Fujifilm FinePix S5200

Reviewed by: lilyellowstr

10-07-07

Duration of ownership: 11 Months

Strengths: Nice looking case , good location of buttons , decent low light shooting .

Weaknesses: ERRORS w/ viewing photos , FOCUS ERROR -Have to send in to fix , extended zoom causes fuzy edges,

Overall Evaluation: I have had some decent shots with this camera I won't lie but I've also had my share of issues. The Focus error being the latest. I was at the zoo i had not dropped my camera but was in the middle of shooting and my camera just stopped working. The quick fixes the Fuji web site advises does not work so i have to send it . I've also had issues with viewing my pictures afterwards on the digital display .The quick fix for this was temp. the problem still occurs. I wish I could say that I was the only person who has had this issue however if you do a quick search fro "Focus Error Fuji" You'll see it's not just a few and not just this Camera it seems to be an issue with Fuji cameras in general.. I am so disappointed. I almost did not post but I wonder how many people have had this problem ? I believe its something FUJI needs to acknowledge its not just a few camera models but most all of Fuji cameras encounter this. My next Camera will be a Cannon. Fuji's got their money from me . Sorry Fuji great quality color prints on film but camera reliability is important as well. No working camera no pictures.

Reviewed by: barryindallas

08-14-07

Duration of ownership: 9 Months

Strengths: Sharp color,nice grip,menu is easy to understand,great price.

Weaknesses: Like someone else said, memory card door flimsy, batteries go dead without much warning,flash could be stronger for group shots indoors

Overall Evaluation: I just had this camera stolen so I'm replacing it with the S700 which is much cheaper and seems to have more features and 2 more megapixels

Reviewed by: msousa

05-31-07

Duration of ownership: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Powerful Zoom, very good dynamic range, fast auto focus, crisp images and image details.

Weaknesses: Macro mode, weak flash,jpeg artifacts

Overall Evaluation: This camera can take very good images. Zoom is amazing, not only for the magnification but also for the captured detail; combination of this lens with this sensor was a Fuji right choice.I usually shot A mode,iso 200, this mode limit shutter speed to 1/1000 and aperture to 3.2-8.0 at full zoom range (most of the time i get warnings to decrease iso or increase F number ), so this is a very bright lens. Shooting at normal conditions there is no visible digital noise even using iso 400, this only appear under the strong shadows, jpeg artifacts too (more evident when sharpness is set to maximum and using a bit digital zoom).Metering mode is very good, but we must take care where to focus to avoid highlights clipping. So i´m very pleased with this little camera (i have also an Olympus 8080 wz):Didn´t miss image stabilization.

Reviewed by: Noitcefrep

04-26-07

Duration of ownership: 5 Months

Strengths: -host of manual functions -10X zoom -Great contrast and focus -multi-purpose camera ready for anything

Weaknesses: -Manual focus takes too long -zoom controlled solely by motor -auto focus seems to search for quite a while (sometimes)

Overall Evaluation: The Fujifilm FinePix S 5200 Digital Camera excels in many areas and has earned itself the top ranking in the few digital cameras I have owned. Features such as the 10X zoom make this camera a multi-purpose device that gives virtually professional results for a fraction of the cost. Notice however, that I said "virtually" - as this camera only boasts 5MP, prints are limited in size, whereas 10MP camera with similar features, along with interchangeable lenses, would this camera be truly professional. The speeds at which this camera performs is impressive, although drawbacks include the awkward controls of manual zoom (as, in some cases, the zoom fails in auto and finishes its search far from accurate, whereupon manual is necessary, although takes far too long). All in all, this camera is great - if you're looking for a camera for general purposes, but want superior quality, then get this one. Note, however, that this camera isn't exactly "compact" and requires a case of its own (can't simply pocket this one). If you're looking for professional results, then the next step would be a DSLR, which are dramatically more expensive and more complex to use (such as the Nikon D200, at $1700 for just the body).

Reviewed by: renegadestorm

12-31-06

Duration of ownership: 6 Days

Strengths: This is an outstanding camera with no discernible flaws. The fast power-on as well as the rapid auto focus is incredible. The build quality is top rate as is the appearance of the camera. The camera takes excellent pictures in the automatic mode and has advanced features that are found on SLR cameras costing hundreds more.

