The Fujifilm FinePix S5700 is Fuji's latest offering for those baulking at the idea of purchasing a digital SLR, but are looking for something more than your average point-and-shoot camera. Sporting a maximum resolution of 7.1 megapixels, sensitivity up to ISO 1600, 10x zoom and 14 pre-programmed scene modes, the FinePix S5700 promises quality photos in a range of lighting conditions, for folks who would rather not do the math that comes with manual shooting.
That said, our first reaction to the FinePix S5700 was that it was a too feature-rich and finicky for the average consumer. First-time Fujifilm camera users will find its endless array of menus both tedious and bewildering, each seeming to conceal a teeming nest of options, yet never making it immediately obvious how to change the most commonly used settings. Making clever use of the FinePix S5700 definitely requires consultation of the user manual, however we fear that most will simply set the mode dial to AUTO and be done with the learning curve.
Design
The FinePix S5700 lends itself ideal for one-hand shooting thanks to a comfortable pistol-grip configuration and rubberised body. When held, buttons remain within easy reach of the thumb and index finger, allowing the user to change settings such as aperture and shutter speed on the go. Its gloriously large and bright 2.5-inch LCD screen renders the viewfinder as comparatively useless as one's appendix, and using the viewfinder in lieu of the LCD's benefits is as comfortable as typing with your keyboard pressed into your face. We also found that the LCD display delivered a more accurate impression of how one's photos would eventuate (and prevented the dreaded sweat-on-screen phenomena), so use of the monitor selector button to toggle between displays rapidly fell by the wayside.
Another of the FinePix S5700's design quirks is in the placement of the zoom. While most would expect the zoom control to be accessible by the thumb on the back of the camera, instead it features on a wheel surrounding the shutter button. This is no massive hindrance, but at first seems a little unnatural.
The FinePix S5700 does redeem itself somewhat by virtue of its no-nonsense aesthetic, as unoriginal as its design it may seem. Its matte-black body, chrome detail and elegant lines resound with a grandeur reserved by its dSLR brethren, all the while alluding to the user of its distinction from those that simply point and click.
Features
Again the FinePix S5700's menu system takes the fore with its abundance of menu-buttons sans clear direction. Just when one would assume that the MENU / OK button nested within the multi-directional keypad would satisfy all one's needs, it turns out that the four points of the keypad hold their little secrets. As a result, early attempts at using the semi-automatic or manual shooting modes turned into something closer to a motor-skills examination than a creative exercise; with the wrong combination of buttons one could become trapped in a maze of options, without obvious means of escape.
Given this hive of cryptic functionality, with both patience and humility there is a lot you can achieve with the FinePix S5700. Pressing the italicised F button gave us access to a variety of useful shooting modes, including the option to also shoot in black and white or chrome (sepia). Its 14 pre-programmed shooting modes (including Natural light, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower and Text) take the legwork out of adjusting the FinePix S5700 to perform at its best in diverse scenarios.
Shutter speeds in the Manual, Program, Aperture- and Shutter-Priority and pre-programmed shooting modes range from 1/1000 seconds to 4 seconds. There is no facility to keep the shutter open for longer than this.
Being able to create videos with mono sound is also beneficial, although common amongst cameras in its class. Recording at 30 frames per second with image stabilisation, you can create movies at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, including use of the FinePix S5700's smooth, silent optical zoom.
As well as bearing a token 27MB of internal memory, the FinePix S5700 can store photos on either xD or SD memory cards. This is a vast improvement over previous Fuji models which have only accepted the seldom-used xD card, meaning that one can now transfer photos using pretty much any storage card reader. The FinePix S5700 saves still images in the JPEG format, although this is no great sacrifice considering the image quality it produces. At full resolution (7MP), a 1GB storage card should be able to store around 280 photos.
For low light conditions, we were pleased to find that its light-sensitivity extended to ISO 1600. Combined with its light-metering i-Flash (intelligent flash) system and image stabilisation mode, we found it relatively easy to produce handsome, natural images, both with and without flash. Unless suppressed, the flash jumps like a cagey Jack Russell at the first hint of a low-light scene, ensuring both reliable shooting and a bit of a scare the first few times it happens.
Performance
While on the topic of image stabilisation, we found it a little strange it that had to exist within the FinePix S5700 as a specific mode on the mode dial, and not be inherit to every shooting mode. If the light conditions are too low for a clear shot, a shaky little man appears on the display and inevitably, your photos start to blur. However, this threshold came about far more readily than we had experienced with other cameras, making the image stabilisation mode a necessity for the flash-shy.
The FinePix S5700's power-on and wake up were as fast as anyone could desire, both clocking in at less than 2 seconds. From there, continuous shooting is pretty zippy, with barely a pause to write to the storage card between frames.
A word of caution should be given regarding battery life, as the combination of rapid shooting and use of the LCD screen seemed to churn through the AA batteries at an alarming rate. Less than two hours of shooting in both bright and low light with the occasional use of flash brought the camera to a deathly halt, with only a few minutes warning prior to the event. It is definitely recommended that users of the FinePix S5700 tow along a spare pack of batteries in preparation.
Image quality
In bright light, images from the FinePix S5700 possess both excellent sharpness and accurate colour reproduction. This becomes most evident when shooting in Macro and Super Macro mode, in which you can capture an impressive level of detail, shooting as close to the subject as 1cm away. Conversely, using the 10x optical zoom does not seem to compromise image quality.
