Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro reviewed
Digitalcamerainfo.com had a look at the Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro, the 12.3 megapixel DSLR touted for an extended dynamic range that aims to rival the tonal range of 35mm film. They found the unit does indeed impress in its 9-stop expanded dynamic range, beautiful color and excellent noise control — yet that range is accompanied by some serious drawbacks, including "glacially slow" shooting and writing speeds and mediocre autofocus which is particularly weak in low lighting situations. Following a half second startup delay, the S3 will do no better than one frame per second, so at $2500 professional photographers will have to decide if the expanded tonal range is worth the cost and the speed limitations. It may be an ideal choice for wedding and portrait photographers who need the guaranteed rich color even in uncontrollable lighting situations, but for those who don't need the expanded range, you may be better off looking at the Nikon D70s, the Canon EOS 20D, or the Nikon D2X.
