... 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!
