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  • Testing / Performance

  • Physical Tour

  • Components

  • Design / Layout

  • Modes

  • Control Options

  • Image Parameters

  • Connectivity / Extras

  • Overall Impressions

  • Conclusion

  • Specs

  • Testing / Performance
  • Physical Tour
  • Components
  • Design / Layout
  • Modes
  • Control Options
  • Image Parameters
  • Connectivity / Extras
  • Overall Impressions
  • Conclusion
  • Specs

Testing / Performance

 The graph below shows a more dramatic representation of the S5100’s color reproduction. The circles represent the tones produced by the camera and the squares represent the ideal colors. The greater the distance between the two, the greater the margin of error is for that tone.

 The FinePix S5100 received an overall color score of 7.76, which indicates strong color performance and accurate tones. The camera received an overall mean color error score of 7.73. This score takes into account the averaged variance from each tone and provides a quantitative measure of the overall accuracy of the camera. The mean saturation score of the Fujifilm FinePix S5100 is 105.6 percent. The camera slightly over-saturates colors to make them look more vibrant and rich. This is especially helpful for flat skin tones. Overall, the Fuji FinePix S5100 performed exceptionally well in the color testing.

Still Life Scene

Below is a shot of our beautiful still-life scene, photographed with the Fujifilm FinePix S5100.

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Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is very large!)](../viewer.php?picture=FujiS5100-Still-LifeLG.jpg)

Resolution / Sharpness*(2.75)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 advertises 4.23 total megapixels and 4 effective megapixels for imaging on its 1/2.7-inch CCD. To test the resolution of the S5100, we took a series of exposures of our International Standards Organization resolution chart. After analyzing the images in Imatest Imaging Software, we found that the FinePix S5100 has a working megapixel count of 2.75. Since most manufacturers have somewhat different methods for expressing the camera’s resolution, it's likely that there will be some discrepancy between the camera’s reported pixel count and what the camera will actually use to compose images. We run the test to standardize all cameras into a percentage score of the recorded pixels contrasted with the camera’s largest image size to create a means for comparison. We consider a camera that scores 70-79 percent of its reported megapixels to be "good." Within 80-90 percent is viewed as "very good" and any camera that exceeds 90 percent is "excellent" and extremely rare. The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 was within 71 percent of its reported 4 effective megapixels. Therefore, we consider this to be a "good" score.

There are three sharpness options located in the shooting menus: Hard, Normal, and Soft. Normal is sufficient for typical usage, of course. The Hard option is handy for shooting small details in macro mode. The Soft option could be used for portraits.

Noise – Auto ISO*(1.61)
*The noise scores are what make or break a camera for many people. The FinePix S5100 produced a considerable amount of noise when shooting in its automatic ISO mode. This camera is meant for the experienced point-and-shooter, so hopefully the manual setting will be used as the automatic setting just will not due in any situation.


**Noise – Manual ISO ***(4.05)*

Luckily, this camera comes with manual ISO settings. We tested the noise level at each rating with our Imatest Imaging Software. We entered the results into a regression analysis and determined the overall manual noise score to be 4.05. While this is better than its automatic noise level, this is still quite noisy. The graph below shows the results; the horizontal axis plots the ISO ratings and the vertical axis depicts the noise.

 

Speed / Timing
*Start-up to First shot (5.89)
*Switch the power on, relax, and take some time for yourself. The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 takes 4.11 seconds to start up and take its first shot. Once the power is switched on, the lens protrudes and a startup image appears with the word "FinePix." When the show’s over, nearly 5 seconds later, the user can record an image.

Shot to shot (8.81)

In the normal shooting mode, the S5100 takes 1.19 seconds between each shot. In the continuous shooting mode, it takes only 0.28 seconds between images. However, the continuous modes shoot four frames and then take several seconds to write to the memory card. Just a note: users cannot shoot RAW image files in continuous shooting mode.

Shutter to shot (8.38)

From the time the shutter release button is pressed to the exposure, 0.31 seconds go by. This is minimal lag time between the action of the user and the camera’s response, reducing the possibility of unwanted movement from appearing in the captured image.

