Product Reviews (26)
The Fuji 5100 is an outstanding...
Strengths: Speed Color Ergonomics Lens Zoom
Weakness: Software and Camera Menu
The Fuji 5100 is an outstanding camera for the money. The Fuji 5100 is an outstanding camera period. I have owned and/or used a dozen digital cameras in the past 6 years from makers Nikon, Canon and Olympus. All were very good in their own way, but none hold a candle to the Fuji.
I really am surprised at the level of camera for the price. I paid less than $250 shipped. The 5100 hundred is fast as lightning, one serious weakness of all other cameras I've used regardless of price. The shutter lag of most digital cameras is unacceptable, that's why I still run film cameras. Otherwise I wouldn't have many still or planned shots of my kids :) From startup to taking the first pic is under 4 seconds, subsequent shots are a fraction of a second even when not prefocused. When prefocused they are instant, and instant most of the time without prefocus if conditions are favorable. Amazing, this alone would make it a star but there is more.
The color with the 5100 shots is really top notch in my book. I like the fact that they are *not* over saturated like most digital cameras. I can say they really look like film color and not the cartoon(ish) colors of most digital cameras. Some may prefer that extreme "pop" of over saturation of other cameras, but I don't. When I look at the output and prints from the 5100 it looks exactly like it did in person.
The 10x lens is excellent too and with nearly 400 mm of (standard equivalent) zoom, you can shoot just about anything you want to. Even at full zoom, handheld shots are fine most of the time and the resolution is very good. It does not have image stabilization, but for the price it's not expected.
The only weaknesses are the sparse camera menus and PC software. Compared to Canon this is lacking, but personally I don't mind them as much and commend Fuji for putting the work into the camera features and ruggedness. That's what counts.
Although I've only had the camera a short time, I think it's is a real winner. This camera smokes the competition with all it has to offer. It would hold it's own at twice the price. You can't lose with the 5100. Bravo Fuji.
By RickDMars - May 20, 2005
This is an upgrade of Fuji S5000....
Strengths: + 10X Optical Zoom + Very Little Camera Shake + Jpeg and RAW mode + AA Size Batteries
Weakness: - XD Card is very expensive - 1.5 inch LCD Monitor is small and is fixed - Very basic software - No zoom in video shots
This is an upgrade of Fuji S5000. Most of the good features of S5000 are retained. The imager is upgraded to 4megapixels. S5000 used the super ccd and hence you could interpolate for an effective recording of 6mp. That is absent in S5100 as the imager is conventional CCD.
The camera is very comfortable to hold and take pictures. It is pretty steady even during one handed shots. The zoom is very good. Wonder what would be the result if Image stabilization is available. There are various modes of shooting from completely automatic to completely manual. This caters to everyone in the family - the point and shooter to the serious amateur. Lots of scope to dabble around with manual controls.
Self timer has two modes - 10sec and 2 sec. The latter is very handy when you use slower shutter speeds. The EVF is small at 1.5 inches. I would have preferred a min of 2 inches. Also it is fixed and is difficult to view in bright sunlight. Atleast there should be a deeper eye cup for the LCD.
Overall the photo quality is very good. There is a problem of vignetting in most Fuji cameras and that is present in this too. AF-Assist Illuminator produced sharp focus at close range even in complete darkness.
Definite buy recommendation for buyers interesting in graduating from point and shoot photography to next level. Shall post detailed review after a few months of trying out. Have not printed any photos yet. So all comments are based on viewing on screen.
Accessories
- A minimum of 256 MB storage
- A battery charger and batteries, NiMH recommended.
- With a shutter speed of 15sec - 1/2000 sec, it is advisable to go in for a tripod
- A wide angle lens would be a good add on as well
By garga - Oct 28, 2004
This is an upgrade of Fuji S5000....
Strengths: + 10X Optical Zoom + Very Little Camera Shake + Jpeg and RAW mode + AA Size Batteries
Weakness: - XD Card is very expensive - 1.5 inch LCD Monitor is small and is fixed - Very basic software - No zoom in video shots
This is an upgrade of Fuji S5000. Most of the good features of S5000 are retained. The imager is upgraded to 4megapixels. S5000 used the super ccd and hence you could interpolate for an effective recording of 6mp. That is absent in S5100 as the imager is conventional CCD.
The camera is very comfortable to hold and take pictures. It is pretty steady even during one handed shots. The zoom is very good. Wonder what would be the result if Image stabilization is available. There are various modes of shooting from completely automatic to completely manual. This caters to everyone in the family - the point and shooter to the serious amateur. Lots of scope to dabble around with manual controls.
Self timer has two modes - 10sec and 2 sec. The latter is very handy when you use slower shutter speeds. The EVF is small at 1.5 inches. I would have preferred a min of 2 inches. Also it is fixed and is difficult to view in bright sunlight. Atleast there should be a deeper eye cup for the LCD.
