Fujifilm's new FinePix S5 Pro dSLR

Proving that sequential numerical succession is not a necessity in product naming, Fujifilm has announced its follow-up to the FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR, the new FinePix S5 Pro. Like the S3 Pro before it, the S5 Pro uses a Super CCD SR sensor with two different pixel types, Fuji calls them S-pixels and R-pixels, which combine so that the camera can capture images with a wider dynamic range than other cameras, says Fujifilm. That means that, while the camera has 12.34 megapixels, 6.17 megapixels are S-pixels and 6.17 megapixels are R-pixels, so if they combine as they did in the S3 Pro, you can expect a very wide dynamic range along with more overall image detail than most 6-megapixel cameras, but not as much as an equivalent 12-megapixel camera might offer.

Pixels aside, the S5 Pro includes Fuji's RP Processor Pro, which boasts two cycles of noise reduction, which Fuji claims combine to allow sensitivity of up to an equivalent of ISO 3200 with lower noise levels than comparable cameras. Fuji has also added two new film simulation modes, for a total of five, and face-detection technology that can detect up to 10 faces in a photo, so you can quickly zoom in to check detail, focus, and exposure immediately after you shoot. The S3 Pro's 5-point autofocus system has been upped to an 11-point system; aperture control can be set to 1/3, 1/2, or full stop increments; and shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/8,000 second, with a zippy flash sync speed of 1/250 second. The 2.5-inch LCD is composed of 235,000 pixels and can provide a live monochrome preview for up to 30 seconds to aid in proper focus. To make sure your custom functions aren't accidentally changed, the S5 Pro includes three levels of custom function locking, with password protection.

Perpetuating the company's affiliation with Nikon, Fujifilm made the S5 Pro compatible with Nikon's F-mount, including Nikkor AF-D/G and AF-S lenses. This time out, Fuji has included compatibility with Nikon's latest i-TTL flash control. Fujifilm has not yet released final pricing or availability. We will update this blog with that information once it is released.