Physical Tour

**

Front (7.0)**

As with most cameras, the lens is the dominant feature of the front. Around the lens ring are the words, "Fujinon zoom lens," and "1:2.8-3.1 10x optical zoom f='5.7-57mm.'' The outer ring around the lens is brushed and polished silver. Behind that ring is a rubber ring with tiny indentations, to give the impression of a manual focus ring grip. However, don’t be fooled: this is not an SLR; it is simply SLR-shaped and the focus ring does not function! This is one particular design element that really bothers me. Without the manual focus ring surrounding the lens, the rubber gripping just seems ridiculous. There is not enough depth to provide proper gripping, so I am inclined to believe this is purely a design element, like the gas tank outline on a model car. Would it have really required that much more engineering to make the ring functional? Above the lens is the flash, which pops up when the flash button on the side is pressed. To the right of the flash is the self-timer lamp; below the lamp and beside the lens is the circular microphone. The microphone has a brushed silver cover with ten holes in it.

To the left of the flash is the AF assist illuminator. To its left is the nicely sized right-hand grip. At the bottom of the front between the grip and the lens is a small silver plate with the words "4.0 megapixels." Purely cosmetic, of course – but so are many things on this SLR-shaped digital camera.

**Back ***(7.0)*

The back of the camera is slightly cluttered with small buttons and the 1.5-inch LCD screen. Above the screen are two buttons and a light, laid out horizontally across the top. On the left is the indicator lamp. In the middle is the photo mode button, labeled with a Fuji-inspired "F." To the right is the monitor selector button, labeled with "EVF/LCD." This button allows the user to choose whether to view from the viewfinder or the LCD screen.  

Above the LCD screen is the viewfinder. When I put my eye on the nicely cushioned eyepiece of the viewfinder, my nose rubbed the LCD screen, leaving more facial oils than I care to admit to possess. I don’t have an exceptionally large nose, but the placement of the viewfinder directly above the LCD screen was not helpful. To the left of the viewfinder is the diopter adjustment, which is way too small. To adjust the focus of the viewfinder, the user must jam a fingernail into the side of the viewfinder and push the plastic dial up or down. Not a friendly design to use.

To the right of the LCD screen and viewfinder is an open field with a few buttons here and there. At the top is the zoom control, which consists of a wide angle zoom button on the left and a telephoto zoom button on the right. Beneath those buttons is the small "DISP/BACK" button, which selects what information appears on the screen display. It also works like the "escape" key on a computer does, moving the user back through the path of choices. This is one of the more logical buttons included on this model and works to make control and functionality smoother and more direct.

 Below that button is the "MENU/OK" button, surrounded by a four-way navigational dial. On the left portion of the dial is a picture of a flower, which indicates the macro button. The right side has a flash symbol on it and changes the flash modes on the camera. Below the main menu and navigation dial is the low light viewfinder button, which has a picture of a sun on it.

**Left Side ***(6.0)
*When viewing the camera from the back, the left side shows a very shallow grip. This isn’t bad; proper camera holding technique would have the user hold this camera more on the bottom than the side. The lens is the biggest protrusion on the left side; the side of the lens has the words "10x optical zoom" on it. From this view, the manual button to open the flash is plainly seen and clearly labeled with a flash symbol and the word "open" next to it.

At the top of the left side is a small bar mounted in a small niche; this contraption serves as the shoulder strap mount. Directly below it is the speaker, which is crescent-shaped and made up of seven small lines. To the right of the speaker is the door to the memory card, labeled "xD-Picture Card." The plastic door has a raised spot on it for easy access. Inside is the slot for the xD-Picture card. At the bottom of the left side is an L-shaped rubber port cover, which does not have any raised spots for easy opening; this is best opened with long fingernails. The door is connected to the camera body with a rubber strap. The door is labeled with the USB symbol and the words "DC IN 5V" and "A/V OUT." Inside the door, you will find just that: a USB port at the top of the L, a DC in port at the elbow of the L, and an A/V out port at the right side of the L.


**

Right Side ***(8.0)*

The right-hand grip is free of distractions. There is a shoulder strap mount that’s identical to the one on the other side. Within the right-hand grip, the four AA batteries are stored. However, the door to these is located on the bottom of the camera.

**Top ***(8.0)
*The top of the Fujifilm FinePix S5100 looks like a squashed U when viewing it straight on. The lens makes the left side of the U and the right-hand grip makes the right side of the U. On the left side of the top are the focus controls: a focus mode selector button is labeled "AF/MF" and the focus mode selector lock switch surrounds it.