Overall the photo quality is very good. There is a problem of vignetting in most Fuji cameras and that is present in this too. AF-Assist Illuminator produced sharp focus at close range even in complete darkness.
Definite buy recommendation for buyers interesting in graduating from point and shoot photography to next level. Shall post detailed review after a few months of trying out. Have not printed any photos yet. So all comments are based on viewing on screen.
Accessories
- A minimum of 256 MB storage
- A battery charger and batteries, NiMH recommended.
- With a shutter speed of 15sec - 1/2000 sec, it is advisable to go in for a tripod
- A wide angle lens would be a good add on as well
By garga - Oct 29, 2004
A great camera! I upgraded from a...
Strengths: Large Zoom (10X), lots of manual controls, fast shutter speed, beautiful pictures and video.
Weakness: Video does not allow zoom function while shooting.
A great camera! I upgraded from a Fuji 3800 because the 5100 offered so much more creative possibilities. Pictures are clean, no noise to speak of, and color balance is as good as cameras costing hundreds more. Action shots are easy to capture and the video records at 30 fps with audio. I purchased a 512mg xd card so I can take photos and do videos without having to change memory cards. I love this camera!
By gilleegolf - Oct 25, 2004
This is the fifth digital camera...
Strengths: Great ergonomic 35mm SLR type design, 10X optical zoom, great images; abundance of features for a very good price
Weakness: None so far
This is the fifth digital camera I've owned and by far the best. The strengths and features are beyond detailing in this brief rating, but of particular interest to me were the camera design, 10X optical zoom, advanced settings and movie-mode with sound. The first images I've made with this camera have been outstanding. The weaknesses the experts may identify in their reviews can be resolved by purchasing a significantly higher priced camera and that's my point. For the price you will pay for this camera there really are no weaknesses. Consider it a "poor man's D70" and pocket the price difference!
By Jimj1952 - May 16, 2005
I've had several other brands of...
Strengths: Quality photographs, incredible battery life and easily available AA, Easy menus & settings and more
Weakness: All "weaknesses" I've read about are really subjective. The smallish LCD, no image stabilization etc. are why it can be sold for $250. They didn't compromize image quality though.
I've had several other brands of digitals, quality cameras all, but dollar for dollar and feature for feature there just isn't anything better out there. I might have given the Panasonic FZ 30 a shot, but since I'm out of the country a lot, the double AA batteries made the decision for me. For another $200 I could have had a bigger LCD and image stabilization, but I don't use the LCD except to review photos taken and The Fuji seems to do well without the stabilization for me. And a tripod isn't a great handicap occasionaly. Though I've only had it a few months, I'm going to be upgrading to either the new 5200, or maybe go whole hog and get the new 9000. Am very pleased with this companies products. This is my second Fuji, the first being an S304.
By battleborn1 - Oct 12, 2005
This camera is light weight as...
Strengths: Lightweight, 10X zoom, picture quality, speed, price, AA battery
Weakness: LCD may be larger and rotating
This camera is light weight as compared to its size. I love cameras that us regular AA batteries. I hope those batteries can improve to be light weight as well. Fuji S5100 is very quick in taking the picture. Picture quality is excellent. Zoom is excellent, too. It is very easy to use and the grip is excellent for your hand. LCD quailty is great. I just wish that Fuji also starts adding 2 inches or larger screens like Sony. This is a great camera for the price. Buy it from www.buydig.com and save.
By vedatakgun - Nov 16, 2004
I've been upgrading from...
Strengths: Powerfull x10 optical Zoom, great resolution and features for the money!
Weakness: Manual focus feature is poorly implemented.
I've been upgrading from S5000/S3800/S3000. The main reasons are better resolution and 10x optical zoom. Since Fuji dropped "Super CCD" technology, the actual picture quality improved. It's still used in old S7000 which unfortunately lacks 10x zoom. The battery life on 2300 mAh NiMHs is also outstanding!
By trudenko - Dec 16, 2004
This is my second digital camera,...
Strengths: Instructions and menu are very easy to use even for a novice like myself. Works very well in low light situations as advertised.
Weakness: None that I have found or that really matter to the average guy.
This is my second digital camera, the old one did not take any satisfactory indoor/low light shots, they alway were TOO dark. This camera was purchased mainly to give me the capability to take low light shots at wedding receptions and even in our living room. It does that very well, way beyond my expectations. I am thrilled with the camera and would recommend one to anyone.
By twjoyce - Nov 24, 2004
It's my first digital camera. I...
Strengths: Powerful 10x optical zoom, long lasting battery life, full manual control, easy to use
Weakness: xd card is too expensive
It's my first digital camera. I bought it because it was the cheapest on the market featuring 10x optical zoom. After I read in some books about digital photography I realized that I did the right decision. It has every feature you need if you are a beginner or a serious amateur. I would definetely recomend this camera.
