Product Reviews

Fujifilm is well known for its extensive range of digital compacts, but when it comes to digital SLRs, the company only has one model. The new FinePix S5 Pro is the successor to Fuji's S3 Pro, a model well liked by enthusiasts for its pleasing colour rendition and wider-than-average dynamic range.

Along with an improved 12.34 million pixel sensor and low-pass filter, the S5 Pro shares the environmentally sealed rock-solid magnesium alloy body, 2.5in screen and all the internal components of the Nikon D200, including the same 11-point AF system, superb viewfinder and robust shutter. This, it's claimed, is capable of at least 100,000 cycles and has been carefully designed to reduce dust from extended use - a little known but proven source of the annoying particles that adhere to the filters covering the sensor, and which show up in pictures.

As well as providing all the hardware features of the D200, the S5 Pro adds an undisguised ISO3200 maximum sensitivity, a handy face-detection option in playback, and a colour live-view feature using the 2.5in screen for use on a tripod.

We also like its method of selecting image parameters as a series of film-simulation modes. Just like the company's film stock, each mode corresponds to a slightly different look. There's a default setting for everyday use, four for various skin tones, and a fifth for saturated blues and greens that's ideal for landscapes.

Like the model before it, using the S5 Pro's menu allows the user to select the dynamic range captured, from standard (100%) to W2 (400%). At the standard setting, the smaller R pixels are effectively switched off, even when using the Raw file format, providing a dynamic range around nine to ten stops, similar to

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most rivals. Although this is handy for increasing continuous-shooting rates up to three frames per second by reducing file sizes, the sensor's resolution is lowered to just 6.15 million pixels. With the S5 Pro set to W2, though, our tests showed that the sensor has a similar resolving power to a standard 10-megapixel sensor, such as that found in the Canon Eos 400D and Nikon D80.

At the maximum extended dynamic range of W2, and with all 12 million pixels in use, file sizes are doubled. There's a corresponding decrease in shooting rates to about 1.6fps, but from our tests the dynamic range increases by two additional stops. Comparing the same scene shot with a rival DSLR, the S5 Pro's dynamic range is just noticeable, proving that it works in real-world use. An auto DR setting is also provided, allowing the S5 Pro to select the appropriate dynamic range based on the scene, although we suspect you will prefer to be in control of the camera.

As expected, picture quality, especially colour rendition, is superb. Skin tones were subtly reproduced and landscapes were vibrant, while the specific film-simulation modes ensured no oversaturation occurred. Noise levels were comfortably low, too, and ISO3200 is just usable. Unsurprisingly, the bundled Raw conversion software doesn't offer the film-simulation profiles, and while the optionally available slightly more feature-rich HS-V3 software (£80) does boast some such profiles, they don't match the camera's.

As the S5 Pro is based on Nikon components, it uses the same Nikon F lens mount for Nikkor-branded and independent Nikon-fit lenses; unlike with Nikon cameras, however, Fuji doesn't offer any lens kits. While this allows you to choose any compatible lens of your liking, it also means you will be unlikely to benefit from bundled deals.

With Nikon timely lowering the price of the D200, the S5 Pro seems slightly disadvantaged, and even more so when compared to its other main rival, the 8-megapixel Canon Eos 30D. Both have faster handling and will appeal to a wider audience.

Ultimately, though, it's the combination of a unique sensor in a superbly capable body that's the major attraction. The pixel count may be the same as the previous model, but there's no doubting the S5 Pro's strengths, and it's a good alternative to the usual makes.