I did not test all of this so I cannot take responsibilty for the correctness of the provided information, so if you find any mistakes, please let me know.
Content
xD Cards and Compatibility
xD Cardreader
Macrolense
Polarizing Filter
Rechargeable Batteries
What does NOT exist?
A few words to the Finepix Viewer
Now, have fun!
Kind regards
Michael
People ask for the difference between type H and M cards and which of them function.
Generally, H stands for "Highspeed", e.g. faster data transfer. Both types funktion up to actually 2 GB in the S6500fd.
As far as I read it, there is no significant difference in transfer speed when capturing photos. The camera's processor seems to limit speed.
In movie mode it is reported to possibly have dropouts with the slower "M" type cards. If you want to take movies you should format the card before. Generally friends of movie mode should prefer type "H" cards.
Back to top
If you take lots of pictures or want to copy your data using the Explorer, you might want to use an external cardreader.
Here I found people reporting of incompatibilities what leads to destroyed (dark, blown out) pictures during data transfer.
So if you want to use such a device, do a search in dpreview before.
Without willing to advertize, one that functions seems to be the MAUSB-200 or MAUSB-300 cardreader.
I myself use a "Hama USB 2.0 35 in 1" cardreader since a few months and are happy with it. But: there seem to exist older versions that cause problems.
Generally, people who only read cards with cardreaders an delete pictures or format their cards only inside the camera don't write about problems.
So a good advice could be not to use windows functions on the xD cards.
This is not to say anything abour other cardreaders, it's just to let you know about the issue.
Back to top
In the german Fuji-Forum I read about experiments with the Raynox 250.
In the meantime there are some webgalleries as well as a test (german). If you like to see the pictures, please use the links on the left hand side.
Back to top
You can use polarizing filters on the 58mm screw. Since you don't know wether to buy a circular or a linear polarizing filter: circular filters are needed for SLR cameras which use semipermeable mirrors to guide light to exposure measuring and autofocus.
Since this is not true for bridgecameras like the S6500fd you can use linear filters which are even cheaper. But use branded articles.
Note 04/07
József Bíró hinted that the effect of using a poralizing filter is not to be seen on the display/evf very well. He found this link http://dpfwiw.com/polarizer.htm helpful to learn the usage anyway.
Back to top
Here is much to be read, I just write down my own experience.
I bougt my first rechargeables and loader AT3 at Mr. Mössinger who provides the site accu-select.de (german). It is obviously one of the ugliest sites I ever saw, but it is very interesting.
Short: rechargeables should be loaded gently, not roasted. And they should be unloaded before loading, so even seemingly worthless rechargeables can sometimes be revived.
And, normal NiMh rechargeables have relatively strong self-unloading, so fully loaded sets can be worthless after a few weeks.
Definitely different are Eneloop rechargeables. They hold their energy for a long period. This is important for me, since my camera normally has a few days without usage. And even though actually only 2.000 mAh types are available (my "normal" rechargeables have 2.300 or 2.700 mAh), they are much more usable for me. I made more than 700 pictures with them, maybe 50 of them using flash.
So my urgent advice is to buy Eneloop rechargeables if you have the choice.
Back to Top
Sometimes people ask for remote control, manual remote release or a computer connection for studio shootings.
All this does NOT exist.
Back to Top
Many people have installed software for processing or catalouging pictures. So they ask why to install the FinePix viewer.
My experience is, depending on the Windows release it may be neccessary to install at least the USB drivers.
Secondly, maybe more important: the EXIF data stored in the pictures is not fully standardized. So if you want all information Fuji provides in EXIF, the FinePix Viewer shows. This is especially true for the scene programs.
Back to Top