By mareanus - Jan 6, 2005
We bought a Kodak digital camera...
Strengths: Everything so far! Very impressed with the 10x zoom and picture quality.
Weakness: None as of yet.
We bought a Kodak digital camera first before our Fuji because of the good price but ended up very disappointed in almost everything about it. We took it back and did a little research and found our Fuji S5100 camera and now we are very happy. The pictures have turned out great and the options seem endless. Yes the xd pic cards are more but well worth it when you factor in the camera as a whole. We are upgrading from a Sony Mavica digital camera, which took great pictures, and noticed the change in picture quality right away. With the Kodak 4 mega pixel camera I felt the pictures from the 1.3 mega pixel Sony camera had better quality. So when we first look at our pictures from the Fuji camera I was amazed at the pictures- so clear and sharp. Overall we will be using this camera for a very long time and wouldn't change a thing.
By missladybug77 - Jan 8, 2005
This camera is excellent. It...
Strengths: Very efficient camera with many professional options.
Weakness: Rechargable batteries are definitely worth purchasing.
This camera is excellent. It offers all professional quality options on a very easy level to operate. Anyone can pick it up and take great quality pictures and any art-oriented people can do some interesting things with this camera.
By Walnuts565 - Jan 8, 2005
Compact for a megazoom model; 10X...
Strengths: Pricing is good. Features are excellent. Nearest thing to a digital SLR that I can afford. I dislike having to put on glasses to see the too small LCD panel expecially in sun conditiions; so the viewf
Weakness: Biggest problem in my instance was out of nowhere the lens has become jammed at full extension - with 'Zoom Error' on the screen. doesnt have image stabilizator
Compact for a megazoom model; 10X zoom lens; fairly extensive set of advanced features; responsive performance; raw mode is more usable than on most consumer cameras.
The bad: Exposure compensation is difficult to activate; raw-mode selection buried too deep in the menus; limited JPEG compression choices; fuzzy, grainy electronic viewfinder; included raw converter is almost useless
By appranax - Jan 30, 2005
One of the great features of the...
Strengths: The camera is one of the best cameras in the 10x zoom category. Time to focus is short (compared to Olympus C-740 which I owned previously).Also the SLR-like look is loved by all.Video is incredible.
Weakness: It eats up battery pretty quickly if you have flash ON. Its bulky and needs a big bag to carry around. Pictures in low-lighting area are not so good. Definitely need a tripod.
One of the great features of the camera are you can hook it up to your TV and look at the pictures this is especially cool since the whole family can gather around the TV after a party or celebration and relive the moment.
The video quality is great, I have a 512 MB xD picture card which can record upto 20-25 minutes of video easily.
There are so many new features that I have still not discovered. Its a great purchase for $300.
By kiranmisra - Dec 22, 2004
I was looking for the model...
Strengths: 10x optical zoom, several features for different types of situations
Weakness: A XD card is expensive
I was looking for the model S-5000, but I found this one for a good price and bought it.
I get very high definition pictures and the videos this camera can take have a very good quality and a big size.
I've heard the model S-5000 has Super CCD mega pixels that gives even more quality to the picture. The S5100 doesn't have it super CCD. This feture came back in the model S7000.
Anyway it's a great camera. I'd buy again.
By Anonymous - Oct 29, 2004
I used it the first day that I got...
Strengths: I love the 10x zoom it puts everything right in your face. It's easy to use and all the buttons are right where you need them.This is my first digital camera and hope to have it for a long time.
Weakness: None that I have encounted so far.
I used it the first day that I got it and even printed my first picture ever on very glossy paper and it came out beautiful.I now have it hooked up to my printer and T.V. It's easy to delete the pictures that you don't want and getting that long distance shot is a snap. I would recommend this camera to anyone.
By kennybkenneth - Dec 30, 2004
While you can adjust flash levels,...
Strengths: Can go from full auto to manual use. Nice weight and feel in my hands. Great zoom
Weakness: Flash is too bright for some indoor shots.
While you can adjust flash levels, this can only be done in manual mode. Other than that, the camera has been really fun to use. The camera can store about 530 pics on the highest non-raw setting on my 512mb xd card.
Rechargeable battreries are a must. The camera went through a set of throw aways in one afternoon of medium use. As far as other negatives, I really have none yet. The specs are clear in what you get and how big this and that is so there are no surprises. I really enjoy the camera and look forward to learning more about it
By jdwags - Dec 29, 2004
This is already one of the best...
Strengths: Ease of use; professional features available, but not required; all features are easy to use. Good viewing thru lens or LCD.
Weakness: A little awkard for those with larger hands.
