Testing / Performance

The imaging software also output the following chart, which makes it a bit easier to see exactly how far each color is from the original. The squares represent the ideal colors from the original chart; the circles represent the colors output by the Fujifilm FinePix S9000.

The S9000 exaggerated some of the cooler tones, as well as the red #15 that every digital camera typically overdoes. For this, the S9000 received an overall color score of 6.92, which is decent but not as good as we’d anticipated from the Real Photo Technology. The camera had a mean color error of 10.3, but a look at the charts and still life will show that the colors are still rich even if they aren’t accurate. The FinePix S9000 over-saturated colors by 0.7 percent, which is fantastic. Overall, there are some pros and cons to this camera’s colors, but the output is an overall success.

**Still Life Scene **

Below is a very colorful and almost disturbing still life scene photographed by the Fujifilm FinePix S9000.

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Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: The linked image is very large!)](https://reviewed.usatoday.com/cameras/viewer.php?picture=S9000-StillLife-LG.jpg)

Resolution / Sharpness* (6.46)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 claims a mighty 9 effective megapixels to its 1/1.6-inch 5th generation Super CCD (9.24 total megapixels). More and more digital cameras are advertising higher pixel counts, both in the low-end DSLR market and compact market. In general, SLRs tend to do better in resolution tests because they have higher quality image sensors, processors, and lenses. To see where the S9000 fits in terms of resolution, we took several exposures of the ISO 12233 resolution chart at different apertures and focal lengths. We upload the images into Imatest Imaging Software, which analyzes the resolution and gives a more accurate pixel count. If a camera’s Imatest count comes within 70 percent of its advertised pixel count, we designate it as "good." Within 80 percent, the camera gets a "very good" score. If a camera scores within 90 percent, it receives the coveted and highly rare designation of "excellent."

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Click on the chart to view full res. image](https://reviewed.usatoday.com/cameras/viewer.php?picture=S9000-ResLG22.jpg )

The results and image above came from the S9000 taken at f/7.1 and 19mm. These exposures used 6.46 megapixels, which is 71 percent of the advertised count. The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 just barely meets the requirements for a "good" resolution count. Still, with 6.46 true megapixels a digital camera can produce large prints with exceptional sharpness and definition unless images are excessively cropped while editing.

Noise - Auto ISO* (4.95)
*Because this digital camera is meant for photography hobbyists, the sensitivity will probably be selected manually more often than automatically. However, when a professional rushes to the red carpet with a half second to spare, he will probably reach for the shutter release button rather than reaching for the manual ISO adjustment. Even the best of photographers use some automation – they just know when it will be the most advantageous and time saving and do not rely on it. The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 chose an ISO 150 rating in our studio, which is a little high for all our bright lights. The S9000 received an overall score of 4.95, which is decent but still a little short of our expectations. However, the earlier FinePix F10, which performed incredibly well on our manual ISO noise tests, did not achieve nearly as high of a mark in auto mode either.

Noise - Manual ISO*(7.64)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 offers ISO ratings typical of a DSLR. It begins at 80 and moves through the usually compact range of 100, 200, and 400, then adds 800 and 1600 ratings. We tested the noise levels at each of these ISO sensitivities. Below is a chart showing the results with the ISO on the horizontal axis and the noise level on the vertical axis.

We input the individual ISO noise levels into a regression analysis to determine the overall manual ISO noise score. The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 scored a 7.64, which is decent – but not as well as we’d hoped. When we tested the Fujifilm F10, which has a similar CCD and the same RP image processor, the F10 received very positive results. We were hoping for a repeat performance here, but the S9000 produced more noise than the F10 as the ISO was increased. The noise values at ISO 80 and 100 were slightly below what the F10 produced, but the quality went downhill beyond ISO 200. The FinePix S9000 will produce clear pictures in bright light when the ISO is set to 80 or 100, but little purple and green speckles will appear in pictures that use above the ISO 200 setting. This is unfortunate and a true downfall of the camera since it does not include image stabilization or a real fast aperture range unless zoomed all the way out.

Low Light Performance* (7.0)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 has the advantage in shooting in moderately low light because its lens can open to f/2.8 (at its widest focal length), its shutter speed can slow to 30 seconds, and its ISO can boost to 1600. To see if it can performs as well in low light as its qualifications indicate, we recorded a sequence of exposures of the color chart at decreasing light levels. 60 lux is a typical light level at a dimly lit restaurant. 30 lux is about what you’ll get from a single 40-watt bulb. 15 and 5 lux are very near darkness and these levels test just how sensitive the S9000’s Super CCD HR image sensor is.

Many times, these charts are reduced to what looks like bad pop art. However, the Fuji S9000 performed quite well, letting in plenty of light. The brightness levels remain quite stable, as not much is lost between 60 and 5 lux. However, there is a decrease in sharpness and a slight increase in grain. Colors also lose some vibrancy, but images remain usable.

**Speed / Timing **
*Start-up to First Shot (8.78)
*The Fujifilm S9000 started up and took its first shot in 1.22 seconds. That's quick for compact cameras with long zooms, so the S9000 beats its close competitors. On the other hand, shoppers interested in the S9000 might also check out DSLRs, and most entry level DSLRs get ready in about half that time.

*Shot to Shot (9.02)
*The S9000 averaged a shot every 0.58 seconds over the course of a four-shot burst—the longest burst it can manage at that rate. Users can switch to the continuous burst mode that will capture around 40 consecutive images, but will lose a substantial degree of speed, dropping to 1.1 fps. At its fastest, the S9000 does well for a compact camera, but looks slow in comparison with DSLRs; even the slow ones do better than 2 frames per second, and they maintain that rate for far longer bursts.

