FujiFilm FinePix S5000 3.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom

Features

  • 3.1-megapixel 4th generation SuperCCD HR sensor produces images with 6 million pixels (2816 x 2120)
  • 10x optical plus 2.2x digital zoom (22x total)
  • 1.5-inch LCD, electronic viewfinder, 5-frame burst mode, video at 320 x 240 and 30 fps
  • Includes 16 MB XD Picture Card
  • Powered by 4 AA batteries (alkalines included, rechargeables recommended); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

Description

The FinePix S5000 Zoom looks like an SLR, weighs the same as a compact camera and handles like a dream. The massive 10X optical zoom makes this an incredibly versatile camera that comes in a compact and lightweight packageIn addition to the spectacular zoom lens, the FinePix S5000 Zoom also boasts Fujifilm's Super CCD HR technology, ensuring images are clearer and sharper than cameras with a traditional CCD. Refined in-camera signal processing has taken Super CCD HR's performance to a new level of sharpness and image purity. What's more, the resulting 3.1 million effective and 6 million recorded pixels can be stored exactly as they were recorded, using the camera's RAW mode.With low power consumption - just one of the benefits offered by the xD-Picture Card system - and spot metering to capture complex image tones accurately, the FinePix S5000 Zoom is a technical all-rounder with a lens that excels.

The SLR-styled Fujifilm FinePix S5000 combines a powerful 10x optical zoom lens with a 3.1-megapixel Fujifilm Super CCD, which is capable of nearly doubling the number of effective pixels that are processed and stored. The S5000 also features a movie mode with audio, high sensitivity settings, continuous frame shooting, and a host of manual controls.

Optics and Resolution
The FinePix S5000 features a powerful f/2.8 Fujinon 6x aspherical zoom lens that's equivalent to 37-370mm in 35mm photography and a smooth 3.2x digital zoom. The S5000's Super CCD HR offers 3.1 effective megapixels (2048 x 1536 pixels), which can translate to 6.1 million recorded pixels (2,816 x 2,120 pixels). It also offers 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, and 1280 x 960 resolution modes.

Effective pixels are the number of light sensitive pixels that are actually used by the camera's image sensor (the CCD) to record light. The term recorded pixels refers to the number of output pixels that are recorded to the memory card.

FujiFilm's Super CCD
The Super CCD is a proprietary version of the CCD (charged coupling device) system of light-gathering diodes that captures images into pixels. The Super CCD utilizes larger, octagonal-shaped, light-gathering diodes called Picture Elements (pixels) that are laid out in a saw-tooth pattern. Super CCDs can capture more light information than ordinary CCDs.

The FinePix S5000 features the fourth generation Super CCD HR (High Resolution), which is capable of nearly doubling the number of effective pixels that are processed and stored as additional detail in the recorded pixel file.

Movie Mode and Voice Memo Feature
The S5000 captures continuous QVGA-quality MPEG video with audio at a length only limited by the size of your memory card. You'll get 320 x 240 pixel video at 30 frames per second. With the included 16 MB XD memory card, you can capture 26 seconds of video.

The voice memo feature enables you to attach short audio recordings (up to 30 seconds) along with your captured photos to help you remember details. The voice memos are saved as WAV files and can be e-mailed along with image files.

More Features
The S5000 has an accurate, state-of-the-art, high-speed autofocus (AF) system that makes focusing quicker and more precise. The AF Assist illuminator ensures accurate focus on specific areas in low light conditions. The continuous autofocus feature automatically adjusts focus as the camera moves. The continuous shooting mode enables you to capture 5 frames per second at 6 MP (megapixel) mode, or up to 40 frames at 1 MP mode.

Other features include:

  • 1.5-inch LCD monitor and .33-inch electronic viewfinder
  • Built-in flash with auto, red-eye reduction, forced flash, suppressed flash, and slow synchro modes
  • Shutter speed: 2 seconds to 1/2000 second
  • Still image formats: JPEG and CCD RAW
  • Exposure modes include automatic, manual, aperture priority, exposure compensation, program AE, and shutter priority auto mode.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on XD memory cards, and a 16 MB card is included. When shooting images at 6 MP, the 16 MB card will store approximately 10 images; at 3MP, you can store approximately 19 images. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by 4 AA batteries; alkaline batteries are included, but rechargeable NiMH batteries are recommended. It measures 4.4 by 3.2 by 3.1 inches and weighs 11.9 ounces (excluding batteries and media).

