Fujifilm's 2005 EISA-winning bridge — 5.1MP Super CCD, 10x 38-380mm zoom, RAW, ISO 1600, xD, AA power.
The Fujifilm FinePix S5600 was a superzoom bridge camera introduced on 28 July 2005, known as the FinePix S5200 in North America. It succeeded the FinePix S5500 in Fujifilm's affordable bridge line, was awarded EISA's best zoom camera title for 2006/2007, and was in turn superseded by the S5700.
It paired a 5.1-megapixel 1/2.5-inch Super CCD HR with a Fujinon 10x optical zoom of 6.3-63mm f/3.2-3.5, equivalent to 38-380mm. Sensitivity ran from ISO 64 to a then-notable 1600, with full PASM exposure modes, RAW capture, a 15s-1/2000 shutter range, five-point autofocus with AF assist, an electronic viewfinder and a 1.8-inch 118,000-pixel LCD. It recorded VGA movies, stored images on xD-Picture Card and ran on four AA batteries, with quoted start-up of 1.1 seconds.
The S5600 was aimed at power users on a budget, and its combination of RAW, manual focus and high-ISO capability made it a favourite learner's camera. Fujifilm marketed its Anti Blur high-ISO approach in place of optical stabilisation, which works to a point but means the long end still rewards bright light. Fujichrome film-simulation colour gives files a pleasing period character.
Used checks are the standard xD-era list: the discontinued xD-Picture Card is required, so bundled cards add value, while AA power is easy. Test the EVF, the pop-up flash release and the zoom throughout its travel, and confirm high-ISO shots write correctly. Battery-door and contact corrosion are the usual faults; the mode dial should click positively at each stop.