Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro – Digital camera – SLR – 12.3 Mpix – body only – supported memory: CF, Microdrive -

Ive owned the D200, and controls and build aside, these are two different cameras. Surprisingly, this camera’s nearest competitor isnt the Nikon D200 – it is the Canon 5D. Of course, the Canon clearly bests the s5 on resolution as it should. But that’s it. The Fuji gives up little else to the Canon 5D but speed.

However, since the obvious comparison is between the s5 and D200, the s5 is clearly superior to the D200 on image quality, particularly right out of the camera. In speed of operation however, the D200 leaves the s5 in the proverbial dust.

The Nikon D200 is sure and fast, very fast. Like all the latest digital Nikon’s, they will keep shooting for extended periods. However, the images demand you tweak the camera and do copious amounts of post-processing. The Fuji is more deliberate. It is fast enough to get out of its own way and get the shot and as well as the next, but not fast enough to keep shooting under demanding conditions, at which the Nikon excels. It isnt that the s5 is sluggish, it is that the Nikon is just so fast.

However, once you understand the reason for this relative slowness, you can deal with it. Again, it’s all about the images.

The Fuji will produce stunning images from RAW files. It will do beautiful images straight from the camera. If you are a JPEG shooter and hate processing images on the computer, this is the camera for you.

Although the metering is very, very accurate under all but the most backlit conditions, it has a tendency to underexpose the images in anything less than sunlight, so exposure compensation is a must. The good news there, is that unlike most other cameras Ive used, where exposure compensation can be hit or miss – or thoroughly ineffective, compensation is even and responsive. This keeps me from having to fiddle with metering options trying to get the proper exposure. A seriously underrated feature of the camera.

Before the v1.06 firmware update, I was not impressed with the Automatic White Balance, having to constantly change the custom white balance, particularly with street lighting or ANY kind of flourescent lighting. Charged-gas lighting would give a nasty yellow or green cast to the images. After the update, the AWB is stunning, able to handle almost any lighting thrown at it. Since the update, I rarely touch the white balance settings. I simply dont have to. Amazing.

Also, before the update – the images would go “Blue” under strong light and deep shadows, with a deep magenta-ish cast at night. After the update, that tendency has been minimized and the images are far better balanced – giving that true Fuji color without overdoing it either way.

If you get a unit without the latest firmware, upgrade it at once. Period. This update gives me the camera I expected out of the box.

So, the good news: The images are worth every penny you pay.

The only way I can put it – standard, out of camera images often look like HDR images with unreal detail in both shadows and highlight. When you get that characteristic glossy look from a shot, you will involuntarily gasp.

More good news: For low light images, this camera is nothing short of amazing. I shoot primarily at night and in low light, and I rarely, almost never – shoot above ISO 1250. I have shot (using a f/2.8 17-55mm Nikkor) at ISO 2000 in near darkness, and the images came out as if I had studio lights with VERY little noise. And thats another thing, noise is near nonexistent on the vast majority of my images, and what there is has a nice even film-like grain, not blotchy or nasty as you would see on a D200 shooting above ISO 400.

However, all this goodness comes at a price. The high quality images are HUGE. A JPEG file set at the highest quality (FINE) takes up 5 – 7 megs. A RAW file averages 25 megs. This is why the camera doesnt feel as fast as the Nikon, as it is transferring massive amounts of data through the buffer to the card. You will start looking for large and very fast CF cards as well as upgrading your storage in short order.

The camera is expensive compared to the D200, but it is definitely worth the premium if you demand the highest quality images. To bring out the best in this camera, you need the highest quality lenses. It is also murder on sloppy camera technique, so be sure to avoid shake.

In all good conscience, I cannot rate the camera as 5 stars, but it is definitely a 4.5 – 4.75, even at the price.

If I had to choose between the D200 and S5, the S5 wins hands down. In fact, I would get a D2Xs as a speedy backup to this camera, not the D200. My wish would be if Fuji decided to put this sensor and technology into the body of a D2Xs. Then Id probably give it 5 stars.
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(Edit)

So, after 5 months and 35,000 images later…

For image settings I…

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This review is based on my real-world experience with the Fuji S5 Pro and not number crunching, or high-tech analyzing.
I’ve owned a Nikon D200 since they first appeared and absolutely enjoyed every minute of researching, learning, and shooting. I’ve been playing with SLR’s and a few DSLR’s since the mid 1980′s. I’ve taken night classes in digital imaging and all the other related stuff so I’m somewhat familiar with photography. I’ve wanted to see what all the “5 stars,” super reviews, etc. was going down with the Fuji S5 Pro. A neighbor of mine opted to for-go his purchase of a D300 and buy an S5 Pro….I told him “are you nuts!!” From 3 months of his S5 Pro he showed me a number of people, nature, and landscape shots. I asked how much PP he did to them and he assured me….”nothing, not a thing.”
The portraits looked better than professional, the landscapes looked postcard ready, and the nature shots were stunning. Granted, every photographer does not use the same settings and techniques, and of course there are variables to everything you compare, but I couldn’t figure how he shot such unrealistic, beautiful images right out of the camera. After much debate, I took the plunge and got one. I damned near became obsessed with learning as much as I could and practiced on almost everything I could. After about 2 months…..

NOW…IMO REAL WORLD REVIEW:

1. The dynamic range, color, low noise/high ISO and detail is really remarkable.
2. I like the familiar, solid D200 “feel” about the camera.
3. “Fast” (fps) is something one must determine based on applications;
Weddings, portraits, walkaround, etc…..yes, following child down a soccer field with finger held down on shutter release….no.
4. Big RAW files yes, but tolerable with a 4-8MB CF card. Transferring files to your PC needs a bit of patience even with a big PC.
5. Reputable company (Fujifilm), contender in the DSLR market, good product support…no brainer.
6. Good glass…a must.. cheap-out and the S5 Pro outputs garbage (I’ve tried this with a borrowed lens).
7. “Good photos come from good photography”…true to an extent, having and learning with the right gear to obtain “good photos”…more realistic.

My Summary: My goal is to achieve the best image quality from the camera
that I’ve spent my hard earned money as possible. Looking exclusively on buying the S5 Pro for “application” purposes can be very subjective (IMO). The Fuji S5 Pro works for me as my “all around” camera. Will I sell my D200? Do I now need 2 cameras?…Soon time will tell. Do I like what I see from the S5 Pro….absolutely!!!

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James Hatsis “AHR” (Greensboro, GA USA) –

  

I have a Nikon D200 already but after reading about this camera I decided to buy it. I am not sorry. First off, this is not the camera for you if you need to shoot high speed action shots (more than 3 FPS). This camera does one thing very well…it captures excellent detail both in highlights and shadows due to it’s unique sensor.

Pro’s:
1. Fantastic color
2. The best Auto white balance I have seen
3. Very beautiful skin tones right out of the camera
4. Fantastic camera body based on the Nikon D200 and can use almost all of Nikon’s lenses and accessories

Con’s
1. Not high speed compared to the Nikon D200
2. Will NOT work with the Nikon D200 Batteries (The D200 battery grip WILL work with fuji batteries OR rechargeable AA’s)
3. High Price

From “Lets go Digital” online review… “The additional price that you pay for the Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro in comparison to the competition can be clarified at once and will definitely not form a barrier to photographers with high requirements. The FinePix S5 Pro has definitely put Fujifilm back at the head of the race!”

I’ve only touched the surface here… Buy this if you want more detail in your photos. Portrait and wedding photography comes to mind when I think of this camera

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