Fujifilm FinePix S100FS unveiled at midnight

[David Rasnake]

Fujifilm disclosed a new addition to its S series with the top-of-the-line FinePix S100FS (film simulation). Touted as Fuji's most advanced digital camera to date, the S100FS is an SLR-like shooting tool that brings manual controls and other advanced features to users looking for more functionality and flexibility.

A thoroughly impressive 14.3x Fujinon zoom lens and an 11 megapixel Super CCD sensor are the cornerstone on which the rest of the camera builds. Fuji's advanced RPIII processor works in conjunction with the CCD to control noise, and we're anticipating that this combination should yield some of the best noise performance results we've seen.

On the subject of ISO, the S100FS is able to shoot at ISO 6400 at 6 megapixels, or all the way up to ISO 10,000 at 3 megapixels. This is simply a staggering number, and if the results look anything like a discernible image, we'll be very impressed with the Fuji's performance.

Borrowing many of its tech specs from the famed Fuji S5 Pro, the S100FS has three dynamic range settings, allegedly extending capture by up to 400 percent at the maximum selection. Given Fuji's strong history in film, it's not surprising that one of their flagship device would sport the company's Film Simulation technology, which faithfully reproduces the look of several classic films (like Velvia and Portra) according to Fuji.

Dual Image Stabilization should make the far reaches of the S100FS's zoom more functional, and a face detection that handles faces shot at off-axis angles more confidently than many systems on the market is also a definitely plus in terms of usability.

With a 2.5-inch tiltable LCD that adjusts to a variety of shooting positions and support for both xD-Picture Card and the more common SD and SDHC formats, the S100FS looks like a strong contender in the premium ultra-zoom market.

Look for the camera in stores next month, with a price tag around $799.

Fujifilm FinePix S100FS specifications:

Sensor	11.1 megapixel, 2/3" Super CCD
Zoom	14.3x (28-400mm) Fujinon zoom, f/2.8-5.3
LCD/Viewfinder	2.5", 230K-pixel TFT LCD, tiltable
Sensitivity	ISO 64-3200
Shutter Speed	30-1/4000 seconds
Shooting Modes	Auto, Film Simulation Bracketing, Scene, Custom 1, Custom 2, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Movie
Scene Presets	Nature, Nature-Soft, Nature-Vivid, Flower, Portrait, Portrait-Soft, Baby, Portrait Enhancer, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach
White Balance Settings	Auto, Fine, Shade, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, Incandescent, Custom
Metering Modes	Not Specified
Focus Modes	Center AF, Multi AF, Area AF, Continuous AF, Manual, Macro, Super Macro
Drive Modes	Normal, Top 7, Top 50, Last 7, Continuous
Flash Modes	Auto, Forced On, Slow Synchro, Forced Off, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Syncrho with Red-Eye Reduction
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	xD-Picture Card, SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	25 MB
File Formats	JPEG, AVI, WAV
Max. Image Size	3840x2880
Max. Video Size	640x480, 30 fps
Zoom During Video	No
Battery	Rechargeable lithium-ion
Connections	USB 2.0, AV output, DC input
Additional Features	Face Detection, Film Simulation Mode, Dynamic Range Selection, High Speed Shooting

[CalebSchmerge]

Once again, that's an expensive camera, but if the noise performance is that good, maybe it will be worth it. It sounds promising, but I am curious to see how it compares to many of today's SLRs (it costs just as much).

[David Rasnake]

No joke: this one really does cost as much as an SLR with two lenses. I believe that Fuji has cultivated a strong market for these kind of cameras, though, and given that they're one of a handful of competitors offering something with a premium lens and premium image pipeline, it may pay off.

[usapatriot]

Yes, it definitely looks like a nice camera, I am sure the price will come down a couple hundred not too long after release. The specs are very promising, I cannot wait to see a review on this one.

[bTaryag]

Ditto. My Canon S5 is suddenly not so appealing anymore!

[atvmom40]

Does anyone know the actual release date on this camera?

[David Rasnake]

Amazon has the camera available for pre-order, but is not listing it as available for shipment until April 20. No idea if this is an actual date, or if they're just hedging their bets.

dr

[atvmom40]

Thanks! I just stumbled upon it yesterday & it looks (on paper), so I'm interested in checking it out.

[Nautilus]

Hope you guys can do a review on this camera once you get hold on one.