Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro SLR Review

First Look posted 01/18/2005
Full review posted 02/23/2005

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the S3 Pro The FinePix S3 Pro features a 12.34 million effective pixels Fujifilm Super CCD SR II image sensor designed specifically for professional photography. It creates a wider dynamic range to produce images that approach true photographic quality. As a result, the S3 Pro will capture highlight and shadow detail often lost by digital cameras in high contrast scenes. In addition, Super CCD SR sensor technology provides a higher level of sensitivity, improved signal-to-noise ratio and more natural color reproduction. The S3 Pro was developed with significant improvements in versatility and ease of use. Dual shutter release buttons are provided for both landscape and portrait compositions, and dual LCD data displays confirm shooting settings and composition at a glance, without the need to scroll through menus. In addition, the body has been sculpted and rubberised to provide a solid grip. The S3 Pro makes full use of Fujifilm's extensive color film expertise. Rather than force photographers to shoot in RAW mode and spend time on an extensive workflow process, Fujifilm has introduced Film Simulation Modes, dynamic range presets and color space selection. Once the photographer is familiar with these settings, they will be able to produce JPEG images straight from the camera, which require no post-production. Photographers can choose between smooth, extended tonality and natural skin tones, or the dramatic impact of highly saturated color. The Film Simulation Mode is the equivalent of changing film type to suit shooting conditions, and achieves this at the touch of a button. For the first time on any digital SLR, a pre-exposure Live Image Mode has been incorporated to enable photographers to frame and focus images without the need to use the viewfinder. Activated for up to 30 seconds prior to a normal exposure, Live Image Mode is ideal for shots using a tripod as well as effective capture of candid images. The S3 Pro features two D-TTL compatible flash interfaces (hot shoe and synchro terminal) and dual media slots, making it compatible with xD-Picture Cards, CompactFlash and Microdrives up to 4GB in capacity. Expandable shooting options are achievable thanks to the FinePix S3 Pro's compatibility with Nikon-fit lenses and accessories, including the latest 'DX'- designated peripherals, giving plenty of scope for further shooting control. The S3 Pro comes bundled with Hyper Utility Software HS-V2 Ver. 3.0 which enables high-quality RAW data conversion, and incorporates an image viewer, PC control functions and expanded color processing options. FinePix S3 Pro Features: Fujifilm Super CCD SR II sensor, 12.34 million effective pixels (6.17m S-pixels + 6.17m R-pixels) Compact and lightweight digital SLR camera Nikon F-mount lenses (with 1.5x focal multiplier) JPEG Fine/Normal or CCD-raw image formats Film Simulation Modes to replicate the results of various reversal and professional portrait color negative films Improved and adjustable dynamic range by changing the mixing ratio of the 'S' and 'R' pixels Dual shutter release buttons (for horizontal/vertical orientation) Live Image Mode for accurate image preview, focusing and framing Program AE w/Shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority and full Manual Adjustable color, tone and sharpness Color Space - sRGB or AdobeRGB 3D Matrix, center-weighted or spot metering TTL auto white balance, presets and custom set Shutter speeds from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb Continuous drive at 2.5fps up to 7 frames RAW / 12 frames JPEG 2-inch color TFT LCD 15 Custom settings Playback with thumbnails, RGB histogram and zoom ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600 xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive compatible Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format IEEE 1394 FireWire and USB 2.0 data interface Powered by four standard AA type batteries DIWA Gold Medal Award 15 June, 2005: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating digital imaging websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the professional FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR. The FinePix S3 Pro is based on a robust magnesium Nikon camera body, built to Fujifilm's specifications for conversion into a professional digital SLR camera, giving full access to a multitude of Nikon lenses and accessories. With their own expertise from design and production of the renowned Super CCD image sensors, Fujifilm has added their 2. generation 12 Megapixel Super CCD SR sensor. High resolution is combined with S and R photodiodes to achieve astonishing image quality and a wider dynamic range than conventional CCD sensors. Kai Thon, DIWA's test manager comments: "The FinePix S3 Pro proves that Fujifilm has succeeded in combining their undisputed skills from film manufacture with their unconventional approach to image sensor technologies. DIWA finds the S3 Pro particularly well suited for studio photography, such as portraits, products and interiors, but it is also highly suited for outdoor shooting on location. Add to this the built-in vertical grip, the flexibility of RAW format shooting, Adobe RGB and two versions of sRGB color space, plus Fujifilm's remarkable Hyper-Utility HS-V2 software, and you have the perfect picture." DIWA members praised the image quality, not only by means of an outstanding image sensor, but also the camera's 3D Matrix metering, white balance control, wide range of shutter speeds and sensitivities, plus full manual control of exposure and parameter settings. There is even simulated film effects included. Although not primarily built for action, the FinePix S3 Pro is a fast imaging tool, allowing continuous shooting of 12 Mp images at 2.5 fps, responsive functions and storing. It is also one of few to offer both USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and IEEE1394 FireWire interface for fast downloading. The FinePix S3 Pro offers a unique on-screen manual focusing aid on the 235,000 pixels high-resolution 2" LCD screen, as well as a backlit LCD control panel in the immediate vicinity of the image screen. Support for both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card storage media is also unusual and useful. Perfect ergonomic design has high priority on the FinePix S3 Pro, making both professionals and experienced amateurs feel comfortable and accustomed the moment they take control over the camera. Physical Views Compare the FinePix S3 Pro and the Nikon D70 SLRs.

