Fuji Finepix S1 Pro Review

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Fuji Finepix S1 Pro
4.3 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.3 out of 5

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EBROOKS's Review of Fuji Finepix S1 Pro

9th Mar 2005

Overall Rating

4.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Image Quality
    4.5 stars
  • Features
    3.5 stars
  • Time Digital Camera Owned
    Over 1 Year
  • Battery Life
    2.5 stars
  • Ease of Use
    3.5 stars
Good Points

Works good.


Bad Points

Needs a wider range of virtual film sensitivity especially on the low end.


General Comments

I bought the Fuji Finepix S-1 some 5 years ago. It was about half the price of a Nikon, which I really wanted. But it was Nikon compatible, which made it a "virtual" Nikon. I mean compatible with Nikon lenses.

I think I wanted the Nikon mainly for sex appeal. For one thing, it has a magnesium or other alloy body, while the Fuji has an admittedly tacky plastic body.

But FUNCTIONALLY there was and is little to distinguish the two, at least for the semi-pro market.

I have read the Fuji has a rectangular sensor vs. the Nikon square sensor. I've heard the square sensor is supposed to be more pure in some way. In the event (the picture), I can't see any difference. It is even possible that the Fuji rectangular sensor is BETTER (at least color-wise).

People (usually men) buy high end cameras like they buy cars and other outward signs of their inner selves--for a total of function and looks, with looks expected to be carefully connected with function.

The looks/function thing is where Nikon excels. Nikon would never make a plastic body (I feel someone approaching to tell me that some low-end Nikon actually had a plastic body--I don't know if it is true--I think it is--but if it is I know it is a lot less plastic looking than the Fuji S-1). Anyway, Nikon would never do it on a high end camera.

So now here I am still using my S-1, with a range of Nikon lenses for it. It works fine, my only complaint (see above) is that its lowest film speed setting is 320.

I saw a current Fuji Pro at a shop the other day (the S-3 I think), and have to say I was not too impressed with its looks vs. the various Nikon digitals that are now on the market, although its price as before was less. The thing on price is that Nikon has by this time developed a number of digital cameras with interchangeable lenses with a range of prices some of which go into the Fuji range. The thing on looks is that the Fuji is no comparison with the Nikon.

I will probably move up to a Nikon when or if the time comes. But if you are the sensible type you could very sensibly buy the FujiPro and get the same results out of your printer as the Nikon, even, possibly, better.

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