Fujifilm FinePix S5200

Reviewed February 2006

Image Quality

As is usually the case with Fujifilm cameras that use a Super CCD, the image quality of the S5200 exhibits some noticeable traits. One of these is that the camera can capture details in zones where standard CCDs often do not. For example, the photo at right contains a strong contrast between light and shadow areas, and yet shows great detail in both, entirely avoiding any overexposure in the bright areas and any underexposure of the shadows.

Another characteristic of Super CCD cameras that is noticeable with the S5200 is that it appears to be able to capture a broader range of colours than most standard compact digitals. This translates into images that capture slight colour nuances such as the varied hues of a blue sky, and which tend to have very natural looking colours.

The best image quality available with the S5200 is when the CCD-RAW mode is used. Then, even with the limited functionality of the CCD-RAW converter included with the camera, images are very detailed.

However, the fact that the software supplied with the camera does not offer any means of adjusting the image while it is in its RAW state clearly limits the use of the CCD-RAW mode unless the user has access to a more powerful RAW converter such as what can be had with Adobe Photoshop CS II.

Regrettably, the JPEG format, even when the Fine (5MF) image quality is used, applies a compression of approximately 6:1, which can be too strong with some subjects, and can have the effect of lowering the quantity of detail that can be seen in the image.

Still, with the JPEG format, the S5200 yields useable images up to 400 ISO, especially if there is good ambient light or the flash is used. However, at the higher ISO settings, particularly 800 and 1600 ISO, images captured in low light and without flash take on an impressionistic look. Indeed, whatever the image format selected, images captured in low light and without flash are not the S5200's best.

On the other hand, outdoors and with good light or bright sun, the S5200's 64-segment Multi metering pattern is very reliable and handles complex lighting effectively, producing clear and vibrant images.

This said, there is little doubt that the primary attraction the FinePix S5200 will have for the consumer will be its 10X optical zoom.

At the wide angle end, the S5200 has a field of view comparable to a 38 mm lens in the 35 mm format. This focal length allows the camera to capture a reasonably wide area, as can be seen in the photo shown above.

At the other end of its range, the zoom is the equivalent of a 380 mm telephoto lens, and its powerful ability to bring distant subjects closer is exemplified by the image at left.

However, at its maximum telephoto setting, the zoom also amplifies the impact of the slightest movement made by the photographer, and unless there is plenty of light to allow for a fast shutter speed, any movement can cause a blurred image. Therefore, a tripod can be necessary to ensure a sharp image.

At the wide angle end, the zoom yields a good image, but one that is less sharp than what it yields at its maximum telephoto. Barrel distortion is minimal, and unless the subject is nearby, usually unnoticeable. A chromatic aberration can be seen on the edges of zones that are strongly contrasted, however, and can also become visible at longer focal lengths when the conditions are right for it. While at the telephoto end of the zoom, neither distortion nor aberration was observed.

In use, the FinePix S5200 responds quite quickly, whether to the shutter release or to its controls. Similarly, under normal conditions, the camera is quick to focus, and if need be is ably helped by a bright AF-Assist lamp. Nevertheless, under low light and with the zoom at its maximum magnification, the focusing process can sometimes become lengthy or hesitant, even with the help of the assist lamp.

The S5200 is able to produce very good images when used in good light, as well as with flash, and captures very precise colours.

This, and the fact that the FinePix S5200 has a good ergonomic design borrowed from SLR-type cameras, a 5.1 megapixel resolution, a 10X zoom with a long reach, and a competitive price, should make it a very attractive camera.