Customer Reviews
Good camera, small memory 
2007-07-13
The camera was ok. It works well, althought the biggest memory you can purchase is 128 MB. The manufacturers discontinued making this kind of memory cards, and the cards are really expensive. If you are looking to buy a camera with smaller memory this camera would be perfect. It also works well as a webcam.
Pleasantly Surprised 
2006-06-22
As a professional photographer I don't rely on pocket cameras to do my more ambitious photography, but I do like to have a pocket camera handy with me all the time so I can take advantage of those photo opportunities that arise when I don't have my larger, heavier gear with me. For the past 5 years, I've been using a Fuji 6800Z to fill this role and I was generally pleased with it. There were a few drawbacks (noise in low light, lack of any manual functions, sometimes felt awkward in my hand, didn't like the menu system), but generally I'd say it surved my pocket camera needs well for five years before finally dying (camera function died). I kept using the camera's voice recording mode (Over 2 hours in wav files {1 hour max each} on 64mb card) for several more months before I decided it was time to replace the whole unit with a new pocket cam and possible new voice recorder.
I had decided I didn't want to spend more than $150 on a pocket camera and was QUITE surprised to stumble on the Fuji F601 in a national camera store near where I lived. Originally priced at $500 (and I've seen them on line for as much as $700), the camera I got had been marked down to $105, new in the original box. Once I'd determined that the body was metal and it shot 3 or more megapixels, I decided to go ahead, assuming the features would be similar to or less than what I'd had in the 6800 as that model had cost around $800 when I purchased it in 2001.
Well, when I got the camera home, I was VERY surprised to find that this unit had MORE features than my 6800, MOST of which were things I had sorely missed in the 6800. And the things that the 6800 had that the 601 doesn't were things I never used (file locking, etc.). Allow me to enumerate:
LENS - both have f8.3-24.9mm 3x zoom lens, but 601 allows use of 2.8 aperture throughout zoom range where 6800 didn't.
APERTURE - both 2.8 to 8.0, but see above.
ISO - 6800> 100,200,400 601> 160,200,400 (all sizes) 800,1600 (1 Megapixel only)
MENU - I prefer the 601's style menu a lot, but not all do.
OPERATING MODES - To the modes the 6800 had, the 601 adds Fully Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Program. For creative photographers, this is a HUGE plus, giving us the ability to select the shutter speed, aperture size or both when our shooting goals demand it.
FOCUS - The 6800 had a fixed focus pointer while in some modes the 601's focus pointer can be moved.
BODY - Smaller, and yet, somehow, even with largish man's hands, this model is EASIER to hold than the 6800.
VOICE RECORDER - The 6800 allowed for long recordings of voice only with a max file size of 1 hour. The 601 removes this limit, allowing recording of the full capacity of the memory card in one file. More convenient for those of us who do a lot of this. Sound quality was about the same as the 6800, which, while not great, was more than adequate for my needs.
In all other respects, the 601 seems to be as good as or better than the 6800.
SHOOTING RESULTS - When I began taking pictures with it (3mp mode, I never both with the 6mp mode) I was pleasantly surprised to find that the 601 takes better pictures with less noise and truer colors. I'm delighted with the output from this camera. And for $105, I'm just AMAZED at what I have for such a small price.
USB CONNECTION - I didn't bother with the docking station as I'm very mobile and the docking station is just one more thing to lug around. I find the USB cable works fine with no problems whatsoever (physical or operational) on my Windows XP Pro laptop or my girlfriend's XP Home Edition desk top. I've read that some people had trouble with this and I'm not sure why. I can only think perhaps they forgot to install the drivers for the camera or the drivers got corrupted, as I had NO issues at all downloading images to either of our XP machines.
BATTERY - as with the 6800, the 601 comes with a Lithium Ion battery ... charges quickly and lasts long.
WRISTS STRAP - The strap on the 6800 was a rubberized thing that never felt quite big enough or quite right in my grip. The 601's strap is a sturdy fabric strap that feels better and fits my wrists size better.
I invite anyone who is considering purchasing this camera to e-mail me with questions as I just love it and would enjoy discussing it.
