S3 pro's comment

[skyboy]

Hi

I was eyeing on Fujifilm Finepix S3 and reading the reviews on it thru mag and internet. Overall was quit good and the picture quality was aslo quite good.

S3 user can comment on the pro and con of this camera.

Thanks

[ortega]

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=114544

[Azure]

If you are not a crybaby-technical-specs-wanker type, and if you are not into sports photography, and if you are able to overcome the technical limits on your cameras type of person, it is the cam.

The good -
The S3 has arguably the best out-of-cam Jpegs amongst DSLRs.
It's film simulation modes are as close as you can possibly get to good slide or portrait film (in the hands of a careful and smart user).
Properly used produces PS-free output.
Lasts a long time on a set of 4xAAs (approx 700 shots with VR). No need proprietary (read pricey) batts.
Pixel quality is better than on the S2. Dynamic range is (F1 and DR-Wide2)
F2 (slide) simulation..... is fantastic.
Nice big LCD to review your pix.
Works with Nikon F-mount lenses (including those from Sigma, Tokina and Tamron)
User menus and customization is what I like to use

The not-so-good -
Vertical shutter...... then again, I hardly use it.
You won't be getting the 3fps, 5fps, 8fps kind of speed, then again, it was never meant for that.
AF speed is is not as speedy as, say, a Canon L system.
In the wrong hands will produce mediocre images at best.

You are probably better off searching foreign websites/forums like dpreview and Thom Hogan's for more details. Or you can look for outings where you find S3 users and join them to get a first-hand opinion. On print, 10x15 and 8x12 enlargements stand up very well, especially for F1 and F2 sims.

[offspring]

barnie. got any AG that falls on sat morn? I want to join and see your s3...

[skyboy]

Originally Posted by Azure If you are not a crybaby-technical-specs-wanker type, and if you are not into sports photography, and if you are able to overcome the technical limits on your cameras type of person, it is the cam. The good - The S3 has arguably the best out-of-cam Jpegs amongst DSLRs. It's film simulation modes are as close as you can possibly get to good slide or portrait film (in the hands of a careful and smart user). Properly used produces PS-free output. Lasts a long time on a set of 4xAAs (approx 700 shots with VR). No need proprietary (read pricey) batts. Pixel quality is better than on the S2. Dynamic range is (F1 and DR-Wide2) F2 (slide) simulation..... is fantastic. Nice big LCD to review your pix. Works with Nikon F-mount lenses (including those from Sigma, Tokina and Tamron) User menus and customization is what I like to use The not-so-good - Vertical shutter...... then again, I hardly use it. You won't be getting the 3fps, 5fps, 8fps kind of speed, then again, it was never meant for that. AF speed is is not as speedy as, say, a Canon L system. In the wrong hands will produce mediocre images at best. You are probably better off searching foreign websites/forums like dpreview and Thom Hogan's for more details. Or you can look for outings where you find S3 users and join them to get a first-hand opinion. On print, 10x15 and 8x12 enlargements stand up very well, especially for F1 and F2 sims.

Thanks.

From the wedsites, it comment that S3 was suitable for studio and wedding. How is the quality compare with D70, D100, Canon 20D, 10D or even high end DSLR?

Thanks & Rgds

[yowch]

Originally Posted by skyboy Thanks. From the wedsites, it comment that S3 was suitable for studio and wedding. How is the quality compare with D70, D100, Canon 20D, 10D or even high end DSLR? Thanks & Rgds

I am using the S2pro. Image quality is great, better than D70, D100, 10D and 20D and I dare say even 1Ds or D1h/x D2h/x. And the S3pro is even better than the S2pro. The problem with the Fuji cam is the body, being a lousy F80 (focusing, durability, features). If there is a Fuji SuperCCD on an F5 body, I can be sure that even die hard Nikon or Canon fans will reconsider. Seriously, if Fuji can get a better body, coupled with customisable features like colour-curves, white balance bracketing, etc, it'll be a sure winner. Specific to your question on studio and wedding, http://www.nyphotographics.com/dslr_review.htm

[stout]

In Short, My side of the coin:

1. Overall design of the body is somewhat "going" no where, using a Nikon F80 top panel and internal parts from the late 90s' with added upgrade to only the back and lower grip, gives u a "?" feeling! Bad to know its built by Nikon in a Nikon Factory.

2. The s3pro, the "pro" is an over statement. As pro cameras like all Canon-(1D)s and Nikon-(D2)s does not need to indicate a "pro" word. Meaning the S3 was trying to be or want you psychology to believe its a "Pro" camera, which in truth, its actually a mid-range camera like Canon 20D.

3. Camera sensor is actually a 6 megapixel, with interpolations to become 12 megapixal. If you are going to be a true Pro, you certainly do not want the camera to manipulate what you have taken. Infect you should do your own processing, example in Photoshop.

4. S3 is without a full camera system. Its just like a leech, leeching on Nikon for Lens, flash head etc. Only one single body to go? How to call that "pro" ?

5. True "Pro" cameras like all (1D)s or (D2)s needs the very basic spec like; speed, large view finder, splashproof seals, 12 true megapixel and above, integrated intelligent flash system, pro internal mirror mechanism etc. which the so call "pro" S3 is lagging way behind.