To the right of the focus buttons is the pop-up flash, which has the words "Fujifilm S5100 digital camera" on it. On the top of the right-hand grip are several control buttons. The most prominent button is the shutter release button, located at the tip of the protruding grip. Surrounding the button is the power switch, which turns the camera off or to Playback or Photography modes. Playback mode is symbolized by a green triangle within a square, while Photography mode is represented by a red picture of a camera. To turn the power off, the user must turn the dial to the white-lettered "OFF."

Below those buttons are two small oval buttons which in turn are above a larger circular dial. The two oval buttons are the continuous shooting button on the left, and the exposure compensation button on the right. Both are clearly labeled, but a bit undersized. The large circular dial below those buttons is the main mode dial. There are several modes accessed on this dial: Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night scene, Programmed auto, Shutter priority auto, Aperture priority auto, Manual and Movie.

Components

**

Viewfinder***(5.0)
*The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 has a 0.33-inch electronic viewfinder cushioned by a large rubber eyepiece. The 115,000-pixel viewer has 100 percent frame coverage, which surpasses typical optical viewfinders that only have about 75 percent coverage. Unfortunately, the viewfinder and the LCD cannot function simultaneously, so the user will have to plan ahead as to which he or she will need. The user can control which display to look at by pressing the EVF/LCD button above the LCD screen. The user can also brighten the viewfinder by pushing the low light viewfinder button, located at the bottom of the LCD with a picture of a sun on it. The viewfinder is placed directly above the LCD screen, which doesn’t leave much room for a nose. When pressed, the DISP/BACK button displays bracketing lines and information on the viewfinder to help the user frame the shot.

**

LCD Screen ***(5.0)
The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 has a 1.5-inch low temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD screen with 115,000 pixels. The low light viewfinder button works to immediately brighten up the LCD, although the better option to brighten or darken the screen is found in the setup menu. The DISP/BACK button works in the LCD screen as it does for the viewfinder; it can put lines and information on the screen. It's fortunate that the S5100 contains an adequate, functional viewfinder because the included 1.5" LCD just seems so small by today’s standards. Considering the enlarged frame and vacant space on the back of the camera frame, a larger screen should have been included to make this model more competitive among the point-and-shoot crowd.
*

Flash (7.0)**

The FinePix S5100’s flash does not pop automatically; it must be opened manually by using the Flash Open button on the left side of the flash (when viewing from the back). On the pop-up flash are the flash control sensor and the flash itself. The flash is effective from 1-14.8 feet in wide mode and 2-13.1 feet in telephoto mode. The flash settings can be accessed by pushing the right side of the four-way dial; it is labeled with a flash symbol. The following flash modes are available: Auto, Red-eye reduction, On, Off, Suppressed flash, Slow sync and Red-eye reduction + slow sync. The flash seems to work fairly well and coats the whole picture with light, surpassing the spotty circular flash seen on some cheaper digital cameras.

**

Zoom Lens***(8.0)
*A prime selling point for the Fujifilm FinePix S5100, the camera comes equipped with a Fujinon 10x optical zoom lens. The lens extends from 5.7-57mm, which is equivalent to 37-370mm in 35mm format. The lens extends when the camera is turned on and retracts when it is turned off or goes into its sleep mode. The lens works well and adjusts fairly quickly. The S5100 also sports a 3.6x digital zoom in 640 x 480 resolution mode, 1.8x digital zoom in 1280 x 960, and 1.4x digital zoom in 1600 x 1200. There is an adapter ring included with the camera, so other lenses and accessories can be added. There is also a lens cap to protect the glass lens; it can be tethered to the shoulder strap so it won’t get lost.

Design / Layout

Model Design/Appearance*(6.0)*

The black boxy shape of the Fujifilm FinePix S5100 has the same weight and measurements as its precursor, the S5000. It has an attractive SLR look. If it were larger and paired with a pirated press pass, users could get the best seats on the 50-yard line this season. (Keep dreaming.) The S5100 is only 4.4 x 3.2 x 3.1 inches around, including its wide right-hand grip. The plastic body has rubber grips and panels throughout; it also has polished and brushed silver metal highlights. This style offers the appearance of an SLR without the weight (or image quality). The design is made to appeal to those photographers who are more concerned with stability and traditional handling rather than advanced portability and style.

