Fujifilm's 2006 budget compact — 6.3MP 1/1.7in SuperCCD HR, 3x 36-108mm zoom, xD card, AA power
The FinePix A600 was a budget point-and-shoot in Fujifilm's entry-level A-series, announced at the PMA trade show in spring 2006 and reaching shops that summer. Unusually for a camera at its price, it carried the larger 1/1.7in SuperCCD HR sensor from Fujifilm's more expensive compacts rather than a small budget chip.
The 6.3-megapixel SuperCCD HR sensor (6.1MP effective) sat behind a Fujinon 3x zoom covering 36-108mm equivalent at f/2.8-5.2. There was a 2.4in, 112,000-dot LCD and no optical viewfinder. Exposure was fully automatic with scene modes only — no aperture or shutter priority — and ISO ran from 100 to 400. Storage was xD-Picture Card plus 12MB internal memory, movies were 320x240 AVI, and two AA batteries gave a CIPA-rated 350 shots.
It suited beginners and casual family use: simple controls, AA power and a bigger-than-average sensor for its class. The slow telephoto aperture, lack of image stabilisation and ISO 400 ceiling limit it indoors, and there are no manual controls for learners to grow into.
AA power means no charger worries, but the xD-Picture Card format is discontinued and cards now cost disproportionate money second-hand, so a bundled card matters. Check the LCD for scratches and bright spots, the lens barrel for smooth extension, and sample images for the warm CCD colour these SuperCCD compacts are bought for.