Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro SLR Review

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the S5 Pro

The Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro, the successor to the popular S3, combines the picture quality of Fujifilm's updated Super CCD SR Pro sensor with a fully digital and durable professional metal alloy body. With professional styling and superb image quality, Fujifilm expects the FinePix S5 Pro to appeal to a broad range of professional photographers. Fujifilm's goal has been to maximize image quality through constant research and development into its CCD technology. In fact, Fujifilm has been focusing on improving the image quality versus increasing the pixel density of its sensors.

In this vein, Fujifilm's Super CCD SR II has been updated to the new Super CCD SR Pro. Using a unique layout of twelve million paired photodiodes (6.17 million larger 'S' photodiodes for main image information, combined with 6.17 million smaller 'R' photodiodes for bright area information), the S5 Pro delivers a reduction in noise, and improvements in dynamic range, color and tonality. Further improving the capability of the sensor, a new, improved low-pass filter will ensure that moir� and noise are kept to an absolute minimum.

This redesigned Super CCD SR Pro sensor is the main reason for the S5's improved performance. The CCD's two stages of noise reduction deliver a remarkably clean image, and permit light sensitivity up to ISO 3200 with low-noise photos. The new dark noise reduction process using the RP Processor Pro subtracts the residual, ambient noise on the sensor from the actual exposure and helps the camera produce smooth, clean images when long shutter speeds are used.

The FinePix S5 Pro also includes another popular feature; the ability to record JPEG and RAW files simultaneously to the memory card. This will enable photographers to view and distribute smaller-sized JPEGs, yet retaining the ability to work on the larger RAW files later on a PC or Mac. This dual option is available in a variety of image sizes, giving the option to store either a small, email able file size, or a larger, more detailed JPEG.

The S3 achieved recognition for excellent ergonomics and the S5 Pro continues that evolution with it's 29.3 oz. magnesium alloy shell. With weatherproof seals, and first-rate Nikon-based design, the S5 Pro is a camera truly deserving of the term 'workhorse', equally at home in the studio as on a nature assignment in a humid environment. The camera's shutter mechanism will be testament to its durability, as it has been tested to exceed 100,000 cycles.

The FinePix S5 Pro will also afford the photographer much greater control over the unique image parameters that its technology provides. Six stepped dynamic range settings between 100% (normal dynamic range) and 400% (dynamic range expanded by two stops) will enable the photographer to achieve exactly the tonal feel to their images that they want. In addition, three distinct settings for the 'negative film' preset option will further enhance the customizable nature of the camera, giving portrait photographers precisely the 'look' that they have in their mind's eye.

FinePix S5 Pro Features:

• Real Photo Technology Pro = Super CCD SR Pro and the RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro, 12.34 million effective pixels
• Super CCD SR Pro features an optimized low-pass filter to reduce noise and moir�
• RP Processor Pro features two cycles of noise reduction
• Dynamic range presets (six in total) range between 100% and 400%
• Film Simulation Modes (five modes in total)
• Nikon F-mount compatibility with all Nikkor AF-D/G and the latest AF-S optics
• RAW+ JPEG (4,256 x 2,848 pixels, 3,024 x 2,016 pixels, 2,304 x 1,536 pixels) dual-save mode
• Mac and PC controlled shooting mode via USB 2.0 port and Hyper Utility software (optional)
• Durable, lightweight magnesium-alloy body with moisture- and dust-proof seals
• High-precision i-TTL flash control
• 11-point Auto Focus sensor
• Shutter speed 30 sec. to 1/8000 sec, maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.
• 2.5 inch LCD with 235,000 pixels, gives 100% frame coverage
• Li-ion rechargeable battery
• Compact Flash (CF) Card (Type I/II), Microdrive compatible

In the box you'll find the rechargeable Li-ion battery NP-150, Battery charger BC-150, Shoulder strap, Camera body cap, Eyepiece cap, LCD cover, USB 2 cable (mini- B), Video cable, Accessory shoe cover, Synchronizing terminal cap, Remote release socket cap and software/driver CD-ROM.

Optional accessories include the Battery Charger BC- 150, AC Power Adapter AC-135VN, Hyper-Utility Software HS-V3, Hyper-Utility Software HS-V3UP.