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Page Two

S3 Pro Specifications

Number of Effective Pixels**	12.3 million (S-pixel: 6.17 million, R-pixel: 6.17 million) pixels
CCD Sensor	23.0 � 15.5mm Super CCD SR with Primary Color Filter Number of total pixels: 12.9 million (S-pixel: 6.45 million, R-pixel: 6.45 million) pixels
Number of Recorded Pixels	4256 � 2848 (12 million) 3024 � 2016 (6 million) 2304 � 1536 (3 million) 1440 � 960 (1 million)
File formats	JPEG FINE/NORMAL (Exif Ver. 2.2), DPOF-compatible CCD-RAW (14bit) [Design rule for Camera File system compliant/DPOF-compatible]
Storage media	Slot No.1: xD-Picture Card™ (16MB to 512MB) Slot No.2: CF type II (Microdrive™) (Some CompactFlash™ cards may not work properly)
Lens mount	Nikon F mount (with AF coupling, AF contacts)
Usable lenses	D/G type AF Nikkor lenses: All functions possible AF Nikkor other than D/G type: All function except 3D Matrix Metering possible Non-CPU: Usable in Manual exposure mode (exposure meter cannot be used)
Picture angle	Approx. 1.5X focal length in 35mm format equivalent
Exposure metering system	TTL full-aperture exposure metering system Three metering systems selectable (limitations with lens used) 3D-10 Matrix Metering: EV 0-21 Center-Weighted metering: EV 0-21 Spot Metering: EV 3-21
Exposure compensation	±3 EV range, in 1/2 steps
Auto exposure lock	Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE/AF lock button
Exposure modes	P: Auto-Multi Program (Flexible program possible) S: Shutter-Priority Auto A: Aperture-Priority Auto M: Manual
Shooting modes	Single frame shooting Continuous shooting D-range: STD mode: Max.2.5 frames/sec. RAW: Up to max. 7 frames, JPEG: Up to max. 12 frames D-range: WIDE mode: RAW, Max.1.4 frames/sec. Up to 3 frames JPEG, Max.1 frame/sec. Up to 6 frames Preview mode/Multiple exposure
Shutter	Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed	30 sec. to 1/4000 sec, Bulb, Max. 1/180 sec. X-contact
Advance Function Modes	White Balance: Auto, Custom 1, Custom 2, Sunny, Shade, Fluorescent 1, 2, 3, Incandescent Film Simulation: Standard, F1, F2 Dynamic Range: Auto (range 100-400%), Wide 1 (230%), Wide 2 (400%) Color (Std/High/Org/BW), Tone (Std/Hard/Org), Sharpness (Std/Hard/Off)
Auto focus	TTL phase detection Detection range: EV -1 to EV 19 (ISO 100 equivalent at normal temperature)
Focus areas	One of five focus areas can be selected
AF Area mode	Single Area AF Dynamic AF (Dynamic AF Mode with Closest Subject Priority is available)
Lens servo	Single Servo AF (S), Continuous Servo AF (C), Manual focus (M) Focus Tracking automatically activated in subject's status in Single Servo AF (S) or Continuous Servo AF (C)
Sensitivity	Equivalent to ISO 100/160/200/400/800/1600
Viewfinder	Fixed-eyelevel pentaprism, built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0-1 to +1.0m-1) Frame coverage: Approx.93% vertical, Aprox.95% horizontal
Eye point	24mm
Focusing screen	Clear Matte Screen II with focus brackets and On-demand Grid Lines able to display
Viewfinder information	Focus indications, Metering system, AE lock, Shutter speed, Aperture, Exposure mode, Electronic analog exposure display/exposure compensation display, Frame counter/exposure compensation value, Ready-light, Multiple exposure, Focus area, Flash exposure compensation, Five sets of focus brackets (area) /Spot metering area, Center-Weighted metering,On-Demand Grid Lines able to display
LCD (top display) panel	Shutter speed/Exposure compensation value, Aperture, Exposure compensation, Flash exposure compensation, Auto exposure bracketing, Bracketing bar graphs, flexible program, Flash sync mode, AF area mode Focus area, Battery power
LCD monitor	2.0-inch, Low-temperature polysilicon color TFT (235,000 pixels, wide-type LCD, approx. 100% frame coverage)
Built-in flash	Guide No.12 (ISO 100, m) Flash coverage: 20mm or longer lens Modes: Front-curtain sync (normal sync), Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync, Rear curtain sync
Accessory shoe	Hot-shoe contact (Sync contact, Ready-light contact, D-TTL auto flash contact, Monitor contact, GND), Safety lock provided
Shutter Release	Dual; horizontal and vertical positions
Remote Release	Yes
Self-timer	Electronically controlled: timer duration: 20 / 10 / 5 / 2 seconds
Playback function	Single frame/ Thumbnails in 9 segments Playback zoom/ Histogram indication/ Standard chart
Video output	NTSC/PAL selectable
Interfaces	USB 2.0 for data storage, IEEE1394 for data storage and shooting
Power source	4 AA Ni-MH batteries (sharing power with camera body), AC power adapter
Dimensions	147.8 (W) � 135.3 (H) � 80.0 (D) mm/5.9 (W) � 5.3 (H) � 3.2 (D) in.
Weight	Approx. 815g/28.7 oz. (excluding batteries and lens)
Included accessories	4 AA type Ni-MH batteries, Battery Charger for Ni-MH batteries, Shoulder Strap, Body cap, Eyepiece cap, LCD cover, Cable Holder, USB cable (with Filter), IEEE 1394 cable,Video cable CD-ROM: USB driver, FinePixViewer, ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix, RAW FILE CONVERTER LE
Optional Accessories	xD-Picture Card™: DPC-16, DPC-32, DPC-64, DPC-128, DPC-256, DPC-512 PC Card Adapter DPC-AD CompactFlash™ Card Adapter DPC-CF Image Memory Card Reader DPC-R1 xD-Picture Card™ USB DRIVE DPC-UD1 AC Power Adapter AC-5VX Battery Charger with Battery BK-NH2 Rechargeable Battery 2HR-3UF (2 AA type Ni-MH) Hyper-Utility Software HS-V2 Ver.3.0