**

Size/Portability***(7.0)
*The S5100 is too big for a pocket, but could fit into a large purse or book-bag quite easily. This digital camera is just at the size where you wonder if a camera bag is worth getting. It would only need a small bag, because it is only 4.4 inches wide, 3.2 inches high, and 3.1 inches deep. If users opt for lens accessories and such, a camera bag might be necessary. The S5100 is 11.9 ounces without the four AA batteries and the xD-Picture Card. The S5100 is bigger than a compact camera, but not bulky, although it certainly lies in an awkward size grouping. Users will not get neck spasms or lower back problems from wearing this one around but will surely become tired of carrying it out on long excursions. The camera comes with a shoulder strap and a lens cap that tethers to the strap. Figuring out the most comfortable method of transport will be up to the user.

Handling Ability*(6.5)
*Users accustomed to both compact digital cameras and 35mm point-and-shoot models will surely need some period to acclimate to the S5100's shape and design, but with the large right-hand grip and wide base to support the camera, users will find overall handling for the FinePix S5100 comfortable. There are rubber grips and panels located on all sides of the camera, so fingers won’t slide around. The lens is practically positioned, protruding enough to avoid wandering fingers from finding their way into the photographs. The layout of the buttons is the only real hindrance to handling.

**Control button / Dial positioning / Size ***(7.0)
*If you’re a Fujifilm veteran, this section won’t be relevant to you. However, if this is your first camera of this brand, grab the owner’s manual and the camera and get acquainted. Once you figure out the setup, photographing is easy. It’s the discovery process that may raise the blood pressure a bit. The power switch is located around the shutter release button. Both buttons are located at the front edge of the right-hand grip. With the index finger on the shutter button, the thumb can adjust the mode dial or extend a bit farther back to zoom in and out. When in automatic mode, those are the only adjustments that really need to be made. Point, zoom, shoot. However, any settings needing adjustment beyond that can be tricky. Most can be found in the main shooting menu, which appears when the MENU/OK button is pressed. However, accessing some settings, such as the ISO speed and white balance, requires users to hold down one button while simultaneously scrolling through options with the four-way control dial. This is neither the most comfortable nor simplistic of procedures, and it requires some time and attentiveness.

While in that intensive "getting to know the camera" phase, I found myself repeatedly digging through the owner’s manual to figure out which buttons needed to be held and scrolled and switched for certain functions. Perhaps my mind just does not think like a Fujifilm designer; I found many of the buttons to be illogically placed and rather small. For example, the low light viewfinder button is located at the bottom right of the LCD screen and labeled with a sun. (It occurred to me later that the sun button brightened the viewfinder – or LCD – so it made a little more sense. This is another prime example of why you should read the owner’s manual first.) One further design flaw is the color of the buttons. They are all black, and blend into the body of the camera. Finding small buttons quickly is difficult enough; finding these small black buttons against a black body in the dark is nearly impossible.

**

Menu ***(5.5)
*To access the menu, press the "MENU/OK" button to the right of the LCD screen. A list of options appears, which can be scrolled through using the four-way navigational dial. Depending on the selected mode, menus may differ. The "P" programmed auto, "M" manual, "S" shutter priority auto, and "A" aperture priority auto modes offer the following options: self-timer, white balance, AF mode, photometry (metering), option, bracketing, sharpness, and flash. In the fully automatic mode and the scene modes, the only options available are the self-timer and option. The "option" selection lets the user select LCD brightness or goes to the setup menu. The movie mode provides the option selection only. All of the menu options are clearly labeled and easy to navigate with the four-way control dial.

Ease of Use*(6.5)
*Loyal Fujifilm consumers would probably find this camera simple to use. However, I test and review cameras of all brands, and when compared to other digital cameras, the FinePix S5100 rates low for ease of use. Setup is difficult to learn and tedious to execute. I will admit that, once I had read the manual and knew where to put my fingers, the camera was much easier to use, but still not as easy as a point-and-shoot should be. Shooting in automatic mode was by far the easiest and most simplified means available on the camera. Changing manual settings such as the aperture or exposure became frustrating when I had to hold buttons down while scrolling with the four-way controller. Some buttons are smaller than they should be, and some buttons seem illogically placed. The S5100 is not a complete nightmare to use, though. The power button is easy to find and the automatic setting is clearly labeled on the mode dial; what more does a beginning point-and-shoot user need?

