Color (6.92)
Fujifilm markets their Real Photo Technology as the savior of accurate colors and great resolution. The technology consists of three components: the 5th-generation Super CCD image sensor, the RP image processor, and the 10.7x optical zoom lens. We tested the color production of this system by shooting several exposures of the GretagMacbeth color chart in our controlled studio setup. We uploaded these pictures into Imatest Imaging Software, which compared the original colors to those produced by the camera. Below is a modified chart showing the original GretagMacbeth colors in the inner rectangle, the computer-corrected colors in the inner square, and the Fuji S9000’s colors in the outer square.
The imaging software also output the following chart, which makes it a bit easier to see exactly how far each color is from the original. The squares represent the ideal colors from the original chart; the circles represent the colors output by the Fujifilm FinePix S9000.
The S9000 exaggerated some of the cooler tones, as well as the red #15 that every digital camera typically overdoes. For this, the S9000 received an overall color score of 6.92, which is decent but not as good as we’d anticipated from the Real Photo Technology. The camera had a mean color error of 10.3, but a look at the charts and still life will show that the colors are still rich even if they aren’t accurate. The FinePix S9000 over-saturated colors by 0.7 percent, which is fantastic. Overall, there are some pros and cons to this camera’s colors, but the output is an overall success.
Still Life Scene
Below is a very colorful and almost disturbing still life scene photographed by the Fujifilm FinePix S9000.
Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: The linked image is very large!)
Resolution / Sharpness (6.46)
The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 claims a mighty 9 effective megapixels to its 1/1.6-inch 5th generation Super CCD (9.24 total megapixels). More and more digital cameras are advertising higher pixel counts, both in the low-end DSLR market and compact market. In general, SLRs tend to do better in resolution tests because they have higher quality image sensors, processors, and lenses. To see where the S9000 fits in terms of resolution, we took several exposures of the ISO 12233 resolution chart at different apertures and focal lengths. We upload the images into Imatest Imaging Software, which analyzes the resolution and gives a more accurate pixel count. If a camera’s Imatest count comes within 70 percent of its advertised pixel count, we designate it as “good.” Within 80 percent, the camera gets a “very good” score. If a camera scores within 90 percent, it receives the coveted and highly rare designation of “excellent.”
Click on the chart to view full res. image
The results and image above came from the S9000 taken at f/7.1 and 19mm. These exposures used 6.46 megapixels, which is 71 percent of the advertised count. The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 just barely meets the requirements for a “good” resolution count. Still, with 6.46 true megapixels a digital camera can produce large prints with exceptional sharpness and definition unless images are excessively cropped while editing.
Noise - Auto ISO (4.95)
Because this digital camera is meant for photography hobbyists, the sensitivity will probably be selected manually more often than automatically. However, when a professional rushes to the red carpet with a half second to spare, he will probably reach for the shutter release button rather than reaching for the manual ISO adjustment. Even the best of photographers use some automation – they just know when it will be the most advantageous and time saving and do not rely on it. The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 chose an ISO 150 rating in our studio, which is a little high for all our bright lights. The S9000 received an overall score of 4.95, which is decent but still a little short of our expectations. However, the earlier FinePix F10, which performed incredibly well on our manual ISO noise tests, did not achieve nearly as high of a mark in auto mode either.
Noise - Manual ISO (7.64)
The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 offers ISO ratings typical of a DSLR. It begins at 80 and moves through the usually compact range of 100, 200, and 400, then adds 800 and 1600 ratings. We tested the noise levels at each of these ISO sensitivities. Below is a chart showing the results with the ISO on the horizontal axis and the noise level on the vertical axis.
We input the individual ISO noise levels into a regression analysis to determine the overall manual ISO noise score. The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 scored a 7.64, which is decent – but not as well as we’d hoped. When we tested the Fujifilm F10, which has a similar CCD and the same RP image processor, the F10 received very positive results. We were hoping for a repeat performance here, but the S9000 produced more noise than the F10 as the ISO was increased. The noise values at ISO 80 and 100 were slightly below what the F10 produced, but the quality went downhill beyond ISO 200. The FinePix S9000 will produce clear pictures in bright light when the ISO is set to 80 or 100, but little purple and green speckles will appear in pictures that use above the ISO 200 setting. This is unfortunate and a true downfall of the camera since it does not include image stabilization or a real fast aperture range unless zoomed all the way out.
Low Light Performance (7.0)
The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 has the advantage in shooting in moderately low light because its lens can open to f/2.8 (at its widest focal length), its shutter speed can slow to 30 seconds, and its ISO can boost to 1600. To see if it can performs as well in low light as its qualifications indicate, we recorded a sequence of exposures of the color chart at decreasing light levels. 60 lux is a typical light level at a dimly lit restaurant. 30 lux is about what you’ll get from a single 40-watt bulb. 15 and 5 lux are very near darkness and these levels test just how sensitive the S9000’s Super CCD HR image sensor is.
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Low Light Tests
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60 Lux
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30 Lux
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15 Lux
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5 Lux
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Many times, these charts are reduced to what looks like bad pop art. However, the Fuji S9000 performed quite well, letting in plenty of light. The brightness levels remain quite stable, as not much is lost between 60 and 5 lux. However, there is a decrease in sharpness and a slight increase in grain. Colors also lose some vibrancy, but images remain usable.
Speed / Timing
Start-up to First Shot (8.78)
The Fujifilm S9000 started up and took its first shot in 1.22 seconds. That's quick for compact cameras with long zooms, so the S9000 beats its close competitors. On the other hand, shoppers interested in the S9000 might also check out DSLRs, and most entry level DSLRs get ready in about half that time.
Shot to Shot (9.02)
The S9000 averaged a shot every 0.58 seconds over the course of a four-shot burst—the longest burst it can manage at that rate. Users can switch to the continuous burst mode that will capture around 40 consecutive images, but will lose a substantial degree of speed, dropping to 1.1 fps. At its fastest, the S9000 does well for a compact camera, but looks slow in comparison with DSLRs; even the slow ones do better than 2 frames per second, and they maintain that rate for far longer bursts.
Shutter to Shot (8.56)
The S9000 imposes a 0.22-second delay between pressing the shutter and taking the picture. Though it's faster than other compacts, it's very slow for shooting action, and it's slow in comparison with DSLRs. If sports or other quick-moving subjects are your priority, a DSLR would be a better choice than the S9000.
