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.
Shop online at: www.thecameras...
Music Provided by BeatSuite.com
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Special thanks Billy Luong of The Fuji Guys for finding us an S5 Pro.
/ fujiguys
Shot by Jordan Drake & Levi Holwell, edited by Jordan Drake
Shot on the Sony FS5

[@classic.cameras]

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.

[@chrisw443]

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

[@RichardRosiles]

+chrisw443 that was hilarious! the enemy stole the show

[@4kum41986]

+chrisw443 the saddest moment ever on youtube

[@DonaldREdman-wj7jy]

I had to rewind it because I missed it too. Poor guy lol

[@JimMelcher]

It wasn’t the point of the video, but I will remember it long after I have forgotten every other camera review.

[@elfkerben947]

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. :)

[@togp3403]

Is it still alive?:)

[@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.

[@joepennant]

Also, because of Supply Issues with FujiUSA, the bodies werent delivered till 2007.

[@imnguyen6658]

What lens is your favorite to use on the S5?

[@billybeck]

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

[@starrlife]

You guys are my favorite channel. I hate having to watch other reviewers and I wish you guys would post more content. I really wish you guys had the early preview of the new Sony G series lenses. Also Chris, grow the beard back out man. It looks cool.

[@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.

[@Zetaphotography]

What software to uprez

[@adamcain4603]

First steps caught on camera awesome.

[@kennethmustill5451]

adam cain gn

[@AgnostosGnostos]

Best moment of the video at 9:10 The APS-C dSLR Fuji FinePix S5 Pro was released in 2006. At that period dSLR technology wasn't so inferior as it mentioned in the video. Two years later in 2008 the APS-C dSLR Nikon D90 was released. The first dSLR with video recording capabilities. Also in 2008 the mirrorless revolution in photography with the micro 4/3 cameras. Three years after Fuji FinePix S5 Pro, in 2009 the Canon 5D MK II was released. The first full frame dSLR with video recording capabilities. So the period was full of innovations that drastically changed the path of photography and videography.

[@Rationalific]

As long as you guys keep up with the new stuff, too, I'd love to see more videos like this. By the way, the "first steps" part was hilarious. Poor Jordan!

[@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!

[@JohnathanRidgeway]

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

[@sebastiento9695]

their Xtrans sensor do about the same i think :D

[@EveTheBoneQueen]

Their x-trans tech on the new CMOS chips is basically the same tech as these old SuperCCD's. Three normal RGB Diodes for normal resolution and color rendition, and one bigger black-and-white diode for better noise control, better DR, less chromatic noise, ETC. It even goes through the same demosiacing process when you edit the files.

[@volante8657]

S5 does have live view mode......for 30 seconds, no, it will never works nowadays

[@adamthebrave]

The Fuji S5 was my first digital slr. I sold it last year. I've just rebought one because having gone through umpteen modern cam's I still can't find one that matches the 'resonance' that the S5 creates with its jpgs. It's also an incredibly ergonomic camera, with dials in the right places etc. A proper photographers camera I think.

[@gemasboy]

adam crosland I still use it as my daily camera. The S5 is that good.

[@adamthebrave]

It really is

[@adamthebrave]

I had an S3. Perhaps even better image quality than the S5...but...body nowhere near as good

[@jonmansfield1164]

I loved this camera so much I bought a second one....to minimise lens changing. Still use them almost daily. Also still use a Fuji 6500 bridge camera....and a Fuji FD 31 compact.....very old, but all very reliable. Although both the S 6500 and the FD 31 are only 6m pixels..... The quality is fantastic.

[@RickMentore]

"Retro Cameras Rock" I can watch this all day. Thanks.

[@LennyG2006]

More old stuff? Yes please, I was really impressed with the quality of the images from a 10 year old camera. Missing the first steps Jordan, priceless.

[@afromalone]

So glad you guys made this video. I bought my S5 pro in 2007 and I'm still using it today. It has so many flaws but does take a nice picture.

[@gerardotelese5337]

Seriously, by farther best photochannel on KZbin!!!Keep on like this!!

[@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!

[@pomazzzz]

I don't really watch your channel, but I would love to see more retrospective stuff!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

+Mátyás Szaszkó You should start watching our channel, so you'll know when we post more retrospective stuff. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@mafiajimmy]

+TheCameraStoreTV 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DPoner]

@@TheCameraStoreTV Well played

[@powderhounding]

Kudos for making this video on an old camera, really enjoyable to watch! I would love to see more of these, as many others have noted.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

+Ånders Carlsøn I'm editing a new one right now, stay tuned! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@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!

[@future62]

More of these please. This was interesting as hell!

[@marcuseponus3224]

"Because" of you, I bought this camera and I must say I am every day more & more pleasantly surprised. Dynamic range still rocks in 2016. Thank you! A Belgian TCS TV viewer.

[@ignacymat]

Absolutely stellar video series, after few years i got bored with all of that high-tech equipment, cameras these days are more like small laptops rather then real cameras. I love the feeling of making photos with old Canon 1-series cameras, like 1D mk2 or 1Ds mk2 - maybe you could review one of these?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

+Ignacy Matuszewski Glad you enjoyed this episode, it's one of my favourites. Stay tuned for EOS 1 series action! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@ignacymat]

thanks a lot!

[@RobertNES816]

+TheCameraStoreTV Any chance you'll do any first gen Nikon Digital vids or even vids on early Minolta digital cameras? I'm really liking these videos, it's nice to see how far digital has come since the 90's and early 2000's!

