Fujifilm FinePix S7000 6.3 MP Digital Camera w/ 6x ...

• 6.3-Megapixel SuperCCD HR sensor produces images with 12.3 million pixels (4048 x 3040)
• 6x optical plus 3.2x digital zoom (19x total)
• 1.8-inch LCD, electronic viewfinder, super macro mode for shots as close as 1cm, 5-frame burst mode
• Includes 16 MB XD Picture Card; also compatible with CompactFlash Type II cards and MicroDrives
• Powered by 4 AA batteries (alkalines included, rechargeables recommended); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

Amazon.com Product Description:
With its compact SLR-style body, manual controls, and powerful optics, the FujiFilm FinePix S7000 is a great choice for professional photographers or advanced amateurs. The S7000 combines a 6x optical zoom with a 6.3-megapixel Fujifilm Super CCD, which is capable of nearly doubling the number of effective pixels that are processed and stored. The S7000 also features movie mode with audio, dual memory slots (XD and CompactFlash), and USB 2.0 connectivity. Optics and Resolution The FinePix S7000's Super CCD HR features a powerful f2.8 Fujinon 6x aspherical zoom lens that's equivalent to 35-210mm in 35mm photography and a smooth 3.2x digital zoom. The S7000 offers 6.3 effective megapixels (2848 x 2136 pixels), which can translate to 12 million recorded pixels (4048 x 3040 pixels). It also offers 2848 x 2136, 2016 x 1512, 1600 x 1200, and 1280 x 960 resolution modes. Effective pixels are the number of light sensitive pixels that are actually used by the camera's image sensor (the CCD) to record light. The term recorded pixels refers to the number of output pixels that are recorded to the memory card. FujiFilm's Super CCD The Super CCD is a proprietary version of the CCD (charged coupling device) system of light-gathering diodes that captures images into pixels. The Super CCD utilizes larger, octagonal-shaped, light-gathering diodes called Picture Elements (pixels) that are laid out in a saw-tooth pattern. Super CCDs can capture more light information than ordinary CCDs. The FinePix S7000 features the fourth generation Super CCD HR (High Resolution), which is capable of nearly doubling the number of effective pixels that are processed and stored as additional detail in the recorded pixel file. Movie Mode and Voice Memo Feature The S7000 captures VGA-quality MPEG video with audio at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 frames per second for up to 13 seconds. You can also capture 26 seconds of 320 x 240 pixel video with audio. The voice memo feature enables you to attach short audio recordings (up to 30 seconds) along with your captured photos to help you remember details. The voice memos are saved as WAV files and can be e-mailed along with image files. More Features The S7000 has advanced exposure controls, including auto, programmed AE, aperture-priority AE, manual EV, and pre-programmed scene position modes. It also features a range of ISO-equivalent sensitivities, from 160-800 on auto to 200-1600 in manual mode. The S7000 also features an accurate, state-of-the-art, high-speed autofocus (AF) system that makes focusing quicker and more precise. The continuous autofocus feature automatically adjusts focus as the camera moves. The continuous shooting mode enables you to capture 5 frames per second at 12 MP (megapixel) mode, or up to 40 frames in either 1, 2, or 3 MP mode. Other features include: 1.8-inch LCD monitor and a high-resolution .44-inch electronic viewfinder Built-in, pop-up flash with auto, red-eye reduction, forced flash, suppressed flash, and slow synchro modes Shutter speed: 15 seconds to 1/10,000 second Still image formats: JPEG and CCD RAW White balance modes: automatic, manual (fine, shade), fluorescent (daylight, warm white, and cool white), incandescent, and custom Exposure modes: automatic, manual, aperture priority, exposure compensation, program AE, and shutter priority auto mode. Storage and Transfer Images are stored on either CompactFlash (Type II) or XD memory cards, and a 16 MB XD card is included. The S7000 is also compatible with MicroDrives. When shooting images at 12 MP, the 16 MB card will store approximately 6 images at normal setting; at 6MP, you can store approximately 10 images. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via ultrafast USB 2.0, which means it can be connected to any USB-compatible Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. When used with USB 1.1 connection, transfer will slow to USB 1.1 rate. Power and Size The camera is powered by 4 AA batteries; alkaline batteries are included, but rechargeable NiMH batteries are recommended. It measures 4.8 by 3.2 by 3.8 inches and weighs 17.6 ounces (excluding batteries and media). What's In The Box This package includes the FinePix S7000 digital camera, 16 MB XD memory card, 4 AA alkaline batteries, USB and A/V cables, lens cap, lens cap holder, and shoulder strap. The included CD-ROM features FinePix View 4.1 imaging software, Pixela VCD 2 Image Mixer for FinePix, QuickTime 5, and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