*Shutter to Shot (8.56)
*The S9000 imposes a 0.22-second delay between pressing the shutter and taking the picture. Though it's faster than other compacts, it's very slow for shooting action, and it's slow in comparison with DSLRs. If sports or other quick-moving subjects are your priority, a DSLR would be a better choice than the S9000.

Physical Tour

Front* (7.0)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 looks like a single lens reflex camera from the front, with the handgrip protruding on the left and the lens protruding even farther on the right. The handgrip is coated in a rubber material and has a divot on its inner curve for fingers to grip. At the top of the handgrip is a slanted surface connecting the top and front. On this surface is the silver shutter release button with a release socket in its center. Surrounding the shutter release button is the power switch, which turns the camera from Off to Recording mode to Playback mode. The rubber surface on the grip extends over to the lens. In the space between the grip and the lens, there is a small metal plate with the Super CCD logo and a synchronizing terminal at the bottom. Above the rubber surface is the external auto focus sensor, which appears as an oval-shaped window with two beady eyes in it. To its right and slightly raised is a lamp that illuminates to assist the auto focus system and indicate the self-timer mode. The lamp is a wide circle and lights up a bright green color. Directly to the right of this lamp is the pop-up flash, which has the Fujifilm logo imprinted on the front. When open, the rectangular flash mechanism can be seen. Just below the flash is the 10.7x optical zoom lens that looks detachable – though it’s not. Around its rim, the lens boasts its specs: "Fujinon Zoom Lens, 10.7x Optical, f=6.2-66.7mm, 1:2.8-4.9, 58mm." In the bottom right corner of the front face is a "9.0 Mega Pixels" imprint.

Back*(7.5)
*The back of the S9000 looks mildly intricate with an array of buttons, dials, doors, and its folding liquid crystal display. The right side of the back curves to fit the palm of the hand and features a thumb divot for prying open the memory card compartment. At the top of the door is an indicator lamp that blinks orange when the camera is recording. This lamp is situated above a slight incline, which acts as a comfortable thumb grip for users. Between the thumb grip on the right and the LCD monitor on the left is a set of buttons that look a bit disorganized. At the top and to the right of the viewfinder is the AE-L button, surrounded by a ribbed dial that selects the metering mode indicated by the icons above it. To the southeast of this button is another control combination. Two vertically aligned buttons each comprise half of an oval shape. The top button switches the display from the viewfinder to the LCD and the bottom button magnifies the image in certain modes to check the focus of the subject. Below these buttons is a circular black button with a ‘F’ on it. This is the Photo mode button that lets users select image size, color mode, and ISO options.

Below and to the right of the ‘F’ button is the multi-selector with a Menu/OK button in its center. The arrows are raised from the rest of the dial, which makes navigating much easier. To the bottom right of the multi-selector is the Disp/Back button, which selects the display information and allows PC-like navigation through camera menus. To the left of all these buttons is the dominant feature on the back of the S9000: the fold-out 1.8-inch LCD monitor. The screen has hinges at the top and the bottom and can only be pulled downward to roughly a 35 degree angle. However, it can be pulled upward 90 degrees and then pulled outward from the FinePix S9000 at the same 35 degree angle. The LCD has the Fujifilm logo embossed across the top and the FinePix logo printed across the bottom in white lettering.

Above the LCD screen is the stationary electronic viewfinder. The square viewfinder is surrounded by a thin rubber eye cup and raised ever-so-slightly from the rest of the camera body. At the left side of the eye cup is a plastic dial that adjusts the focus of the viewfinder.

Left Side*(8.0)
*The left side of the Fuji S9000 shows off the large 10.7x optical zoom lens. The lens extends outward; this zoom is controlled by the large rubberized zoom ring. There is also a smaller ribbed focus ring. On the top of the camera body, there is a round protruding button that enables the pop-up flash, which is directly above it. To the right of the flash button is a wide eyelet for a neck strap. To its right is the built-in speaker, which consists of 15 tiny holes. Below the eyelet are three buttons. At the top is the clearly labeled Info button. In the center is a button with an icon that looks like a bowtie. This is the one-touch auto focus button, which is surrounded by the auto focus mode selector. At the bottom is a button with a flower on it; this is for the macro mode. To the right of these three buttons is a rubber port cover with a finger grip at the bottom and the flimsy hinge on the right side. USB, A/V, and DC jacks are located in this area.

Right Side*(7.5)
*The right side is comparatively featureless, but functions as a comfortable handgrip with its textured rubber surface. Across the top of the rubber surface is a divot for the index finger. This minor feature is like the finger’s equivalent of a plush bucket seat. At the very top of the right side is an eyelet for threading the neck strap.

Top*(6.5)
*When viewing from the top, the lens protrudes almost four inches on the left and the handgrip protrudes about an inch on the right from a body that is almost two inches thick itself. On the left, below the lens, is the top of the flash. A FinePix logo is printed above the S9000 Digital Camera model name. Below the main portion of the pop-up flash is the hot shoe for flash accessories. To the right of the flash deck is a bulbous protrusion that looks like the jet engine on an airplane wing. This protrusion is where the AF illuminator beams from the front. Behind this feature is the main mode dial, which has manual, priority, automatic, movie, and scene modes located on it and represented by letters and icons. The sides of this thick dial are textured for easy gripping. To its right is a much more shallow dial; this is the jog dial used to scroll through options when buttons are simultaneously pushed. Above this dial are three circular buttons, each with a clearly distinguishable icon on it. At the bottom left is the burst mode button; above it is the exposure compensation button. To the right is the flash mode button. Above this set of buttons, the camera’s façade slopes down toward the front. The shutter release button and power switch are located on this protruding plane.

Bottom*(7.0)
*The bottom of the Fujifilm S9000 features a metal tripod bushing, which is much more durable than the plastic ones on many compact cameras. The bushing is under the centerline of the lens. It's easier to line up a camera when it's not offset from the pivots on a tripod. The battery compartment door forms the bottom of the handgrip. It's a large door, because it has to cover the space of four AA cells. Fuji did not put a latch on it, instead counting on a stiff spring and friction to keep the door closed. It looks as though it could loosen up over time.

