Finepix S3pro

F80 & S2Pro

This DSLR wasn’t manufactured by Nikon, but it has a lot in common with Nikon cameras. It’s compatible with most Nikon lenses because it uses the Nikon F-mount system. That gives you access to a wide range of lenses. So far, I’ve tested this camera with several Nikon lenses and haven’t noticed any compatibility issues. Almost certainly, Nikon lenses from that era should work fine with this camera. Of course, no one can guarantee that 100%, but in my case, all 6 lenses I tried worked perfectly.

I had always wanted to get the S2 Pro, but when I had the chance to buy a newer model that improved on several aspects, I decided to spend a few extra euros and get a well-preserved S3 instead.

The S3 camera introduced several improvements, such as:

• Increased dynamic range and better tonal reproduction thanks to the new Super CCD SR sensor, which uses dual photodiodes: 

• 6.17 million “S” type (for standard and shadow light) 
• and 6.17 million “R” type (for highlights),

• Improved power supply, now requiring only 4 AA batteries,

• Built-in vertical grip with additional buttons,

• Slightly improved autofocus,

• 14-bit RAW support.

Honestly, I’m still not sure whether this camera is 6MP or 12MP. The files are definitely 12MB, but is the resolution the same as other 12MP sensors? I’ll leave that question unanswered. I don’t really care that much what matters most to me is how the photos look, and this old camera truly delivers great image quality.

It’s hard to explain what exactly makes the difference, but some cameras just produce images that feel immediately wellbalanced and optimized. There’s a certain group of users (myself included) who find the photos so good straight out of the camera that little to no editing is needed.

As for the camera body itself well, to put it gently it’s a bit unconventional. It basically looks like a modified Nikon F80. It’s certainly a step up from the S1 Pro and S2 Pro, but there’s still a sense that the design is a blend of two different philosophies.

The three displays can be a bit confusing at first, but thankfully, after a few days you get used to the somewhat quirky button layout.

Unfortunately, as you can see, all the displays are in different colors, which definitely doesn’t add to the cohesion of this otherwise very nice camera. It looks a bit like an Australian Shepherd its coloring may seem a bit odd, but we love it anyway.

F80 & S2Pro

I must admit, I didn’t expect to like this camera as much as I do. I’ve grown really fond of it so much so that I equipped it with high-quality rechargeable batteries that let me shoot around 150–200 photos per charge. I also picked up a used 8GB CF card and a 2GB XD card, which together let me shoot about 450 RAW images.

Now, I’m going to be very subjective here: the F80 was my first Nikon camera, and I still have it to this day. I’ve come to appreciate the S3’s slightly unusual design. It fits really well in the hand, thanks to the sculpted back grip for the thumb. My shooting settings are mostly consistent, and I primarily shoot in aperture priority mode.

I also have the recommended Sigma 18–50mm lens for this camera. With all these additions, I feel like the camera is now outfitted exactly the way the manufacturer would have wanted.

Finepix S3 Pro - 85mm 1/500 F1.8 Iso 200

ISO
Many people say that with this camera, ISO 400 is the highest you should use. However, it also depends on the subject of the photo and what you're trying to convey. In my humble opinion, in these shots taken on a May evening around 10 p.m., the noise isn't that noticeable and is quite acceptable.

Finepix S3 Pro - 50mm 1/125 F1.8 Iso 1600

Finepix S3 Pro - 50mm 1/90 F1.8 Iso 1600