Product ReviewsDigital cameras
The Fuji Finepix S2 Pro is the latest addition to the company's professional digital SLR range. Like the S1 Pro, this model Pro employs Fuji's Super CCD technology. But where the S1 was based on a Nikon F60 body, the S2 is based on the Nikon F80, offering more advanced features. The Super CCD attracts most attention. According to Fuji, the octagonal rather than square or rectangular CCD elements make for superior collection of image data along the diagonal direction, resulting in more detailed, colour-rich results. Put another way, the physical six-megapixel count becomes an equivalent output of around 12.1 megapixels when interpolation is used. The S2 Pro handles comfortably, but the rubber grip is a little on the slippery side. A confusing and untidy design uses two power sources - four AA-sized NiMh batteries operate the camera, but two lithium CR123A cells are needed for the built-in flash. Raw deal Shooting modes include manual, program, aperture and shutter priority. Understandably, there are no subject-based modes on a camera aimed at the experienced user. Metering is a good combination of 3D Matrix (10 segment), Centre Weighted or Spot. Throw in a 100 to 1600 ISO sensitivity and most eventualities are catered for. Noise looks to be less of an issue, too. Add TTL flash control and the ability to attach lenses as wide as 28mm, and things start looking impressive. But from the vast range of lenses that are available, you must really use AF-I, AF-S, AF-D or AF-G Nikkor (Nikon mount) series or equivalents to get most features. The effective focal length increases by 1.5x compared with a 35mm camera as the RGB CCD is smaller than a film frame. The Super CCD - now into its third generation - creates images as
And the rest... Interpolated image size is a maximum (12 megapixel) of 4256 x 2848 pixels. The best non-interpolated files are 3024 x 2016 pixels. These are saved on to CompactFlash (CF) type II cards or Microdrive, or a second slot for Smart Media storage. However, a second CF or new xD option would probably have been more useful. A maximum burst rate of two frames per second for up to seven shots (Raw) also make the S2 suitable for many people-type pictures, except rapid action. We liked the 'preview' option that displays the image before saving or deletion on the rear 1.8in LCD. The LCD worked well in default brightness, indoors or out. Other features include power, video and computer connections, with a rocker switch for adjusting the camera's five AF sensor positions. This also serves to navigate the main LCD menus. A smaller, secondary LCD shares the workload. The final smattering of buttons and dials on the rear of the unit access menu options, metering, stop down, AF mode, flash options plus exposure compensation and bracketing. Fifteen custom functions include projecting a compositional grid on the focus screen for those artistically attuned to the 'rule of thirds' composition or for aligning straight lines such as in architectural shots. As for the results, resolution is high, and colour options are good. These can be set for high, normal or low saturation, as can tone levels. There's a black-and-white mode, too. FinePix Viewer software is supplied (which opens Raw files) but the Hyper-Utility (more advanced) Raw File Converter and Shooting Software (tethered) are optional extras and only come at a price. Overall, the S2 Pro should be considered a bargain and a very capable tool. By John Clements
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