Well, I don't know of any objective tests on this matter. So, I'll share my subjective opinion. The s602's video mode is roughly the equivalent of an analogue VHS camcorder, though different in it's characteristics. But, I belive it's on par with standard analogue VHS camcorder. oF course, the s602 does not have image stabilization or zoom ability in video mode, like camrcorders do. The s602's audio mode is roughly the equivalent of a digital dictation/memo recorder. -Chris..

Yevgeniy, I use the VGA movie mode often, when the camera is hooked up via USB. Since I only have a 128MB card, I personally think that 104 still pictures are worth more than 112 seconds of video in VGA mode. I find the software that came with the camera extremely poor when it comes to capturing data. I don't really have a use for the sound yet, so I can't comment, though it sounded ok when I tried it. I can't speak for analog camcorders, but the 602's resolution beats any digital camcorders I've tried, even some pricy ones, and I've tried several. I even ended up buying one, then returned it.

I can get that from my $75 webcam! The one thing I do miss is the 25x optical zoom of the camcorder. In movie mode, the 602's zoom is de-activated, apparently due to the noise that would be recorded. Makes sense, though not quite what I would have wanted. Mike..

I recently bought a 602 and for the first time yesterday used it to capture in movie mode. The results back I got were stunning! I have a sony digital camcorder and use it on my computer and edit it using studio 7. I shot a few seconds at an indoor pool. the water was so crisp and clear, it looked better on film that it did in real life! If I get chance I might be able to upload to this page if anyone is interested...

Yeah man I am kinda interested can you maybe upload a sample that it takes of a video, the reason that I need the video is because I do a lot of gymnastics, and we tape ourselves all the time.. so I want a camera where I could take high quality pictures and video with sound to coupon what we do thx..

I have been doing some experimenting with the movie mode on my 602z and frankly I am less than impressed with the VGA mode. Firstly, I am using a 256 CF card, but the camera only takes 20 seconds of video, then stops recording to write to the card. I want to take unlimited video, how do I do it? Secondly, I am not sure about the quality, when I mount the camera on a tripod and take movies of moving objects, the quaility is so so, however, when I go free hand with the camera and move it, the edges get real jagged and it looks terrible. Am I missing something here cause the sample vids on the coupon sites looked much better. Please help. Jazz..

Jazz- The s602 does not have image stabilization like camcroders do, so some freehand use will cause erratic jittering effects at some times. The 602 has issues with some compact flash cards, especially when trying to record video due to the high transfer rate. Do a search on the www.dpreview.com fuji forum sectin for 'compact flash reformat movie' or similar string. Their is a solutoin for some cards, but some CF cards just aren't ideal for use with the 602. I'm a Smart Media and Microdrive man myself, so I can't really comment on compact flash cards from experience. -Chris -Chris..

Hi Dan, Yes, I'm very interested in seeing your movie mode results! I'm in the process of deciding which digicam (my first) to get. My short list includes the S602 Zoom, the upcoming FinePix F700 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1. It's a tough decision. Eventually, for video work, I'll undoubtedly get a Sony PD-150, VX2000, Canon GL2 (MX2-PAL) or Panasonic's new AG DVX100 camcorder, so for me movie mode is a family perk. Still, if you have it, it might as well be good. All the best, David..

Hi, I'm interesting to buy a fuji camera that I hear about video mode. 640x480 @ 30 fps. if you could upload some [ or one ]a few seconds movie. or send it directly to my e-mail: tomala@plusnet.pl will be greatfull. thx..

Here are various samples under different lighting condition(s) of a speaking subject. Specific conditions listed at the following page: http://www.linaeum.com/productinfo/digitalcams/fuji_s602/moviesample/index.html Note: Avi files typically play back choppy on many software players. Optimally, convert to another format or view with a hardware based decoder in order to view the files at actual 30 fps rate. -Chris..

The compact flash cards are notorious for cutting off in the middle of video. Best bet is a 1GB microdrive...over 15 minutes of continuous video...

I went to a Circuit City store and stuck in my Microdrive to demo the S602's images and movie mode. I have to say I have compared it to several other VGA movie modes, and the Fuji's is as good if not better. Clearly better than the Sony VX movie mode and with the Sony you have to use expensive MemoryStick Pro. The Canon VGA movie mode is very good, and each 640x480 frame may have fewer artifacts than the Fuji's, but the Canon's only took 20fps and thus were more jittery than the Fuji's 30fps. I'd say the Fuji has the best VGA mode, while the Canon is a close 2nd. Sony's is awful, as it's so soft, it might as well be qvga.

Fuji 1st, Canon a close 2nd, Oly 3rd, and Sony last...

My 2 cents on the video topic. I can get 60 seconds exactly at the VGA 640 x 480 setting with my CF. I have a Memorex 256MB CF purchased from Office Depot last July. On one edge of the CF, the following is stamped on it: THNCF256MBA (T00AA) JAPAN 0210KK I paid about $90 for it last year. My question is; how does this compare to other CF cards that have write access ratings as high as 40x?..

Bcd, I am interested in your comparison.

What canon camera did you use for the VGA movies? Thanks, Maarten..

Have a s602 and use it a lot on video mode it's best to use a microdrive? I use a 340 meg card it stores 15 mins of video? I am very happy with the quality if you have broadboad I dont mind emailing you a short clip<john933@tiscali.co.uk> http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/jmcculloch/..