Meg SmartMedia card. The battery in this case lasts about 3 hours. This annoyance is offset by the fact that 128M is enough to fit about 400 pictures. I ran out of battery the other day, which is why I bring this up. If you are used to shooting 30-40 shots a day, then there is plenty of battery.
Still, it is a cool little camera that takes really good pictures and is small enough to take with you on your next outing. The price is a little high and you would do yourself right to compare this to other cameras in its range. The form factor may look cool now, but you should try it out before buying, some people really don't like the shape.
12 Very disappointed
what can I say -
Lousy focus; almost no depth of field
poor software; works ok on w2000 but not on xp
pointless cradle; nice idea but it proves to be useless on xp
- wish I had bought another make
13 DO NOT buy this camera
I purchased this camera 5 months ago. It worked 3 weeks and had to have the mother board replaced. The "flip out prongs" on the recharger, as I was flipping it out to recharge the camera, one broke. I sent it in for repair. The company would not honor the warranty. The prongs are held on by a strip of metal 1mm x 2mm. The very shoddy engineering of this item and the fact that you have to buy a replacement at 60.00 per unit is enough for me to never by Fuji products. This coupled with the fact I purchased the replacement and it won't ship for a week.
I CANNOT recommend this product to anyone under any circumstances. I would not recommend this product or any other product produced by Fuji.
14 Mom gets Fugi FinePix601 for sports shots
Finding this remarkable camera and the opportunity to go digital, I took the plunge and bought what my daughter( a newspaper reporter/photographer) thought was a better digital than her newspaper had. We analyzed all the options and decided that since I had eye surgery the LCD was mandatory and she wanted the ease of storing many pics as the sportsscene we haunt not only has my youngest son as a player but the county teams benefit from clearer higher density photos. We planned on using the 601 for action shots at sports events but it is super with children's photos too. Having many grandchildren I am thrilled with the wonderful unposed action shots of little ones. As sports events and scrapbookers we use the advantages of this digital to the max. Thankyou for creating such a wonderful camera for a first time digital user. AS a sports photograper, my daughter is having a winderful time with action shots and the ability of the zoom creates AP Wire quality. We need an extra battery and need advice as to where to get one along with a BC-60 battery charger. Since my daughter doesn't have her own computer when she takes the camera for a few days she needs a charger to make sure she has enough power for events. Thanks for promoting such excitement in our lives.
15 Big features in a small package
I started with a Fujifilm MX-700 four years ago as my first digital camera, and I waited until now to upgrade to the F601, which is essentially the 4th generation version of the MX-700. It has the same stylish (even better looking and a bit smaller) aluminum housing, and the features are now an order of magnitude better. The F601 image processing is fast--only about 2-3 seconds between pictures (even at hi-res), and the image quality is excellent. I figured out the camera controls in about 5 minutes without reading the manual at all--they are very intuitive. The full-VGA 15 frame-per-second video capture mode is also great for mini-movies, and you are only limited by the size of your smart card on the movie length. Many other cameras only do quarter-VGA (QVGA) videos with a 30-second limit. Plus, like the other reviewer said, the F601 fits inconspicuously into a front pants pocket, so you can take it anywhere. Caveats: I don't like that the file numbering resets to zero each time you clear the smart card. That makes it difficult to download all of your pictures to the same file folder. Even my MX-700 had an option not to reset the file numbering, so I'm not sure what the Fujifilm engineers were thinking. Also, you have to learn how to hold the camera, because it is easy to block the microphone or the flash or the exposure meter with a finger. Finally, you'll want to fork over the money for an extra battery and a 128 MB smartcard. But those are small quibbles. This is a great camera for beginners and experts alike. I love mine.
16 An excellent camera for the amateur or pro
As a media teacher in a prep school, I've handled many digital and 35mm cameras in my day, but after only a week with this one, the others have gone into storage. This camera takes excellent, print-quality 8x10 pictures with a minuimum of fuss in automatic setting, toggles easily and intuitively between picture taking and archived picture viewing, and interfaces cleanly with my PC laptop without the extra-cost Fuji 601 cradle. 4x zoom is clear, and defaults of either 1 or 3 megapixel fine-quality pictures easily rival true analog photography for clarity and color.