Weaknesses: There are not any obvious weaknesses.

Overall Evaluation: Outstanding.

Reviewed by: hnagaty

Updated: 07-Jan-07

Strengths:

Weaknesses: The camera is un-reliable and the technical support is useless.Poor and small LCD screen. The manual focus is hard to use.

Overall Evaluation: My S5600 malfunctioned after using it for only 4 months. It displayed a "focus error" message and didn't take any shots.The Fujifilm representative in Egypt denied the international warranty (as I didn't buy it from Egypt, though it DOES have an international warranty). They requested a lot of money for fixing it (almost two thirds the price of a brand new camera then). And above all, they were a bit reluctant to fix it, which conveyed to me a message that they may not be educated enough to fix it. Actually, I was afraid to pay two thirds its price and then still have problems with it.So, I had it fixed at my expenses at Fujifilm representative in Dubai. But again, I regret that decision. Dubai technicians turned out to be by no means educated to fix a camera. They fixed the "focus error" message, but caused two other problems. The AF assist lamp doesn't work at all, and all the camera shots are blurred and out of focus. All the photos look bad, th...

Reviewed by: mrrunking1

Updated: 23-Dec-06

Strengths: Ergonomics, incredible color and clarity,Great VALUE for the money

Weaknesses: lack of real image stabilization, manual focus capability is not user friendly, battery monitor worthless

Overall Evaluation: I have owned several Fuji cameras over the years and this one tops them all. We love this camera. I could not break my wife of the film habit until I got this camera. Now I have to reserve my use of the S5200. Man or woman, this camera will fit your hand like a glove for easy one handed operation. My wife loves the light weight and the low/natural light capabilities. This camera takes amazing photos in situations were other digitals just take snapshots or nothing at all. The short video clips are of good quality. The fact that it uses regular AA akaline or NI-MH is a big worry free plus. I bought two sets of NI-MH's to alternate. 2000-2300mah batteries last a reasonably long time. The batery meters only function appears to be to tell you that the batteries will expire in the next 5 seconds. If this camera had image stabilization and a better manual focus(dedicated focus ring or thumb wheel), it would be perfect.

Reviewed by: DallasPuppy

Updated: 23-Dec-06

Strengths: Very Sharp Images (At Least 4 x 6 pics are)Looks SturdyColors Very NaturalGreat Pics In Low Light Situations

Weaknesses: Memory Crad Holder Hinge Door Appears To Be Flimsy, Hope It Doesn't Break, Lack Of Manual Focus Ring

Overall Evaluation: Being into 35mm photography for over 25 years, I was reluctant to make the switchto digital. Now that the prices have come down and the megapixels have gone up, I decided that this camera was the best camera in it's price range (who needs over 5 megapixels anyway? I love the 35mm SLR feel it has to it, easy to grab and shoot almost anything in auto mode. Stil playing around with the advanced features but I did take a night time shot of the Dallas skyline and most friends thought it was a post card taken by a pro, I'M IMPRESSED!! Bought a Kodak Easy Share Printer to make my 4x6s, It's a great combo.

Reviewed by: MetromacBill

Updated: 09-Dec-06

Strengths: Lightweight body, Sturdy Construction, Good battery life, low noise, support for conversion lenses! , SLR like controls

Weaknesses: Slow Auto focus, Flash could be better, no external flash mount

Overall Evaluation: Since purchasing this camera in the Summer of '06 i have given this a great workout! I wanted a mid-level camera between my Olympus E-volt 500, and my Other Fuji and Olympus point and shoot cameras, and this fills the role quite well. Took this camera to Arizona Cardinals, NY JETS and NY Giants training camps, as well as used it at various College and Pro Football Games with great results. Also Purchased Sakr Extension/Conversion lenses, and will buy an Outdoor Glare hood as well. Would reccomend this camera to ANYONE not wanting a DSLR but looking for Results close to DSLR photos.

Reviewed by: jojocoombs

Updated: 19-Sep-06

Strengths: Great overall camera for the price. excellent photos and easy to use.

Weaknesses: needs higher recommendations

Overall Evaluation: I have been using this camera for over 2 years, it is an excellent camerawhich fits all of my needs, is is easy to use and produces great photos.