Hey! You should know that this product has been discontinued. Here are our current recommended cameras in the Point and Shoot Digital Cameras category.
Fuji Finepix A610
Editor's Review
The low-end Fuji Finepix A610 is a decent camera for casual users, with no frills to get in the way of a simple photograph. The 6 megapixel sensor will provide decent photos and reasonably sized prints, and for just over $100, the A610 is a sure bargain. The in-camera menus are easy-to-read and targeted at users who aren't very familiar with the finer points of digital cameras. Each menu option and feature comes with a description that tells you exactly what's going to happen if you change the setting. The A610 also features an interesting dual memory card configuration, accepting both xD-Picture cards (to satisfy long time Fuji users) and Secure Digital cards (which is quickly becoming the industry standard). The Fuji A610 will be fine for new digital camera consumers, but if you're looking for something with a little extra oomph, this is not the camera for you.
Editor's Review
The low-end Fuji Finepix A610 is a decent camera for casual users, with no frills to get in the way of a simple photograph. The 6 megapixel sensor will provide decent photos and reasonably sized prints, and for just over $100, the A610 is a sure bargain. The in-camera menus are easy-to-read and targeted at users who aren't very familiar with the finer points of digital cameras. Each menu option and feature comes with a description that tells you exactly what's going to happen if you change the setting. The A610 also features an interesting dual memory card configuration, accepting both xD-Picture cards (to satisfy long time Fuji users) and Secure Digital cards (which is quickly becoming the industry standard). The Fuji A610 will be fine for new digital camera consumers, but if you're looking for something with a little extra oomph, this is not the camera for you.
Specifications
- 6.3 megapixels
- Movie mode
- 3x optical zoom
- Auto focus and exposure
- ISO 100-400
- Secure Digital and xD-Picture Card storage (10MB internal)
- JPEG file format
- 2.5-inch LCD
- 2 AA batteries
- Release Date: Jan 25, 2007
Shop for A610 Accessories
Fuji Finepix A610 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
NR
contact onenrone at gmail.com if you could.
With the Fuji A610, you would need a DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatible printer. My guess is that the problem is occurring during printing; meaning, the date info is successfully on the image, but the printer it's being put through is not designed to read that particular info.
There's more about this in the instruction manual on page 70; you can also see it here:
cyberscholar.com/fujifilm/r... you're using your own printer, let me know what it is and I can try to help you see if it can be set to do this.
What you have set probably goes into the EXIF data.
However as this camera is Pictbridge compliant and you can use a Pictbridge compliant printer that offers datestamp feature to extract the date and add on to the pictures printed..
If your printer isn't Pictbridge compliant, you will need a datestamp software such as <a href="bestsoftwarezone.com/comput... one</a> to have the date printed.
I have this question, request you to enlighten me on this topic... more megapixels packed into the same sized sensor reduces quality, due to a weaker signal and more noise... in this regard, will switching to a smaller picture size(by the user,from the settings menu) help to improve the picture quality?? will it enable the user to extract better quality pictures from the same sensor?? awaiting your reply... thanks...
Some cameras have written into their firmware a process called "binning," which merges the signals of multiple pixels to make larger pixels. Usually at a 4-1 ration. This will essentially turn a 12-megapixel camera into a 3-megapixel camera. And that gives you the opposite problem of too many pixels on the chip ... you now have too few and as such, will run into artifacting instead of noise.
The argument is essentially this: CCD chips on point and shoot cameras a smaller and as such, fitting in more pixels causes them to lose light sensivity. Sure, there’s more data on the chip, but the chip can’t absorb the light data and what it ends up with is a picture that has more noise than image quality. In addition, the more megapixels a camera has, the larger the lens it needs to provide the clarity it deserves and prevent diffraction due to a loss of detail with smaller apertures. But since we’re talking portable point and shoots here, those large lenses simply aren’t being made.
Finally, with larger mega pixels comes longer saving time due to their requires huge storage capacity, or more compression if not storing images in RAW format. The result is a noisier image and a dissatisfied camera user who thirsts for high quality and speed but fell into the trap of "more must mean better."
In the end, relying on a smaller MP that can balance all these needs may indeed be a better answer.
If you are going to push 6MP cameras, you're going to have to tell us model numbers. Currently available cameras in the high end P&S catagory where abhi is shopping start at 7MP. There are no A rated non-SLR cameras on this website at 6MP. I hear where you are coming from, and if I could buy a 4-6MP camera equipped like a top end P&S camera, I would be at the store in the morning. All the 6MP cameras are second rate now. I don't want a used camera (though the Canon Pro1 caught my eye for a moment at $1800 like new).
And just because the ratings slack off on a camera doesn't mean it's a bad camera. Take the Fuli A610 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) for instance. 43 reviews, average star rating of 4.42 of 5. 6 reviews here at DHQ give it a solid 5 starts out 5. I don't consider that "second rate."
