6.1 megapixel SuperCCD makes files as large
as 4,256 x 2848 pixels
*
Beautiful color, particularly good with skin
tones
*
Excellent low light performance
*
Superb resolution
*
Accepts most Nikon F mount lenses
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Manufacturer Overview Fuji has long been a player in the digicam arena, creating a broad
line of popular consumer-level models over the last couple of years. From the
email I receive, it's apparent that they've been very successful in doing so,
as I consistently note a "happy" tone from Fuji users that really
stands out amid the flood of correspondence. Fuji has also been a player in
the digital SLR market for quite a while now, dating back to their first D-SLR,
the E2S several years ago. More recently, they introduced the S1 Pro almost
two years ago, a unit based on Nikon's N60 consumer SLR. Using Fuji's SuperCCD
sensor technology, the S1 Pro distinguished itself with high resolution and
beautiful color, to the extent that it found a strong niche in the commercial
portrait business. Its market popularity was further boosted by a selling price
that was significantly lower than other D-SLR models available at that time.
Fuji now comes to market with the S2 Pro, an upgraded model based on a Nikon N80 body and equipped with the latest-generation 6.1 megapixel SuperCCD. This time around though, the competitive landscape is quite different, with both Nikon and Canon offering full-function 6 megapixel SLRs for about the same price as the S2. (Actually, both are slightly less expensive.) Many observers have wondered how well Fuji will be able to compete with Nikon and Canon, now that prices are more comparable between the three companies' products. Read the full review below for the results of my testing, but I can say at the outset that it looks like the S2 will be a strong contender!
High Points
6.17-megapixel Super CCD delivering 4,256 x 2,848-pixel maximum resolution.
SLR design provides true, TTL optical viewfinder with information display.
1.8-inch color LCD monitor.
Nikon "F" lens mount accommodates a wide range of Nikkor lenses.
Auto and manual focus modes, adjustable AF area.
Program, Flexible Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and full Manual exposure modes.
Shutter speeds from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds, with Bulb mode for longer exposures.
TTL metering with three modes.
Adjustable ISO with six settings.
White balance setting with eight modes, including a manual option.
Color, Tone, and Sharpness adjustments.
Single Frame, Continuous, Auto-Exposure Bracketing, and Multi-Exposure modes.
Built-in, pop-up flash with five settings.
External flash hot shoe and sync socket for connecting up to two external flash units.
Variable self-timer.
SmartMedia, CompactFlash Type I & II memory storage, also accommodates the IBM MicroDrive.
Images saved in JPEG, uncompressed TIFF, and RAW data file formats.
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
Power from four AA-type batteries, two CR123A lithium batteries, or optional AC adapter.
USB and IEEE 1394 jacks for connecting to a computer.
Video-out jack for reviewing images on a television set.
Waiting for an S2? RitzCamera.com is taking orders for the
S2 on a first-come, first-served basis, and have already shipped
out the first units to happy IR readers! Get
in line now for a Fuji S2 Pro!