Physical Views

Compare the FinePix S5 Pro and the Pentax K 100D Super SLRs.

23.0mmx 15.5mm Super CCD SR Pro

Exif-JPEG (Exif2.21(*2) compatible)´ FINE / NORMAL [Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 compliant / DPOF- compatible]/ CCD-RAW(14bit) / CCD-RAW + Exif- JPEG

• Type DX AF Nikkor: All functions supported
• Type G or D AF Nikkor (IX Nikkor lenses can not be used): All functions supported
• Micro Nikkor 85 mm f/2.8D:All functions supported except auto-focus and some exposure modes
• Other AF Nikkor(excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and 3D multi-sensor balanced fill-flash for digital SLR
• AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II,3D multi-sensor balanced fill-flash for digital SLR, and auto-focus
• Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; color matrix metering, multi-sensor balanced fill-flash for digital SLR, and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Sensitivity

AUTO, ISO100/125/160/200/250/320/400/500/640/800/1000/125 0/1600/2000/2500 /3200 (Standard Output Sensitivity)

Auto focus

1) Single Area AF 2) Dynamic AF 3) Group Dynamic AF 4) Dynamic AF with closest subject priority

30 sec. to 1/8000 sec. Bulb.

C H: Up to max. 3 frames/sec. ([D-RANGE] set to [100%(STD)]) / Up to 1.5 frames/sec. ([D-RANGE] set to WIDE (other than [100%(STD)]))

C L: Up to max. 2 frames/sec. ([D- RANGE] set to [100%(STD)])/ Up to 1.5 frames/sec. ([D-RANGE] set to WIDE (other than [100%(STD)])), and 1 frames/sec.

Number of shots 2-9 compensated EV value 1/3 1/2 2/3 1 EV step.

Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering. 3D Color Matrix Metering II (metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor) / Center- weighted / Spot

- 5.0EV to +5.0EV Step can be selected from 1/3, 1/2, 1EV step.

Programmed Auto with flexible program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture- Priority Auto [A], and Manual [M]

Automatic / Incandescent light / Fluorescent lamp (1-5) / Fine / Flash / Shade / Color temperature / Preset Custom(1-5) Fine tuning can be set.

(STANDARD) / F1 / F1a / F1b / F1c / F2

sRGB / Adobe RGB (1998)

AUTO / 100%(STD) / 130% / 170% / 230%(W1) / 300% / 400%(W2)

Fixed-eyelevel pentaprism, built-in diopter adjustment, Frame coverage: Approx. 95%, Magnification: Approx. x 0.94

2.5-inch approx. 230,000 pixels low temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD (approx. 100% frame coverage for playback)

Manual pop-up with button release. Guide No. 12 (ISO 100, m).
i-TTL balanced fill-flash or standard i-TTL flash.
Flash synchronization up to 1/250 sec.

Standard ISO-type with hot-shoe contact (Safety lock provided)

1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
Built-in flash: i-TTL balanced fill- flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering or mode dial set to [M])
SB-800, 600 or SB-R200: i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR

2) Auto aperture: Available with SB- 800 with CPU lens

3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with flash such as SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-27, and SB-22s

4)Range-priority manual; available with SB-800

Electronic shutter release

NTSC / PAL selectable(*3)

USB 2.0 (High-Speed)

X-contact only: flash synchronization up to 1/250 sec.

Equipped with ISO 519 synchronization terminal as standard, lock screw provided

AC Power Adapter AC-135VN (Optional)

Rechargeable Li-ion battery (included) or AC Power Adapter AC-135VN (Optional)

5.8in. (W) x 4.4in. (H) x 2.9in. (D) (not including accessories and attachments)

29.3 oz. (not including accessories, battery and memory card)

Approx. 400 frames(*4)

Rechargeable Li-ion battery NP-150, Battery charger BC-150, Shoulder strap, Camera body cap, Eyepiece cap, LCD cover, USB cable(mini- B), Video cable, Accessory shoe cover, Synchronizing terminal cap, Remote release socket cap, CD-ROM [ image browser with CCD-RAW converting function ]

Rechargeable Battery NP-150, Battery Charger BC- 150, AC Power Adapter AC-135VN, Hyper-Utility Software HS-V3, Hyper-Utility Software HS-V3UP(*5)