Unsung Cameras Of Yesteryear: The Fuji S5 Pro

In our new segment, we take a look at some great cameras which, through the passage of time, have become all but forgotten. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our Digital Rebel test, we now present our first of many special episodes, this one on the Fuji S5 Pro.

Special thanks Billy Luong of The Fuji Guys for finding us an S5 Pro.

Shot by Jordan Drake & Levi Holwell, edited by Jordan Drake
Shot on the Sony FS5

[TheBEARofHIGHWAY]

2023 and I still love playing with this camera. Best $150 I ever spent.

[ValentinLEUNG]

From a S5Pro owner since day 1. I chose it for its dynamic range, its color, it was simply there... Nothing to change, nothing to add, simply perfect. I bought it as soon as it was released, my first dslr after a F3. Never looked back, although now, I am really tempted by an x-pro2.
Thanks guys for making this video.

[chrisw]

the true camera man will worry about exposure on his last photo as his child takes his first steps into his enemy's arms. lol

[joepennant]

I still have mine. I had bought a D200 and I hated its AWB, so even tho the buffer wasnt deep and it wasnt as fast, I ate the 15% restocking fee and got the S5.

You simply had to shoot deliberately, no machine gunning.

I once did a wedding with a D700 and a S5 as a backup. I did the ceremony and group shots with the Nikon - about 400 images- and much of the reception with the Fuji - 1600 images.

It took 3 days to edit the Nikon images - inconsistent WB mostly and the Fuji - 20 minutes. Only a few images needed slight adjustments (color casts from weird lighting). The prints were amazing.

I would still buy a S5. I also loved the files from the S3 and lord, THAT was slow. Gorgeous images. I know some photogs that keep them around because of that look.

The trick was to underexpose by a half stop or so.

[billybeck]

Still use and love my S5pro. Skin tones, colours, warmth, it's magical. Nothing seems to match it. Thanks for the review.

[elfkerben]

I have my S5 pro since 2007. I traveled the world with it, and love output til today. My Fuji S5 pro is working like a new one. I replaced the leather at Nikon, also my Nikon service is always happy to see old lady. :)

Yes for Kids stuff and portaits in early year and autum i prefer this over my D700 and D810.On fuji paper with Fuji machines in print, it looks like .. analog.

So i hope my camera will do another 10 Years. :)

[boysherman]

The photo session should get a double like! That was so cute!

[srobart]

I laughed loud enough to wake the dog (at the other end of the house) when Jordan's kid took his first steps while Jordan was fiddling with the camera. I had to watch it like 8 times, it was so funny. (sorry Jordan). :D

[stephandelaat]

Used this camera with much love!!! I still own a fuji S3!

[oliverlison]

I still have the Fuji S5pro. And it is still with when doing paid work. I use this camera when I am an rough environments like factories to shoot documentories or when I do workshops with beginning models. I also took it with me to New York in 2015 and enlarged images up to 100cm x 70cm. This camera went also with me to Tel Aviv this March. Photoshop has gotten better. Resoltution is still not everything.

[DavidDatura]

I used my 11 year old, 8MP Canon EOS 20D exclusively up until 2013! Apart from the kit zoom lens which developed sporadic AF issues back in 2011 and onwards. The camera itself is still in perfect working order, even after using it a few of times outside in light rain. And I have yet to top the photos I took with that camera over the years, with my current Fujifilm X-E2. Even though I think that has more to do with my technique (I've had far less time over the last few years to devote to my hobby) than any shortcoming with the X-E2, overall its a lovely camera!

[JohnathanRidgeway]

I really love the s5 pro. I wish Fuji would go back to sensors like that.

[SrinivasVolety]

TheCameraStoreTV:
Thanks indeed for the energy boosting about Fuji Film S5 Pro,
i am still using this lovely baby and i love the sensor :)

[fordhouseb]

I remember being fascinated by that camera back around the time I bought my first DSLR, a Pentax K10D (which I loved!).

[GiuseppePipia]

These kind of videos really show us and many "technical maniacs" what it was just 10 years ago, while now we complain of noise at 3200 ISO, when just 10 years ago that was the top available in professional cameras. That we want 4k, but back then Live View was only available for 30 seconds. Just give it time and technology will be so much better (it already is incredible, as it was 10 years ago), and in the mean time just focus on taking pictures and work on ourselves as photographers and videographers. Technology always come and go, but our skills will stay with us.

Great video!

[benokanruzgar]

"...compare our brand new babies!" :))) this makes my day! A joy to watch your videos folks, always.

[matthieucardin]

Nice video ! I just resurected my Pentax K200d and it's still a brilliant camera, those CCD sensors do have something special !

[himyiktam]

I love this video, especially you guys captured the first step of Liam!!!

[louisevessey]

I had the Fuji S2pro when I went 100% digital and then S5pro. I still have an S5pro body that's been converted to Infrared! Fun to look back. I'm excited to jump onto the Fuji X camera!

[problematque]

Curious what the big deal was about the S5 and not disappointed - kudos for making a videos about older milestone cameras, inspiring stuff!
And speaking of milestones, better luck next time with catching baby steps :D