This is already one of the best digitals I have used. Low weight, high capacity for adjustments, but not too intricate for making quick decisions. Will need to see battery usage, but find this to be a very attractive product with 256 xD card added.
By ampollard - Jan 24, 2005
I bought this camera following the...
Strengths: 10x optical zoom, 4.23MP, ez to use,
Weakness: xd card more expensive
I bought this camera following the suggestionb of a friend who is a professional photographer. With less than $300, you can't get anything better than this.
By fulidu - Jan 26, 2005
Very Poor Image Quality and Service
Strengths: Nice 10X zoom, easy to handle and intuitive commands.
Weakness: Very poor image quality. Extreme (very accentuated) pixelation compared to similar class and cheaper cameras (HP, Canon), where the image has a better pixels transition.
I was very dissapointed by this camera from the very beginning. I read some reviews prior to purchase, and I worked prior with other 4MP cameras, so I decided to buy it. It struck me what a big difference exists between Canon or HP digital processor and one on this particular camera. There is no way you can have a nice photo print bigger than a 4x6 from this one. It all looks grainy and very distinguishing. Never had that problem with Canon nor HP. When realizing the difference I tried to contact EVERY Fuji departments and technical, or sales support I could find. I basically wanted to upgrade to the 6MP, not to return it (no photo cameras are returnable). Yet I couldn't even talk to someone about this option. Buyers beware - their tech service and support is aweful. No more Fuji products for me!
By gallicat - Nov 23, 2005
Fuji 5100
Strengths: Nice look and Feel, easy access to connections and memory card, pictures and movies are good, the 640x480 video mode is a great feature. Overall a good Camera
Weakness: The zoom isn't as strong as expected, my Kodak dx6490 has teh same specs, but the zoom seems twice as strong, the LCD is too small and the xd memory cards are 50% more expensive then other cards.
I compaired this camera with my dx6490 and they each have their good points, however the feel of this camera is easier, the display and options are much better on the kodak camera, a good buy.
By Javieis - Feb 27, 2007
FUJI S5100 - Best buy you'll find
Strengths: 10X zoom, easy controls to master, can use standard 55mm filters. NiMH rechargeables OR AAs, picture quality, LONG battery life
Weakness: no zoom on movie mode, would have preferred the more prevalent SD card to the xD
In my opinion, the S5100 is the best bargain available in the "serious amateur" category. If you want a full complement of features at a great price,you won't find ANYTHING better, I know, I looked. I bought my unit at Sam's club for $277. This was the "travel kit" which included a camera bag, NimH batts & charger, strap, AC adapter and car adapter!!! I am an old time SLR and TLR user who wanted to ease into a higher end digital with full manual or auto controls. I used the camera at the Georgia-Arkansas football game last week and I was astounded at the quality of the pics. I was able to easily make high speed captures of the action and to zoom right down in the huddle. With the "sports" mode, I had no image stabilization issues, even at full zoom. I am EXTREMELY pleased with my purchase and you will be,too. Now that the S5200 (same but with 6MP and IS) is available the S5100 can be had at a discount.
The only camera I found that even came close to the features and price that I wanted was the Canon S2 IS which is a GREAT cam, but at $500 bucks was almost TWICE the price! And I don't like the proprietary battery.
With the Fuji, battery life with the AA NIMHs is UNbelieveable! AND it is SO nice to know that, if needed, you can pop in alkaline AAs in a pinch.
Simply the best digicam on the market at this price. You'd have to spend TWICE the $$$ to get only a marginally better cam.
By anonymous; - Oct 31, 2005
ReviewGist for Fuji FinePix S5100 Digital Camera
Image is Average according to 4 Digital Camera experts. -- "Shot-to-shot speed was excellent, with a one second delay between photos, assuming youve turned off the post-shot review feature."-dcresource.com -- "Overall the image quality on the S5100 was good and quite an improvement over the S5000."-dcresource.com -- "Color and exposure were both good, and images were fairly sharp."-dcresource.com...
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By reviewgist.com - Jan 14, 2010
Fujifilm FinePix S5100
Testseek.com has collected 9 expert reviews for Fujifilm FinePix S5100 and the average expert rating is 69 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
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By testseek.com - Mar 6, 2009
Fuji Finepix S5100
Fuji Finepix S5100 receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 2.12 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #289 standard digital camera of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features, market value, and a...
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By TopTenREVIEWS.com - Jul 16, 2008
Fujifilm FinePix S5100 Digital Camera Review
The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 was announced in August 2004 and made its debut on the market at the retail price of $499. The successor to the FinePix S5000, the S5100 adds more megapixels on a different type of imaging processor and fifty bucks to the price tag. The digital camera touts 4.23 and 4 effective megapixels on its 1/2.7-inch CCD. The most prominent feature of this FinePix model is its...
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By Digitalcamerainfo.com - Aug 31, 2005