Just remember that with age, comes a drop in the ratings. I remember many "A" cameras on this list that drop over time due to lack of availability. Doesn't mean they're "second rate."
And there's no need to be combative about it. You have an issue with Imaging's conclusions, attack the conclusions.
I'm not challenging the Image Engineering folks either. They seem to really know what they are talking about. So, I reread their page again and am reminded that they recommend a 3MP count for the typical 1/2.5" sensor, and 4MP for 1/1.8" sensors. 6MP really only applies to the 2/3" sensor as was used in the Canon Pro 1.
I did note their one line qualifier, "We calculated how many pixels have space to be in a sensor if one pixel has a size of 3 µm which we believe to be a minimum size for good image quality at higher sensitivity levels (>ISO 400).
" (bold added by me). That fits well with the experience we are having that our cameras do very well at ISO 100, not too badly at ISO 200, and deteriorate above that level.
I think I'm just frustrated because that puts us in a real bind since all the "decent" cameras are certainly more than 3-4MP now. I'm glad to hear the companies are serious about enlarging the sensors. And I'm glad I like to shoot outdoors where lighting direction is the "problem" and not lighting level.
Ultimately, it seems it always boils down to how good we are at working around our cameras' weaknesses no matter the cause. For example, I'm enjoying the 12MP G9 probably because I don't shoot in low light at high ISO's and don't notice whatever noise is there because I only view on the computer on a 17" screen. (And I don't shoot weddings!).
Thanks again for your feedback. I always like to learn more about this fascinating hobby.
And I still think you could give us a list of 4-6MP cameras you like. ;)
And if you spend most of your time taking pictures in optimum conditions (daylight, etc), then by all means, get the camera that best fits your needs. And Hal, if you're happy with the quality of the pictures you get, more power to you. I'm just going with the latest research. It may be that I'll revise my p.o.v. if I'm convinced otherwise. But until an counter argument is presented that's as persuasive as Image Engineering's, I've gotta go with what makes sense to me.
BTW for the record, I shoot with an 8MP SP560UZ and I do see the issue that I.E. mentions often. But for a longer zoom, you have to make tradeoffs.
Remember,the quality that you see in the G9 is not simply the outcome of using higher megapixels on the same sensor, so its not right to attribute the quality to the huge number of megapixels used... We,ve come a long way since when 3megapixels was considered state-of the-art and things has changed... Along with increasing pixel counts MANY other things have changed also...sensors have improved, focusing, image stabilization, the "auto" features, evrything has been worked upon and improved by the manufacturers...and these things combined give you the arguably best quality picture currently available on a P&S, the quality of the G9...
Had all THESE technologies been implemented on a lower megapixel camera, the image quality would not be as dissatisfactory as you are getting from your OLD models... And just because G9 gives WAY better pictures than your previous camera(with outdated technology), u cannot use this output as a direct comparison between low-res and hi-res sensors...
All other factors remaining same, had the number of pixels on the G9 been lesser, you would have certainly got EVEN better picture, better quality, brighter and MOST IMPORTANTLY, less noisier(As Larry pointed out, u won't understand this difference under good lighting conditions, simply because the amount of light, that is, the SIGNAL, is available in an adequate amount)...
The only advantages of using more pixels(OTHER factors remainig SAME) could be better resolution(not recognizable until viewed big-sized...) and the ability to take larger sized prints and crops... However, these must not come at the cost of other important factors(and to keep them similar, the ONLY way is to increase the sensor size...). This is where the manufactureres are doing the WRONG thing, they are simply abandoning quality and joining a "RACE"... The MEGAPIXEL race...
I too, would to go for a low-res camera, but they simply aren't made these days... And the old models, even if available, would require me to settle with an outdated(but providing first-rate quality in photos...) camera by sacrificing today's advanced technology which comes in the form of improved sensors and processors, more powerful lenses, better ergonomics and design and build, better flashes and displays and viewfinders, more accesories, and of course loads of useful in-camera features like Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Red-Eye removal, and a wide range of inbuilt shooting and scene modes... And yes, something below 6MPs do seem TOO low...And for ALL the 8,10,12 MP models, the noise is almost the same, they are all EQUALLY bad :( (Probably due to the slightly smaller sensors on the lower MP models)... At least the higher MPs will give me a bit of extra detail...
So currently there's nothing such as a "good deal", the best I can do is avoid the worst ones and select the one that is LESS worse...
I am SOOOOOO eagerly waiting for someone to manufacture those big-sensor models, and SOON... But till then, I don't know... I really wish I could buy a P&S, but ultimately, going for the costlier, BIGGER, heavier, less-portable, less user-friendly, less usable, and less-featured angel might be my destiny... :)
So look for it within the next few years.
anyway, do you remember the sources where you got this info from? I would like to check out the artcles... for getting a rough idea about the release dates of such models...