Modes

Auto Mode*(7.5)*

There are several automatic and semi-automatic modes available on the Fujifilm FinePix S5100. The fully automatic mode is labeled with a red AUTO on the main mode dial. If you press the menu button, you get two choices: self-timer and option. In this mode, all the user can do is point, zoom, and press the shutter release button. It’s easy. That’s how automatic mode should be. The Programmed AE mode provides the user with a bit more room for creativity. There are also the semi-automatic aperture priority auto and shutter priority auto modes. The S5100 has four scene modes: portrait, landscape, sports, and night scene.

Movie Mode*(7.0)
*Thanks to the built-in microphone on the front, the Fujifilm FinePix S5100 records movie clips with audio. The movie mode is accessed on the main function dial, where there is a picture of a video camera. The resolution of the movie can be set by pushing the "F" button above the LCD screen. Movies can be shot at 640 x 480 or 320 x 240, both at 30 frames per second, and are only limited by the memory card’s capacity. Unfortunately, there is only a 16MB card included with the FinePix S5100, which gives users 13-26 seconds on a formatted card. The movie mode is easy to use. To begin recording, press the shutter release button once. To stop, press it again. The only complaint about the movie mode is the lack of zoom; however, this is common with the movie modes in digital cameras.

**Drive / Burst Mode ***(6.5)*

There is a continuous shooting mode that is activated by pushing the continuous shooting mode button on the top of the camera. To change the shooting mode, the user must hold that button down and press the four-way keys to select the desired mode. The options are Top 3-frame continuous shooting, Auto bracketing, Final 3-frame continuous shooting, and Long-period continuous shooting. The fastest these modes can shoot is 0.28 seconds between frames. The problem with these "burst modes" is that the actual burst does not last very long. The 3-frame modes shoot about four frames consecutively and then pause for a few seconds to write to the card. I recommend saving these modes until the absolute pinnacle of action, then shooting to your heart’s desire. Just don’t start the burst mode when the running back is on the 80-yard-line — wait until he’s three yards from the touchdown or you’ll miss the end.

Playback Mode*(7.5)
*The playback mode is easy to access on the Fujifilm FinePix S5100. It is located on the power ring surrounding the shutter release button. The user must slide the switch to the green Play symbol, at which time the last image taken appears. When the MENU/OK button is pressed, the following options are available: Erase, Protect, Playback, Voice memo, Trimming, and Option.

When the DISP/BACK button is pressed, the view can change from a single frame to a thumbnail page with nine frames. When the single frame is engaged, the zoom buttons can zoom 14x to examine the pictures a little more closely. When the exposure compensation button is held down, a histogram and information about the image file appears. Also, when movie clips are played back on the Fujifilm FinePix S5100, the sound plays back via the built-in speaker on the side. ****

Custom Image Presets*(4.0)
*All of the scene modes are conveniently located on the main function dial. Many digital cameras now offer dozens of scene modes, but hide them all in menus. The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 is much more functional. This camera has the basic scene modes: Night scene, Sports, Landscape, and Portrait; however, many similar models have a far more extensive array of presets.

Control Options

Manual Controls

There are plenty of manual control options for novice, intermediate, and advanced users. The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 has the following options in the Manual exposure control mode: white balance, AF mode (area, center, or multi), photometry (average, spot, multi), bracketing, sharpness, option, and flash compensation. The shutter speed and aperture are controlled using the four-way dial. Pressing the arrows up and down will adjust the shutter speed. To adjust the aperture, the user must hold down the exposure compensation button on the top of the camera while scrolling through aperture choices with the four-way dial. Finally, the ISO, image quality, and color settings can be set by pushing the "F" button and selecting options with the four-way dial. Making manual adjustments is slow and difficult, as the user must access three different screens to view all the options. However, users that access the manual controls are rarely strapped for time.

Focus
***Auto Focus
* ***(7.5)
*The auto focus works fairly quickly and can be activated to focus continuously. The only drawback to this is the constant electronic purring noise the camera makes. This purring noise can be heard in movie clips with audio. The focus can be selected to Area or Center within the menu accessed by the F button above the LCD screen. The large optical zoom lens can shoot from 3 feet to infinity in its widest angle. When zoomed to its full telephoto length, the lens can focus from 6.6 feet to infinity. In macro mode, the S5100 can focus as close as 4 inches and as far as 6.6 feet.

