FujiFilm FinePix S1 Pro Review

Review based on a production FinePix S1 Pro (Firmware v1.00)
Back on January 31st FujiFilm
announced the S1 Pro, people ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the specifications,
6.13 megapixels, accepts Nikon F-mount lenses, ISO from 320 to 1600 support
for CF Type II and SmartMedia with an estimated street price of just US$3,500.
A lot of time has passed since then, in that time we've
learned that the CCD in the S1 Pro is in fact 3.4 megapixels (3.07 million
effective) but because it's of the SuperCCD layout it produces a 6.13
megapixel output image (in the same way FujiFilm's 4700Z produces a 4.3
megapixel image from a 2.4 megapixel sensor). Also that the S1 Pro is
based on Nikon's F60 (known as the N60 in the US) with about another inch
added to the base to contain the batteries for the "digital portion"
of the camera and (we assume) digital processing electronics. It's also
become apparent that lens compatibility could be an issue, because the
camera is based on the F60 it doesn't support certain lenses (full list
of supported lenses is available further into this review).
Putting that behind us nobody can ignore the price, for
a Digital SLR with this much resolution just can't be ignored...
SuperCCD
The major difference between a SuperCCD and standard
CCD is the orientation of the CCD pixels. In a SuperCCD they're
orientated in a diamond formation (or honeycomb as Fujifilm like
to call it), turning this into a square image requires processing
which generates a higher pixel count (because of the missing pixels
between odd rows).
The Fujifilm S1 Pro has a 3.4 megapixel SuperCCD
which outputs 3.07 million pixels which is processed to generate
a 6.13 megapixel image (3040 x 2016). This means that the cameras
internal systems are processing those diagonally orientated pixels
to generate the image... Debate still rages as to whether this is
a good thing or not.
The SuperCCD design does lend itself to higher
sensitivity thus the S1 Pro has a lowest sensitivity of ISO 320
(it was rumored that production cameras would be capable of ISO
160 however that doesn't appear to have come to fruition) and highest
of ISO 1600.
|
 |
Gear in this story
Gear in this story
Recommended
|
|
|
|
Aug 5, 2003
|
Aug 5, 2003
|
Aug 9, 2000
|
Feb 22, 2001
|
Our
good friends Dave and Mike over at Imaging Resource have had a busy few
days recently, first off is their "almost full review" of a
pre-production Canon D30. Then comes a review of Fujifilm's S1 Pro, a
comparison of the S1 Pro, D30 and Nikon's D1 and finally a full review
of Toshiba's PDR M70.. Just when I thought I was working hard ;) |
And
$200 rebate off the following lenses: Tamron's SP AF14mm F/2.8 Aspherical
(IF) Rectilinear, SP AF20-40mm F2.7-3.5 Aspherical (IF) or SP AF28-105mm
F/2.8 LD Aspherical (IF) lenses. There will be a $100 rebate for the purchase
of the SP AF90mm F/2.8 1:1 macro lens. We'd actually heard of several
people receiving their pre-ordered S1 Pro's before this announcement but
this kind of puts an official slant on proceedings. |
Steve
Sanders over at Steves-Digicams has just posted a first look at Fujifilm's
S1 Pro Digital SLR. So far he seems fairly happy with the camera and notes
"...had a fun day shooting sample photos and getting used to this
camera. The image quality is excellent, there's no fear of "interpolated"
resolution not living up to the claims -- it does!" | Fuji
rattle the sabre in the Professional Digital Camera market (and pro-sumer
too) with this blockbusting 6.13 megapixel (3040 x 2016 - oh yes) professional
SLR with a D1-killing street price of US$4,000. Kodak DCS560 / 660 anyone?
Best of all that CCD is HUGE.. 1.1" (APS size).
The Sony a7CR is a high-resolution addition to the company's compact full-frame a7C series. So what did we make of it and where does it leave the a7 IV that it sits just above?
Lomography's LomoChrome '92 is designed to mimic the look of classic drugstore film that used to fill family photo albums. As we discovered, to shoot with it is to embrace the unexpected, from strange color shifts to odd textures and oversized grain.
The LowePro PhotoSport Outdoor is a camera pack for photographers who also need a well-designed daypack for hiking and other outdoor use. If that sounds like you, the PhotoSport Outdoor may be a great choice, but as with any hybrid product, there are a few tradeoffs.
The Sony a7C II refreshes the compact full-frame with a 33MP sensor, the addition of a front control dial, a dedicated 'AI' processor, 10-bit 4K/60p video and more. It's a definite improvement, but it helps if you value its compact form.
Why is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack so widely used? A snazzy design? Exceptional utility? A combination of both? After testing one, it's clear why this bag deserves every accolade it's received.
If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.
What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.
'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked.
What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out.
Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.
Comments