Model Design / Appearance (8.0)
The Fuji FinePix S7000 falls into a gray area between point-and-shoot digital camera and SLR, leaving the consumer in a sort of digital camera limbo. It doesn’t have the sexy sleek appeal that many digital cameras boast, but if you’re looking for something substantial (and not too bulky and high tech) this might be one to check out. I look as this digital camera as a traditional point-and-shoot in an SLR style package. It has the dark black body, large right hand grip, and dial positioning of an SLR, without as many options and with only two additional accessory lenses (28mm WL-FX9 wide angle and 315mm TL-FX9 telephoto). Those not used to an SLR might find the design a little awkward or bulky, while those accustomed to the SLR style will feel at home with its familiar shape.
Size / Portability (6.5)
The Fuji FinePix S7000 fits into the larger camera category measuring 4.8 x 3.2 x 3.8 in, with a volume of 58.4 in³, and weighing 17.6 ounces. The camera’s boxy design distributes weight evenly, allowing for easy handling, but this doesn’t make up for the fact that it’s heavy and oddly shaped. Other non-SLR digital cameras that fit into this size category are the Nikon Coolpix 5700 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828. These cameras are comparable to the size and weight of an SLR, but are less portable because the lenses aren't detachable. The large handgrip on the Fuji FinePix S7000 gives the camera an odd shape that's difficult to fit into a bag. I do like the fact that the lens doesn’t protrude an excessive amount, making it possible to wear the camera around your neck without it getting in your way too much. In terms of day-to-day portability, this camera is not going to make your life easier, but the Fujifilm makes up for its awkward appearance in many other ways, such as handling.
Handling Ability (8.0)
I am very pleased with how the S7000 feels in my hands. This is where the slightly awkward design is validated. Fujifilm follows the SLR style by designing the camera to be a natural extension of your hand. My fingers fall comfortably where essential buttons are positioned, giving me easy access to the controls. For example, when holding the right-hand grip, my index finger rests easily on the shutter button and my thumb is angled perfectly to sit on the zoom buttons. Sliding your thumb down brings you to the menu and four-way arrow buttons for quick navigation and setting changes, and sliding your thumb up brings you to the mode dial. With many smaller cameras it is easy to get distracted from your subject by the design of the camera, but Fujifilm does a good job of eliminating that problem. The large right-hand grip makes it easy to manage with one hand, but its size and weight make it an easy transition from a 35mm or digital SLR camera.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (8.5)
The button placement on the Fuji FinePix S7000 is reminiscent of that on a SLR body, making the transition smooth for SLR experts. It is clear that Fujifilm made efforts to position their control buttons for easy access. The shutter button is located at the front end of the handgrip, where the finger can comfortably rest as well as take quick shots. The control buttons on the back of the camera are also easy to maneuver with the right thumb while shooting. The only buttons I feel were poorly positioned are the Flash, Exposure Compensation, and Continuous Shooting buttons. I had to shift my hand to reach them, making them a little harder to access quickly. However, the essential Shutter, Menu, Navigation, and Dial controls are positioned well for fast shooting.
Similarly, the buttons on the left-hand side of the camera (Macro, Shift, Info and Focus) are easily reachable by the left thumb. However, until the camera becomes second nature, you may have to pull it away from your face and turn it to the side to use each button. The short lens makes the Focus/Zoom ring quick and easy to use. To access it quickly, you just have to slide your fingers forward slightly. Again, this is similar to the maneuvering required of an SLR. The Fuji FinePix S7000's overall size and button sizes are great for people with large hands or fingers, but might be a little too big for children or those with tiny hands.
Menu (8.0)
The Menu on the Fuji FinePix S7000, accessed through the Menu/OK button, is easy to navigate and gives users the opportunity to adjust Self-timer, AF mode, Metering, AE bracketing, Sharpening, Multi Exposure, Flash output, and External flash. (When in Auto mode, there are fewer options to choose from.) In addition to recording menu options, the Fuji FinePix S7000 has a Function button that gives photo menu options. Here, users can adjust Image size/quality, ISO, and Color mode.
In Playback mode, the Menu button will allow the user to delete images (either frame-by-frame or all at once), protect images, set DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), or add a voice memo of up to thirty seconds to an image.
Ease of Use (7.0)
The Fuji FinePix S7000 took its design from the reliable and widespread SLR body layout, and is therefore easy to navigate and operate if you are somewhat familiar with more advanced digital or film cameras. Since it takes features from both SLR and point-and-shoot variety cameras, I feel that I should compare it to both to give some perspective on its ease of use. Its relatively light frame, combined with its large handgrip, makes it easy to hold and shoot with, causing no major problems for experienced shooters. The S7000 goes a little further than SLRs by giving users the opportunity to compose images with the LCD screen as well as with the viewfinder.
From a point-and-shoot perspective, this camera will probably take a little getting used to. The fact that there are so many buttons, each with multiple functions, can no doubt be confusing and overwhelming for those unaccustomed to a more complex layout. For example, most digital cameras have one Menu button where all settings can be adjusted, but the Fuji FinePix S7000 splits its options between the Menu and Function buttons and might lead to wasted time while hunting around.