What's In The Box
This package includes the FinePix S5000 digital camera, 16 MB XD memory card, 4 AA alkaline batteries, USB and A/V cables, shoulder strap, and lens adapter ring. The included CD-ROM features FinePix View 4 imaging software, Image Mixer VCD for FinePix, QuickTime 5, and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

Spotlight customer reviews

Good camera have used it for 3 years

[ Posted: 2008-10-24 ]

Rating: 80%
 

This is a very good camera, unfortunately Fuji has stopped production of this model... it is very good for starters to learn about photography and slowly move towards a DSLR mode i guess...i have used this camera for last three years and now i have a broken battery lid.. which is due to th eplastic body.. i feel this is the only drawback this camera has other wise this is really a good handy camera....

WOW! Great Camera, Still Holds Up 4+ Years On

[ Posted: 2008-10-02 ]

Rating: 100%
 

It might seem a little odd to write a review now (October 2008) on a camera I bought over 4 years ago (March 2004), but I am just so impressed with the Fuji S5000's performance over the years. We have used this camera almost daily in our business (to take product photos) and for personal use, including trips around the US, Europe, and South America.

This camera had many advanced features for when it was made that still hold up today:

* Sharp 3.1 MP Image (prints up to 8 x 10)
* Great 10x Zoom Lens (really sharp pictures)
* Movie and Sound Capture
* Great Battery Life

Sure, you can get higher end cameras now but I wouldn't hesitate to get one of these used for a backup or "beater" camera for the kids.

Simply a great, reliable camera that has held up well over time.

4+ Years, 4+ Countries - Going Strong

[ Posted: 2008-01-27 ]

Rating: 100%
 

I've had the Fuji S5000 for four years now and love it. In fact, over the summer I purchased the new Olympus 18x optical zoom and took it back as other than the greater zoom I didn't like it as much as my S5000. When I purchased it it was just under $300 and the best bang for buck in my opinion. There were other cameras with more megapixels or other features, but I wanted that balance between quality and price and I got it. This is a sturdy camera that I've taken all over the world traveling with me as well as every backpacking trip, canoe trip, snowball fight, etc. Just over the weekend it got buried in the snow - I brushed it off and kept snapping.

I have to admit, I am starting to look at new cameras because I'd like more megapixels, but all the cameras have to compare to the S5000 as sturdy, quick, and great pictures.

This is a good camera that will take nice wildlife photos (not WONDERFUL - that's where the bang for buck comes in - it's still for the hobbyist) - I've got moose, bald eagles, deer and lots of fun ones of the new puppy.

I give this camera 5 stars because you're getting what you pay for - a sturdy camera with adequate megapixels and a nice 10x optical zoom lens.

~L'aura

Excellent Camera

[ Posted: 2007-12-29 ]

Rating: 100%
 

I have had this camera for 3 years now, it replaced a Kodak digital that broke. I have been pleased from the first day it arrived. It had been through a lot (Key west, Disney, DC, NY etc) of vacations. It has been abused, bumped, dropped, gotten wet, kids sticky fingers and it still works great. If you are looking for a great deal for a DSLR style camera, this is it, look no further, because this camera is IT. This camera can also provide you with a great learning experience, no only will it tell you when the shutter speed is too fast, but it can even tell you if the aperture is not enough to take a excellent photo, and with 3.1 effective megapixels, your photos will print out better than Kodak prints. ...
I now have the Nikon D80 and this has now been promoted to teaching tool for the kids to learn photography. I would recommend this camera to anyone wanting a quality camera at a reasonable price.

I also recommend getting a 1GB xd card.

programmed to fail

[ Posted: 2007-10-19 ]

Rating: 20%
 

The Fuji S5000 has a memory chip in it which retains the day/date/time information, but after 12 months to 2 years this chip losses its capacity to hold a charge therefore losing the date/time. Fuji wants $250 to replace the chip! My camera failed a few weeks out of warranty. Each time I change batteries, I have to reset date and time. What a pain in the neck!