I don't recommend using the 6-megapixel "dithered" settings, as the color and pixel dithering is visible at standard photo sizes. I HIGHLY recommend getting a 128M storage card, though; you can only store 5 3 megapixel fine-quality images on the 16meg card that comes with the camera.
Settings are easily changed and accessed, and include grids and focus variations for assistance with framing the best shot. More advanced manual features are conparatively thorough. Accompanying software is easy to install and integrates well with the PC operating system without interfering with default user settings (as so often can be the case!). Images are stored in easy-to-use jpeg format.
A vertical camera where most traditional models are longer-than-wide, its physical design takes a few seconds to get used to, but once one overcomes the tendency to block lens and/or flash sensor, holding the camera becomes is a light, comfortable, and ergonomically sound experience. The battery lasts a long time (about 150 pix) but takes up little space or weight.
The camera does take limited video, but this isn't designed to be a video camera or even much of a hybrid -- it saves in .avi, which is useful, but can't store more than a few minutes even on the 128meg card. As an added bonus, though, audio functions abound. The traditional voice-recorded .wav funtion seems both useful and something I will actually USE; even better, the 601 has a very cool setting which allows you to append a 30 second voice "tag" to every picture you take, making the old-school photographers logbook a thing of the past, and allowing you to archive data about one shot while framing the next.
A gift from family on the eve of our first child's arrival, the F601 leads the pack, leaving me confident that we won't miss a shot in crowded and possible darkened birthing-room conditions. What better recommendation could one want?
17 Finally you get the best from FujiFilm
I used to get FinePix 6800; luckily I stopped and wait. The FinePix F601 offers a better design than 6800 and is lighter, easier to use; good for a lazy guy like me. It's enhanced Super CCD technology makes the quality of picture even better. While using the default mode of shoot (1MB at 1280x960, normal) is good enough for a 5R picture, the max. resolution (2832x2128, fine) gives you incredibly good poster print. In addition to that, the single control button lets you set up the machine easily, provided your hand point steadily. All in all, when you want to get FujiFilm, consider F601 instead of 6800.
18 Great wonder in a small package
I have been researching digital photography technology for quiet some time now and was waiting for very high resolution cameras to become more mainstream before I made the transition from a Canon EOS Elan IIe SLR. I realized over time that very high resolution cameras take up too much memory, and time to write and frankly unless you go for prints that are over 10 x 14 you do not need it. If you go for prints over 10 x 14 you also need a wide format printer(most printers don't have that sort of capability) or sending them out which costs. So you must truly assess what size you will be printing most. What sold me on this camera: a. very good to excellent resolution and color saturation particularly outdoors even for larger prints b. size (it is incredible I carry it with me everywhere while that was not the case with my other camera) c. takes full VGA movie clips (with great sound) lack of zooming is not a problem you hardly need it (go for a full video camera if you need extensive control of video) d. voice notes (I have not used it but is is nice to know it is there) e. ease of use and most importantly fuji has imporved the algorithm for light processing and it seems if you compare photos taken by the FUJI 6800 versus the Finepix F601 the photos have light much better balanced while the FUJI 6800 photos look conistently a bit dark. Features that dissapoint: like every other camera the 16MB card only holds 5 full resolution pics so you must buy a larger card (I bought a 128mb one for [money]), the cradle which acts as a recharger, syncing (to upload the photos to the computer) and to play the video on TV is extra unlike previous models. Of course this is a point and shoot camera so don't expect to find any external flash syncing capability but you will find that you don't need it most of the time unless you are shooting professionally. Finally I used to hate point and shoot cameras but one must understand that the technology in the digital cameras goes far beyond the capability and control of 35mm film point and shoot cameras. This camera keeps me content with numerous adjustments from shutter speed, to aperture to EV so although it comes in a small package it does not compromise on picture taking fine tuning.
