[Pixalo]

Press release:
Fujifilm's ultimate goal in development of its DSLR cameras has been to maximise image quality through constant research and development into its sensor technology. With the introduction six years ago of its acclaimed Super CCD, Fujifilm moved away from increasing the pixel density of its sensors in favour of image quality developments that increase the overall performance of the sensor. The FinePix S5 Pro will see the refinement of a winning formula - Fujifilm's Super CCD SR II will be updated to the new Super CCD SR Pro. Using a unique layout of twelve million paired photodiodes (6.17 million larger 'S' photodiodes for main image information, combined with 6.17 million smaller 'R' photodiodes for bright area information), the S5 Pro will deliver improvements in noise, dynamic range, colour and tonality. Further improving the capability of the sensor, a new, improved low-pass filter will ensure that moiré and noise are kept to an absolute minimum. Fujifilm believes improvements in these key areas will be of more true value to professional photographers - the challenge is quality of information, not quantity of information.

The redesigned Super CCD SR Pro sensor will be at the centre of the camera's performance. However the new Real Photo Processor Pro will ensure that the information is handled in such a way to produce images that are beautifully vibrant, with colour recorded as the human eye sees it. The processor's two stages of noise reduction will deliver an impeccably clean image, and also permit light sensitivity up to ISO 3200 whilst achieving sharp, low-noise images. A new dark noise reduction process, subtracting the residual, ambient noise on the sensor from the actual exposure, helps the camera produce smooth, clean images when long shutter speeds are used.

The FinePix S5 Pro will also introduce one particularly sought-after feature; the ability to record jpeg and RAW files simultaneously to the card. This will enable photographers to view and distribute smaller-sized jpegs, whilst retaining the ability to work on the larger RAW files later on a PC or Mac. This dual option is available with a variety of image sizes, giving the option to store either a small, emailable file size, or a larger, more detailed jpeg.

With its predecessor achieving recognition for its excellent ergonomics, the FinePix S5 Pro will take the system into a different league, using a tough, professional magnesium alloy shell. With weatherproof seals, and first-rate design, the S5 Pro will be a camera truly deserving of the term workhorse, equally at home in the studio as on a nature assignment in a humid rainforest. The camera's shutter mechanism will be testament to its durability, as it has been tested to exceed the key benchmark of 100,000 cycles.

The FinePix S5 Pro will also afford the user much greater control over the unique image parameters that its technology provides. Six stepped dynamic range settings between 100% (normal dynamic range) and 400% (dynamic range expanded by two stops) will enable the photographer to achieve exactly the tonal feel to their images that they want. In addition, three distinct settings for the negative film preset option will further enhance the customisable nature of the camera, giving portrait photographers precisely the look that they have in their mind's eye.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Photo Products, said: "The development of the FinePix S5 Pro reflects Fujifilm's commitment to the professional photographer. We remain determined to develop professional level products with the sort of image quality that made the FinePix S3 Pro a favourite among studio, portrait and wedding photographers. The introduction of the FinePix S5 Pro brings heightened performance, handling and image quality to our DSLR product group and we expect this to attract an increasingly diverse range of professional users. These are exciting times for us."



Below are the features that have changed or been upgraded since the original specification was released:-


Sensitivity
AUTO ISO 100/125/160/200/250/320/400/500/640/800/1000/1250/1600/2000/2500/3200 (Standard Output Sensitivity

Continuous shooting
Up to max. 3 frames/sec. D-RANGE set to 100% STD
Up to 1.5 frames/sec. D-RANGE set to WIDE

Exposure metering system
Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering. 3D Color Matrix Metering II (metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor) / Center-weighted / Spot

White balance
Automatic / Incandescent light / Fluorescent lamp(1-5) / Fine / Flash / Shade / Colour temperature / Preset Custom(1-5) Fine tuning can be set.

Built-in flash
Manual pop-up with button release. Guide No. 12 (ISO 100, m). i-TTL balanced fill-flash or standard i-TTL flash. Flash synchronisation up to 1/250 sec.

Synchronisation terminal
Equipped with ISO 519 synchronisation terminal as standard, lock screw provided

Camera mass (weight)
Approx. 830 g/29.3 oz. (not including accessories, battery and memory card)

Guide to the number of available frames for battery operation
Approx. 400 frames

Accessories included
Rechargeable Li-ion battery NP-150, Battery charger BC-150, Shoulder strap, Camera body cap, Eyepiece cap, LCD cover, USB cable (mini-B), Video cable, Accessory shoe cover, Synchronizing terminal cap, Remote release socket cap, CD-ROM [ image browser with CCD-RAW converting function ]

Buffer capacity
In standard mode, shooting RAW plus Fine quality JPEG - 21 shots, just RAW is 24 shots, and Large Fine mode JPEG is 29.
In wide tonal range mode RAW plus Fine JPEG drops to 8 shots, while RAW is 10 and Fine JPEG on its own is 19.