Fujifilm Finepix S2 Pro 6.17MP is the second-generation professional-body SLR to feature FujiFilm’s next generation Super-CCD sensor system for professional photography. The FinePix S2 offers a full feature set that’s perfect for professional photographers, including a resolution of 6.17 million effective pixels and compatibility with Nikon F-mount lenses as well as a majority of Nikkor AF lenses.
The 6.17 million effective pixels translate to 12 million recorded pixels (4,256 x 2,848), or a 4.5 MB file size, due to Fuji’s Super CCD (see below for more info). The FinePix S2 Pro has a Nikon F mount and accepts every AF Nikkor and most manual AI or AI-S Nikkor lenses. In addition, the camera has shutter speeds of 30 seconds to 1/4,000 second, and continuous shooting of approximately 2 frames per second, up to a total of 7 frames. Its wide range of ISO equivalents of 100/160/200/400/800/1,600 allow for picture taking under a variety of challenging lighting conditions.
Instead of conventional CCDs with square photodiodes and pixel arrangements, Fuji’s Super CCD has octagonal-shaped photodiodes and pixels situated on 45-degree angles. This “honeycomb” pattern increases sensitivity, allowing pixels to be efficiently packed at maximum density. The area of the photodiode in a half-inch Super CCD with 2 million pixels is about 1.6 times as large as the area offered in the conventional CCD with the same number of pixels. The Super CCD improves overall signal-to-noise ratio and offers a much wider dynamic range.
Helpful consumer’s review
I gave the Fuji S2 Pro 5 stars. You can’t really compare it to someting like a Nikon D2H because it’s in a completely different price class. First, I’ve been shooting professionally for a few years, and about 15 years in total. I know 35mm cameras. The Fuji, by far, has produced the most realistic and useful images of any digital camera that I’ve tried. It also offers the lowest number of images that need to be retouched. The previous comments about build quality should be taken with a grain of salt. The camera can withstand pro use, as long as you are not into moutain biking or extreme sports, you should be fine. The user interface is somewhat intuitive, but it does take a little getting used to – just like any other camera out there. Nothing has been “jury rigged” – this camera is built on the Nikon N80 (I have one) and both cameras are light but have a solid feel. They are well built cameras.
Overall image quality is excellent. Skin tones are right on. I have very few, if any, white balance issues using my SB-80DX flash units. I never use the on board flash – they stink regardless of what camera you use, it’s only for emergencies. If you are looking to buy a digital camera useful for shooting weddings, portraits, etc, this is a good camera for you. It’s imperative you put good glass on this camera (f2.8 or brighter). The BEST lens for the money on this camera is Nikon’s 50mm f1.8 AF-D. It gives about the same perspective as a fine 85mm portrait lens. If you can afford them, the AF-S lenses on this camera are outstanding. The only drawbacks I’ve experienced is AF speed can be slow with normal lenses (no AF-S) and Fuji’s software takes some getting used to, especially if you shoot in RAW format. Prices have not dropped recently on this camera – it has a large following of Nikon shooters out there, and a TON of professionals are using this camera in the studio and on assignment.