However, it's simple physics and math. The more megapixels camera manufacturers cram onto a tiny 1/6" CCD, the less sensitive it becomes and the greater the noise at higher ISOs and in low light. Now, this may not be an issue with the kinds of pictures you take, I don't know. But until camera manufacturers figure out a way around this light desensitization issue at High MP, it's going to continue and get worse.
Thankfully, there are signs of improvement and the G9 does have a larger CCD as part of those signs. But the price is what causes me to look at an SLR solution which doesn't experience that issue since the chips are far larger. Other good signs are that according to recent news articles, many camera companies will be incorporating the CCD chips they use in their SLR lines (which give no shutter lag) into their point and shoot cameras. In addition, [url=blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008... has created a new pixel arrangement that adds panchromatic pixels to the usual red, green and blue for greater light sensitivity. It's redesigned CMOS chips also analyzes the pixels in the opposite way it used to providing sharper images in low light.
So look for it within the next few years.
You are right on about planned obsolescence, though. Let's not forget that film cameras still take fabulous pictures.
And as for electronics, they're often obsolete as soon as they hit the market!
Mr DeRuvo and the techo boys are also correct, cramming that many pixels in such a tiny sensor will cause the photos to crap out on the higher ISO end of the scale. but then all the P&S do this. It seems that G9's tend to do it better though. We all live with compromises and tradeoffs everyday. I am personally enjoying the G9 and the good group of people I found participating in this forum. Take a bow everyone you guys deserve it. Thanks for letting me put my two cents in.
Best Regards,
Howard
This is NOT about the G9, please have a look at the original question, I think we are going off the topic...
The G9 is a TOP camera, it's a REALLY GREAT camera, and we know that... eevryone knows that, and there's no doubt about that...
Please don't misunderstand me, I never intended to under-estimate the G9's capabilities... :)
Its just that we are discussing something else here... :)
Anyway, it was nice to have so many people's responses...
-Abhi.
Some cameras have written into their firmware a process called "binning," which merges the signals of multiple pixels to make larger pixels. Usually at a 4-1 ration. This will essentially turn a 12-megapixel camera into a 3-megapixel camera. And that gives you the opposite problem of too many pixels on the chip ... you now have too few and as such, will run into artifacting instead of noise.
As I mentioned, I'm sure the G9 is a great camera in conditions below ISO 800. But it's important to know what to expect going in. And for the price, you should.
imaging-resource.com/MFR1.H... detailed reports with answers to questions like date stamping.
Did you realize that digital cameras automatically include the date as well as other data such as the camera make and model, photo number, the exposure data, etc. as part of the digital file? Techies call it METAdata.
This is of course NOT the "date stamping" that used to come on a few models of film cameras---that actually burned the date into the negative with LEDs.
Fuji Finepix A610 Reviews
Fuji Finepix A610 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 1.0 out of 5
Fuji service at the local and national service center was totally sub-standard. The local repair shop did not provide service for months then they cited a technicality as to why he couldn't fix it. The shop owner then was abusive to me! Sending it to their national fix shop was joke. I sent it in 3/09 and they said they sent our 2 mail notifications on the estimate - they were never received. Lastly, the battery door, a $5 part, will cost me $60 to repair. Bye Fuchi.
- 5.0 out of 5
i have raeted this camera as excellent because i find it to be the best one can get from that price..
i am a student and since i love capturing moments in snaps i found this camera which i could afford easily, it takes nice pictures and is handy.. what more can one want..
- 4.0 out of 5
This is the first digital camera I have owned. The camera is user friendly and takes bright, crisp pictures. We used it on our honeymoon and were extremely happy with the pictures. The only thing I don't like about the camera is the button that you push for zoom and the button you push for flash change are next to each other and (I think) backwards. I always switch the two and have to scroll through all the flashes to get back to the one I want. Overall all I really like the camera and would suggest it to others! Great Price!
- 5.0 out of 5
i have had this camera 1 day and have fallen in love with it. It's a great camera for a great price. This is my first camera and am very happy with this purchase.
- 5.0 out of 5
I bought this because it was cheap after I lost an Olympus that I was not happy with. This one is easy to use, intuitive and takes all aroiund fine pictures.
- 5.0 out of 5
I have used a few digital cameras (at work) before but the A610 is the first one I own. Its a very nice camera particular;ly if you want to take pictures without the frills and complication of having to deal with all sorts of controls. the Quality is good both for the camera and the pictures. I would recommend it for anyone. COngratulations Fujifilm.
- 5.0 out of 5
Excellent camera for amateurs and everybody who want good quality camera as second camera to take with you everywhere. Good picture quality thanks to Super CCD. Only 400 ISO but 100% usable. Good flash and very easy menu. And SD card compatible:)))I recommend it for everybody!!I would never buy any other camera for this price!!