How to reset 
2004-06-10
Hello ALL
Can any one guide me on how to reset the camera????
I have been using Finepix F601 Zoom serial number 2ML26749 around a year and have run into a problem. The Camera now doesnot power up anymore. The last working state before the problem occurred was as follows:
1. Connected the camera to the Picture Cradle .
2. Connected the cradle to Windows XP PC (Home edition) via USB
3. Powered on the Camera
4. Windows Task Manager prompts that a digitalk Camera is connected and display avaible options
5. Select Copy pictures from Camera to HDD
6. After Copying the pictures from the camera to HDD, We shut down the XP leaving the Camera Powered on and in "access via USB" State which was indicated by a USB icon on its display.
After the PC was shut down, the camera couldnot be powered off and hence leaving the only option to remove the camera from cradle and remove the battery manually from its compartment. Ever since I am unable to power the camera unit. I tried to replace the memory and battery but of not use.
Please email at rvinukonda@juniper.net
my second fuji - I'm hooked 2003-11-04
After starting with a 1300 - I lucked out and found this camera on another web site - I got the camera AND the charger at an amazing price. It also came with an extra memory card. I love the size - the upright design takes a little getting used to - but I'm getting there. Photos are clear and crisp, the menu is easy to use and figure out. Options abound, and I just don't think I'll ever buy another brand of digital camera. Fuji gets high marks from me for several reasons. Most importantly - they use readily available smart cards - and they stay with them. I can use all my old accessories from my starter cam - the finepix 1300 - which saves a bundle in the long run. I am glad that the battery is lithium - I have heard that it lasts even longer than previous fuji batteries - and I bought a spare on ebay rather cheaply - as a backup. I've only had it a week and I can't say enough about it. I look forward to using it until it's time to upgrade to my third fuji.
FinePix F601 vs FinePix 6800 2003-04-13
... I owned a FinePix6800 for over two years, although I have sold the unit, and replaced it with a Canon PowerShot S400 for reasons of preference, not dissatisfaction. The 6800 served me well, and is now servicing a friend who bought it from me. Although I have never used the F601 but have saw it. The unit is slightly smaller than the 6800. Both cameras use the same SCCD which interpolates 3MP to 6MP, however the F601 probably has an improved version of this CCD. The problem with the interpolation is it does cause digital noise, especially on night shots with slower shutter speeds. This is due to the heat that the CCD generates, so mostly I shot in 3MP mode. The noise generated does not [ruin] the shot, but it is noticable. Shooting day time shots, the noise is less apparent if non-existant. As for the zoom feature, like all digital cameras, don't use digital zoom if possible, stick with optical as the shot tend to get grainey. Now if I understand correctly, and the other reviews are accurate, the F601 doesn't come with a docking cradle, the 6800 did. This is a convenience that is needed. Check on this before making the purchase. Other considerations would be with the F601 itself. The 6800 came with a Mini Movie Mode of 160 seconds, the F601 can only do 66 seconds. The 6800 came with a 2" LCD the F601 has a 1.5" perhaps this is to decrease power consumption, but why the shortened movie times?? I also noticed that the settings knob has been placed at an angle on top of the camera the 6800 has it placed on the upper front in a vertical position next to the shutter button. This allows for easier manipulation of the settings, but this may just be a preference of mine, as I can see the LCD at the same time. Before you buy, check both cameras out, and for those of you who are buying a digital for the first time, both the 6800 & F601 will take some getting used to due to the vertical design. Overall these are nice cameras, but in no way should they be considered pocket cameras, due to the weight of the units. Buy a nice padded case like the ones made by Lowepro or Tamrac Digital Series, and attach it to your belt or use the shoulder strap. One waist high drop on concrete, and you can say Aloha to your brand new camera.
PS The 4 star rating is due to reduction of the movie mode, and smaller LCD screen. If the unit doesn't come with a docking cradle out of the box it's a 3. I don't understand why less would be an improvement, except in costs. And because of the falling prices of digitals, I paid [dollar amount] for the 6800 in 2000, for [dollar amount] MSRP, you should get at least what I got in 2003 if not more!