The bottom of the camera also features a small plate with the camera's serial number and several small bumps that the camera sits on, which protect the bottom from being scratched when the camera is set down.

Components

Viewfinder*(5.5)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 has a 0.44-inch electronic viewfinder that has 235,000 pixels. It is surrounded by a rubber eyepiece that isn’t as thick and plush as that on most DSLRs. While this is not ideal, it does make sense since the S9000 contains a grainy electronic view rather than a clean optical refraction.

To its left is a dioptric adjustment for photographers whose eyesight is less than perfect. The electronic viewfinder has 100 percent coverage, so what you see is what you get – which is what you want. The viewfinder’s image isn’t very smooth when the camera moves quickly in its 30 fps refresh rate; it appears jumpy. This can be remedied in the setup menu by changing the EVF/ LCD option from 30 fps to 60 fps. The real-time image also has a lot of noise in it that looks like dancing purple and green speckles. The display can be switched from the viewfinder to the larger LCD screen with the EVF/LCD button on the back of the S9000.

LCD Screen*(6.5)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 has a very unique 1.8-inch LCD monitor that has hinges at the top and the bottom. The screen can only be pulled downward to about a 35 degree angle. However, it can be pulled upward 90 degrees and then pulled outward from the FinePix S9000 at the same 35 degree angle. This isn’t the camcorder-style rotating screen that the Casio P505 has, but it does tilt up and down for increased visibility at extreme shooting angles. This feature will be helpful to users when the camera is placed high on a tripod, vertically at full arm’s extension, or really low to the ground, but otherwise it’s pretty useless. The actual hinges are stiff, so it takes some prying to get the screen where you want it. The low-temperature polysilicon TFT liquid crystal display has 118,000 pixels on its 1.8-inch surface set up in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The LCD can be used as a viewfinder or only for playback, as there is also a separate electronic viewfinder. The LCD screen has a 100 percent field of view and its lighting and display information can be adjusted; however, the screen has a narrow angle of view. Unless viewed from straight on, the screen is extremely susceptible to solarization. Histograms and picture information can be displayed or hidden.

Buried deep within the setup menu, users can change the display’s frame rate. The S9000’s default is to display the view at 30 frames per second, which looks choppy. Fortunately, that can be remedied by changing the rate to 60 frames per second. My other complaint is that the view is grainy, especially in low light; this cannot be fixed with any options in the setup menu. Also buried within the setup menu is the LCD screen’s brightness adjustment. There is a way to adjust it otherwise, but you have to know the ins and outs of the camera. Users must push the exposure compensation button and the Disp/Back button simultaneously to brighten things up; this wasn’t my first guess on where to find this feature. In fact, it wasn’t my second guess either. Or third, or fourth…

Flash*(7.5)
*The S9000 is equipped with a flash that must be manually popped up via a small button on its left side – even in the automatic and scene modes. The flash actually pops up quite violently; it could probably sever a finger if it got in the way. Remaining on the camera body and in between the posts of the pop-up flash is the hot shoe for flash accessories. This is one of those SLR elements that is incorporated on this camera body, but doesn’t fully manifest on this compact model. The hot shoe on the S9000 only contains a single pin for communicating with the camera. This limits the information that can be transmitted between to the camera and the flash unit and will not provide full TTL exposure communication. Users will have non-TTL automatic capabilities (depending on the applied flash), but will have to calibrate the unit and exposure manually.

The included pop-up flash is quite impressive though. It is located directly above the lens, so it casts a nice even light onto subjects. It is effective from 1-18.4 feet when the lens is at its widest setting and 2-9.8 feet when the lens is utilizing its telephoto capabilities. The flash modes can be easily found by the designated flash button atop the S9000, but scrolling through the options is tricky. Users must hold down the flash button while scrolling with the jog dial; this is in line with some DSLR interfaces, which work to help avoid accidental setting alteration.

The following flash modes are available: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, and Red-Eye Reduction + Slow Synchro. For normal shooting situations, the Fujifilm FinePix S9000’s flash worked well and didn’t blow subjects out. However, for the occasional night shot there is a flash intensity adjustment in the setup menu. The flash intensity or flash exposure compensation function ranges from -2/3 to +2/3 in 1/3 increments.

Lens (7.5)

The 10.7x optical zoom lens looks like it could be detached. Don’t let it fool you though; this Fujinon lens isn’t going anywhere. It is constructed from 13 elements in 10 groups on its inside and has zoom and focus rings on its outside. The zoom ring has a waffle-style texture and rubber material, so gripping it is comfortable. The focus ring is ribbed like the side of a dime and is also quite comfortable to rotate. The Fujinon lens is a versatile 6.2-66.7mm, which is equivalent to 28-300mm in 35mm format. The lens can focus as close as 1 cm in its super macro mode, which is quite impressive for a lens that has a 300 mm telephoto setting. The lens shows its versatility in other ways as well. Its rim is threaded (58 mm) so optional conversion lenses and filters can be attached.

The Fujinon zoom lens also maintains functionality in movie mode, although the continuous auto focus system coupled with the lens’ zooming compromises the recorded audio. The Fujifilm FinePix S9000’s lens offers a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the 6.2mm setting and f/4.9 at the 66.7mm setting. The apertures extend to f/11 throughout the entire zoom range. The 10.7x optical zoom lens protrudes several inches from the camera body, so an SLR-shaped camera bag would be best to fully protect the S9000. A lens cap does come with the camera, but it pops off easily and could get lost quickly. Overall, the lens offers a versatile zoom range, adequate apertures, and comfortable zoom rings; it sure beats the toggle control on most digital cameras and quality wise, may surpass some of the entry level DSLRs’ kit lenses – but it would have been really nice had it included optical image stabilization or vibration reduction.

