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Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro Digital Camera Review

by Patrick Singleton
Published on May 01, 2007

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Connectivity
Software (8.0)
The FinePix S5 is compatible with the latest upgrade of Fujifilm's HS-V3 Hyperutility software, which allows downloads, RAW conversion, organization and shooting control in a tethered mode. The interface is clumsy, and the software is slow, but the results are very good. The camera comes with FinePix Viewer, a simpler program for downloading and sorting images.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (8.75)
The FinePix S5's USB port connects to printers or computers. The AV port outputs analog video. The S5 also has a jack for external power. The Nikon-compatible dedicated hot shoe, is compatible with Nikon SB600 and SB800 flashes. Nikon remote controls connect via a 10-pin socket that also accepts GPS units and bar code readers. The bar code system is integrated into third-party workflow and asset management systems.

Direct Print Options (8.0)
The FinePix S5 prints to Pictbridge-compatible printers and creates DPOF print orders. The camera will crop images to 8x10 inches or 5x7 inches for printing, specify the number of prints to be made, and can overprint the capture date. The direct print options are limited, which is typical of pro and prosumer cameras.

Battery (5.5)
Because the chassis of the Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro is apparently identical to the Nikon D200, the two cameras' batteries are the same size and shape. Unfortunately, they are not compatible – only Fujifilm batteries can power the S5. The camera won't start up with a Nikon battery inside. Fujifilm makes its batteries the same dull gray as Nikon batteries, so anyone using the cameras side-by-side will have to be careful to keep the batteries straight.

The S5 uses a lithium-ion battery, the most popular technology for cameras these days. They hold a lot of power, recharge conveniently, and are lighter than other types of cells.

Memory (3.5)
Like the D200, the Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro accepts only Compact Flash cards. Compact Flash is the most common memory format for DSLRs. The cards are relatively cheap, durable, fast and widely-available. The S5 doesn't accept xD Media, a format that Fujifilm helped develop and which it uses in its compact cameras. A 1 GB card will hold about 35 RAW files from the S5, so users will have to stock up on memory.

Other Features (7.25)
Feature Lock -- The FinePix S5 can be set to prevent users from changing key settings, and the lockdown can be password-protected. The system would be useful for wedding shooters who don't want to shoot half their formal shots at ISO 1000, but it's robust enough for a production environment, with tight calibration from shoot to shoot or camera to camera.

Maintenance Mode – The S5 records the number of shots it has taken, the number of shots taken with the battery since it was charged, the number of times the battery has been charged, and other data that may help users schedule maintenance or plan to replace batteries.

Cleaning mode – The Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro doesn't have a dust reduction system, but it is set up to so users can manually clean the sensor.

Live Preview – Though Fujifilm has been left in the dust by Four-Thirds manufacturers, and now the Canon 1D Mark III, its live preview mode may be useful to some users, even though it's only active for 30 seconds at a time.


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