* Specifications subject to change without notice.
** Number of effective pixels: The number of pixels on the image sensor which receive input light
through the optical lens, and which are effectively reflected in the final output data of the still image.
Note: The FinePix S3 Pro is compatible with the PictBridge standard.

Features & Controls

Representing the company's pursuit of film photography standards for the digital world, the FinePix S3 Pro introduces Fujifilm's unique Super CCD SR II - dual pixel technology that is technically inspired by the structure of silver halide crystals in color negative film. The new sensor produces 12.34 million effective pixels in 6.17 locations, combining 6.17 million high-sensitivity S-pixels and the same number of low-sensitivity R-pixels. Thanks to a newly developed image processor, the S3 Pro achieves exceptional image quality with a fourfold increase in dynamic range over non-SR Super CCD sensors, rich color reproduction, high signal to noise ratio (lower noise at higher sensitivities) and tonality that was previously impossible to generate with digital cameras. Analogy Between Film and SuperCCD SR Sensor

Silver halide film is coated with crystals of various shapes - highly sensitive grains
with large surface areas that respond to small amounts of light, and low sensitivity
grains with small surface area that responds to large amounts of light.

The SuperCCD SR achieves a similar division of labor by mixing low-sensitivity
and high-sensitivity pixels.

The S3 Pro is compatible with about 90% of the F mount Nikkor lenses (including new AF-S and G type) made. You need to use a focal length conversion factor of 1.5x to determine proper focal length coverage compared to the 35mm format. On the left side of the lens mount is the Depth of Field (DOF) preview button, on the right side is the lens release lock button and the 3-way switch is used to select the desired focusing mode (Manual, Single AF or Continuous AF). The AF-Assist Illuminator (upper lefthand corner of picture above) operates automatically in low-light conditions when the auto focus system can not find enough subject contrast. It has an effective range of 1.6 - 9.8ft (0.5 - 3 m) and can be used with AF Nikkor lenses from 24 - 200 mm. There are three focus modes; AF-S (single AF servo), AF-C (continuous AF servo) and MF (manual focus). In the AF-S and AF-C focus modes there are two different AF Area mode options; Single-area AF and Dynamic AF. In Single-area AF the user manually selects the desired AF point using the 4-way controller. The Dynamic AF mode will automatically select one of the five AF points depending on the subject. This is good for tracking fast-moving objects. This mode also has a sub-option called Closest-subject Priority AF. The focus point will be selected by the area containing a subject that's closest to the camera. The S3 Pro operates the best when using the latest Nikkor type D or G optics with the built in CPU. Here's the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED, on the S3 Pro it becomes a 27-105mm zoom. The S3 Pro has a built-in manual pop-up type flash with a GN: 12 (ISO 100). D-TTL (Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by five-segment TTL Multi Sensor) with built-in Speedlight and external Speedlights. Coverage for 20mm or longer CPU lenses (with hoods removed) as close as 0.6m. The accessory shoe on top has dedicated flash contacts for Nikon Speedlights, X-contact only; flash synchronization up to 1/180 sec. Flash sync modes are: 1) Front-curtain Sync, 2) Red-Eye Reduction, 3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync or 5) Rear-curtain Sync. The Nikon SB-50DX, SB-80DX or the new SB-600 (shown above) or SB-800 Speedlights feature 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash (with D or G-type AF Nikkor lenses) and were designed specifically for digital SLR cameras. You can easily connect the S3 Pro to external studio flash units via the front-mounted PC Sync Terminal. The eyelevel pentaprism finder shows approx. 95% of the captured frame. It has dioptric adjustment and a comfortable eye relief with a fairly wide viewing angle. The focusing screen uses the Vari-Brite Focus Area display system. In bright light the focus brackets are black and in low light they are momentarily illuminated in red. This red illumination may be enabled full-time if desired. To the right is the AE-L / AF-L (auto exposure / auto focus lock) button and around that is the metering selector switch with positions for center-weighted, matrix or spot. (With D- or G-type Nikkor lenses 10-segment 3-D matrix metering is used, factoring in the distance to subject as well as maximum brightness contrast.) The S3's viewfinder display - in the center are the 5 focus zones and the center-weighted metering circle. The focus zone that is selected or active will turn red when the shutter is pressed. The horizontal and vertical grid lines are optional and can be enabled or disabled via the menu. Across the bottom is the digital readout that shows the autofocus status, focus area, metering mode, multiple exposure/AE-L, shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode (P, A, S, M), analog exposure scale, flash compensation, exposure compensation and the flash status. On the back is a high quality 2-inch, color TFT LCD with 235,0000 pixel resolution. It allows for instant, in-field review of captured images with thumbnails, onscreen zoom plus optional histogram charts. Exposure data is displayed via the data LCD above it. All of the playback features are detailed on page 5