Design / Layout

Model Design / Appearance*(7.0)
*This model is clearly meant to imitate a DSLR. It certainly has the look with its sleek black body and chunky features. The lens protrudes several inches, as does the handgrip. The handgrip is covered in a rubber material, which is black like the rest of the camera body. The S9000’s body is different from SLRs because it’s made from cheaper materials. Most SLRs are built from either magnesium or aluminum alloy, while some cheaper models are formed out of a polycarbonate frame. The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 is constructed from molded plastic parts. This camera is far less durable than most DSLR bodies. While the FinePix S9000 still has that professional black look, it surely lacks the feel.

Size / Portability*(4.5)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 is roughly the same size as the popular Nikon D70. The S9000 measures 5 x 3.7 x 5.1 inches, which is smaller than many digital SLRs but bigger than almost every compact camera. This Fujifilm is quite heavy for its size, even when pitted against other compact or point-and-shoot models. It weighs 22.8 ounces without the cards, batteries, and other accessories. With a tiny xD-Picture Card and the four AA batteries, the S9000 weighs 26.6 ounces. By the time a conversion lens and a flash attachment is added, photographers will have to haul a sturdy tripod to keep the camera steady. Because the Fujifilm S9000 is bulkier and heavier than most consumer-level cameras, a camera bag will be a definite necessity. The bag should be made to fit SLR cameras, as this model has a protruding lens and grip. Unfortunately, without the option to detach the lens, the S9000 is even less portable than most DSLRs (though probably lighter). The S9000 will be transportable in a camera bag, but it will require a bag large enough to fit the shape and it will still be somewhat heavy. When out of the bag, the camera has a neck strap to distribute some of the weight but will still feel like a heifer to those accustomed to one-handed shooting. However, anyone downgrading from a DSLR will find the weight of the camera to be a friendly relief.

Handling Ability*(6.0)
*The weight of the FinePix S9000 will inhibit most from shooting with one hand and probably deter some from wanting to handle the camera at all. However, if you don’t mind a little weight or are accustomed to an SLR, you should give it a try in your hands. The rubber material on the right-hand grip is very comfortable, as are the ergonomic divots on the grip. There is a horizontal niche running across the top of the grip for the index finger – when it is not on the shutter release button of course. There is also a vertical divot for the finger tips to rest in. These little features make a big difference in the overall handling. Holding and shooting with the camera is comfortable, but making changes to exposure settings could pose a handling problem. There are buttons on three sides of the body, so both hands will be furiously searching for them. The buttons aren’t all that easy to figure out either; some buttons have to be held down while the jog dial is being rotated. Overall, the S9000 is not as intelligently designed as SLRs. The controls require some work to find and functionality is not optimal. The camera is easiest to handle as a point-and-shoot but unfortunately, it is meant to be more advanced than that.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size*(6.0)
*There is a button for everything on this digital camera, which is both a blessing and a curse. The buttons are clearly labeled, so photographers shouldn’t have to dig through pages and pages of menus to find the auto focus mode options. However, switching options even with the on-camera buttons usually requires several movements. Remember the efficiency experts that reduced the number of motions car manufacturers made into what eventually became the assembly line? The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 could use an efficiency expert or two. Some changes are just completely non-intuitive and difficult to understand. For example, to change the aperture in Manual mode users have to hold down the exposure compensation button while turning the jog dial (a flaw consistent with many cheaper DSLRs). The buttons are big enough and the placement of the major dials and buttons is decent, but the overall setup is not very natural. Photographers who purchase this camera will have to bust out the user manual and read it religiously, then study it for another six weeks while shooting rigorously before all the nuances are figured out.

Menu*(7.5)
*The menu button is positioned in the center of the multi-selector and is the portal to pages and pages of menu options. The menus are gray and have tabs on the left side to show how many pages of options there are. The functions are listed as icons directly to the right of the tabs. When users scroll over the icons, text titles appear at the top. The menu feature is one of the more intuitive aspects of the S9000. Since there are so many on-camera buttons, many of the functions are repeated. The recording menu consists of the following options: Self-timer, White Balance, High-speed Shooting, AF Mode, Flash, Setup, Sharpness, Saturation, Contrast, Bracketing, Multi-Exposure, and External Flash. If users are searching for the ISO, it can only be found in the menu that appears when the "F" Photo Mode button is pressed. That button has a menu for Picture Quality, ISO, and Color Mode. The Playback menu offers these options: Erase, Image Rotate, Print Order (DPOF), Protect, Playback, Setup, Voice Memo, and Trimming. The lengthiest menu is the Setup menu, which lets users toy with everything from the background color to the shutter volume.

The Setup menu has these options: Image Display, Shutter Volume, Beep Volume, Playback Volume, Frame No., LCD Brightness, Media, CCD-RAW, EVF/LCD Mode, AE-Lock Mode, AF Illuminator, Auto Power Off, Format, Date/Time, Time Difference, Language, Background Color, USB Mode, Video System, Discharge, and Reset. As I stated before, the menus are the most intuitive aspect of the Fujifilm FinePix S9000.

Ease of Use*(5.0)
*To really take advantage of all the S9000 has to offer, users will need four hands, two brains, and about eight times more patience than is regularly needed with a digital camera. Holding the camera is easy – if you’re accustomed to shooting with an SLR. Figuring out the buttons and jog dials and all their hidden functions may require at least a two-year degree. DSLRs are not known for their ease of use and the Fujifilm S9000 is probably more difficult to use than most DSLRs. The camera lacks intuitive shortcuts – even omitting the option to switch back to shooting mode (from playback) by partially depressing the shutter release. Pointing and shooting is fairly easy – but maximizing the camera’s potential presents a challenge. One thing is for sure: the FinePix S9000 won’t be known for its ease of use.

