Fuji FinePix S5100 Review posted
By
Dave Etchells
(Tuesday, December 7, 2004 - 13:43 EST)
The previous Fuji FinePix 2800 and 3800 Zoom cameras were exceptional values for the money, and the updated Fuji FinePix S5100 offers the same great value with the addition of a 4.0-megapixel CCD and a longer 10x zoom lens.
The S5100's higher resolution is a welcome improvement, providing great image quality for a budget-priced digital camera, and its 10x optical zoom is excellent for distant subjects. Its color is more accurate than that of most consumer digicams, although that means it's less saturated on bright colors than most consumer cameras. My only real complaint about its images is that they tend to be a little contrasty. But then, most consumers seem to like more contrast than I do personally, so most folks would likely find the S5100 pleasing in this regard.
Overall, the Fujifilm S5100 has just about all an enthusiast user could want in terms of expanded photographic controls, including full Manual exposure mode for ultimate creativity. About all it lacks relative to its competitors in the 10x zoom category is image stabilization. For the price though, that's no surprise. Given its price and its 4-megapixel resolution, its lack of stabilization really can't be counted against it.
For everyday shooting indoors or out, under bright or dim lighting, the S5100 does very well and really sets a benchmark for an affordable long-zoom digital camera with enthusiast features. Recommended, and a Dave's Pick as one of the best digital cameras on the market, thanks to its combo of features, image quality, and price. Read our Fujifilm S5100 review for all the details.
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