Features & Controls (cont.)

The mode dial has positions for "P"rogram AE, "S"hutter speed priority, "A"perture priority and "M"anual exposure modes. It also activates the Custom Settings Menu on the color LCD with the "CSM" position and quickly change the "ISO" sensitivity speed. (If you select "P", "S" or "A" exposure mode when you are not using a Nikkor lens with the builtin CPU, "F--" appears on the top display panel and the camera will not take pictures. You can take pictures using the "M"anual mode and the aperture ring on the lens. You cannot use the camera's metering system.) The selector underneath of the Mode Dial is for changing the drive mode; Single, Continuous (7 frames RAW / 12 frames JPEG @ 2.5fps), Self-timer (settable for 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds), Multi-Exposure. The lock button prevents accidental changes of the drive mode selector. Looking down on the grip side we see the large monochrome data LCD which lets you know all of the most important camera settings at a glance. The button to the right turns on the LCD's back light when needed. Around the shutter release is the power on/off switch. Behind are the Exposure Compensation and Flash Exposure Compensation buttons. The monochrome data LCD displays: Shutter speed/Exposure compensation value, Aperture, Exposure compensation, Flash exposure compensation, Auto exposure bracketing, Bracketing bar graphs, flexible program, Flash sync mode, AF area mode Focus area and Battery power. The Main Command Dial is easily activated with your thumb and works in conjunction with many of the other control buttons to quickly change camera options. The AE-L / AF-L button lock the exposure and focus settings when desired. Around it is the metering selection dial with positions for center-weighted (meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to the center 12mm), 3D matrix (ten-segment matrix sensor sets exposure based on all areas of the frame) and spot (only the center 4mm of the frame is metered.) Located on the front below the shutter release is the sub command dial, it's used to select various camera options. Around the shutter release is the power on/off switch. Behind are the flash and exposure compensation buttons. Note that shutter release is tapped and accepts standard cable releases. Also seen here is the AF illuminator (aka focus assist lamp) and the DOF (depth of field) preview button. The two buttons underneath of the mode dial on the back are used in conjunction with the Main Command Dial to enable Auto Exposure Bracketing and change the Flash Modes. The green dot under the BKT button indicates that when this button and the Exposure Comp button (which also has a green dot) are pressed simultaneously it performs the "two button reset." The following settings are cancelled; flexible program, exposure comp., AE-L, AE bracketing, flash exposure comp., the focus area is reset to center and flash sync is reset to front curtain. If the mode dial is on CSM then all custom settings are reset and the ISO is set to 100. On the side is where you'll find the I/O ports. On top is the high speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 FireWire ports. The round connector is for optional remote control. On the bottom is the DC-IN port for the AC Adapter. The Video Out signal format is NTSC or PAL (user selectable) and allows for connection to a TV set or video monitor. The S3 Pro is equipped with both a xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash Type II slot and is compatible with any capacity xD-Picture Card or any CompactFlash Type I or II solid state card. It's also IBM/Hitachi Microdrive compatible. Accepts devices formatted with FAT or FAT32 file systems. Approximate Storage Capacity The S3 Pro, unlike all other professional digital SLR cameras, does -not- use a proprietary lithium battery pack. It uses four AA type batteries, high capacity NiMH type recommended, as the main power supply. The batteries fit into a holder that runs the length of the camera body. Fujifilm supplies a set of four high-capacity 2300mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries and a small wall charger unit with the camera outfit. Fujifilm claims a battery life of approx. 400 shots per charge with the supplied NiMH batteries. The S3 Pro was designed for photographers and features dual shutter release buttons and grips for both landscape and portrait compositions. In addition, the body has been sculpted and rubberised to provide a solid grip.

