Fujifilm S5 Pro
Review Date : Mon, 2 Apr 2007
Author : WDC Team
Fujifilm's 12.5-megapixel S5 Pro digital SLR combines the extended dynamic range capabilities of Fujifilm's Super CCD SR sensor with a solid body and functions closely related to the Nikon D200.
| Pros: | Extended highlight detail in images, minimal chroma noise throughout ISO range, solid build. |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Limited frame rate/buffer when using wide D-range, slightly soft JPEGs. |
Since Fujifilm launched its S1 Pro way back in 2000 it has trod a somewhat different path to other DSLR manufacturers in terms of the sensors it chooses, using octagonal photodiodes instead of a conventional grid of square or rectangular ‘pixels’. The latest addition to the line up – the FinePix S5 Pro – is no different in that regard, but Fuji has developed the concept further, honing its previously seen CCD technology to ‘move away from increasing the pixel density in favour of image quality developments’.
Increasing Quality Not Pixels
This is arguably what all DSLR manufacturers should now be concentrating on – maybe holding back on cramming ever increasing numbers of ever-smaller pixels into the same surface area, in order to pursue expanded dynamic range and improved sharpness and resolution instead. But is Fujifilm really taking us into a ‘brave new world’ of image-making with the S5 Pro? Or is the company simply trying to re-invent an already established wheel?
Verdict
With four portrait-orientated colour modes Fujifilm is clearly targeting the wedding and social photographer, and the S5 Pro’s extended dynamic range will certainly help tackle the common ‘black suit/white dress’ exposure nightmare. But is the S5 Pro fast enough? Any delay in shooting is unwelcome and after a while having to wait for the buffer to clear before you can review the image and check that eyes are open etc, is not only time consuming, but also a little embarrassing. Accept that and the Fujifilm S5 Pro is an otherwise fine camera, with its low noise levels and extended dynamic range producing smooth, clean images with the minimum of fuss, even if we're not convinced that they’re ‘true’ 12 million pixel ones… <a href="http://www.fujifilm.co.uk"target="_blank">www.fujifilm.co.uk</a>
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Latest comments
June 23 15:42
John Gatchell
Quite a camera this one is. I have owned the camera for only a few months. Still learning all that it has to offer. From my entry into the digital camera world I have owned Fuji cameras. So it was only natural for me to purchase the s5 pro for my move from the compacts to a DSLR. As the price has come down quite a bit on the s5 it affords the opportunity for first time DSLR buyer to own a quality, pro-grade camera, as apposed to purchasing one of the consumer DSLR's for about the same price. I am absolutely pleased with the quality of the images produced. A big plus is the ability of the camera to use the vast amount of lenses with the Nikon mount. The high dynamic range must be seen to be believed! The buffer is slow, as you have reported in you article, but no problem for the type of shooting that I do.