Fuji announces details of S5 Pro

Fuji has released further details of its much-anticipated S5 Pro digital SLR, provisionally announced at September’s Photokina show. The camera will be released in February 2007 and feature an improved sensor and processor, and bring the ability to simultaneously record JPEGs and RAW files. They’ll be a two-stage noise reduction process, and light sensitivity up to ISO 3200. Six stepped dynamic range settings between 100% (normal dynamic range) and 400% (dynamic range expanded by two stops) will enable users fine tune the tonal feel of their images. For improved reproduction of natural skin tones, three new variations of the original film simulation mode (F1) have been added (five modes in total) Finer points shored up in today’s new release include the announcement of three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering and the addition of 3D Color Matrix Metering II (metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor). A finer selection of selectable ISO settings area also lined up, adding ISO 125, 250, 320, 500, 640, 1000 to the cameras ISO 1200-3200 range. The camera will weight 830g and white balance selections will include, fluorescent lamp (1-5), Preset Custom (1-5) and the ability to set fine-tuning. Included accessories and peripherals will include:

• LCD cover
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery NP-150
• Battery charger BC-150
• Shoulder strap
• Camera body cap
• Eyepiece cap
• 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]

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Photo Products, said: "The development of the FinePix S5 Pro reflects Fujifilm's commitment to the professional photographer. We remain determined to develop professional level products with the sort of image quality that made the FinePix S3 Pro a favourite among studio, portrait and wedding photographers. The introduction of the FinePix S5 Pro brings heightened performance, handling and image quality to our DSLR product group and we expect this to attract an increasingly diverse range of professional users. These are exciting times for us." To read our original news story announcing the S5 Pro click here Got an opinion on this story? Have your say on our news message boards