| Likes |
|
-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.
