Fujifilm FinePix S9000 9.2 MP Digital Camera - Black

Likes: Great lens, continuous autofocus in burst/multi-frame modes, ability to record images in TIFF/RAW formats, dual media slots (provision for CFII or microdrive), tilting LCD screen, and SLR-like handling in a 20 ounce package.

Dislikes: manual zoom control only.

I bought this camera as an upgrade from my S-602z (one of the first in this line of cameras) due to the diminishing supply of smartmedia cards available at reasonable prices. I found that most of the controls are very similar to the 602 and only a few minor adjustments took searching through setup menus.

I have yet to use the camera in fast shooting situations, but I'm pretty confident that it will perform as well or better than my old 602z.

The Fuji FinePix S9000 camera is a very advanced bridge camera, it has a DSLR feel to it. It is a big step up from the Fuji FinePix S7000 and you can feel the upgrade in quality almost immediately.

Like the Fuji S6000fd this had a Super CCD image sensor, but the S9000 has 9.0 million effective pixels and is paired with a Real Photo Processor, this combination produces extra detail, colour and range.

When reviewing a string of test shots including portraits, scenery and natural world (mainly wildlife) the textures are evident and exposure vibrant as ever when printed on photo paper (not even set to the highest quality).

Also known as the S9500 in Europe, with its notable sensitivity range it can square up to the majority of the DSLR’s still being used in professional fields today. I really like the adjustable LCD, it allows you to take really inventive photographs from a range of positions and is something DSLR’s don’t have.

The lens has full manual control used by twisting the barrel, which I prefer to the zoom buttons on the average camera. The hot shoe is a big plus to the built in flash and the S9500 has the option to add filters and additional “add-on” lenses that makes your options never-ending.

The lens (the 28-300mm Fujinon) which is a good all rounder, offers the excellent Super Macro mode for close detailed photography, you can shoot from up to 1cm with wide angle, you would not find many cameras that can get much closer than that unless you ventured into a very expensive DSLR and specialist lens.

With a speedy start up, array of exposure modes, continuous shooting, movie recording and playback, high quality speaker, Compact flash I/II and XD compatible, it is a package which is unrivalled by any other manufacturer.

This camera is impressive and Fuji have a winner with the S9000.

Super Power Photography 2009

The S9000 is by far the best camera I have ever owned. It's a wonderful bridge camera with the only feature it is lacking is being an actual SLR. Easy to use for beginners with presets and perfect for more advanced users with many manual features you will not find on a point and shoot. My old one broke so I upgraded to a newer model but ended up returning to the S9000. I highly recommend this camera!

I had a Fuji S7000 and upgraded to the S9000 and it has been worth every penny. If you want point and shoot it is great. If you want to be able to adjust and manual operate your camera, the S9000 is as close as you can get to a DSL camera. The S9000 is a great camera for anyone.

This camera is light weight and seems to be pretty durable. I think it is great for someone who wants higher quality pictures and more options but is not a proffesional. It is a goodstepping stone. It is SLR like in the fact that is has dual image stabalizers.