Modes

Auto Mode*(7.5)
*The automatic mode is the easiest thing to work on this camera – as it should be. It is marked in red on the mode dial and sets the S9000 to its defaults. Users can override the system and change the ISO, picture quality, and color mode. Other settings such as white balance and auto focus mode are off-limits. Other options are partially available, such as the flash modes. Auto, Forced Flash, and Red-eye Reduction are available. The auto mode still displays the shutter speeds and apertures even though users cannot select them. This is a nice feature because users can be aware of how the camera is going to shape the image and what visual effects will result from the selected aperture and shutter speed. Even exposure compensation is disengaged in auto mode; however, those looking for some guidance without sacrificing all image control can switch to the camera’s Program Automatic mode.

Movie Mode*(8.0)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 has a movie mode that can shoot 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 video clips at a nice 30 frame-per-second rate. Monaural sound is recorded simultaneously; it works quite well. In fact, it even picks up the sound of the auto focus mechanism as it continuously readjusts itself. It sounds like a series of high-pitched beeps and clicks and is quite audible in movies. The optical zoom lens can be used in the movie mode, which is nice. Still, there aren’t many other options. The movie mode recording menu consists only of the image sizes. There is no way to change the auto focus mode or the white balance or ISO or anything. The simplistic movie mode also records and shows how much time is left on the memory. The S9000’s movie mode doesn’t have any frills, but is certainly substantial with its VGA size and nice frame rate, and does its best to compensate for its lack of lens interchangeability.

Drive / Burst Mode*(5.5)
*The FinePix S9000 has three burst modes available: Top 4-frame, Final 4-frame, and Long-period Continuous burst. The first two modes shoot a frame and a half per second, but the Top records the first four images taken and the Final only records the final four images – no matter how many images were taken prior to the shutter release button being released. The Top and Final burst modes show four pictures on an index screen with a text message that says, "Storing." The continuous burst mode can capture up to 40 frames in a burst, but it will be considerably slower at 1.1 frames per second. This is slower because the S9000 readjusts the exposure settings and focus for each shot, whereas the Top and Final burst modes use the same exposure and focus settings. Although there are three settings to this burst mode, the Fujifilm FinePix S9000 still ranks rather low in terms of speed. Digital SLRs can shoot 3 or 4 frames per second or more and maintain this speed for well over 10-20 shots (some beyond 40) and many compact cameras are catching up with that. Not only is the S9000 slow, but it uses the same exposure and focus settings for its Top and Final 4-frame modes. This isn’t very practical for action sequences where the subject is moving toward the camera. Another disadvantage is that the continuous burst is not available in the Programmed, Manual, or Priority modes on the S9000.

Playback Mode*(6.5)
*The playback mode on the S9000 is fairly straightforward. It is easily found on the power switch between the Off and the Recording modes. Images can be played back in single frames or in index screens of four or nine pictures. When images are recalled individually, all kinds of information can be displayed: histograms, color settings, image parameters, exposure settings, dates and times, etc. The playback menu for still images includes the following options: Erase, Trimming, Image Rotate, Playback (users can choose fade-ins and effects with this option), Multi-frame Playback, Print Order, Protect, Sort by Date, and Voice Memo. Movies can also be played back with audio. There is no in-camera editing with the FinePix S9000; users can only play and pause. The playback mode is one of the more intuitive functions on this digital camera; however, it is still frustrating. Users switch into the mode using a mobile switch around the shutter release. Unfortunately, when reviewing images, partial depression of the shutter button will not bring you back to the shooting mode, which is common on most other digital cameras.

Custom Image Presets*(6.0)
*Because this model aims for the middle ground between compacts and DSLRs, the S9000 included just a few scene modes. They are all located on the mode dial as icons, which are not all intuitive. The first three custom image presets are easily recognizable: Portrait, Landscape, and Night. The other two icons are a little questionable: a person with lines around them and an eye-shape with the letter ‘N’ in it. These represent the Anti-Blur mode and the Natural Light mode. The Anti-Blur mode is actually very useful and works quite well. It can work when taking pictures of sports or when snapping a shot of your fast-moving kid. The Natural Light mode is a nice touch too, although it will appear quite grainy when used in low light. Still, it’s nice to have a non-flash option in low light situations since some places like churches and museums will allow photos but no flash.

Control Options

**Manual Control Options **

The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 provides the user with a lot of options and plenty of manual control. All of the standard manual controls are available such as shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, white balance, and ISO. Then the camera allows SLR-like zoom control and manual focusing with the lens’ zoom and focus rings. Manual control freaks can also elect to shoot in RAW format, change the color mode to black and white, and select auto focus and metering modes. The options just keep coming; they just aren’t organized very well.

**Focus
***Auto Focus (7.5)*

The FinePix S9000 has a through-the-lens contrast type auto focus system that works in conjunction with the AF illuminator. This model can focus continuously, as it does in the movie mode, but it makes audible clicks and beeps. A button on the side of the camera shows a bowtie-shaped icon with the auto focus mode selections symbolized by letters: C for Center, M for Multi, and A for Area. The viewfinder or LCD shows frames where the camera is focusing, which is nice. The camera focuses fairly quickly except in the movie mode, where it sometimes takes a few seconds if zooming in on a subject quickly. There are two macro focus modes: a regular and a super macro mode. The regular macro mode can shoot from 3.9 inches to 9.8 feet, while the super macro mode closes in from 0.4 inches to 3.3 feet. When the macro modes aren’t being utilized, the S9000 focuses from 1.6 feet to as far as the iris can see. Overall, the auto focus system works well; the noise in the movie mode was the most obnoxious aspect. There was some loss of focusing capability in low light, but the focus remained adequate.

