Fuji FinePix S1 ProA 3.5 megapixel "SuperCCD" gives superb color and amazing low-light capability in an under-$4,000 SLR digicam!<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 8/1/2000 |
Video Out
The
US version of the S1 includes a video out jack and connection cable, offering
NTSC-formatted video output. We assume that European models support PAL timing
and is accompanied by the appropriate cable. Connecting the video output provides
a signal to an external device, without disabling the internal LCD display screen.
All images that would normally appear on the LCD are also routed to the external
video display so that the television screen becomes an enlarged version of the
LCD monitor and can be used for image playback and preview.
Power
For
power, the S1 utilizes four AA rechargeable NiMH batteries and two CR123A lithium
batteries. The AA cells power the digital parts of the camera, while the lithium
cells run the camera functions such as autofocus, shutter and flash. From our
own experience, we can say that, in addition to the normal extra set of NiMH
AA cells, you'll definitely want to pack along a spare set of CR123A's: After
several days of intense shooting, we were puzzled by the cameras sudden lack
of response, and somewhat confusing error messages in the top LCD readout. It
turned out that LOTS of autofocus operation plus a goodly dose of flash exposures
had drained the lithium cells. (It took us an embarrassingly long time to figure
this out though, after swapping in at least two fresh sets of AA cells, thinking
that was the problem.) An external AC adapter is available as an accessory and
plugs into the DC port on the front of the camera, which is covered by a small,
flexible rubber flap. We should mention that the ability to almost completely
rely on the smaller LCD panels for changing camera settings is a tremendous
power saver. There's also an Auto Off feature with allows you to set the camera
to turn itself off after two or five minutes of inactivity.
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| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
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| Capture Mode, no LCD |
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| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD |
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| Half-pressed w/o LCD |
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| Memory Write (transient) |
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| Flash Recharge (transient) |
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| Image Playback |
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These power numbers are quite low for a high-end digicam, largely because there is no mode where both the CCD and LCD are active at the same time. The combination of no LCD viewfinder and accurate optical one means that you should be able to stay away from the power-hungry color LCD screen most of the time. If you're able to do that, the 250 mA operating power is very low, and a good set of high-capacity NiMH AA cells should last for at least 4 hours of nonstop (and non-LCD) operation. Very nice!
Included Software
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The S1 is accompanied by a USB cable for connection to a PC or Mac. An included software CD offers Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE, Fujifilm Camera Shooting Software, USB drivers for Windows 2000, 98 and Macintosh, Fujifilm EXIF Viewer, Fujifilm EXIF Launcher and Fujifilm DP Editor (for use with DPOF print devices). The EXIF Viewer software is the mechanism for downloading and browsing saved images. The Camera Shooting Software application allows you to remotely control the camera through your computer, meaning you can shoot images and immediately view them on your computer screen. For image correction and editing, Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE offers some basic tools for correcting color, removing dust particles, etc. There's also a handful of creative tools for performing slight image manipulations.
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