Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro SLR Review

The Mode dial has controls for "QUAL" (image quality/size), WB (white balance), ISO (ISO sensitivity) and the Release mode dial.

The selector underneath of the Mode dial is for changing the drive mode; Selects "S" (Single-frame), "CL" (Low speed continuous), "CH" (High speed continuous), (Self-timer), or "MUP" (Mirror up) as the shutter release mode. The Lock button prevents accidental changes of the drive mode selector.

Looking down on the grip side we see the monochrome data LCD (Control Panel LCD) which lets you see the most important camera settings at a glance. Around the shutter release is the power on/off switch. In front are the MODE (Exposure mode) button and Flash Exposure Compensation buttons.

The monochrome Control Panel LCD displays: color temperature, shutter speed, exposure compensation value, flash compensation value, ISO sensitivity, color temperature or preset number, number of shots in bracketing sequence, focal length (non-CPU lens), flash sync indicator, flexible program indicator, exposure mode, image size, image quality, focus area, AF-area mode, white balance mode, number of available frames, number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills, PC mode indicator, preset white balance recording indicator, "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures), battery level indicator, flash sync mode, "Beep" indicator, aperture (f/-number), aperture (number of stops), bracketing increment, maximum aperture (non-CPU lens), PC connection indicator and aperture stop indicator.

The Main Command dial is easily activated with your thumb and works in conjunction with many of the other control buttons to quickly change camera options. The AE-L/AF-L button lock the exposure and focus settings when desired. Around it is the metering selection dial with positions for center-weighted (meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to the center 12mm), 3D matrix (ten-segment matrix sensor sets exposure based on all areas of the frame) and spot (only the center 4mm of the frame is metered.) Also notice the AF-ON button that functions the same as pressing the shutter button halfway.

The rear controls starting with the upper left, next to the LCD:

• Payback button - press it and the last image shot will be displayed on the LCD
• MENU/OK button
• DISP (display)/BACK button
• SET UP button
• Face zoom-in button (automatically zooms into as many as 10 faces in an image to check focus)

• Multi-selector, around it is the Focus selector lock
• Compact Flash card Access lamp
• AF-area mode selector
• And finally the Memory Card slot cover latch

Located on the camera front below the shutter release, is the Sub Command dial, it's used to select various camera options.

As previously mentioned also visible here is the AF illuminator (aka focus assist lamp) and, in the lower right, the DOF (depth of field) preview button.

The two buttons underneath of the Mode dial on the back are used in conjunction with the Main Command Dial to enable Bracketing (BKT) and Erase/Format (trash can icon).

On the side is where you'll find the I/O ports. Under the terminal covers you'll notice the Video Out (Video output) socket, the DC IN (power input) socket and a USB 2 connector The Video Out signal format is NTSC or PAL (user selectable) and allows for connection to a TV set or video monitor.

The S5 Pro supports up to 4 gigabyte Compact Flash (CF) Card (Type I/II) memory cards. It's also IBM/Hitachi Microdrive compatible.

Approximate Storage Capacity

The S5 Pro uses a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (NP-150 with the Battery Charger BC-150, both included) or AA batteries with the Nikon MS-D200 AA Battery Holder accessory. The NP-150 enables the battery charge state to be shown in Control Panel.

An AC Power Adapter AC-135VN (sold separately) can be used to power the camera also.