6. What happens when Nikon stop licenses the Nikon F-Mount to Fuji, where do you end up? So if you are buying, do not promote your 3K plus camera too much, if it really happen people will laugh!

7. Do not be fool by the colourful LCD in the S3pro or S2pro, I have done lots of test on this and are sure that when download to the computer it becomes the other story. Best is to take your own CF Card n try it on S3, on D2X, on 1Ds II, on 20D and you will know Fuji sensor is nothing to shout about!

8. Only two film simulation modes in S3. Lets take a Nikon D70 which cost about 2k less in Singapore term, can able to download multiple film type simulations to say the least, mostly free from the internet.

9. Software specially for S3 is still for the Amateur, example no remote camera control from the PC, no pro's image editing control etc.

10. All in all, its a lousy Fake to be a Nikon. Go read the current issue of "Practical Photography Film & Digital" march 2005, S3 gets a low Overall rating of "3-stars" and the cheaper D70 got an Overall rating of "5-stars". Editors in UK magazines gives very real judgments (The Good-The Bad-And The Ugly) compares to local and US magazines. If you cannot take it, Do not Read it then.

11. Large % of the image quality in S3pro has to go to Nikons' Nikon lens, You do not agree? Go find yourself a tube and a few pieces of glass to put it in and call it Fujinon Lens or Fuji Lens, see whether you can produce that so call better than image quality you are talking about.

[yowch]

You are either a troll (stomping on Fuji) or you are a measurebator.

Originally Posted by stout In Short, My side of the coin: 1. Overall design of the body is somewhat "going" no where, using a Nikon F80 top panel and internal parts from the late 90s' with added upgrade to only the back and lower grip, gives u a "?" feeling! 2. The s3pro, the "pro" is an over statement. As pro cameras like all Canon-(1D)s and Nikon-(D2)s does not need to indicate a "pro" word. Meaning the S3 was trying to be or want you psychology to believe its a "Pro" camera, which in truth, its actually a mid-range camera like Canon 20D. 3. Camera sensor is actually a 6 megapixel, with interpolations to become 12 megapixal. If you are going to be a true Pro, you certainly do not want the camera to manipulate what you have taken. Infect you should do your own processing, example in Photoshop. 4. S3 is without a full camera system. Its just like a leech, leeching on Nikon for Lens, flash head etc. Only one single body to go? How to call that "pro" ? 5. True "Pro" cameras like all (1D)s or (D2)s needs the very basic spec like; speed, large view finder, splashproof seals, 12 true megapixel and above, integrated intelligent flash system, pro internal mirror mechanism etc. which the so call "pro" S3 is lagging way behind. 6. What happens when Nikon stop licenses the Nikon F-Mount to Fuji, where do you end up? So if you are buying, do not promote your 3K plus camera too much, if it really happen people will laugh!

1. I agree that the body is a problem, but going nowhere? The S3pro body is well design and grips very nicely, have you felt it in your own hands to comment? I have.

2. What's in a name? Nikon uses single digits to represent their top range, Canon uses 1D (followed by ridiculous Mark 2, Mark 3, s d, v n whatever). Fuji decided to stick with 'pro' as in the pro range for Fuji.

3. Interpolation no doubt, but have you read enough about the SuperCCD advantage? It is not hot air to see great pictures from the S2 or S3. And a true pro will want to do the least to make the most money, that is, JPegs straight from cam will be best, and the S2/S3 answers that really neatly. Amatuers have lots of time to study their art.

4. Fuji is not selling a camera but a sensor. Fuij's medium format cameras are doing very well, and full systems. Leeching on Nikon is good for Fuji, as people using Nikon lens will move over to Fuji willingly. And using pro lens on the S3 will give great pictures, who really cares about the body?

5. Yup, agree, I'll like all those too, but considering the price...

6. When Nikon stop licensing the F-mount to Fuji, they will also sell less lens. I am sure Nikon knows that true profit is in the lens, not the body. And who laughs at a camera anyway? I'll only laugh at poorly taken photos. The S3pro in the hands of a master is a master's tool, in the hand of a novice is a toy. Same with 1Ds and D2x.

Skyboy was asking for comments on the S3pro camera, not comments on Fuji's fate or marketing decisions, certainly not on the word 'pro'.

[yowch]

Originally Posted by stout 7. Do not be fool by the LCD in the S3pro or S2pro, I have done lots of test on this and are sure that when download to the computer it the other story. Best is to take your own CF Card n try it on S3, on D2X, on 1Ds II, on 20D and you will know Fuji sensor is nothing to shout about! 8. All in all, its a Fake Nikon !

Great, you added 7. and 8.

7. The LCD on the 10D/D100 isn't that great either. And considering downloading to a computer, I seem to see better results on S2pro than D100/10D. I actually bought my S2pro body second hand at a higher price compared to a D70 kit. Ant the improved resolution and dynamic range capture on the SuperCCD (3 and 4SR) is measurable. Plenty of affirming tests on the web.

