If you have been following us, you would be aware of how often The Phoblographer has spoken about the rise of compact cameras and how much of a difference they are making to the community today. At the same time, we have also discussed the rapid advancement of varied brands, including some releases that have made us raise our eyebrows. For instance, the odd direction the Fujifilm X series has been taking since the past year. However, instead of thinking about the future alone, we take a chance to look at the past, particularly the camera that helped Fujifilm so successfully with their X-series device: the Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro.
For the uninitiated, the camera made its first appearance at Photokina in 2006, with its official launch taking a few months later. What made this device so stunning at that time was its robust body, which resembled the Nikon D200. However, on the inside, it was a proper Fujifilm camera featuring an innovative SuperCCD SR II sensor and unique firmware. The sensor was a significant development as it uses photodiodes per pixel, which offered a great dynamic range. It also meant that the device could handle scenes with immense contrast exceptionally well, which ensured that details in the highlights and shadows continued to be locked in. There was also an 11-point autofocus system, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, and a face-detection system in playback mode. As a result, this union of a robust body with a new sensor resulted in Fujifilm’s iconic colors, which helped the device stand on its own against its contemporaries at that time.
That all might not sound like a lot for today; but early digital cameras were very much running on film technology.
From here on, Fujifilm did not look back.
However, when it comes to actual use, the device did divide some reviewers. For instance, according to a review by CNET’s Phil Ryan (now at the WireCutter), the S5 Pro was more of a “studio camera” as it offered a slower autofocus system than the one seen on the Nikon’s D200. However, there is also this Popular Photography entry, which noted that the device does everything smoothly, with “easy-to-grasp controls and menus, and help screens aplenty.” This was, as we have seen, a camera that offered unique image quality thanks to the color reproduction and film simulation for which the company is applauded. Like some of the Fujifilm X series cameras, the S5 Pro was not perfect for fast-paced genres such as wedding or sports photography.
Then, in 2010, the company launched its first X series device, the FinePix X100, which built on the previous DSLR’s success but decided to move towards a more compact experience. In fact, in our review, we mentioned how the device is worth the praise and even our complaints since it is more of a hit and a bit of a miss.
From here on, Fujifilm did not look back.
However, today, the demand for the S5 Pro has not yet gone down. On eBay, you get the device for between $200 and $600, depending on the condition in which they are selling it. This price indicates that older DSLRs, despite their slowness or lack of high resolution, are still quite sought-after. The reasons include boredom with newer high-res cameras, as well as the boom of smartphones that are taking away the photography business.
However, we believe that Fujifilm should look back at its legacy and revamp itself. Their latest releases seem more like a rebranded product than an actual innovation, especially the X series lineup. We have previously mentioned that the company is set to make the X series, including the X 4 Pro, a replica of the XH2 since everything depends on the sensor. So now, the S5 Pro, its innovative sensor technology, and its collaboration with Nikon only prove that it’s time for the two to team up again and work together. If not, then perhaps Fujifilm can figure out ways where their cameras are created with the aid of user feedback and then some random device that they think will work for photographers. In the end, Fujifilm needs to innovate itself because if they don’t, they will only lose out on loyal customers.