Record Mode Features & Screens

The rear controls and LCD displays: The "BACK" button lets you exit menu selections. The 4-way selector is used to change the active focus area. The switch around the 4-way selector locks it against accidental changes. The "MENU/OK" button is used to call up the menu and make selections. The "FUNC" buttons changes the display screen and the function of the four buttons underneath. The "PLAY" button enables playback mode (a quick tap of the shutter button quickly returns you to capture mode. Record mode settings are accomplished with the rear data LCD display, the FUNC button and the four buttons under the data display. Pressing the FUNC button cycles through the following screens: The default screen shows the ISO speed, battery condition, storage media selected, date and time and number of frames remaining. This is a display screen only, nothing can be changed directly. White Balance: Auto, Fine, Shade, Incandescent, 3 modes for Fluorescent, Custom 1, Custom 2 Image Quality: Normal, Fine (JPEG), or High (CCD-RAW) Image Size: 12M (4256x2848), 6M (3024x2016), 3M (2304x1536), 1M (1440x960) Film Simulation: Standard, F1 (studio portraits), F2 (outdoor scenics) Note: When Film Simulation F1 or F2 is selected, the dynamic range, color, tone or sharpness cannot be changed. Dynamic Range: Auto (varies between 100% and 400% according to scene, suppresses white flaring and black patches), Wide 1 (230% fixed), Wide 2 (400% fixed) Color: Standard, High (vivid), Org (low), B/W Tone: Standard, Hard (high contrast), Org (low contrast) Sharpness: Standard, Hard , Off (no sharpening applied) (The "Org" [original] settings should only be used when the images will undergo processing for commercial printing.) AF Area Mode: Single-Area or Dynamic Lock: Enable/disable buttons Reset Func.: Reset all Functions to default Setup Menu MENU options in Record mode IMAGE DISPLAY - Off, On (show briefly after capture), Preview w/histogram CUSTOM WB - Set a custom white balance value COLOR SPACES - sRGB or AdobeRGB D-RANGE - Wide (allows wide dynamic range but continuous shooting speed is slower and the maximum number of frames is halfed) or Standard AUTO ROTATE - Portrait mode image: On or Off MEDIA - Select xD-Picture Card or CompactFlash card slot TEST-SHOOTING(NO CARD) - Allow camera to operate w/out card, On or Off FORMAT - Format selected media BEEP - Camera sounds Low or High DATE/TIME - Set the internal clock USB MODE - Downloading or Printing 1394 MODE - Downloading or Shooting FRAME NO - Sequential frame numbering or Renew with new card LANGUAGE - Select the menu language VIDEO SYSTEM - NTSC or PAL DISCHARGE - Discharge NiMH batteries RESET - Reset all settings to default LIVE IMAGE - Output live image to LCD or TV for 30 seconds CuStoM Settings Rotating the Mode Dial to the CSM position enables the Custom Settings Menu which is displayed on the color LCD. You change settigs with the Main Command dial and options with the Sub Command dial. Custom Setting Available Options CS 1 AE Bracketing Order 0 Metered value -> Under -> Over (default) 1 Under -> Metered value -> Over CS 2 On-Demand Grid Lines 0 Off (default) 1 On CS 3 AF Area Illumination 0 Auto (default) 1 On 2 Off CS 4 Focus Area Selection 0 Normal (default) 1 Enables rotation (You can move the AF area selection using one direction and it wraps around to the other side) CS 5 AE-Lock 0 Disabled (default) 1 Activated (When shutter release is half-pressed) CS 6 Long exposure (Bulb) in Manual mode 0 Disabled (default) 1 Activated CS 7 Closest subject priority Dynamic AF in Single-AF mode 0 Enabled (default) 1 Disabled CS 7 Closest subject priority Dynamic AF in Continuous-AF mode 0 Disabled (default) 1 Enabled CS 9 AE/AF Lock button 0 AE/AF Lock (default) 1 AE Lock only 2 AF Lock only 3 AE remains locked 4 AF operation (Assigns the function of the AE-L/AF-L button) CS 10 Command Dial functions 0 Disabled (default) 1 Enabled (Reverses the function of the Command and Sub-Command Dials) CS 11 Multiple Exposure 0 Single shutter release (default) 1 Continuous shutter release (Allows the use of continuous shooting for multi-exposure shots) CS 12 Auto Power Off 0 Off 15 15 sec (default) 2 2 min. 5 5 min. (Preview image is also cancelled after specified time has expired) CS 13 Self-Timer duration 2 2 sec. 5 5 sec. 10 10 sec. (default) 20 20 sec. CS 14 LCD Illumination 0 Off (default) 5 5 sec. 15 15 sec. (Amount of time that data LCDs are lit when buttons are pushed) CS 15 AF-Assist Illuminator 0 On (default) 1 Off Playback Screens & Menus The rear controls and LCD displays: The "BACK" button lets you exit menu selections. The 4-way selector is used to select images and magnify them. The switch around the 4-way selector locks it against accidental changes. The "MENU/OK" button is used to call up the menu and make selections. The "FUNC" buttons changes the display screen and the function of the four buttons underneath. The "PLAY" button turns the playback mode on or off. Enter Playback mode by pressing the PLAY button. The last image captured is displayed full screen. Pressing the 4-way controller "right" or "left" takes you to the next or previous image. The full screen image can be magnified in seven intermediate steps by pressing the 4-way controller "up." Pressing it "down" steps you back down in magnification. At any enlarged