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Average rating:
4.16
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Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro3.1 megapixels | 2" screen | APS-C sensor
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Average rating:
4.16
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Opinion: I have over 40 years experience with film cameras ranging from most 35's to Speed Graphics by way of Mamiya and Rollei etc., and got into digitals in the early 2000's using Sony and Olympus products to photograph geological sites and samples for publication. I bought an S1 Pro in literal mint condition online recently for less than $150.00 US and have been very well impressed with the color fidelity and general image quality. When used for web publication the images are comparable to 'chromes and I do not believe that any new consumer or prosumer camera in the same price range can challenge it. It has no issues with any Nikon F mount lens I've tried on it. If you understand cameras to start with, it's very easy to use. I love the beast, and think it's a bargain classic like the Yashicaflex was in its day. I also appreciate the way it SOUNDS like a real camera when operating. If you can live with its limitations, like the limits on continuous shooting rates, and avoiding dirt and moisture, it's a very fine camera. Luckily, most of what I shoot these days isn't moving very fast. The stringed instruments I repair and sell have yet to stampede through a sandstorm while I'm photographing them.
Problems: One of the first things I bought for it was a Sensor Swab/Eclipse kit. Haven't needed it yet, but it's there. 'Nuff said.
It takes three different battery types. You know this. Live with it. They're all cheaply available online, and it doesn't use them very fast.
No currently produced CF memory cards will work with it, due to some increase in R/W speed or something since the camera was built and any claims you see online about this are totally bogus. The camera will format the card, but never finishes saving to it when you shoot a picture. If this happens, open the AA battery compartment, switch the camera to "OFF", close the battery compartment, and change the memory card out for one that works. I got an SD to CF type II adapter that works just fine with it (go figure), but the absolute limit to capacity I've found for the S1 Pro is 1GB period. The adapters are around $17.00 on eBay, and the SD cards are around $12.00 each.
Opinion: This was my first DSLR. I have now upgraded to an S2. I would not recommend upgrading unless you need more resolution.
This is a great camera. It is very easy to use and produces images that are better than more recent DSLR's such as the Nikon D70 (I have one, so I know).
I have nothing but praise for this camera. If you cannot afford a true 6 megapixel DSLR, then pick up one of these cheap off eBay and you will not find a better way into the world of DSLR photography.
Problems: Lack of a clip on LCD protector.
Camera controls are a bit basic, being based on an F60 body. This is an irritation rather than a problem.
Opinion: Well, after shooting several thousand images with this camera, I am impressed. The image quality is marevelous. Even at the 1.3 megapixel setting I can generate a 10" print with no pixelation. Noise is well within tolerances, even at ISO 1600. The camera was easy to use...even the digital functions were easy to figure out without having to look at the manual. Nice fleshtones with this camera. Has a nice feel to it, even with the extra weight from the image processing part of the camera.
Problems: There tends to be a slight green cast on the background when I shoot on a white background, although the model and her clothing are almost perfect. I don't like the magnet that keeps the card compartment door closed. Jiggle it just a little and you get an "Err" message...a latch would have been better. My biggest complaint is that it does require the "AA" and CR123 batteries to operate fully. Would like to see Fuji address in a future model...
Opinion: Had it for about 2 years now and used it many different environments from landscapes to sports to product brochure shots.
It's one of the most user-firendly cameras I have ever used. The image quality is fantastic and I usually print at A3 or large panaromic settings with any loss of quality or any pixelation.
Problems: Biggest problem ---- Dust on CCD and the wildly varying solutions avaliable.
Wish the download time on the Raw Tiff settings was a little quicker.
Not all lenses are work on this cameara so be caeful.
Opinion: As a critical Professional, I bought the S1 with some aprehension. I needn't have worried, it lived up to its promises and has become a constant companion. I can forgive all the minor quibbles because from new, it has delivered the goods without fail. I look forward to buying the S2, but will keep the S1 and run them side by side.
Problems: The inevitable dust on the sensor from time to time, easily removed using air jet or PhotoShop. If you have removable lenses, you have to accept this.
Opinion: Great camera for the money. Have used S1 intensely for over four months in formal studio settings and on locations. Very versatile.
Problems: #1 issue is dust on CCD which is impossible to prevent no matter how careful one is ... especially when shooting on white backgrounds and/or humid conditions. Three week turnaround to have Fuji correct this issue which will return without fail. If any batteries are introduced incorrectly and camera is turned on, the power circuit board is guaranteed to blow and render camera into an extremely large necklace according to my vendor ... seems like a design flaw which should have been corrected during normal QC and testing before release of product by implementing a protective diode system.
