Fujifilm FinePix S5200 Digital Camera (5.22MP, 2592x1944, 10 Opt, 16MB xD Card, xD Slot)

Fujifilm FinePix S5200

FinePix S5200 Digital Camera (5.22MP, 2592x1944, 10 Opt, 16MB xD Card, xD Slot) Review, by Richard Baguley January 11, 2006

Show More Show Less

0 Comments | 0 Topics | Print Only This Review

• Latest User Reviews 5 reviews
• Reviewed by: lilyellowstr

  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: 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

  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: 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

  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: 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

  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: 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

  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: Outstanding.

• Reviewed by: hnagaty

  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: 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, they doesn't even match the quality of a cheap 3MP point and shoot camera. The result is that still after paying to fix it at a Fujifilm representative, the camera is unusable. I don't believe this is really the standard of support of a multinational company in such a worldwide hub as Dubai. I CONSIDER THIS AN ACT OF FRAUD FROM THE DUBAI REPRESENTATIVE, taking my money and then delivering me an un-usable camera.So, the bottom line is that FUJIFILM CAMERAS AND MIDDLE EAST SUPPORT (DUBAI & EGYPT) IS REALLY REALLY BAD.

• Reviewed by: mrrunking1

  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: 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

  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: 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

  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: 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

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

  Weaknesses: needs higher recommendations

  Overall: 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.