8. It has never claimed to be a Nikon, the labels and all says Fujifilm. Only F-mount is mentioned.

[Azure]

Yowch, just ignore. If there is a troll, we'll cross at another bridge. Don't pay toll to the troll.

Anyway, to Skyboy, Ortega has pointed you in a right direction. There are many true blue professionals who jumped over to the S3 Pro and remained very very happy with it. I for one, thought myself to be a happy user of the S2 till I tried out a friend's early adopted S3.... That was in normal outdoor/daylight, 12mp, AutoWB, Wide2-DR. The output gave me superior pixels to work with.

I've also tried the D2H, 20D, D100, D70 and S1. The S2 beats them IMHO, for my kind of use (landscapes and people). Supposedly, the Velvia-simulation from the S3 will make flower macro-ers (like VincentLin) go .

Finally, the out-of-camera B&W is something to love. This I'm sure most serious S2 users will already agree.

I don't do weddings, but for studio-type work, it's wonderful! And I'm only at AutoWB!

[stout]

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=120520

Nikon ppl are more humble!

[asturias105]

Originally Posted by stout http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=120520 Nikon ppl are more humble!

so, your point of posting in these 2 threads is to find out which group of people is friendlier?

[snowspeeder]

I was at the IT show today and got to handle the S3 for the first time.
Comments:
- Good price
- Most probably good for my work when I do weddng photography
- A little light for me (wished it was heavy like the D100)

It is a good mid range camera. May consider this option in the future if D2X is still out of my reach.

Read on the brocure that the S3 cannot accept certain nikon lenses. One of them is the AF-S 17-35 mm f2.8. Am I miskaken on this? Can someone advise.

[stout]

Will say it again, Fake Nikon!

[theITguy]

I think there is an upgrade to the S3 Pro firmware to add support for newer cameras. To add oil to fire, all simulations from digital cameras are emulating my godly films, which emulate my real scene

[silver.wolf]

Originally Posted by stout Will say it again, Fake Nikon!

Fujifilm S2/3Pro are using a Nikon body, so u brand it as fake Nikon.

Nikon D2X is using Sony CMOS sensor, so should we brand it as fake Sony??

Nikon D2X using Sony CMOS sensor

[stout]

Originally Posted by silver.wolf Fujifilm S2/3Pro are using a Nikon body, so u brand it as fake Nikon. Nikon D2X is using Sony CMOS sensor, so should we brand it as fake Sony?? Nikon D2X using Sony CMOS sensor

Answer:

1. D2H n D2Hs use nikon own Lancast sensors, what do u call that!

2. In S3, 1% is their own item from Fuji, 99% is from Nikon = Faking to be Nikon because S3 is built in a Nikon Factory!

3. In D2X, 99% is their own item from Nikon, 1% (sensor) is from Sony = 100% because Nikon buy parts to built in their own factory!

4. Moreover buying parts is so common, u own a car? 100% parts from your own brand?

5. Fuji have to use licensee given from Nikon to use F-Mount!

6. Nikon use money to buy Sony sensor for now, who knows tomorrow buying sensor from me! no need of buying license is involve!

7. Conclusion "licensing", clear!

Next time ask a more relevent Q! So simple, think you are the only one who do not know this!

[Reflection]

Alright mods. I suggest we lock this one up. It's getting ridiculous.

[stout]

Hi yowch

Large % of the image quality in S3pro has to go to Nikons' Nikon lens, You do not agree? Go find yourself a tube and a few pieces of glass to put it in and call it Fujinon Lens or Fuji Lens, see whether you can produce that so call better than image quality you are talking about.

[darrelchia]

so, based on your warped reasoning

- So that makes the D2H and D2Hs pure nikons. D2X, D70, etc are still fake nikons
- I make a sandwich, and put it in a tupperware, so now my sandwich is officially a fake tupperware ?? thats kinda stupid. Even my 3 year old nephew knows the difference.

Fuji have to use licensee given from Nikon to use F-Mount ... and nikon has to use licence given by sony to use their CCDs .....

Nikon use money to buy Sony sensor for now, who knows tomorrow buying sensor from me! no need of buying license is involve ... same theory... who knows, tomorrow fuji produce their own bodies ? I'm sure if u could produce sensors, you would be intelligent enuff to reason all these out ....

Think ur just slapping urself here, and entertaining the rest of us greatly ...

Cheerios ...

Originally Posted by stout Answer: 1. D2H n D2Hs use nikon own Lancast sensors, what do u call that! 2. In S3, 1% is their own item from Fuji, 99% is from Nikon = Faking to be Nikon because S3 is built in a Nikon Factory! 3. In D2X, 99% is their own item from Nikon, 1% (sensor) is from Sony = 100% because Nikon buy parts to built in their own factory! 4. Moreover buying parts is so common, u own a car? 100% parts from your own brand? 5. Fuji have to use licensee given from Nikon to use F-Mount! 6. Nikon use money to buy Sony sensor for now, who knows tomorrow buying sensor from me! no need of buying license is involve! 7. Conclusion "licensing", clear! Next time ask a more relevent Q! So simple, think you are the only one who do not know this!