Fujifilm FinePix S5000

- Produces sharp, well defined imagery surpassing other cameras with far more suggested
resolution
- Excellent zoom lens — strong telephoto range
- Lens adapter ring, allowing for two Fujifilm
attachment lenses
- Strong stock flash
- Large SLR frame provides spacious layout for
expansive button placement — lots of finger
room; easy control and navigation
- Equipped with a diopter correction dial to adjust
to individual eyesight when using the viewfinder
- Has automatic focus illuminator to aid focusing
in low light

- Lowest ISO rating is 200
- Highest ISO rating at 3M is 400
- Too much emphasis on telephoto POV, not
enough attention given to wide angle capabilities
- Limited depth of field — Aperture range only
closes down to f/8
- No accessory shoe - does not support external
flash
- No manual focus ring
- Has difficulty in bright, high contrast situations
- Electronic viewfinder — cannot be used when
LCD is on
- Images are extremely compressed

Conclusion
While I enjoyed the time I spent with the Fujifilm FinePix S5000, there will be no sleepless nights or teary goodbyes for this ambivalent camera. The FinePix S5000 is facing some identity conflicts. The S5000’s fusion of styles does make for an interesting dynamic in an otherwise point-and-shoot camera, but I feel this feature ultimately holds it back. The S5000 spreads itself too thin; it attempts to cover too much ground and inevitably is not adequate in any specific area. To pay almost $400 for a camera that produces images at just over 2 megapixels of actual resolution, does not fit in your pocket, lacks a manual focus ring, manual white balance settings, and only contains 2 ISO options (at full resolution), I just can’t see the logic. While I do not deny that the FinePix S5000 contains a decent imager and is incredibly easy to use and transport, the camera seems to be uncertain of its place. If the buying decision were on my plate, I would decide if I wanted an SLR style camera or a point-and-shoot and then seek out options within that style. With the FinePix S5000, there is a bit of both included, but not enough to satisfy either market.