It stops working twice in one year 
2003-04-10
Boasting a new 3rd generation Super CCD sensor (3.1 million effective pixels) and advanced LSI algorithm delivering a richly detailed, noise-free 6.0 million recorded pixels with superb color, the FinePix F601 Zoom is no ordinary compact digital camera. A wealth of new features including true photographic control, amazing movie capabilities and an all-new full color graphical user interface make the FinePix F601 Zoom the perfect camera for anyone wanting style without compromising features or full photographic control that can be slipped into a pocket. The included PictureCradle USB dock automatically recharges the long life lithium ion battery and transfers images to the PC.The FinePix F601 Zoom makes taking pictures easier than ever thanks to the newly designed user interface. With friendly, full color graphics and a simple menu system the powerful new features of the camera are easy for even the less experienced photographer to master. The supplied PictureCradle provides a simple desktop docking system offering automatic transfer of images to your computer (via a USB connection) as well as charging the long life Lithium-ion battery. Despite the wealth of features, high resolution and high performance optical zoom the FinePix F601 Zoom is a remarkably compact camera. The sleek stylish casing measures only 2.8 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches and - at just 220g - the FinePix F601 Zoom can be easily slipped into your pocket ready for shooting in any situation.
Super Digital 2003-02-21
I have owned two Fujifilm FinePix 6300 cameras in the past and was thrilled with their capabilities. When the F601 became available, it was a no-brainer for me to upgrade to it. The resilution is great, it is sturdy camera that I'm not afraid to take with me everywhere, and the pictures are incredable. The only complaint that I have about all of the Fuji's that I've had is that they don't fit my hand (large hands) as well as a 35mm style camera would. In my opinion, the F601 is a fantastic camera.
Great Camera 2003-01-21
This camera is great. I find it unfortunate that the 2 reviewers who rated t so low got what are obviously rare lemons. I love the camera. It is easy to use and very convenient. I find myself taking it eveywhere. The only downside is that at first it is awkward to hold due to it's small size and upright design. You get used to it very quick though. This is my first digital camera. It is kind of expensive but got mine on sale, so I lucked out. Overall, great camera. Get one today, along with a 128MB card.
Great Camera to Take Along 2002-12-07
When I started looking for a digital camera my first thoughts were to get a Fuji 6900. I realized I normally declined to bring along my 35MM because of it's size so I started looking for a smaller camera that I could slip in a pocket. The FUJI A601 is a great camera for the average person. After purchasing I took it home and read the one page instruction "cheat sheet", charged the camera and immediately started taking pictures even though I'd never used a digital camera before. It is very easy to use and I take it just about every where due to it's small size. After my last trip, I realized some of my photos were slightly blurry so I finally dug out the instruction manaul and read it. I now take crisp, clear photos every time. I recommend buying the 128MB smartcard and the cradle as I've found both of them very beneficial.
Works Great! 2002-11-28
The F601 is a great camera! I donot know why one of the previous reviewers complained that this or the optional cradle do not work with Windows XP. It works and installed very easily for me on XP. Maybe they should read the manual before trying to install. Anyway picture quality seems to be wonderful in 1MP or 3MP modes, some pictures appear blurry, but i think this is just because i am getting used to this camera. Battery life is average or a little better than average. Again i don't know what the previous reviewer has used before but i do not know a single digital camera that will fill up a 128mb card. For instance the Canon S330 battery only lasts about 1 hour! This battery is certainly better than that but i would by a second battery if you can afford it. Video mode works great and is only limited to the amount of space you have free on your smartmedia card. Bottom Line is this camera creates great pictures, is extremely fast starting up and zooming(especially compared to the Minolta F100, which seemed very slow) and movie mode works great. It also has full manual controls. Downsides seem to be initially that the redeye reduction does not seem to work all that well(although this can be fixed with photoshop) and the price, which is more expensive than most 3MP Cameras. The only thing i am concerned with is the negative reviews about quality, the camera seems very well made and solid and so far i have had no problems.