step you can press the PLAY button and then scroll around inside the image using the 4-way controller. Playback mode is controlled from the rear data LCD and its four buttons. The control screen has four options: Histogram: Display the Histogram, press the button to cycle through all of them. The Master channel is shown first and then seperate displays for the red, green and blue channels and finally a full-screen image with blinking highlight areas. Erase: Erase the currently displayed image Protect: Protect/unprotect the current image from erasure. Index: Multi-frame playback mode, displays nine thumbnail size images per screen Here's an animated look at all of the histogram screens. And the blinking highlight areas to warn of possible overexposure. This is the multi-frame (index) playback mode. You can easily select a thumbnail for full screen playback. Pressing the FUNC button cycles between the playback control screen and two image information screens when a picture is displayed full screen. The first information screen has the Folder Name and Image Number, Date and Time of capture, White Balance setting, Image Quality, Image Size and Film Simulation mode. The second screen has the Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO speed, Dynamic Range, Color, Tone and Sharpness settings. Playback Menu Erase: Format selected card or delete ALL frames Protect: Protect or unprotect ALL frames DPOF: Select images to be printed from card (can not be used on CCD-RAW images, these must be processed first.) Playback: Automated slideshow playback on LCD or TV screen Trimming: Crop image and save to new image file LCD Brightness: Adjust the back light of the color LCD monitor Embed DPOF printing info for automated printing later. Crop (trim) your image and save it as a smaller size. Conclusion The FinePix S3 Pro is Fujifilm's upgrade to the 2002-vintage FinePix S2 Pro. While we've become accustomed to new digicams offering greater resolution than their predecessors, the S3 retained the S2's 6-megapixel native/12-megapixel interpolated image size; Fuji instead improved image quality by incorporating their Super CCD SR II image sensor, and added image processing functions that offer increased dynamic range and simulation of film characteristics. The Pro in "S3 Pro" means exactly that; this camera is intended for professional use, primarily wedding and portrait photography. The S3 Pro retains the Nikon heritage of the S2. That's good news if you own a lot of Nikon glass, and it also assures compatibility with Nikon speedlights. Fuji made several improvements in the S3's body, including the provision of a vertical (portrait orientation) grip and shutter release, elimination of the hybrid AA/CR123A battery system in favor of AA batteries only, and provision of a larger and more resolute LCD display. Battery life was surprisingly long, capturing up to 290 images on a single set of 2500mAh NiMH rechargables. With the exception of its vertical shutter release, the S3's body is well designed, and its various controls and switches well-placed for both comfort and ease-of use. Its grips are rubberized and comfortable to hold, providing a secure felling that the camera will not slip out of your fingers. The S3's vertical shutter button, however, seems an afterthought. It failed to wake the camera from sleep mode, and the AE-lock button and main and sub command dials have no vertical counterpart. As a result, making camera adjustments while shooting in portrait orientation is awkward at best. When shooting single-handed in landscape orientation, the vertical shutter button is too easily half-depressed by the heel of your right hand; while in this state, the top-mounted shutter button can't be used, causing missed shots. The vertical shutter button's inadvertent activation will also pop the camera out of review mode into shooting mode. These issues caused me to disable the vertical shutter button except for times when I intended to shoot in portrait orientation. Another annoyance was the S3's failure to maintain shooting priority at all times. While it maintains shooting priority in most of its operations, setting Custom Functions or ISO requires turning the exposure mode dial out of shooting position. The S3 is unique among cameras designed for professional use. Most limit in-camera image processing options to sharpness, contrast, saturation, color tone and color space, expecting that post-processing will be used to manipulate the image for its intended use. While the S3 provides those options, it offers enhanced in-camera image processing functions that interpolate its native 6-megapixel (3024x2016) images to 12-megapixels (4256x2848), combine the imager's S and R pixels to produce images with greater dynamic range, and simulate the characteristics of film. In terms of performance and image processing, the S3 has two personalities. The "switch" is accomplished with the menu setting for D-RANGE; in the Standard setting, the S3 is a good all-around imager with average performance. Set D-RANGE to Wide and you transform the S3 into a special-purpose imager whose performance I found to be leisurely at best. The quality of the S3's uninterpolated 6-megapixel Fine images with standard settings was excellent, almost calling into question the need for its extra features. Exposures were spot on, and