September 23, 2004
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THE FINAL SPECS ON THE S3 – read the GREEN stuff!
FROM FUJI FILM – Any
photographer who has thought hard about their choice of film, and whose
work is geared towards ultimate image quality, will understand the
appeal of the Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro.Representing
the company’s pursuit of film photography standards for the digital
world, the FinePix S3 Pro introduces Fujifilm’s unique Super CCD SR II
– dual pixel technology that is technically inspired by the structure
of silver halide crystals in colour negative film.The
new sensor produces 12.34 million effective pixels in 6.17 locations,
combining 6.17 million high-sensitivity S-pixels and the same number of
low-sensitivity R-pixels. Thanks to a newly developed image processor,
the FinePix S3 Pro achieves exceptional image quality with a fourfold
increase in dynamic range over non-SR Super CCD sensors, rich colour
reproduction, high signal to noise ratio (lower noise at higher
sensitivities) and tonality that was previously impossible to generate
with digital cameras.The FinePix S3 Pro’s designers
have been able to make full use of Fujifilm’s extensive colour film
expertise. For instance, rather than force photographers to shoot in
RAW mode and spend time on an extensive workflow process, Fujifilm has
introduced Film Simulation Modes, dynamic range presets and colour
space selection.Once the photographer is familiar
with these settings, they will be able to produce JPEG images straight
from the camera, which require no post-production. Photographers can
choose between smooth, extended tonality and natural skin tones, or the
dramatic impact of highly saturated colour. The FinePix S3 Pro’s Film
Simulation Mode is the equivalent of changing film type to suit
shooting conditions, and achieves this at the touch of a button.The
FinePix S3 Pro is designed from the photographer’s viewpoint. The body
design of the camera has been developed with significant improvements
in versatility and ease of use. Dual shutter release buttons are
provided for both landscape and portrait compositions, and dual LCD
monitors confirm shooting settings and composition at a glance, without
the need to scroll through menus. In addition, the body has been
sculpted and rubberised to provide a solid grip.For
the first time on any digital SLR, a pre-exposure Live Image Mode has
been incorporated to enable photographers to frame and focus images
without the need to use the viewfinder. Activated for up to 30 seconds
prior to a normal exposure, Live Image Mode is ideal for shots using a
tripod as well as effective capture of candid images.The
FinePix S3 Pro features two D-TTL compatible flash interfaces (hot shoe
and synchro terminal) and dual media slots, making it compatible with
xD-Picture Cards™ , CompactFlash™ and Microdrive™ cards up to 4GB
capacity.Expandable shooting options are
achievable thanks to the FinePix S3 Pro’s compatibility with Nikon-fit
lenses and accessories, including the latest ‘DX’-designated options,
giving plenty of scope for further shooting control.