In low light situations sans flash, a warm cast begins to permeate each photo. Thankfully noise does not become glaringly obvious until ISO 1600, being the upper limit for the FinePix S5700.
The Fuji FinePix S5700 is a sturdy, mid-priced camera for those hoping to achieve that greater degree of creative freedom with their photos. However, those shy of undergoing its learning curve may overlook its strengths and possibilities.
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Mesquita
27/08/2008, 08:05 AM
rating
10/10
I have the S570 for a couple a months, and I agree that is the best camera you can have given the price band.
Pros: Easy manual adjustments (except for cocus). Quality of colors and brightness. Price.
Cons: Very poor manual focus adjustment. Not user friendly at all.
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bhushangahire
26/08/2008, 09:08 PM
rating
10/10
This best camera I ever seen in DLR category.
I used to take photographs in almost every environment I got tremendous pictures.
The Auto mode so great which selects the aperture and shutter speed for the accurate photography.
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Brett
09/07/2008, 03:00 AM
rating
10/10
I bought an S5700 a year ago and have found it to be an excellent camera. I have found the battery life to be outstanding with varta 2500 NI-MH rechargables(varta's are the best), 2 1/2 to 3 hours continuous use is nothing unusual for this camera. The menus are simple and basic but can be a little fiddly when using it on manual settings. The flash on this camera is excellent, but the iso speed of 1600 does create some noise in any low light shot taken(but then, nearly every digital camera suffers the same problem!).
The only drawback I can find is a slight cromatic aberration within the lense when shooting a bright object in daylight(such as a white flower or car or something against a bright background), it creates a slight thin bluish flare around one edge. But can be corrected on the pc!
Overall, this is an excellent camera, and I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for an entry level camera!
Pros: Everything! The outstanding battery life, 48x combined zoom, the dual memory card capability(xD & SD), The movie capture capability! As I said, everything!
Cons: Slight flaring of bright images(a lens problem experienced by most low-end digitals).
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Tess72
04/05/2008, 10:21 PM
rating
8/10
Brought this camera 5 months ago and have been happy with it. Takes some really good shots. Unfortunately now i am having problems with using the USB cable to put pics on my PC. I think something wrong with the cable itself or connection in the camera. Bit of a shame as i have to phone Fuji who are only available office hours, have tried once and they were busy, Hope i have better luck next time.
Pros: Takes great pictures outdoors on a nice day. Good zoom.
Cons: Battery life.
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Amrita
25/04/2008, 10:07 PM
rating
10/10
I do not agree with the reviewer's point regarding the complex menu system. The menu system of s5700 is very user friendly and easy to understand.
Pros: Excellent battery life, image quality, movie mode, color and sharpness. Of course the most useful Rocker Zoom function (ability to zoom optically without the lens extending outside the body shell)
Cons: Purple fringing, no real IS, poor manual focus, no live hiostogram and focus distance indicator.
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dacarrison
20/03/2008, 10:11 PM
rating
9/10
An excellent camera for the prosumer, or someone who wants an excellent camera for someone who finds point-and-shoot cameras too basic, but DSLRs too confusing to use.
Pros: All buttons easy to access
Built-in black and white
Uses SD cards as well as xD cards (at last, Fuji!)
Has audio recording on the video mode
Image stabilizer is good (I tried it by shaking the camera like no-ones business and the picture was crystal clear)
Loverly Large Screen
The ability to change the interface colour is a cute feature.
2600mAh gazunkable (ie. rechargeable) batteries last quite a while in them, as do the provided Energizer e2 batteries.
High-quality manual suitable for bedtime reading
Cons: Neck Strap isn't as high quality as S5600
Screen doesn't have the smoothness of the S5600 (it was small and high-res, this is large and not-so-high-res)
The software is terrible (hint: don't install it under XP or Vista, just install the driver, or buy an SD or XD card reader). 'Nuff said.
Doesn't use Mass Storage Class Driver, uses WIA drivers that fail to show up properly under Windows 9x/Me, requiring you to use the software.
Uses a teeny cable connector.
Not as fast at taking high-speed shots.
Corrections to manual (provided) makes me feel a bit uneasy.
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Jay2k
24/02/2008, 12:43 AM
rating
10/10
well just an update althought i had said this before this camera is great had it for about a month now and have taken over 4gb worth of photos wow you say well once you have one you will understand how additive it is :)
Pros: Just about every part of this camera is awesome!!!
Cons: sometimes fussy AF
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rinki_jha
16/02/2008, 08:47 PM
rating
10/10
I have just purchased a S5700 here in India, and I can easily say it is the best camera one could buy given the price band. My only complain regarding the camera (probably since I am not much used to it) is the Manual focus system. I find it very difficult to focus on subjects with one finger Holding on to the Exposure compensation button and other toggling with the zoom lever for getting manual focus.
Pros: Very good Image quality, Great LCD display, Very Very economical prosumer camera at the price of a compact (compacts generally come at the same price band with just 3x optical zoom), Excellent Movie capabilites, Sturdy build quality, good performance and handling.
Cons: Very poor and slow manual focus.
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Jay2k
16/01/2008, 08:19 PM
rating
10/10
Got My S5700 yesterday the best camera eva the super macro is fantastic well worth buying.
Pros: Best camera for under $300
Cons: cannot find one
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mogrem
24/12/2007, 01:30 AM
rating
10/10
i bought one three days ago, shot more than 400 pictures. It is a-m-a-z-i-n-g
Pros: battery life excellent, optical zoom, good quality pictures, a lot of controls
Cons: large size, weak s/w supplied with the camera
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