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Select a Fujifilm digital camera ----- 2010 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix HS10 Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR Fujifilm FinePix Z700EXR ----- 2009 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR Fujifilm FinePix Z37 / Z35 ----- 2009 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR Fujifilm FinePix S1500 Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP Fujifilm FinePix Z30 Fujifilm FinePix J250 Fujifilm FinePix J20 Fujifilm FinePix A150 ----- 2008 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix S100FS Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd Fujifilm FinePix F100fd Fujifilm FinePix F60fd Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd Fujifilm FinePix J150w Fujifilm FinePix J50 Fujifilm FinePix J12 Fujifilm FinePix J10 ----- 2007-2008 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix F50fd Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd Fujifilm FinePix F480 Fujifilm FinePix A920 ----- 2007 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix S700 Fujifilm FinePix F40fd Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd Fujifilm FinePix A900 Fujifilm FinePix A820 Fujifilm FinePix A800 Fujifilm FinePix A610 ----- 2006-2007 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix S9100 Fujifilm FinePix S6000fd Fujifilm FinePix F650 Fujifilm FinePix F31fd Fujifilm FinePix F20 Fujifilm FinePix Z3 Fujifilm FinePix A700 Fujifilm FinePix A600 ----- 2006 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix F30 Fujifilm FinePix V10 Fujifilm FinePix F470 Fujifilm FinePix A500 Fujifilm FinePix A400 ----- 2005-2006 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix S9000 Fujifilm FinePix S5200 Fujifilm FinePix E900 ----- 2005 models ----- Fujifilm FinePix F10 Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Fujifilm FinePix A345 / A350 -- 2004 & earlier -- Fujifilm FinePix S20 Pro Fujifilm FinePix S7000 Fujifilm FinePix S5100 Fujifilm FinePix S5000 Fujifilm FinePix F810 Fujifilm FinePix E550 Fujifilm FinePix E510 / E500 Fujifilm FinePix F450 / F440 Fujifilm FinePix F410 Fujifilm FinePix A310

Category: Beginner to Serious Amateur

Photoxels Awards

Executive Summary

This Fujifilm FinePix S5000 Review is based on a production model. All sample images are unretouched, except where specified.

Blue Heron:
57mm, Programmed Auto, Spot, 1/220 sec., F8.0 and ISO 200
Cropped

The Fujifilm FinePix S5000 has everything a beginner or serious amateur photographer would want in a digital camera. Not only does it have the most attractive and comfortable body of all digital cameras in its category, it also has the features and exposure flexibility that a beginner or serious amateur photographer needs to experiment, learn and grow in digital photography, including a 10x optical zoom to a 35mm telephoto lens equivalent of 370mm.

Most people considering the Fujifilm FinePix S5000 are probably attracted to its 10x optical zoom. The reach of that long zoom is just incredible and, once you use it, you might find it quite hard to go back to regular 3x or 4x zoom. A tripod (or monopod) is recommended over 6x zoom.

Besides full Auto mode, the FinePix S5000 also has Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, full Manual, plus easy to use Scene modes. Program Shift in Programmed Auto mode makes it a snap to influence the shutter speed and aperture up or down while still maintaining correct exposure. There are also two shooting modes (Top Five and Final Five) to help in "catching the moment" in action shots.

The FinePix S5000 is not pocketable, and Fujifilm includes a shoulder strap. It is extremely light and the best way to carry it is probably slung over the shoulder, in a backpack, or in the kind of bag that slungs around the shoulder and rests on the chest. The LCD is clear with adjustable brightness. The image on the LCD can also be rerouted to the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) which has diopter adjustment for those who wear glasses.

Image quality is comparable with other 3 megapixels resolution digital cameras but the use of a high ISO 200 probably accounts for a somewhat noisier image at original 6M output size (seems fine at 3M output size). Reduced for web display, you would barely notice it.

All in all, Fujifilm has put together a very nice package in the FinePix S5000. If you are learning about digital photography, or you are looking for the perfect present for someone who is starting out in digital photography today, the FinePix S5000 would make one person's dream come true.

See if you fit the Fujifilm FinePix S5000 User Profile below:

 

Fujifilm FinePix S5000 User Profile • Desire a quality 3+ MP resolution point-and-shoot digital camera capable of producing prints of up to 8x10 in. • Want a long zoom. Want a long zoom. Want a long zoom. • Want eveything a beginner or serious amateur photographer needs to learn, experiment and grow in digital photography. • Want more exposure flexibility than provided by a point-and-shoot digital camera. • Want the best value for money in the Beginner to Serious Amateur category. • Want a well-rounded digital camera for general family use.