Product face-offs
FujiFilm FinePix S8000fd
| Sensor | CCD 8 mégapixels (1/2.35) |
| Zoom | 18x (27 - 486 mm / F2.8 - F4.5) |
| Optical stabilization | oui (mécanique) |
| Internal/external memory | 58 Mo / xD Picture Card, SD card |
| Sensitivity | auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 |
| Video mode | 640 x 480, 320 x 240 pixels / 30 fps |
| Power source | 4 batteries AA |
| Dimensions/Weight | 111 x 78 x 79 mm / 510 g |
And what about double stabilization?
What is double stabilisation? As impressive as the 486 mm lense sounds, stabilization (to compensate for the movements of the photographer) is indispensable. On the FinePix S8000fd, this is assured by moving the sensor (compensates for camera shake) and by increases in sensitivity (compensates for both camera shake and movements of the subject).
Renaud Labracherie
Test date: 2008-01-28
Test date: 2008-01-28
Fujifilm abandons its SuperCCD for a more classic sensor but there is now a superb 18x stabilized optical zoom (f/2, 8-4.5). This should be something to attract avid photographers.
Handling
First contact with the Fujifilm S8000fd is rather reassuring and we can see that construction is very serious. This bridge offers a proper hold thanks to its handle and we liked the rubber coating for a better grip. The LCD screen offers a fine rendering of images well and a fluid display. The electronic viewfinder is still a bit dark but overall it is appreciable as is its good fluidity.
The S8000fd can be easily adjusted thanks to a barrel dial to choose exposure modes and a selection cross for the main parameters. We also find the F button for the rapid setting of sensitivity, image quality (still no RAW format) and colors.
The zoom functions rather quickly as does the focus in wide angle; however, it is slower after having zoomed in on subjects. Startup isn’t very fast and the recording time between shots is rather long. Finally, the burst mode isn’t up to par with sequences being limited to 3 shots at a speed of 1.8 i/s.
Image quality
An 18x zoom is an impressive lens and especially interesting when it covers the full focal range of the wide angle at 27 mm to the max zoom of 486 mm. In addition, it remains continuously bright. Precision is quite good and there is as much detail in the wide angle as at maximum zoom. We did notice a slight loss of sharpness on the edge of images as well as the presence of purple fringes on contrasted subjects; however, this is rather well controlled and finally not too visible on 10x15 and 13x18 prints. Distortion at 27 mm is also very visible. Finally, noise control can be a bit "strong" at times and smoothing is perceptible starting at 400 ISO. Graininess is minimal but details start to suffer due to excessive smoothing beyond this sensitivity.
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Handling
First contact with the Fujifilm S8000fd is rather reassuring and we can see that construction is very serious. This bridge offers a proper hold thanks to its handle and we liked the rubber coating for a better grip. The LCD screen offers a fine rendering of images well and a fluid display. The electronic viewfinder is still a bit dark but overall it is appreciable as is its good fluidity.
The S8000fd can be easily adjusted thanks to a barrel dial to choose exposure modes and a selection cross for the main parameters. We also find the F button for the rapid setting of sensitivity, image quality (still no RAW format) and colors.
The zoom functions rather quickly as does the focus in wide angle; however, it is slower after having zoomed in on subjects. Startup isn’t very fast and the recording time between shots is rather long. Finally, the burst mode isn’t up to par with sequences being limited to 3 shots at a speed of 1.8 i/s.
Image quality
An 18x zoom is an impressive lens and especially interesting when it covers the full focal range of the wide angle at 27 mm to the max zoom of 486 mm. In addition, it remains continuously bright. Precision is quite good and there is as much detail in the wide angle as at maximum zoom. We did notice a slight loss of sharpness on the edge of images as well as the presence of purple fringes on contrasted subjects; however, this is rather well controlled and finally not too visible on 10x15 and 13x18 prints. Distortion at 27 mm is also very visible. Finally, noise control can be a bit "strong" at times and smoothing is perceptible starting at 400 ISO. Graininess is minimal but details start to suffer due to excessive smoothing beyond this sensitivity.
- 18x stabilized zoom and good overall construction
- Fast face detection system
- 1 cm macro mode
- Electronic viewfinder relatively nice to use (for once!)
- Very satisfactory video mode
- Significant smoothing of images beyond 400 ISO
- Lack of sharpness on the edges of images
- No RAW mode
- Autonomy could be better (4 alkaline batteries)
- No exposure bar when aiming
With an 18x zoom, you should be forgiving in other areas. The S8000fd will first and foremost satisfy the photographer looking for a versatile camera instead of extreme image quality.
Return to the Introduction : Product Survey: Bridge Digital Cameras