Manual Focus (6.0)

One of the nicer features of this high-end compact is that it has a decent lens with manual focus and zoom rings. These eliminate the awful sliding bar method of manual focus that many compact digital cameras have. The manual focus must be selected on the side of the camera near the little bowtie button. The actual bowtie-labeled button is the one-touch auto focus, which ironically only works in the manual mode. Perhaps if you’re manually focusing and give up, then you can press the magic bowtie button for a quick fix. While that is a strange feature, the focus ring is heaven sent for photographers who relish the option to truly focus manually.

Metering*(7.5)
*Fujifilm calls metering "photometry" within the camera’s menus. That probably makes their engineers happy. The Fuji S9000’s through-the-lens metering system can meter 256 zones, a solid four-fold increase over the measly 64 zones the earlier Fujifilm FinePix S5200 relied on.

The S9000 uses the 256-zone metering system to offer an evaluative mode, an averaging mode, and a spot mode. The three modes are becoming standard on digital cameras from even the more basic compacts to high-end DSLRs. The evaluative, or multi-zone, mode takes discrete measurements of several areas of the frame and evaluates them. It uses an algorithm to figure out which zone is the main subject, and sets the exposure for the subject, rather than the bright sky or dark floor in the background. Multi-zone is particularly good for automated exposure modes and even tonal scenes with lots of middle-tone values. Averaging mode takes a reading of the whole field of view, with an emphasis on the center of the frame. Spot mode measures a very small area in the center of the frame. Both averaging and spot modes are more useful in manual modes, when the photographer does the evaluation. All three metering modes are located on the camera body with a dial that switches to select them. The dial was stiff and required aggressive fingernail prying to set.

Exposure*(8.0)
*The Fuji S9000 offers a range of exposure modes, ranging from completely automatic to completely manual. The automated modes can be adjusted with an EV control that operates in 1/3 stop increments 2 stops above and below the metered exposure. The S9000 also offers a bracketing mode that makes exposures above and below the metered reading in 1/3, 2/3, and full-stop increments. The camera shows what’s going on with a live histogram, which could limit the need for bracketing in a bunch of situations if used correctly. An auto exposure lock button rounds out the controls.

ISO*(8.5)
*The FinePix S9000 can be set to ISOs ranging from 80 to 1600 plus Auto in every mode. The settings are spaced in full-stop increments, except for the jump from 80 to 100. Fuji has developed a reputation for good performance at high ISOs, so the inclusion of both 800 and 1600 settings is not surprising. This range does provide a middle ground between compacts whose range normally extends to ISO 400 and DSLRs whose range sometimes extends to ISO 3200.

White Balance*(7.5)
*The FinePix S9000’s white balance setting offers a fair selection of presets, but makes up for what it lacks with an above-average option for custom settings. The available presets are Fine, Shade, Fluorescent Daylight, Fluorescent Warm White, Fluorescent Cool White, and Incandescent. Other cameras offer a separate setting for cloudy weather, one for electronic flash, or two separate settings for incandescent lights. Many users find that most cameras’ fluorescent settings aren’t useful because fluorescent tubes come in such a variety of ugly color temperatures, and all of them shift color as they age. That’s the sort of problem that brings us to the S9000’s strength in white balance; it’s possible to set two different custom color balances. They’re easy to adjust, and the camera shows the results via a live view on its LCD.

Shutter Speed*(8.5)
*The Fuji S9000 shutter allows exposures from 30 seconds to 1/4000th of a second. That’s a wide range, but not all those speeds are always available. In most scene modes, the longest available exposure is ¼ of a second, while the top end is 1/4000th. The exceptional scene mode is Night, which allows exposures from 4 seconds to 1/500th.

Program, Aperture priority, and Shutter priority modes allow exposures from 4 seconds to 1/4000th, while Manual mode allows the full range of 30 seconds to 1/4000th. The Bulb setting limits exposures to 30 seconds. This range is becoming of a high-end compact camera, although some others are now offering shutter speeds as slow as a minute.

Aperture*(7.0)
*The Fuji S9000's 10.7x optical zoom lens has a variable maximum aperture – it opens to a pretty fast f/2.8 at the wide angle end of its range, but only to f/4.9 at the telephoto end. This is a stop and a half falloff and typical of less expensive zoom lenses available for SLRs (typically running 28-200 or 75-300, etc.). Also, the S9000’s lack of image stabilization really hurts here. In general, optical image stabilization gives you an extra 2 stops or so, helping users refrain from pushing the ISO and decreasing image quality. Unfortunately, when shooting with the S9000 in low light, the ISO and shutter speed will have to become the active variables and will require a tripod and sacrifice of image clarity. The aperture can be set in 1/3-stop increments, which offers a good amount of control. The minimum aperture is only f/11, so depth of field is limited. Veterans of film photography probably remember setting their apertures to f/16, f/22, or even f/32. The lens on the S9000 is simply too small for that. The aperture is tricky to set; users must hold down the exposure compensation button while rotating the jog dial. This is not intuitive and awkward.

Image Parameters

Picture Quality / Size Options*(8.0)
*The Fuji S9000 reveals its snapshooter side with six image sizes – pros and other serious types shoot large and resample their images down on a computer, if need be. The S9000’s size options are 3488 x 2616, 3696 x 2464, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, and 640 x 480 pixels. The two smallest sizes are pretty much for onscreen display only. 1600 x 1200 will work great in PowerPoint presentations, and 640 x 480 is appropriate for email and eBay. The largest resolution can be captured in either Fine or Normal compression; the rest do not have compression options.

The S9000 offers a RAW file format, which retains all the unprocessed color and luminance data that the imaging chip originally captured. RAW files are much bigger than JPEGs, which are compressed, and enables users far more room to edit the image post-capture.

