Value (6.0)
While the current $399.99 asking price has been reduced from its original $499.99 tag, there still seems to be other cameras on the market that will give you more. However, as with all cameras and users, the trick is finding a camera with the right combination of features: megapixels, movie mode, manual functions, presets and so forth that will match your specific desires and needs. If movie mode is the feature of choice, the Canon PowerShot S1 IS offers a good hybrid camera with a solid movie mode and a large 10x optical zoom to boot. If it’s portability that is desired, go for a Casio or Sony. The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 is a decent camera, but I wouldn’t pay nearly $400 or $500 for it. Luckily, street prices are rarely as scary as the retail prices. The S5100 can be found online for about $300, which would be a good deal for the zoom, great movie mode, and 4 megapixels worth of resolution.
Comparisons
Fujifilm FinePix S5000 – This is the predecessor to the S5100. It has the same SLR-shaped body measurements and same 11.9-ounce weight. They have the same 1.5-inch LCD and same Fujinon 37-370mm zoom lens. The biggest difference between the two FinePix cameras is found in the megapixel count and imaging processor. The older S5000 has a 4th Generation Super CCD with 3.1 effective megapixels. Despite the Super CCD, the S5000 did not depict accurate colors. The S5100 uses a conventional CCD with 4 effective megapixels. Released in July 2003, the S5000 retails for $449.
Canon PowerShot S1 IS – This digital camera comes with a similar 10x optical zoom lens, but only 3.2 megapixels. The major draw to the Canon PowerShot S1 is the image stabilization feature, which is like a tripod without the tripod and is useful for movie clips. This camera aims to be a good hybrid, with its 30 frame-per-second movie mode that shoots at either 640 x 480 or 320 x 240, the same as the S5100. The PowerShot even has some camcorder characteristics: a 1.5-in LCD monitor that folds out of the camera body. The Canon PowerShot S1 IS had some of the best color accuracy scores we’ve ever seen and retails for a hundred bucks less than the S5100, for about $399.
Kodak EasyShare DX7590 – For the same $499.99 price tag, consumers can get the same SLR-shaped camera with 10x optical zoom, but with 5 megapixels. This EasyShare has a larger 2.2-inch LCD screen with 153,000 pixels. It also includes 32MB of internal memory. This camera, with its 16 preset scene modes, was built for beginners. The DX7590 can sort pictures into albums, which is a fun feature. The basics of the S5100 and the DX7590 are similar. They both have similar manual options and modes to help the beginner slowly transition to an expert. But the noise scores of the Kodak are its downfall. Pictures are riddled with noise, even in fair lighting.
Nikon Coolpix 4800 – The 4800 was introduced in July 2004 at a retail price of $425. This camera differs from the others in this comparison section in that the others are SLR-shaped and the Nikon Coolpix 4800 is rectangular and more compact. This offers an advantage when users wish to throw the camera in a pocket or backpack. It is a medium-sized camera, weighing 10.4 ounces. The Coolpix 4800 has a 36-300mm, 8.3x optical zoom lens and shoots movies at 30 frames per second in the same resolutions as the FinePix S5100. It caters to the point-and-shoot crowd with 15 shooting modes, 13.5MB of internal memory, and a slightly larger 1.8-inch LCD screen with 118,000 pixels.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters- The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 has an easy power switch, a fully automatic mode, zoom toggle controls and strong resolution – what more could a point-and-shooter ask for? This camera is made for point-and-shooters who have had a starter camera before and are looking to upgrade to something slightly more sophisticated. This camera will allow the point-and-shooter to develop their photography skills on an attractive SLR-shaped camera.
Budget Consumers - If this camera always sold at its retail price of $499.99, I wouldn’t recommend it to any consumer; there are far better cameras on the market for less money. However, if this camera is still something you want, it can be found for around $300 online, which is not bad, really.
Gadget Freaks - If basic camera parts are considered gadgets, the FinePix S5100 qualifies. The 10x optical zoom, electronic viewfinder and accessory lens attachments would qualify as its fanciest gadgets. However, other than that, the S5100 is dry.
Manual Control Freaks- The Fujifilm FinePix does have the guts to satisfy the manual control freaks. Refer to the Manual Control Options section; I think this camera will please.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists - This camera could serve as a backup camera for a pro or primary camera for a moderate hobbyist. It has a serious look with its matte black finish and SLR-shape and backs up the appearance with plenty of manual and automatic functions.
