or Browse:
Type
Brand
Price
Need
Browse By Brand Find a digital camera from your favorite brand
Browse by Price Choose a max price using the slider below
Max Price
Any

$150.00

Any Price
Advertisement

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

Digital Camera Review

Previous: Page 9

Overall Impressions

Next: Page 11

Specs

Likes

Fujifilm  FinePix S3 Pro

-Impressive range of tones – expanded dynamic range far exceeds other DSLRs
-Images contain minimal noise
-Addition of vertical hand grip
-Inclusion of live preview helps with focusing
-Application of Nikon F-Mount
-Includes FireWire connection
-Images displays high quality images  
Dislikes-Slow shooting speeds
-1/2 second startup delay
-Weak autofocus
-Powered by AA batteries
-Menu structure lacks icons
-Slow flash sync (1/180)  


Conclusion
The FinePix S3 really does offer expanded dynamic range, with beautiful color and excellent noise control. Maybe we should stop right there, because that’s the news. That’s what the competition has to try to match.

The question is whether or not to buy one. Sure, lots of people need more dynamic range and good portrait color, but do they need it for $2500? Do they need it at one frame per second? Do they need it with autofocus that wasn’t top-of-the-line even three years ago?

Actually, yes. The camera will serve a sizable market. Wedding and portrait photographers need to take flattering pictures with rich color even when they can’t control the lighting. This is a very large sect of commercial photographers, compared to other segments of the photographic profession, and they can put up with many of the limitations of the S3. Fuji is wise to go after them.

Professional photographers will have to make their own judgments about whether they’ve been losing money thanks to limited dynamic range, or if more dynamic range will pay back a $2500 bill at the camera store.

For users who don’t have a cost/benefit analysis to run, the question is much more subtle. The FinePix S3 yields much, much better dynamic range than the Nikon D70 or Canon 20D, and better color. It’s not better in any other respect, and it’s inferior in many other regards, so the decision will inevitably come down to personal preference and shooting priorities.

Shop for the Fujifilm S3 Pro

Loading Recently Viewed Products
Advertisement

Latest News
& Reviews

Top Rated Digital SLRs

  • Canon EOS 60D
    Canon EOS 60D
    $1,049.95
    1

    Canon EOS 60D

    The Canon EOS 60D is a top-notch camera in terms of performance, handling and flexibility. However, the performance of the kit lens leaves something to be desired. Read full 7-part review

    $1,049.95
    Types
    Prosumer
    Any Megapixels
    0,8
    < 8 Megapixels
    8,10
    8 to 10 Megapixels
    10,15
    10 to 15 Megapixels
    15,
    > 15 Megapixels
    19.00
  • Nikon D5100
    Nikon D5100
    $589.95
    2

    Nikon D5100

    The D5100 is the latest entry-level DSLR from Nikon, with full 1080/30p video, an articulated LCD, and the same image sensor as the D7000. It lacks an internal focus motor, but we found it produced some of the most accurate colors we've seen yet. Read full 7-part review

    $589.95
    Types
    Any Megapixels
    0,8
    < 8 Megapixels
    8,10
    8 to 10 Megapixels
    10,15
    10 to 15 Megapixels
    15,
    > 15 Megapixels
    16.2
  • Canon EOS 7D
    Canon EOS 7D
    $1,239.95
    3

    Canon EOS 7D

    The 18-megapixel Canon 7D delivers high resolution stills and full HD video in a well-built camera designed for serious photographers without the desire (or budget) for a full-frame model. Read full 7-part review

    $1,239.95
    Types
    Prosumer
    Any Megapixels
    0,8
    < 8 Megapixels
    8,10
    8 to 10 Megapixels
    10,15
    10 to 15 Megapixels
    15,
    > 15 Megapixels
    19.00
  • Nikon D7000
    Nikon D7000
    $1,199.00
    4

    Nikon D7000

    The Nikon D7000 is a powerhouse camera at an excellent price. It offers a huge range of features that will make shooting quicker and easier for the experienced shooter, with lots of customizable options and quick control access. Read full 7-part review

    $1,199.00
    Types
    Prosumer
    Any Megapixels
    0,8
    < 8 Megapixels
    8,10
    8 to 10 Megapixels
    10,15
    10 to 15 Megapixels
    15,
    > 15 Megapixels
    16.9
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A55V
    Sony Alpha SLT-A55V
    $569.99
    5

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55V

    The SLT-A55 is a well performing SLR, with a wide ISO range, good color and relatively low noise. . Read full 7-part review

    $569.99
    Types
    Consumer
    Any Megapixels
    0,8
    < 8 Megapixels
    8,10
    8 to 10 Megapixels
    10,15
    10 to 15 Megapixels
    15,
    > 15 Megapixels
    17

Features

Shop for the Fujifilm S3 Pro

Advertisement
Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro
Digital Camera Review

Previous: Page 9

Overall Impressions

Previous: Page 11

Specs