Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

Reviewed September 2005

Image Quality

The FinePix S3 Pro is the newest professional camera to be released by Fujifilm. And in many respects, the S3 is very reminiscent of the FinePix S2, its immediate predecessor.

In comparison to most current digital SLR cameras on the market, the S3 Pro is a relatively expensive camera. However. it does include a built-in vertical shutter release, which is generally an optional accessory and an added cost for most other digital SLR cameras.

But, while the overall ergonomic design of the S3 is excellent — it offers an easy to hold curvy shape that fits in the hand comfortably and many non-slip rubberized surfaces — the lack of duplicate controls such as the Command dial and the AE/AF Lock around the secondary (vertical) shutter release is regrettable. Indeed, using the vertical shutter release means that all camera settings have to be made before changing the orientation of the body as trying to reach these controls with the camera positioned vertically is too impractical.

Similarly, while the TTL viewfinder of the S3 offers the same advantages as the Nikon D70, namely on-demand grid lines and a bright red and very visible indication for the AF point; the viewfinder is made a bit less comfortable to use than those of most other digital SLR cameras by the protuberance of the camera's back which effectively recesses the viewfinder's exit pupil a bit too much.

The FinePix S3 Pro is equipped with a special Fujifilm CCD that uses 2 types of photosites or pixels, each being over 6 million strong, that react to different light intensities: S-type pixels which are larger and more sensitive, and R-type pixels which are smaller and less sensitive. These two types of pixels make it possible to vary the dynamic range of the S3's sensor, which translates into a choice between a standard dynamic range, or a Wide dynamic range that captures more detail in the highlights.

Indeed, with RAW images, it is possible to make details come through in areas that appear to be overexposed when processing images with Hyper-Utility2. This utility, included with the camera in North America, is very advanced and not only allows images to be "developed" using powerful controls, but also provides control over the camera when it is connected to the computer.

The automatic white balance of the S3 is very reliable, and as a result, when it comes to colour rendition the FinePix S3 Pro shines.

As was the case with previous S-series cameras, the S3 is capable of reproducing some colours — violet and purple for instance — better than many other digital cameras. But, that advantage is gradually disappearing as other manufacturers' cameras are clearly closing the gap.

Another area in which the FinePix S3 stands out is its ability to capture nearly noise-free images at high ISO settings. In fact, from 100 through 800 ISO, noise is just about impossible to detect in photos captured outdoors and with good ambient light.

Moreover, at 1600 ISO, outdoor shots are completely useable, and noise is generally no greater than what is normally seen in 160 or 200 ISO images.

By adding the output of all the pixels of the Super CCD SR II, Fujifilm is able to capture a maximum image size of 12.34 million pixels on the S3. Nevertheless, while the 12-megapixel image shows a good level of detail, artefacts usually associated with interpolation can be seen readily, and fine lines at a 45° angle can appear to be step-like. And all convoluted explanations of the Super CCD aside, at least to our eyes, 6 megapixel images looked a bit sharper than those captured at the 12 megapixel size.

In a couple of areas, however, the FinePix S3 Pro is lagging somewhat behind the competition. First, its continuous mode tops out at 2.5 frames per second, and this for a maximum of 12 frames in JPEG format. Second, as was the case with previous S cameras, the S3 only offers exposure compensation in 1/2 EV increments when most of its competitors offer the more precise 1/3 EV increment.

With flash photography the S3 Pro yields good results and offers similar capabilities to those of Nikon cameras. The pop-up flash performs well, and with a Guide number of 12m at 100 ISO, it is able to provide good light over a respectable distance. Moreover, when using D or G-type lenses, the camera is able to do D-3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash, designed to provide a natural balance between a subject and the background light.

But, even with all this, the S3 may well have arrived to the market place a bit late and priced too high. The digital SLR market is growing rapidly and the competition is stiff. While the strength of the S3 appears to be with studio work, in most other respects it lags behind much less expensive 6 megapixel cameras. And furthermore, it will soon have competition from at least one more pure 12 million pixel camera, but this one with the advantage of a full-frame sensor...