the standard sharpness, contrast and saturation settings produced usable JPEG's right out of the camera. Use the FUNC menu to step up to 12-megapixel images and quality remains very good, with artifacts from interpolation only visible in areas of fine detail. Noise was not an issue up to ISO 400. Image noise becomes detectable in shadow areas at ISO 800; at ISO 1600 it is noticeable in shadow areas, but highlights remain largely noise-free and the images are quite usable. In Standard D-RANGE, the S3 is a good performer when capturing single images. It can be used almost instantly after being powered on, imposing a delay of only 1/2 second. Shutter lag when pre-focussed or when using continuous AF was 1/10 second, while lag including single autofocus delay ranged from .2 to .4 seconds. Rapid shooting in single-frame mode captured 12 images at about 3/10 second intervals, with subsequent shots at about 1.5 second intervals. Using the internal flash slowed the capture rate to intervals of between 1.2 and 6.5 seconds depending on subject distance. The S3's continuous shooting performance in Standard D-RANGE mode lags the competition. It turned in an average performance while capturing 6-megapixel Fine images, 12 shots in 4 seconds with subsequent captures at 1.2 second intervals and buffer clearing in 18 seconds. Increasing the image size to 12-megapixels captured the same 12 images in 4 seconds, but the capture rate for subsequent images slowed to 1.7 second intervals, and it took a whopping 29 seconds to clear the camera's buffer. Shooting RAW slowed the S3 even further; it could capture only 7 images in 2.3 seconds, with subsequent images at 5 second intervals and buffer clearing in 40 seconds. These performance figures were obtained using a fast Lexar 80x 1-GB CF memory card; the buffer clearing times improved by about 30% when a Fuji 256MB xD memory card was used. The S3's Film Simulation modes are unique in the digicam market. They are enabled by the camera's menu system by setting D-RANGE to WIDE. Film Simulation mode F1's effect was subtle, producing smooth natural skin tones by desaturating colors throughout the image. There's nothing subtle about Film Simulation mode F2, producing eye-popping color saturation that will find limited use for scenic shots. The S3's Wide Dynamic range feature is also enabled by setting D-RANGE to WIDE in the camera's menu system. Fuji claims that the Wide 1 setting increases dynamic range by about 1 f-stop, and Wide 2 by 2 f-stops. Either mode was a significant improvement over the S3's normal setting, yielding detail in areas that were otherwise over exposed. I could not, however, find much of a difference between Wide 1 and Wide 2, both seeming equally effective when dealing with difficult lighting. Fuji suggested that over exposing the subject by 2 stops would reveal a difference, but I found little if any improvement at Wide 2. If in fact a 2-stop overexposure is necessary to experience the benefits of Wide 2, its effectiveness would be limited to only the most extraordinary of lighting circumstances. Perhaps its greatest value is in producing usable images from accidental overexposures, an image rescue function that most pros will appreciate. Be aware that the S3's Film Simulation and Wide Dynamic Range are mutually exclusive modes of operation; they can not be used concurrently. If the S3's Film Simulation or Wide Dynamic Range modes meet your qualitative needs, you may find that there's little need to post-process your images before printing. If you're running a high-volume portrait operation, this could both increase the quality of your product and improve your productivity, a double benefit that could by itself justify the purchase of an S3. But there's a price to be paid for the S3's in-camera processing, and it's not just the cost of the camera; while the power-on, shutter lag and AF times are unaffected in Film Simulation or Wide Dynamic Range modes, responsiveness suffers when shooting continuously. In normal mode, the S3 is capable of 2.5 frames per second for 12 shots at any image size or quality; this slows to 1 fps in Wide mode and depth decreases to 6 images at 6-MP, and 9 images at 12-MP (yes 9, that's not a mistake). In RAW mode, the capture rate slows to 1.4 fps for a depth of only 3 images. The interval between subsequent images with a full buffer also suffers, extending to 1.5 seconds at 6MP, 2 seconds at 12MP and 10 seconds shooting RAW. JPEG image sizes in Wide mode are roughly equivalent to their Standard mode counterparts, roughly 3-megabytes for a fine 6-MP image and 5-megabytes for a fine 12MP. But RAW images double in size, growing from 12.8-megabytes in Normal to 25.1 megabytes in Wide mode. There's more to responsiveness than just continuous shooting, and other aspects of the S3 feel sluggish as well. Neither the camera menu system nor the function menu can be accessed while the S3 is writing images to its memory card. While this delay is only a second or two for a single JPEG image, the 12 second wait after taking a single RAW image in Wide mode seems like an eternity. Playback mode is also frustratingly slow, taking 2 seconds to display each 6MP JPEG and 3 seconds for each 12MP JPEG. It takes only 1 second to display the embedded 1440x960 thumbnail of a RAW image, but it can not be magnified to the same degree