Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR First Look: Heavy on Features and Function

The F600EXR is Fuji's latest version of its premier compact digital camera using EXR technology, in which the sensor employs pixel binning - combining two adjacent pixels to create larger pixels with decreased noise. As with the previous camera in the series, the F550EXR, the sensor is also a back-illuminated CMOS, which allows for faster performance and better low light ability.

The F600EXR is very similar to the F550EXR. Both use a 1/2.0 inch, 16 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS EXR sensor. They each have a 15x optical zoom lens with a focal range of 24 through 360mm (35mm film camera equivalent). They can take HD movies at 1080p resolution and have a built-in GPS. They both can shoot in RAW mode. The F600EXR does add a few useful features - a motion detection capability in Auto EXR mode to reduce blur, a Landmark Navigator feature to improve the functionality of the GPS, and a new intelligent digital zoom which effectively doubles the telephoto range of the 15x optical zoom lens.

The F600EXR is somewhat large and heavy for a compact point & shoot camera, weighing in at approximately 220 grams, including its lithium-ion rechargeable battery and memory card. It measures about 4-inches (103.5mm) wide, 2.4-inches (62.5mm) high and 1.2-inches (32.6mm) thick, or approximately the size of a bar of soap. The camera feels solid, with a largely plastic body on top of a metal frame. To help the user grip the camera, there's a rubberized strip at its front as well as a rubber coating surrounding the large 3.0-inch diagonal LCD screen.