Picture Effects Mode*(7.0)
*This feature certainly isn’t prominent on the Fujifilm S9000, probably since picture effects won’t really appeal to the S9000’s audience. Most users of this camera will also use editing software on the computer after taking the pictures. Still, the camera includes Standard, Chrome, and Black & White options. They all look a little flat in the live view, so it’d be better to add this feature in the editing software.

Connectivity / Extras

**Connectivity **
*Software (7.0)
*FinePix Viewer software is included with the Fujifilm S9000. The viewer program aspires to organize all the pictures on the computer – it digs them up and shows them through a calendar or folder interface. It shows images as thumbnails, in a large preview, or in details mode, which shows shooting data. It is also possible to add annotations and captions to images. The program can create slide shows, prep images to be sent via email, and do a bit of editing. The editing functions include rotation, cropping, insertion of text, resizing, and fixing red-eye. Image quality adjustments include brightness, saturation, contrast, hue, and sharpness. The software will also convert images to black and white or sepia tone. As an aid in editing, the program includes a one-touch control that detects faces and zooms in on them. A text help feature is available on the left side of the screen to guide users through the various camera functions. A separate program, ImageMixer VCD DVD2, is a simple disk authoring program to create backups. It does not include video editing functions.

*Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)
*The Fuji S9000 can plug into computers or printers via a USB connection. It has an A/V out jack for connection to televisions or other analog video equipment, and can send PAL or NTSC signals. It also can connect to an external power supply, which is not included in the kit.

*Direct Print Options (6.5)
*The Fujifilm S9000 is PictBridge DCF and DPOF compatible, which is the Alphabet Soup version of the following translation: you can make prints without a computer, either by plugging the camera into a printer, or by sticking your memory card into a kiosk at the camera store. Fuji has made the printing interface simple and clear. In playback, pressing the "F" button selects an image for printing, and another step sets the number of copies you want.

*Battery (5.0)
*The Fujifilm S9000 takes AA batteries, and it takes lots and lots of them. We’ve found that cameras with their own custom lithium-ion rechargeable batteries tend to go much longer between battery changes than models that run on AAs – even Nickel Metal Hydride AAs, which are the kind that Fujifilm recommends for the S9000. Fujifilm’s NiMH rechargeable batteries are sold separately with a charger. The alkaline batteries included in the kit should last about 140 frames – not much when you’re shooting digital stills and nothing at all when shooting video.

Memory (4.0)

The Fujifilm S9000 accepts both xD-Picture Cards and CompactFlash or Microdrive cards. The xD cards must be 1 GB or smaller, and the camera is incompatible with Lexar 40x CompactFlash cards from 1 to 8 GB. Others should work fine. The S9000 comes with a 16 MB xD-Picture Card, which might hold a whole RAW file or two. With a 9 megapixel camera, the smallest appropriate media capacity is 512 MB – otherwise, you'll be swapping media as often as you used to change film.

Other Features*(2.5)

Self-timer -* The S9000 boasts a self-timer capable of delaying exposures by either 2 or 10 seconds, which ought to be long enough for most users to get into their own group shots.

*Voice Memo – *The S9000 can record memos up to 30 seconds long. The memos have to be associated with an image in the memory.

Digital Zoom – It’s hard to call a digital zoom a "feature," when it’s simply going to trash the otherwise very good image quality of the S9000, but the camera includes a 2x digital zoom that we ought to mention somewhere.

Overall Impressions

Value*(5.5)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 retails for $699.95, which is more than what compact digital cameras go for and about equal to current low-end DSLRs. That’s probably where it’s supposed to fit (low-end DSLRs will be a bit more when packaged with the kit lens). However, it makes more sense to me to pay an extra hundred bucks for the added versatility of switching lenses. That is my opinion though. Others may see the S9000 as a value because it has a decent lens, live preview, and video capture capabilities; however, you will not get the speed, image quality, or control of a true DSLR. Personally, if I were selecting a compact over a DSLR, I would want a larger LCD for composing images and something with image stabilization – something that would drive an interchangeable SLR lens up $500 or so in price.

**Comparisons **
*Fujifilm FinePix S5200 –*This digital camera is the next step down in the FinePix S-line. It employs the same Fujifilm Real Photo Technology, but with a smaller 5.1 megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD and a different 10x optical zoom lens. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.2 and does not have zoom and focus rings like the S9000. The S5200’s body is much smaller at 4.4 x 3.3 x 4.4 inches and 13.1 ounces without the card or batteries. This model offers the same modes as the S9000 and has several changes to its other options. This camera has 64-zone metering as compared to the S9000’s more sophisticated 256-zone system. The S5200 also has a shorter shutter speed range of 15-1/2000th of a second. The Fuji S5200 has a 1.8-inch LCD screen with 115,000 pixels and does not have the CompactFlash card compatibility that the S9000 has. The S5200 uses AA batteries like the S9000, but has a much longer 250-shot battery life. The Fujifilm FinePix S5200 retails for $399 and will be available in October.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 – The FZ30 should prove to be a worthy competitor to the FinePix S9000. It has 8 megapixels, an optically stabilized 12x optical zoom lens with focus and zoom rings, and a $699 retail price tag. It is SLR-shaped, but its Leica lens also cannot be detached. The Panasonic is also bulky at 5.5 x 5.4 x 3.8 inches and 1.63 pounds. Its body comes in black and silver colors, appealing to the style-conscious consumers. The Lumix FZ30 packs nice features into its stylish body. It offers the same manual and priority modes as the S9000, but offers more scene modes in addition to its fully automatic mode. With 14 scene modes including everything from Starry Sky to Baby, the FZ30 will likely attract a slightly wider audience. It uses SD or MMC cards and an included lithium-ion battery that will take 280 shots before a recharge. The Panasonic FZ30 surpasses the S9000 with its optical image stabilization system, TIFF shooting format as well as JPEG and RAW, and 3 fps burst mode. The FZ30 also has a 2-inch LCD screen with 235,000 pixels; it does not fold outward like the S9000’s though. The Fuji S9000 beats the FZ30’s limited ISO range of 100-400 and slower top shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 – The R1 is designed on the same concept as the S9000 with its high-end SLR-like design and shape and its non-detachable lens. The Sony’s lens is much shorter at 5x optical zoom, but offers apertures between f/2.8 and f/16. This model also adds some resolution with its 10.3 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor. It has a hot shoe and pop-up flash like the S9000, but the R1’s flash is considerably weaker and the hot shoe is placed way off to the side. The cameras do share a similarly styled folding LCD monitor, but the R1’s is slightly larger at 2 inches and 134,000 pixels. The cameras have similar white balance modes, but the Sony comes with fine tuning adjustments. The Sony has only four scene modes and no movie mode at all. Other than that, they share similar manual and priority offerings. The Sony’s ISO extends from 160-3200 and its shutter speeds range from 30-1/2000th of a second or minutes when using the bulb setting. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 is compatible with two different media, although one is different from the S9000. The R1 accepts Sony Memory Sticks and CompactFlash cards. It will begin shipping in December for a much larger retail price of $999.

