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July 28, 2005 - Fujifilm's FinePix S5200 (spec sheet) is a 5.1 megapixel SLR-shaped camera with a 10x zoom (equivalent to a 38-380mm in 35mm) and Fujifilm's own "Anti-shake" technology. The camera will be available in October, at a suggested price of $399.95.
David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Products, Electronic Imaging Products Division, Fuji Photo Film USA, Inc. introduced the S5200, saying, "as a photographic leader and technology innovator, Fujifilm makes it a point to understand the needs of today’s consumer by producing products that suit a wide range of needs and photography interests." Troy explained, "the FinePix S5200 upholds the tradition coveted in the popular S-series line and provides consumers with long zoom power, ease of use compatibility and most important, the best possible image quality."
A successor to the FinePix S5100, the S5200 features Fujifilm's 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensor and Real Photo Technology image processing for improved color, lower noise, and faster operation. This is a similar system to Fuji’s successful F-10, which garnered praise for its low noise imagery and improved performance speeds.
Fujifilm is highlighting the low light performance of the S5200 by offering two automated scene modes called "Natural Light," and "Anti-Blur" for low light without flash. This is a critical distinction for this camera, as it attempts to compete in a market dominated by optical image stabilization.
One way the S5200 looks to surpass the competition is through a far wider sensitivity range. The camera's ISO can be set from 64 to 1600, while most other models in its class top out at 400 or 800. The 6.4-64mm zoom (equivalent to 38-380mm in 35mm format) offers apertures from f/3.2 to f/8 in 1/3-stop increments. The variable focal range of the S5200 is in line with last year’s ultra zoom models and falls a bit short of the expanded range offered by this year’s modifications.
The camera offers a full range of manual settings, as well as automated modes. It takes four AA batteries, and accepts an optional wide angle converter.