Fujifilm S5100 Zoom Review

Click on the FinePix S5100 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The FinePix S5100 is styled after and handles like a SLR camera and offers mid-level digital photographer 4.0 million pixels combined with both point-and-shoot simplicity as well as a more advanced manual feature set including continuous shooting, continuous auto-focus, shutter priority and aperture priority modes. This model offers a 10x optical (37-370mm) zoom capability, the longest in Fujifilm's consumer category.

The FinePix S5100 offers 4 million effective pixels, which can produce images of 2,272 x 1,704 recorded pixels for high-quality prints up to 11 x 17 inches in size. Recorded images can be saved in standard JPEG format or for the ultimate in picture quality use the CCD-RAW mode. The camera also offers an amazing 10x optical and 2.2x digital zoom and optional wide and telephoto lens adapters.

The FinePix S5100's traditional body and large lens provide a familiar feel to photo enthusiasts. The FinePix S5100 measures 4.4 (W) x 3.2 (H) x 3.1 (D) inches, and weighs 11.9 ounces without batteries and media.

Maximum image control is realized with the FinePix S5100's advanced features such as a range of focus systems including TTL contrast multi-zone auto, center point auto, focus lock, continuous auto focus (C-AF), manual focus, and AF-assist illuminator. In addition, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, sharpness and color can be manipulated.

The camera can also capture VGA digital video at 30 frames per second, with sound, to create movies that can be replayed for friends and family at later dates. Movies can be burned onto CD-ROMs using the ImageMixer VCD for FinePix software included with the camera. The FinePix S5100 can record 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixel movies up to the limit of your available memory.

FinePix S5100 Zoom Features:

• 4-Megapixel CCD for up to 2272x1704 pixel images
• 10x optical super-zoom (37-370mm equiv)
• Single or Continuous AF and Manual focus
• Focus assist illuminator for low-light
• Electronic color viewfinder w/115K pixels
• Standard JPEG format or CCD-RAW
• Movie Mode; 30fps @ 640x480/320x240 with audio
• 40-frame burst at 1M continuous
• Voice memos can be attached to still images
• Top-3 or Final-3 frames @ 3fps at 4M resolution
• Auto, Program AE, Shutter speed or Aperture priority and Manual
• Scene Programs: Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Night
• ISO speeds: Auto (64-320), 64, 100, 200, 400
• Metering: Multi, Center-weighted, Spot
• Builtin popup multi-mode flash
• 15 - 1/2000 sec Shutter Speeds
• 1.5" LCD Color Monitor
• Uses removable xD-Picture cards (16MB included)
• Compact (4.4 x 3.2 x 3.1 inch) and stylish body
• Lightweight at just 11.9 oz. (excluding batteries)
• Powered by four AA type batteries
• USB plug-n-play connectivity

The FinePix S5100 will ship in October 2004 and sell for approximately $499.99. It comes with a lens adapter ring, a 16MB xD-Picture Card, FinePix Viewer, ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix, four AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, A/V cable, and a shoulder strap.

Physical Views

The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 and a standard CD for size comparison.

The 10X zoom Kodak DX7590 and the FinePix S5100.