Canon PowerShot G6 – This Canon was released in 2004 long before the wave of most high-end digital cameras. It retailed for the same $699, but can be found for about $500 online now. The G6 contains elements from both SLRs and compacts, but takes more of the compact form – although it does have a slight SLR shape. It measures 4.1 x 2.9 x 2.8 inches and weighs a much lighter 13.4 ounces. The PowerShot G6 has a 2-inch folding screen that folds outward and rotates for viewing at many angles. The G6 has 7.1 megapixels on its 1/1.8-inch image sensor. It has a much shorter 4x optical zoom lens and a hot shoe with a pop-up flash setup. The Canon and Fuji both have manual and priority modes and some similar options, although the Canon doesn’t have the finer details like the focus lock and such. The Canon has a stunted 50-400 ISO range and a disappointing 1-1/2000th of a second shutter speed range, but does come with a 2 fps burst mode and an interesting ID Photo Print Mode. The G6 has a movie mode that can record at 640 x 480 pixels, but only at a choppy 10 frames a second. The Canon PowerShot G6 accepts only CompactFlash cards.

*Nikon D50 –*This Nikon is on the lowest end of the digital single lens reflex cameras. It contains Nikon’s F-mount, so its lens can be detached and switched out. This 6 megapixel digital SLR offers manual functionality and the DSLR inconvenience of holding buttons down and rotating dials to switch settings. The body is 5.2 x 3 x 4 inches and 19 ounces, and it has an optical viewfinder with 95 percent field of view and a 2-inch LCD that has 130,000 pixels – which does not fold out or do any tricks. There is a pop-up flash and hot shoe above the lens mount. When we tested the D50, it produced colors more inaccurately than the S9000 but produced hardly any noise when the ISO was manually set. The Nikon has six scene modes, but omits the movie mode as all DSLRs do. The D50 offers ISOs from 200-1600 and has a 2.5 fps burst mode. For a retail price of $899, the Nikon D50 comes with a 3x optical zoom kit lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.5, but can be currently found online for about $700.

**Who It’s For **
Point-and-Shooters – Ease of use and portability are not the S9000’s best features. Point-and-shooters will be happier and richer if they get an easier to use camera that retails for a lot less.

Budget Consumers – Overall, the S9000 is not a budget consumer’s dream; its $699 price tag is a bit steep. However, some consumers could justify it as a deal because they get SLR-like features without paying a couple hundred extra for the SLR body, plus lenses and such.

Gadget Freaks – The Fuji S9000 has some features the gadget freak will be interested in. The tilting LCD monitor shows potential, but there is no Wi-Fi or touch screen to really wow this crowd.

*Manual Control Freaks – *This model will satisfy manual control freaks if they have a telepathic sense of where everything is on the S9000. A ton of options are offered, but they are all buried in menus or available only when two buttons are pushed or rotated.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Serious hobbyists may consider this camera for purchase, but professionals will probably still opt for a true DSLR. Manual functions and the traditional bulky SLR look will attract a nice hobbyist crowd.

Conclusion

**

Conclusion
**The concept of SLR shaped digital cameras that cost almost as much as DSLRs doesn’t really make much sense unless consumers really want video capture, live previews, and a stabilized lens at an affordable price. Unfortunately, the S9000 lens is not stabilized. Still, accessorizing is one of the Fujifilm FinePix S9000’s best traits. It does, after all, have a hot shoe and a threaded lens. Although, again the S9000 falls short with only a single pin connection for the applied accessory flash. The S9000 aims to please with its manual, priority, automatic, scene and movie modes. It borrows elements from compact cameras like its VGA movie mode that shoots 30 frames per second and its color modes and in-camera image parameters. The S9000 also has that SLR look with its large handgrip and 10.7x optical zoom lens with focus and zoom rings – although the lens isn’t detachable. The camera’s body is bulky and heavy, even though it is constructed from molded plastic parts. There is a folding 1.8-inch LCD monitor that adds interest, but the actual screen is grainy and has a very narrow field of view, thus solarizing easily.

The Fujifilm FinePix has rich colors and does well in low light, so it certainly produces nice looking photographs. Getting those gorgeous photos could be an issue though, as this camera is anything but easy to use. A few read-throughs of the user manual and several shooting sessions are required to learn the non-intuitive nuances of the S9000. Another major obstacle for this model is its dependence on four AA batteries to power it. Users could go through forty bucks of batteries just trying to learn how to change the aperture. For a retail price of $699, there are certainly easier models to use that take great pictures. And there is always the option to upgrade. Consumers can now purchase DSLRs online for around $700.

Specs / Ratings

Specs Table
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