The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 was announced in August 2004 and made its debut on the market at the retail price of $499. The successor to the FinePix S5000, the S5100 adds more megapixels on a different type of imaging processor and fifty bucks to the price tag. The digital camera touts 4.23 and 4 effective megapixels on its 1/2.7-inch CCD. The most prominent feature of this FinePix model is its Fujinon 10x optical zoom lens; equivalent to 37-370mm zoom range in 35mm format. The S5100 is an amalgamation of styles, offering the look of an SLR, control of an intermediate camera, and the weight of a compact camera. At 11.9 ounces and 4.4 x 3.2 x 3.1 inches, the S5100 is a medium-sized camera; too large to throw in a pocket, but not too heavy or awkward to wear around the neck for hours on end. The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 has an attractive matte black plastic body with rubber grips and panels for easy handling. If users are familiar with Fujifilm digital cameras and their layouts, shooting will be easy. However, if one is not used to the small buttons and slightly irregular layout, the initial photo shoot could be less than enjoyable. I recommend two hours of free time, a cup of hot chocolate, and a read through the owner’s manual before trying to find that exposure compensation adjustment.