Manual Focus*(2.5)
*Yes, there is manual focus, but it's not where you think it should be. The lens has a rubber grip around it that looks like a manual focus ring, but keep looking. To engage the manual focus mode, the user must unlock the focus mode selector switch to the left of the viewfinder. Then, the user must press the AF/MF button until the manual focus mode is selected. Directions on how to focus appear at the bottom of the screen, which is helpful. To focus, the user must hold down the exposure compensation button while using the zoom buttons to adjust. There are arrows on the screen to help users adjust the focus; this is especially helpful considering the small size of the LCD screen. Although this feature is classified by Fuji as "manual focus" it is as automated as any pseudo-manual control I have seen. If it is true manual focus you desire, this is certainly not the camera for you.

Metering*(7.5)*

Metering gets a fancy name on the Fujifilm FinePix S5100: photometry. This option is available in the shooting menu and offers the options of Average, Spot, and Multi. The Average metering mode uses an average value of light for the entire image; this is good for evenly lit subjects but suicidal when backlit. The Spot metering mode uses the center of the image to determine the optimal light setting for the whole image. The Multi mode acts as a sort of automatic mode for metering, letting the camera decide what is best. Spot metering can be used to get a precise read on a specific object or segment within the frame. The user can target the desired object in the viewfinder and partially depress the shutter release. While the shutter is held, the camera will set and lock the focus and exposure controls. The user can then re-frame the image while holding the shutter and maintain the meter reading for the desired object regardless of its new placement within the composition.

Exposure*(7.0)
*The exposure compensation setting is only available in the Programmed AE, Shutter priority auto, Aperture priority auto and Manual shooting modes. It is accessed by holding the exposure compensation button down on the top of the camera while simultaneously scrolling the options with the four-way button. The exposure can be adjusted +/- 2 EV in 1/3 steps, as is typical with digital cameras in this price range.

White Balance*(7.0)
*The white balance is accessed through the Menu button. As users scroll through the options with the four-way control dial, a preview of the color cast on the view behind the menu can be seen. This helps the novice user make a better choice about which setting to choose. The white balance options are only available in the Programmed AE, Shutter priority auto, Aperture priority auto, and Manual modes. The following white balance options are available: automatic, custom, fine, shade, fluorescent light/daylight, fluorescent light/warm white, fluorescent light/cool white, and incandescent light. The custom setting acts as the manual white balance setting. The user must take a picture of something white within the frame, to which the camera reacts and adjusts the camera’s color perception accordingly. This is often the only way to get accurate representation of color and advanced color accuracy. The inclusion of a manual or custom white balance setting offers a concrete advantage over the S5000 and gives more weight to the S5100’s claim of somewhat higher-end users.

**ISO ***(6.0)
*The ISO can be manually controlled in every setting, including the fully automatic mode. The automatic ISO speeds range from 64-320. The ISO can be accessed by pressing the "F" button and scrolling through the choices with the four-way dial. The S5100 offers the following manual ISO options: 64, 100, 200 and 400. The automatic ISO option is not available in the scene modes. Strangely, the ISO 800 setting offered on the FinePix S5000 is not included on this model. Utilization of the ISO 800 setting on the S5000 will result in reduced quality; however, the inclusion of the option provides significant opportunity for shooting within low light settings that is not offered to users of the S5100.

Shutter Speed*(6.0)
*The shutter speed can only be adjusted in the Programmed AE, Aperture priority auto, and Manual modes. The shutter speed can be manually adjusted from 15 seconds to 1/2000th of a second. The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 automatically adjusts the shutter speed from ¼-1/2000th of a second and 3 seconds to 1/1000th of a second in night scene mode.

Aperture*(7.5)
*The aperture on the Fujinon 10x optical zoom lens is f/2.8-f/8 in the wide setting and f/3.1-f/9 in telephoto. The aperture can be adjusted in the Programmed AE, Shutter priority auto, and Manual shooting modes. It can be adjusted in 1/3 increments. To change the aperture, the user must hold down the exposure compensation button while scrolling through settings with the four-way dial.

Image Parameters

Picture Quality / Size Options*(6.5)
*The picture size and quality can be set by pushing the "F" button and scrolling through the Image Quality settings. The options are 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480. These options come with the number of frames you’ll be able to capture right on the menu. Images can be shot in CCD-RAW, JPEG, or AVI (Motion JPEG). The file type options are located in the Setup menu.