as a full size JPEG, limiting your ability to field-check your results. Fuji provides adequate software support for the S3's RAW images. The FinePix Viewer simply allows you to view RAW images, while the Hyper Utility allows you to extract a 1.4-megapixel JPEG preview or save a full-size TIFF image; Hyper Utility also allows you to edit the RAW file, allowing you to override the camera settings for color space/film simulation, white balance, color, sharpness etc. The conversion process even permits specification of dynamic range parameters ranging from 100% to 400%, allowing you to manually adjust the mix of S and R pixels used to form the final image. The conversion process defaults to Camera Setting, and if you use that your image editor will have an already-processed image to work with. The Photoshop CS Camera RAW plugin does not yet support the S3's RAW images. Version 2.4 of the plugin was able to open an S3 .RAF file, and it was absent the in-camera processing options for sharpness etc. in effect at the time of capture, truly a RAW image. The 2.4 plugin recognized the .RAF file as a 3024x2016 6-megapixel image, not the 4256x2848 12-megapixel size claimed by FinePix Viewer; hopefully the S3's RAW images will be fully supported soon. The bottom line: The FinePix S3 Pro is a camera with two personalities. In Standard D-Range it produces excellent results both at 6 and 12 megapixel image sizes, but doesn't justify its $2,500 price versus the competiting dSLRs. Set D-Range to Wide and the S3 is transformed into an amazing portrait-taking image processor. Although a bit sluggish in this mode, its results may better satisfy the needs of your portrait business than anything else available today, more than justifying its price. Please have a look at our sample photos, where examples of each of its advanced modes have been provided. Fujifilm Announces Software Upgrade For Finepix S3 Pro Digital Camera & HS-V2 Software VALHALLA, NY, April 5, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. recently released the first firmware upgrade for the FinePix S3 Pro professional digital camera as well as a Macintosh OS X updater for the Hyper-Utility Software HS-V2. The firmware upgrade for the FinePix S3 Pro (Version 2.12) updates several functions including auto rotate, acceptance of higher capacity storage mediums and lens compatibility. The firmware upgrade also adds computer workstation control functions, a very useful tool for wedding, studio and portrait photographers. (An upgrade to Hyper- Utility Software HS-V2 Ver.3.1 is necessary for this function). The new upgrade can be downloaded to a computer and then saved to an xD card for launching/installation. The Macintosh OS X updater brings new functionality to the Hyper-Utility Software HS-V2 in versions 2.0, 3.0, 3.1a and 3.1b. Updates include RAW file converter EX for the FinePix S3 Pro, FinePix S2 Pro and FinePix S20 digital cameras as well as capture software for the same Fujifilm models. Users must have their original Hyper-Utility Software HS-V2 disc for proper updater installation. In addition to the updates Fujifilm is also offering a free 256MB xD Picture Card to FinePix S3 Pro owners for registering their camera. Links to FinePix S3 Pro online registration, as well as to Fujifilm's Support and Contact Center for the firmware and software upgrades, can be found at www.fujifilm.com/finepixS3pro. Sample Photos Images 6M Fine quality, ISO 100, std sharpening, std color, auto D-Range, std Film Sim unless noted. All available light M&M shots used manual WB. AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5G IF-ED zoom lens set at 50mm. DSCF0002.JPG 3024x2016 Flash, 1/60 F8.0 2,897,917 DSCF0016.JPG 4256x2848 (12M) 1/10 F8.0 4,751,186 DSCF0018.JPG 3024x2016 Film Sim F1 2,976,649 DSCF0019.JPG 3024x2016 Film Sim F2 2,909,109 DSCF0020.JPG 3024x2016 Color High 3,024,748 DSCF0021.JPG 3024x2016 Color Org 3,008,978 DSCF0022.JPG 3024x2016 Color BW 2,704,389 DSCF0023.JPG 3024x2016 Color Std 3,033,166 DSCF0024.JPG 3024x2016 ISO 160 2,964,932 DSCF0027.JPG 3024x2016 ISO 200 2,936,181 DSCF0029.JPG 3024x2016 ISO 400 2,916,454 DSCF0031.JPG 3024x2016 ISO 800 2,969,868 DSCF0033.JPG 3024x2016 ISO 1600 2,936,406 DSCF0035.JPG 3024x2016 30 secs ISO 100 3,035,815 DSCF0039.JPG 3024x2016 Flash F19.0 70mm 2,840,747 The following images 12M Fine quality, ISO 100, std sharpening, std color, auto D-Range, std Film Sim unless noted. AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5G IF-ED zoom lens unless otherwise noted. DSCF0048.JPG 4,946.12 Kb 4256x2848 DSCF0185.JPG 4,672.93 Kb 4256x2848 DSCF0216.JPG 3,005.35 Kb 6M, 3024x2016 DSCF0222.JPG 5,061.52 Kb 4256x2848 DSCF0257.JPG 2,989.60 Kb 6M, 3024x2016 DSCF0262.JPG 4,985.92 Kb 4256x2848 DSCF0361.JPG 3,102.60 Kb 6M, 3024x2016, 30 secs Dynamic Range W2 DSCF0369.JPG 4,426.70 Kb 4256x2848, SB-600 Film sim F1 DSCF0372.JPG 4,531.71 Kb 4256x2848, SB-600 Film sim F1 DSCF0400.JPG 4,936.92 Kb 4256x2848 Dynamic range Standard DSCF0421.JPG 4,796.92 Kb 4256x2848 Dynamic range W1 DSCF0439.JPG 4,897.63 Kb 4256x2848 Dynamic range W2 DSCF0781.JPG 4,817.80 Kb 4256x2848 Spot meter, +2EV Dynamic Range W2 DSCF0982.JPG 4,602.43 Kb 4256x2848, SB-600 +1EV, Dynamic Range W2 DSCF1463.JPG 4,598.73 Kb 4256x2848 Dynamic Range Standard DSCF1469.JPG 4,624.16 Kb 4256x2848 Film sim F1 DSCF1475.JPG 4,561.16 Kb 4256x2848 Film sim F2