Opinion: excellent color ,clean images , easy to handle , feels a little cheap compared to the nikon d1 series but just as solid as a canon d30 , unless action shots are planned the frame rate on the s1 should not be a problem,and the s1 can be currently had at a good price overall a very good to excellent camera the s2 should [hopefully ] be even better
Problems: problems with nicads , the camera suddenly gives 'err 'message when batteries are low without warning to change them ,focus is a little noisy but i dont have any problems with its accuracy even in low lightb
Opinion: I bought my Fuji S1 Pro for 2000$ at an online store after waiting for prices to come down i just couldn't wait anymore. IMO i got a great deal with the 1 gigabyte microdrive package. I have shot Indy Summer Stages a 3 day concert with it and got very impressive results. http://www.pbase.com/cowsgomoo/indy_summer_stages_2002 700 images over 3 days and the card holds around 1600+ images at normal quality and size. The camera has a few quirks (listed below) but overall im happy with my order.
Software for shooting from a laptop or computer comes with the camera. It can do the whole deal, timelapse, control aperature and shutter and shoot through the computer. I haven't had a chance to use it but all the other camera companies are simply retarded for not including such amazing software.
Problems: Several that stick out:
1.Very loud "shutter sound", slightly louder then my Nikon N90s non digital SLR
2. Minum iso of 320 combined with max shutter of 1/2000
makes for limited depth of field in bright light
3. Dust in the LCD, the BIGGEST problem. This problem is major, and the Fuji S1 Pro seams to be the most prone to dust (shows up as little black dots and lines in pictures) Second day of shooting i noticed these and as fuji promotes self-cleaning of the CCD i bought a can of air and tried myself. Cold "stuff" got on the CCD from the can and now big blotches show up on all the pictures so its going back to Fuji to be cleaned today.
4. Based on the Nikon N60 with all its limitations. VERY bright autofocus light that assists autofocus comes on in low light, it cannot be turned off. I used black electric tape or switched to manual focus when it goes off.
5. Fragile body, again because its based on the N60.. should have weather proofing seals and such.
6. 6 megapixel lie, i haven't even bothered trying the 6 megapixel setting as it seams to be just a waste of space. The camera takes a 3 megapixel image and just tweaks it up to 6 megapixel generating pixels that weren't there just like in photoshop.
Opinion: Almost replaced film for me since it's purchase (8/01). Most of my critique - praise is with the digital medium, rather than the S1-Pro Camera itself. Regarding this Computerised SLR, it's great!
As a camera, it's metering modes are ok. Uses most any Nikon dedicated flash. It's easy to change "film" types and settings during a hectic shoot. The video output is ok.
+/- re: Digital Film Media:
I find myself lusting for a Polaoid Pallette 6x7 film recorder because my favorite art directors, photo researchers and editors still prefer to view trannies, in transparent acetate pages on light tables!
I shoot Fashion, Location and editorial style portraits, kids, Still Lifes, Stock, etc. The Microdrive free's me from roll film changes, so I shoot lots more. This is a double edge sword: So many shots to evaluate/edit Vs. Non-stop photo sessions.
Example: 525 shots from an hour long fashion show of twenty models, each in five dresses. Try to get good shots of all 100 dresses with 35mm.
I've got nice dye sub printers, but now mostly use a local lab that accepts card media for 4x6, 4x7, 6x9 photo reprints.
Problems: Wide Angle? For now I have to take my chances with stitching panoramas from sequences of stills, or fiddle with an "old" Coolpix 990 w/ adaptor lens for 24mm (I hear the Voigtlander R with 15mm + scanner calling).
Manual AI lenses? Don't trade in, keep your FE2 or FM2!
It has not replaced silent range finder yet.
Dust on CCD? Ten - Fifteen minutes added to work flow prior to important shoot with big blower bulb. Better than dust, watermarks, and scratches on slides and prints.
Batteries? If you don't like batteries, use a M4 or FM2. I use fast chargers (two-three hours) with four or five sets of 1800 AA Nimh's. The main problem is that my kids want my AA's, so I have to keep purchasing more and more rechargables, like disposables! I also use a twenty year old Quantum +. which shoots hours with LCD previewing on.
I scratched the precious shiny black plastic body using a thirty year old flash sync adaptor for studio flash.
Needs Firewire. USB is ok when you need some time away from the camera/computer.
Preview Screen also shows how dirty and greasy my face and fingers are.
Reviews and specs
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 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