Picture Effects Options*(6.0)
*The picture color effects mode can be found by pressing the "F" button and scrolling to the FinePix Color menu. Standard, Chrome, and Black & White color modes are available. It would have been nice to see a few more settings included, particularly with the camera’s masked reliance on automatic controls. Most point-and-shoot cameras utilize the custom image presets and picture effects options as a means of providing the user with some creative control that is otherwise restricted by the lack of manual settings.

Connectivity / Extras

**Connectivity
***Software (6.5)*

The S5100 comes with a Fujifilm CD-ROM with FinePix Viewer software versions 4.2 for Windows and 3.3 for Macs. The software provides basic viewing and editing tools.

*

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.0)
*The left side of the camera is the home of the Fujifilm FinePix S5100's ports. A rubber door covers the USB, DC in, and A/V out sockets. The video out port is NTSC and PAL interchangeable. The included 16MB xD-Picture Card is also tucked away behind a plastic door on the left side of the camera. Four AA batteries are included to power the camera, but the AC power adaptor is an optional accessory sold separately.

Direct Print Options (6.0)

The FinePix S5100 is PictBridge compatible. When users press the "F" button, a screen titled "DPOF" will appear and ask if pictures should be printed with the date or without. Once chosen, the four-way navigational dial allows users to choose the quantity of prints desired. Users then press the MENU/OK button to begin printing or press the DISP/BACK button to abort the process. With four effective megapixels, the S5100 can print 11 x 17-inch prints that look good when shot at the highest quality setting.

Memory (3.0)

The FinePix S5100 comes with a 16MB xD-Picture Card, but accepts cards of that brand up to 512MB. A larger card will be necessary, especially if the user plans on capturing movie clips. Many Fujifilm users have complained that the xD-Picture Cards are expensive. This may be true; it depends on how expensive is defined. I’ve seen 512MB xD-Picture Cards sell for $90, but I’ve also seen CompactFlash cards of the same capacity and read/write speed sell for $40 cheaper.

Other features*(2.0)
**Self-timer - *The self-timer is available in every mode, including the fully automatic mode. To access this feature, press the MENU/OK button then scroll to either the ten- or two-second choice. It becomes activated once you depress the shutter release button. The self-timer lamp on the front of the camera blinks every second until the picture is taken.

*World Time - *The manual calls this option "world time," but here is what it really is: Users can set the time in the setup menu. Then, if they travel, there’s a separate menu option where the time difference can be entered. The differential can be activated at will; the idea is that users won’t have to reset the main clock.

 

Overall Impressions

**Value ***(6.0)*

While the current $399.99 asking price has been reduced from its original $499.99 tag, there still seems to be other cameras on the market that will give you more. However, as with all cameras and users, the trick is finding a camera with the right combination of features: megapixels, movie mode, manual functions, presets and so forth that will match your specific desires and needs. If movie mode is the feature of choice, the Canon PowerShot S1 IS offers a good hybrid camera with a solid movie mode and a large 10x optical zoom to boot. If it’s portability that is desired, go for a Casio or Sony. The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 is a decent camera, but I wouldn’t pay nearly $400 or $500 for it. Luckily, street prices are rarely as scary as the retail prices. The S5100 can be found online for about $300, which would be a good deal for the zoom, great movie mode, and 4 megapixels worth of resolution.

 **Comparisons**
[

Fujifilm FinePix S5000*](../content/Fuji-FinePix-S5000-Digital-Camera-Review.htm)*– This is the predecessor to the S5100. It has the same SLR-shaped body measurements and same 11.9-ounce weight. They have the same 1.5-inch LCD and same Fujinon 37-370mm zoom lens. The biggest difference between the two FinePix cameras is found in the megapixel count and imaging processor. The older S5000 has a 4th Generation Super CCD with 3.1 effective megapixels. Despite the Super CCD, the S5000 did not depict accurate colors. The S5100 uses a conventional CCD with 4 effective megapixels. Released in July 2003, the S5000 retails for $449.

[

Canon PowerShot S1 IS*](../content/Canon-PowerShot-S1-IS-Digital-Camera-Review.htm)*– This digital camera comes with a similar 10x optical zoom lens, but only 3.2 megapixels. The major draw to the Canon PowerShot S1 is the image stabilization feature, which is like a tripod without the tripod and is useful for movie clips. This camera aims to be a good hybrid, with its 30 frame-per-second movie mode that shoots at either 640 x 480 or 320 x 240, the same as the S5100. The PowerShot even has some camcorder characteristics: a 1.5-in LCD monitor that folds out of the camera body. The Canon PowerShot S1 IS had some of the best color accuracy scores we’ve ever seen and retails for a hundred bucks less than the S5100, for about $399.

