Enthusiast photographers will appreciate the Hyper Utility Software HS-V2 version 3 that is bundled as standard for the first time with the FinePix S9600. This software gives full functionality in RAW file conversion, which enables the photographer to explore the control and flexibility enjoyed when working with a ‘lossless’ file format. Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Anti-Blur, Natural Light, Auto, Program (with shift), Aperture Priority, Manual

The camera comes with shoulder strap, USB and A/V cables, Lens cap and hood and, in addition to the new Hyper Utility Software, also comes with USB driver, FinePix Viewer ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix and RAW File Converter LE. Described at ?a model that marks the point where compact digital cameras and digital SLRs meet?, the FinePix S9500 is one of two new cameras from Fuji to incorporate a 9MP CCD, incorporating Fujifilm?s fifth-generation Super CCD sensor. FUJIFILM MyFinePix Studio also has a variety of editing features to enhance the quality of digital photos. It has an auto-enhancement feature, which automatically adjusts the brightness, contrast, and color of a photo. It also has a red-eye reduction feature, which helps to reduce the appearance of red-eye in photos. Additionally, it has a variety of filters, which can be used to create unique effects. Overall Fujifilm FinePix S9500 or FinePix S9000 is a bridge digital camera released by Fujifilm in 2005 and intended for the enthusiastic amateur. It is a member of the Fujifilm FinePix family and has been superseded by the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs.Also worth noting that processing of RAW images from your device is the main point of using software like this without shelling out for expensive processing suites like Adobe Lightroom. To be honest, the fine JPEG mode with its big low-compression files so is so good it’s hardly worth using the RAW mode most of the time, unless you really want to hand-process all of your shots. You’ll still get the best picture quality this side of a good mid-range SLR, and you’ll be able to enjoy the camera’s improved performance.

Shooting in top-quality JPEG mode the S9600 produces very low compression files averaging around 4.5MB each, so a 1GB card will be enough for around 220 shots. Shooting in RAW mode the files are a chunky 18.25MB each, so the same 1GB card will only hold 53 of them. Telephoto approx. 60cm ? 3m, Flash Mode: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro., Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro. Self-timer Approx 2 / 10 sec. Focus: Auto focus, continuous AF, manual focus, AF system: TTL contrast-type, AF frame selection: AF (centre), AF (multi), AF (area) The S9600 is physically almost identical to the S9500, and indeed there are no immediately visible external differences apart from the model number on the top of the flash housing. This isn’t at all unexpected; the S9500 won much praise for its exceptional handling, so if it ain’t broke there’s little point in fixing it. The FinePix S9600’s optional Wide Conversion Lens, WL-FXS6 , expands the camera’s wide-angle capability without compromising image quality. It allows the extreme angles of view normally only available with changeable lenses on an SLR camera. Also available is an optional premium leather case.This is a 100 percent crop from the top left corner of the previous shot. Although edge sharpness is very good, there is some slight chromatic aberration visible on the highlights.

BL00472-200 1 Battery life is pretty good, although since it runs on 4x AA the actual duration will vary depending on type and quality. I was able to take over 150 shots using the cheap alkalines that came with the camera, and well over 200 on a set of 2100mAh NiMH rechargeables. At 400 ISO there is some image nose starting to creep in, but the overall level of detail and colour rendition is still very good. FUJIFILM MyFinePix Studio is an easy-to-use photo editing and management software for owners of FUJIFILM cameras. It can be used for organizing, editing and sharing digital photos. Some of the main features include the possibility to manage, edit and print digital photos. Organize and tag images

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Photo Products, said: “Digital SLRs are steadily dropping in price, which has increasingly made them an option for non-professional photographers. However, this affordability does not necessarily mean they are the best choice of camera, especially if the photographer is used to the flexibility and convenience that compact digital cameras can offer. The FinePix S9600 fills the gap between two worlds by combining the usability of a compact with performance that can challenge an entry-level digital SLR.” Fujifilm today announced the release of the FinePix S9600, replacement to the critically acclaimed FinePix S9500 and the new flagship in Fujifilm’s range of ‘prosumer’ digital cameras. The new model features carefully considered modifications designed to improve image quality as well as making it easier to use and better performing in low light. Refinements include increased image sharpness, a more generous LCD screen, faster autofocus in low light and improvements to the camera’s flash capability. These features combine with existing Fujifilm technologies to result in user-friendliness more usually associated with compact digital cameras, and a performance to challenge entry-level digital SLRs. Shot in RAW mode and converted using the supplied software, this 200 ISO shot is also noise-free, and if anything has even better colour and contrast than the 100 ISo shot.

Focal range: Normal: Wide-angle: approx 50cm to infinity (in high-speed shooting mode; approx 2m to infinity) Telephoto: approx 2m to infinity (in high-speed shooting mode; approx 4m to infinity) Macro: Wide-angle: approx 10cm to 3m, Telephoto: approx 90cm to 3m, Super Macro: The monitor now matches the electronic viewfinder which also has a resolution of 235,000 pixels, although it seems to me that it is slightly sharper than the one on the S9500. Critics who don’t like electronic viewfinders really should see this one; it is far and away the best I’ve ever seen. No, it’s not the same as a real optical viewfinder; for starters it’s brighter in low light and has a better information display. It is the first electronic viewfinder I’ve used that has been sharp enough for accurate manual focusing.Shooting a white swan against the bright reflections on the water is an exposure nightmare, but the S9600 has taken it in its stride.