Manual Controls
The Fuji FinePix S7000 has a wide variety of manual control options accessible through the Menu and the various independent control buttons located across the camera’s body. Similar to the camera’s design and shape, the manual control options also lie somewhere in between a point-and-shoot and SLR digital camera.

Focus
Auto Focus (7.0)
The Fuji FinePix S7000 is set apart from previous Fujifilm models by its external AF sensor, which allows for faster focusing. Single AF and Continuous AF are both available within this mode. Single AF (the camera’s default) focuses the camera each time the shutter button is pressed down halfway. Continuous AF is useful in situations where the subject is moving, as the camera focuses continuously on the subject in the center of your composed image. Within the general AF mode, the Fuji FinePix S7000 also allows users to choose between Area, Center, or Multi-Focusing mode. In using the mode, I wasn’t as pleased with its performance as I have been with other digital cameras. Sometimes I had to try a few times to obtain image focus that I was happy with.

Manual Focus (5.0)
In addition to the extensive AF system, the Fuji FinePix S7000 also offers manual focus. The camera’s FZ (Focus/Zoom) ring can be adjusted to obtain exact focus when the Focus mode selector is set to MF. When the camera enters into correct focus, a focus indicator dot appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder, whichever is selected. If the focus is set too close or too far away, an arrow will appear to indicate the direction the FZ ring should be turned. When compared with a digital SLR, I found this method cumbersome. I wasn’t able to fully determine by my eye alone whether the image was in focus, but I didn’t like relying on the camera’s arrow system to tell me what was accurate.

In situations where rapid focus is needed, the One-touch AF button can be pressed while the camera is still in manual focus mode. The Fuji FinePix S7000 also offers a Focus check function, in which the center is enlarged to ensure or adjust focus. Since manual focusing modes are generally used by more experienced shooters, the inclusion of extensive MF features on the S7000 seems to be an attempt to reach a larger pool of users.

Metering (7.5)
Metering options fall under the Fuji FinePix S7000’s Photometry Menu, which offers a 64-zone TTL (through the lens) metering system. The default, and most appropriate for most subjects, is the Multi metering mode. The spot mode is useful for high contrast situations in which a particular part of the image needs to be exposed correctly. The Average metering mode averages the value for the entire image to obtain the correct exposure. This mode is good for situations where there is varying contrast.

The Fuji FinePix S7000 also offers a bracketing function that aids in obtaining a perfectly exposed image. When in bracket mode, three frames are shot: one is the camera’s idea of a correct exposure, one overexposed, and one underexposed to a degree indicated by the user.

Exposure (7.0)
The Fuji FinePix S7000 has the standard setup for manual exposure compensation. If an exposure is less than accurate, the user can adjust it in 1/3 EV increments from -2 EV to +2 EV in order to obtain a better image. This function is carried out by pressing down the small Exposure compensation button located near the Shutter button and simultaneously rotating the command dial.

White Balance (5.5)
The Fuji FinePix S7000 has an impressive array of white balance options located within the Menu. Users can choose among Auto, Outdoor/Fine weather, Shade, Daylight fluorescent lamps, Warm White fluorescent lamps, and Cool White fluorescent lamps and incandescent light, along with two custom settings. If you can’t find the perfect white balance among all those settings, you’re doing something wrong. These options rival most SLRs on the market, going above and beyond in some cases . However, I often found it difficult to obtain accurate white balance on the first try, and had to try the manual settings repeatedly to obtain an image I was somewhat happy with.

ISO (5.5)
Although the Fuji FinePix S7000’s automatic ISO ranges from the equivalents of 160 to 800, I was disappointed by the three meager manual ISO settings: 200, 400, and 800. This is one situation in which the Fuji FinePix S7000 does not produce competitive control options and is limiting to the user. Furthermore, the 800 setting only takes images at a reduced resolution (3M), so if you’re looking to make good prints, you really only have the option of shooting at an ISO 200 or 400! Shooting limitations like these are ludicrous and contribute to poor image quality.

Shutter Speed (8.5)
When the Fuji FinePix S7000 is in manual mode, the shutter speed can be adjusted by rotating the Command dial. The speed ranges from 15 seconds (in Bulb setting) to 1/10000 of a second, a speed so fast it surpasses most other cameras currently on the market, digital SLRs included! This digital camera would be fun to take out at night with a tripod and a good friend to take along to the games with you.

Aperture (7.5)
The Fuji FinePix S7000 has an Aperture range of f/2.8 to f/8 in 1/3 increments. It is relatively easy to adjust manually by holding down the Exposure compensation button and rotating the Command dial.