another one on the well-deserved bandwagon:
The Fuji S7000 doesn't disappoint! I have used this camera for about 3-4 years and am still using it. If there is one camera you need to take with you in a hurry for any photography situation, this could be the one. The 6x optical zoom is more than competent for about 95 percent of most pictures, and if you need more then you can bump up the added 3.2x digital zoom (total 19x zoom). With this camera you can put in two memory cards at the same time (CF and xd), but of course it will read/write to only one at a time that you choose. But this gives you automatic backup, just switch to the other card if your primary card is full! Also, it shoots 30 fps video, so it's a good idea to get as big and as fast a memory card that you can. In the macro mode it can get as close as 1/2-inch, and I have taken many awesome close-ups! The built-in flash also has a rated range of nearly 28 feet at wide angle and 26 feet at telephoto! And it has a hot shoe so you can add a more powerful flash if you wish, if you needed it. I did have a disappointment with it in that because the lens is an external zoom (the lens zooms outward), it is not possible to attach a lens filter to the front of the lens. (When the lens is retracted, it is possible to attach a 55 mm filter, but then the camera won't operate because the lens can't pop out when the camera is turned on.) I believe Fuji sells an accessory tube that can be attached which is longer than the extended lens to allow the use of filters. (I was brought up on film SLRs, where every lens had a UV or haze filter to protect the lens.) Another quirk, which is a "good thing," is that this camera will shut itself down when battery power is low. It happened to me, but all I had to do was restart the camera, and it will continue to take pictures (and then shut down again). I know I am writing this review late, since the camera is already officially discontinued, but I happened to browse this site, and was impressed that the camera has such high rankings and such a loyal user base.

Reliable and a great value:
I've now taken this camera through four years of hard use and it has been terrific. It's been dragged through dusty back roads of Mexico and to snow covered New England mountain tops. Take the time to learn how to take advantage of the control it offers. It provides the power and flexibility of an SLR digital and the convienence of a point and shoot. The zoom and lens optics are impressive. I can highly recommend the S7000 for someone wanting a more serious digital at a great value.

WHAT CUSTOMER SERVICE??????:
Iowned my s7000 for about 3 1/2 yrs. Usage was lite 3-400 pics a yr. Camera was well taken care of never dropped or abused. All of a sudden for no reason it would not download to the 'puter. Sent it to Fuji, they said a board burned out, WANTED $170 to replace it, WOULD ONLY GUARANTEE FIX FOR 3 MONTHS......I amm buyin a Canon Rebel, and Fuji can eat their LACK OF CUSTOMER CARE>>>>>>>

Outstanding Camera:
This Fuji S700 is my 4th Digital Camera. The first was a HP that started messing up within the first week. I swapped that out for a Fuji which gave me years of reliable service. I gave that to friend a few years ago when I bought a Panasonic that had more bells and whistles. She is still using the Fuji I gave her. The Panasonic developed a quirk with the on/off switch and I went back to Fuji with the S700. All I gotta say is, WOW! This S700 far exceeds my expectations. It has more features than I'll ever use and is very user friendly. Even a newbie will easily be able to use it right out of the box. It has the looks and feel of a sturdy SLR and is extremely well balanced. That make is easy to take quality no jitter pics. Both the view finder and LCD screens are remarkably bright and easy to see even in the brightest conditions out side. The pop up flach is unique and does the best job I've ever experienced with eliminating red eye. For those of you who have Dogs and/or Cats, you know that even with red eye eliminator set on most cameras, the eyes of your pet will still have that piercing glow. Not so with the Fuji S700! My Puppy Zoe's eyes are the beautiful soft natural Brown even with the flash. Rae my Cat's deep Green eyes look deep and green wvwn with the flash. The Vid setting takes amazinly great Video for a multi function Camera. You can get up to 45 minutes of Vid on a 2 gig SD card. The audio is even exceptionally good for a Camera. One feature that knocked off my socks is the battery discharge feature. I was able to completely discharge some NIMH batteries that were destined for the recycle bin due to not keeping a charge. That resulted in them now holding a complete charge again! I can go on and on about the wonders of this camera. Oh yeah, the manual. It's detailed and leads you through the use and functions in a logical, easy to understand step by step process. One of the best written manuals I've ever seen. Yes, there are better ones on the market but they are many times the cost of the Fuji S700. I could go on and on singing the praises of the Fuji S700 but will conclude in saying that I'm beyond pleased with it.

Near Perfection:
I've been using my FinePix S7000 for about three years now. Overall, I've been extremely please with all aspects of the camera *except* for the following: 1. The electronic zoom control is inoperative in the movie mode. 2. *My* camera requires a re-boot when I switch from a CF card to an XD card. No rebooting is required when I go the other way (XD to CF). Fuji claims this is a problem that could be corrected with a new mother board, however, my camera is out of warantee and I'm not going to pay $175 to fix such a minor problem. I have taken literally thousands of pictures and I have to say that this camera has consistantly produced outstanding results. All considered, looking back to when I bought the camera, I made a good decision and would probably do it again.