Just wondered if anyone was interested - I have the S2 and think its fabulous with Nikon Lens mount etc - but this sounds awsome:-

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro: the vital statistics unveiled


Release Date: 28 July 2004

Adjustable dynamic range and film simulation modes raise the standard for
digital SLRs


With excitement building towards the retail availability of the FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR, Fujifilm today announced that the camera of choice for many enthusiast and professional photographers will be available in late October 2004, with a number of previously unannounced features, including adjustable dynamic range and film simulation modes.

The FinePix S3 Pro is the culmination of Fujifilm’s professional photography heritage and imaging know-how. The FinePix S3 Pro sets itself apart from its competitors by using Fujifilm’s proprietary Super CCD SR II sensor – a new and advanced image processor – and a number of professional controls developed exclusively for this camera. The combination of Nikon lens mount and Fujifilm image capture is one that has been highly regarded by photographers for years.

With knowledge gained from years of dedication to the professional photography community, Fujifilm understands that a quality image is about more than just resolution, and therefore created the FinePix S3 Pro to bring the digital picture closer to film standards than ever before. Photographers shooting with the FinePix S3 Pro will experience greater dynamic range, improved tonal capabilities, exceptional colour balance, and better signal-to-noise ratios: all factors that contribute to a colourful, clear and detail-rich picture.

Highlights of the FinePix S3 Pro include:

<LI>Improved dynamic range: whether film or digital, a wider dynamic range is critical to image quality. The unique double photodiode structure (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels) of the Super CCD SR II sensor will produce dynamic range approximately 400% greater than that of a CCD working on a single-pixel design, capturing the finest detail in even the highest contrast scenes.

<LI>Adjustable Dynamic Range: breaking free of confinement, professional photographers now have the option of adjusting the camera’s dynamic range, changing the mixing ratio between the FinePix S3 Pro’s ‘S-’ and ‘R-pixels’.

<LI>Film simulation modes: a feature unique to the FinePix S3 Pro and developed thanks to Fujifilm’s history and expertise in film. Photographers who prefer the look and ‘feel’ of traditional film can replicate the results of various reversal and negative films, while shooting digitally with the FinePix S3 Pro.

<LI>Colour spaces: the FinePix S3 Pro will offer a choice of sRGB and Adobe RGB to generate the colour best suited to the photographic task in hand.

<LI>Selectable RAW capture modes: sometimes, a smaller file is needed for quick viewing. With the FinePix S3 Pro, the user will be able to ‘deactivate’ the extra, expanded dynamic range data without losing image resolution.

<LI>Lightning-fast start-up: the FinePix S3 Pro is ready in the blink of an eye, going from ‘off’ to ‘ready-to-shoot’ in half a second – with any compatible media type.

<LI>D-TTL Flash Exposure Metering System: photographers can take advantage of a host of creative options, and achieve outstanding results with all Nikon-compatible Speedlights.

<LI>Dual shutter release buttons: photographers will appreciate the addition of a second shutter release button, positioned on the camera body for easier vertical shooting.

<LI>High-speed dual image interfaces: the FinePix S3 Pro provides IEEE 1394 (FireWire) and USB 2.0 interfaces for camera control (IEEE 1394 only) and ultra-fast image transfer.

<LI>10-pin Nikon electric remote socket: expanding the remote shooting capabilities of the FinePix S3 Pro.

<LI>The FinePix S3 Pro will come bundled with Fujifilm’s HS-V2 Hyper Utility software, a workflow enhancement tool that acts like a digital lightbox – enabling photographers to adjust and select their best photos.

Availability & pricing
The FinePix S3 Pro will be available in the UK from retailers in the fourth quarter of 2004. Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch.

The problem with FujiFilm is that it hasn't got the established name, such as Canon and Nikon.

Therefore it will be a winner only if its sold at a discount to the (ever dropping in price EOS300D) and the current hot favourite the D70.

The pricepoint of it would need to be £599 - anything higher and its a dead duck (simply the depreciation would stop you buying) - a Nikon and Canon will always sell ..... FujiFilm will struggle - however fine a camera it is.

Pete

I notice that even Argos are selling the D70 now!

The problem with FujiFilm is that it hasn't got the established name, such as Canon and Nikon.

Therefore it will be a winner only if its sold at a discount to the (ever dropping in price EOS300D) and the current hot favourite the D70.

The pricepoint of it would need to be £599 - anything higher and its a dead duck (simply the depreciation would stop you buying) - a Nikon and Canon will always sell ..... FujiFilm will struggle - however fine a camera it is.

Pete

I just don't accept that! The current one sells very well, and is a superb and highly respected piece of machinery. It takes Nikon lenses, so it's not as it you are stuck with some propriety stuff that will be a pain in the arse.

People are so anal about Nikon and Canon. SUre they are the market leaders, but plenty of people buy other makes. The quality of the output is virtually impossible to tell for people like us. Only pros tend to stick to the Canon and NIkon (and that's because they are weather sealed and have wi-fi).

I'm sure Fuji will sell plenty.

Geezer

What I meant was:-

A FujiFilm Camera will not sell as well as a Canon or Nikon SECONDHAND ... if you will keep it for 20 years then it hardly matters (but no-one will want to keep a digital camera longer than 3 years!) - its THEN, when you ask Jessops how much they will allow you on your FujiFilm that you find out you should have bought the NIKON!

I know that people are anal about Canon and Nikon - I always favoured RICOH cameras and still think they are superior ........ BUT, that was when my RICOH was a FILM SLR (ie. one that I still have 20 years later!)

You need to ensure top dollar re-sale on a Digital Camera ..... and. whether you like it or not, it means securing the anal services of a Canon or Nikon!

Pete

You need to ensure top dollar re-sale on a Digital Camera ..... and. whether you like it or not, it means securing the anal services of a Canon or Nikon!

Pete

LOL @ anal services :D
OK, I take your point, but I think that DSLRs are like computers, they are moving at such a pace that even Canon and Nikon ones will be worth jack 3 years after you buy one.

Saying that, I would dearly love the D70 right now

Geezer

Indeed, the D70 is the dogs danglers at the moment ....... and at around £900 it should be!

If the FujiFilm comes out at, say, £700 then it could be worth a punt - but - the D70 may be worth £300? in 3 years time ....... the FujiFilm will be worth £100? .....

So, you lose £600 on the Nikon and £600 on the FujiFilm - however, if FujiFilm get ideas beyond their station and list it at more than £700 you will be onto a hiding come re-sale (and thats ignoring all the anal customers queuing for your Nikon and NOT for your FujiFilm!)

Pete

just spent the day at my kids 4th birthday shooting some stuff with the D70- all stunning. shooting indoors, no flash, high ISO with my 70-200 2.8 lens. cumped the rubbish shots and left with some great photos!

Ok, Ok, OK, rub it in why don't you!!?? ;)

Glad you're enjoying it - go careful - remember its MINE in 2 years time!! :D

Pete

I've got a Fuji S7000 (SLR-like) - absolutley brilliant camera considering my limited photography skills. But even I've noticed an improvement :)

I take what you say Pete about residuals - that's why I bought mine at a rock bottom price to even out the depreciation. Plus, for what I'll be using it for, I doubt I'll sell it anyway.

my 2p FWIW ;)

Dan