[

Kodak EasyShare DX7590*](../content/Kodak-EasyShare-DX7590-Digital-Camera-Review-.htm)*– For the same $499.99 price tag, consumers can get the same SLR-shaped camera with 10x optical zoom, but with 5 megapixels. This EasyShare has a larger 2.2-inch LCD screen with 153,000 pixels. It also includes 32MB of internal memory. This camera, with its 16 preset scene modes, was built for beginners. The DX7590 can sort pictures into albums, which is a fun feature. The basics of the S5100 and the DX7590 are similar. They both have similar manual options and modes to help the beginner slowly transition to an expert. But the noise scores of the Kodak are its downfall. Pictures are riddled with noise, even in fair lighting.

[

Nikon Coolpix 4800*](../specs/Nikon/Coolpix%204800.htm)*– The 4800 was introduced in July 2004 at a retail price of $425. This camera differs from the others in this comparison section in that the others are SLR-shaped and the Nikon Coolpix 4800 is rectangular and more compact. This offers an advantage when users wish to throw the camera in a pocket or backpack. It is a medium-sized camera, weighing 10.4 ounces. The Coolpix 4800 has a 36-300mm, 8.3x optical zoom lens and shoots movies at 30 frames per second in the same resolutions as the FinePix S5100. It caters to the point-and-shoot crowd with 15 shooting modes, 13.5MB of internal memory, and a slightly larger 1.8-inch LCD screen with 118,000 pixels.


**Who It’s For
***Point-and-Shooters*- The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 has an easy power switch, a fully automatic mode, zoom toggle controls and strong resolution – what more could a point-and-shooter ask for? This camera is made for point-and-shooters who have had a starter camera before and are looking to upgrade to something slightly more sophisticated. This camera will allow the point-and-shooter to develop their photography skills on an attractive SLR-shaped camera.

Budget Consumers **- **If this camera always sold at its retail price of $499.99, I wouldn’t recommend it to any consumer; there are far better cameras on the market for less money. However, if this camera is still something you want, it can be found for around $300 online, which is not bad, really.


*Gadget Freaks - *If basic camera parts are considered gadgets, the FinePix S5100 qualifies. The 10x optical zoom, electronic viewfinder and accessory lens attachments would qualify as its fanciest gadgets. However, other than that, the S5100 is dry.

Manual Control Freaks- The Fujifilm FinePix does have the guts to satisfy the manual control freaks. Refer to the Manual Control Options section; I think this camera will please.

 *Pros/Serious Hobbyists - *This camera could serve as a backup camera for a pro or primary camera for a moderate hobbyist. It has a serious look with its matte black finish and SLR-shape and backs up the appearance with plenty of manual and automatic functions.

Conclusion


Conclusion

The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 is a worthy compliment to the S5000, adding more effective megapixels to its conventional 1/2.7-inch CCD. The 4.23 total and 4 effective megapixels can create great pictures up to 11 x 17 inches, which is larger than what the average shooter will print. The SLR-shaped FinePix S5100 has a 37-370mm 10x optical zoom lens. The best aspect about this camera is its versatility; with plenty of automatic and manual functions, beginning users can advance on the S5100. The S5100 has a professional façade. Formed in a lightweight medium-sized black body, the camera aims to bridge the gap between the novice point-and-shoot camera and oversized SLRs. This setup provides a great medium for photographers to continually challenge their skills and get creative without having to upgrade to a different camera every six months. The major complaint that I had was that some of the controls were difficult to find or tedious to operate; however, once I was familiar with the setup, the FinePix S5100 wasn’t terribly bothersome. But the noise levels in the images produced by the camera were far too high. Regardless of the camera’s resolution and color rendering capabilities, excess noise destroys images shot at IS0 100 or beyond. The retail price is still high at $399.99, but with the declining prices of digital cameras this year, this camera can now be found for just under $300. For that price, this 4 megapixel SLR-styled camera would be a worthy investment for the right shooter.

Specs

**Specs Table
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Meet the tester

Emily Raymond

Emily Raymond

Editor

Emily Raymond is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

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