Digital SLR Camera

In today’s increasingly competitive and dynamic DSLR market, what would it take for a camera to stand apart from the crowd? By combining a superior imaging heritage with a modern, physical outlook, of course. And that’s just what Fujifilm has done with the new FinePix S5 Pro, the keenly awaited successor to the highly acclaimed FinePix S3 Pro. The FinePix S5 Pro combines the incredible picture quality of Fujifilm’s Super CCD SR sensor with a fully digital and durable metal alloy body. This superior combination of truly professional handling and image quality positions the FinePix S5 Pro to appeal to an even broader range of professional photographers.

 

Fujifilm’s ultimate goal in development of its DSLR cameras has been to maximise image quality through constant research and development into its sensor technology. With the introduction six years ago of its acclaimed Super CCD, Fujifilm moved away from increasing the pixel density of its sensors in favour of image quality developments that increase the overall performance of the sensor. The FinePix S5 Pro is recipient of the winning formula – the new Super CCD SR Pro. Using a unique layout of twelve million paired photodiodes (6.17 million larger ‘S’ photodiodes for main image information, combined with 6.17 million smaller ‘R’ photodiodes for bright area information), the S5 Pro delivers improvements in noise, dynamic range, colour and tonality. Further improving the capability of the sensor, a new, improved low-pass filter ensures that moiré and noise are kept to an absolute minimum. Fujifilm believes improvements in these key areas will be of more value to professional photographers – the challenge is quality of information, not quantity of information.

With the redesigned Super CCD SR Pro sensor at the centre of the camera’s performance, the new Real Photo Processor Pro provides matching processing power to ensure that information is manipulated to produce images that are beautifully vibrant – with colour recorded the way the human eye sees it. The processor’s two stages of noise reduction deliver an impeccably clean image, and also permit light sensitivity up to ISO 3200 whilst achieving sharp, low-noise images. A new dark noise reduction process - subtracting the residual, ambient noise on the sensor from the actual exposure - helps the camera produce smooth, clean images when long shutter speeds are used.

The FinePix S5 Pro also introduces one particularly useful feature; the ability to record jpeg and RAW files simultaneously to the card. This will enable photographers to view and distribute smaller-sized jpegs, whilst retaining the ability to work on the larger RAW files later on a PC or Mac.

Building upon its predecessor’s reputation for its excellent ergonomics, the FinePix S5 Pro takes the system into another league altogether, using a tough, professional magnesium alloy shell. With weatherproof seals and first-rate design, the S5 Pro is a camera truly deserving of the term ‘workhorse’: it is equally at home in the studio as on a nature assignment in a humid rainforest. The camera’s shutter mechanism has even been tested to exceed the key benchmark of 100,000 cycles.

The FinePix S5 Pro also affords the user much greater control over the unique image parameters that its technology provides. Six stepped dynamic range settings between 100% (normal dynamic range) and 400% (dynamic range expanded by two stops) enables the photographer to achieve the exact tonal feel they want. In addition, three distinct settings for the ‘negative film’ preset option further enhance the customisable nature of the camera, allowing portrait photographers to capture photographs no different from that which was visualised.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Photo Products, said: “The development of the FinePix S5 Pro reflects Fujifilm’s commitment to the professional photographer. We remain determined to develop professional level products with the sort of image quality that made the FinePix S3 Pro a favourite among studio, portrait and wedding photographers. The introduction of the FinePix S5 Pro brings heightened performance, handling and image quality to our DSLR product group and we expect this to attract an increasingly diverse range of professional users. These are exciting times for us.”

An explanation of Super CCD SR Pro

Super CCD SR uses a unique pixel arrangement, based on the advanced octagonal sensor arrangement that Fujifilm pioneered, but taking the concept even further with a paired shaped pixel structure.

Two photodiodes capture information on the same area of the image. The sensitive S-Pixel registers the main volume of light reflected off the subject, whilst the R-Pixel captures highlight information from the same part of the image. Because it is set at a lower sensitivity than S-Pixel (in other words, records a darker image), the R-Pixel is able to ’see’ additional detail in bright areas that is beyond the reach of conventional pixels.

The combination of S and R-Pixels produces an image that is more richly detailed and with wider dynamic range than conventional CCDs, resolving more detail both in highlight and dark areas of the image.

Improvements of FinePix S5 Pro over FinePix S3 Pro

Image processing and quality

• Real Photo Technology Pro, which combines the Super CCD SR Pro and the RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro, allows for greater dynamic range with smoother tonality from highlight to shadow
• The improved Super CCD SR Pro features an optimised low-pass filter to reduce noise and minimise moiré
• The newly developed RP Processor Pro features two cycles of noise reduction which enables photographers to take images at even higher sensitivities (ISO 100 to ISO 3200) with visibly reduced noise

Greater flexibility to control colour and dynamic range

• For even greater creative control over the FinePix S5 Pro’s dynamic range, photographers can now choose from up to six preset ranges between 100% and 400%
• For improved reproduction of natural skin tones, three new variations of the original film simulation mode (F1) have been added (five modes in total)

Face Detection Technology for post image verification

• Uniquely developed Face Detection Technology LSI is under development for the FinePix S5 Pro. With one press of a button, the camera detects up to ten faces almost instantly after each image is captured. After shooting and during playback, the photographer can easily and quickly zoom in and check facial details such as closed eyes, focus and exposure on the LCD monitor.

Other camera functions and features

• Nikon F-mount compatibility for all functionality with all Nikkor AF-D/G and the latest AF-S optics
• RAW+ jpeg (4,256 x 2,848 pixels, 3,024 x 2,016 pixels, 2,304 x 1,536 pixels) dual-save mode
• Mac and PC supported tethered shooting mode via USB 2.0 port and optional Hyper Utility software
• Robust lightweight magnesium-alloy body with moisture
• and dust-proof seals
• Durable shutter unit stands up to approximately 100,000 cycles
• Adoption of high-precision i-TTL flash control
• 11-point AF sensor with faster autofocusing than the FinePix S3 Pro
• Supports 1/3, 1/2, and 1 stop lens aperture control
• Shutter speed 30 sec. to 1/8000 sec, maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.
• 3 levels of custom function locking with password protection
• Remark function enables addition of comments to an image file by connecting a RS-232C bar code reader to the camera body.
• 2.5 inch LCD with 235,000 pixels, gives 100% frame coverage. Colour and monochromatic 30 seconds live view function to check focusing
• Li-ion rechargeable battery
• Compact Flash CF) Card (Type I/II) and Microdrive compatible

More Output Options

Fujifilm Digital Imaging (FDi) Stations across the country offer professional photography treatments that are much more affordable and superior in quality than normal printouts at home. Just shoot your pictures with any digital camera and bring it to any of our FDi Stations nationwide. The FDi experts will print them on quality Fujicolor Crystal Laser Print or personalise images as a calendar, greeting card and many more creative options. Alternatively, you may save pictures onto a variety of digital media, such as the new Fujicolor CD that comes complete with Macromedia software.

Fujifilm e-zy2print is a fast and hassle-free way to order your prints online.

For more details on e-zy2print or the FinePix range, log on to http://www.fujifilm.com.my