[@stephandelaat]

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

[@NintendoCade]

Love these types of videos. It is a great way to look into the past and is interesting to view them in the modern day.

[@Harold_gooberson]

I'm so glad you got photos to mark such an amazing moment in your life it was cool to witness

[@jeffjeffs6067]

its no surprise that Nikon didn't licence another body for another version - i think they would have blown the competition away

[@jordirafols924]

Great idea to review old dslr cameras to have a context of the current technology we are paying for today. I still use a Fuji S5 Pro.

[@TheG7thcapo]

I love the look of old cameras. When i look at images from national geographic from the film days, im always amazed.

[@GiovanniApreaCapri]

I still have two S5Pro (one is up for sale with only 4K actuations on the shutter) and even though I now use and enjoy a Nikon D800 the files the S5 use to produce are still unrivaled, I got also and X-Pro1 in the hope the got back that look and feel of the SuperCCD but it's light years far away; also, been crazy enough to buy a pristine D2Xs whose DR sucks but whose colors are way more pleasant than modern cameras. Fuji created big competition with the S5Pro, it's a pity they couldn't use the Nikon F bayonet to make an S7Pro, that would have been another killer D-SRL. Nice video by the way, well done but not all the S5Pros around have that fault of the double shutter hit before getting a shot...

[@joepeffer5115]

For me, the best camera from 2007 to me is the A900/ 850. Was my first digital camera with minolta glass and to this day people compliment the skin tones and colors. Sure the 1ds mk iii is a beast, but the sensor in the A900 had amazing dynamic range in bright sunlight. I could shoot at 10 am on the beach and the model and sky were exposed. Its amazing how underrated older sensors were. Not to mention it was the sharpest sensor on the market. I dumped my d800e for a h3d ii from 2007. And the raws look amazing. Older cameras just had that look, similar to film. Now its more feature packed then look and the raws seem too digital. To this day nothing impresses me more then the A900 portraits in natural light

[@jorgea.a.597]

hi Joe, which model are you talking about?

[@daretobe957]

Still using mine now and then and amazed by how capable the ISO800 is. I just love the skin tone from this. I do always output 6M pixels - 12M looks pretty soft.

[@PerfectNormal]

Hi. How is the autofocus.? I currently use a canon 5d Classic. So I don’t need anything too fast.

[@daretobe957]

@@PerfectNormal Autofocus is good enough for me, similar to my Nikon Df. It does struggle in low light and 3D tracking - not great by today's standards.

[@camillebrenes]

Jordan this has to be one of your favorite videos of all time. :) You too Chris... First steps and all. Wow.

[@matthieucardin2373]

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

[@Antenox]

9:15 This is an example of precisely why the best camera is the one you have with you. Or, in this case, the one you have with you *that doesn't distract you by malfunctioning at the exact moment you want to capture* XD

[@paristo]

Very nice episode, because the history will put the today in the context. Pixel peepers, dynamic range weepers and gear heads doesn't almost never remember from where we came, and that today when we have 17-22 stops possibility for exposure to push and pull shadows and highlights, it is way better than we ever had for the film. And the cameras are not limiting us, but some people just takes the current gear to limit themselves without good reason. So seeing these old things to deliver today... Put everything in context in very nice way.

[@randallherreraNyc]

while reviews of the newest of the newest are important,, these not so necassary reviews of older cameras are lots of fun !! Great job guys .. keep em coming

[@blinky176]

Please keep these videos up!! Its always great to see some of the older cameras and how they function

[@fujiglitch2927]

Looking back is always cool with camera. Nice posting, really enjoy seeing it so keep up the good work.

[@benokanruzgar8863]

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

[@christophk.4544]

Ive used a S5Pro for many Years :) still love it and the CCD Sensor.

[@Barrrt]

Wonderful! Thanks for making this.

[@IvanJoseHurtadoBaron]

I remember shooting with the S3 and loved the dynamic range. Really nice to see this nostalgic video!

[@nimbustitan]

Yes I certainly enjoyed the Retro camera video! Keep up the great work Guys!

[@PavlosPapageorgiou]

I love the Fuji sensor technology for HDR. I never bought the S5, but loved my X10, a tiny camera that generates gorgeous JPEGs every time with the harshest lighting. The harsher the lighting you give it, like noon daylight and shadows in a canyon, the better JPEGs it gives you.

[@HuguesDUROIR]

I love to watch all your videos and particulary the review of old gear! Great job again!

[@denisgehlhaar8902]

More Reviews of good old digital cameras. That was so much fun to watch.

[@bgrzesiak5996]

Everyone (even you) miss the OBVIOUS comparison I used as a Fuji Pro Rep at that time. Like a decent stereo speaker, the SCCD had a woofer & tweeter. The small "speaker" was tailored to reproduce high notes (bright) and the woofer made the low notes (dark) . The Super CCD did the same thing. But in those days all anyone would talk about was sensor counts, not dynamic range, image sharpness, let alone COLOR.

[@fabius_costa]

yes please do other retroreviewes of cameras and videocameras (especially the film ones). great video, als always thanks for reviewing!!

[@thisistimmy]

You guys should review film cameras like the Pentax 67(II)!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

+Timothy Tasmin It's in the queue! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@PawelNiksa]

+TheCameraStoreTV Great idea for review series. Opens eyes on tuff life of pro photographers a decade ago. Makes you appreciate what you have now for a fraction of the price they had to pay :) Reminds me first mobile/cellphones when each new model had a new feature that other phones didn't have. Now all look the same, no one is ahead of the curve (no one tries to be). Looking forward for next episode!

[@mechalens]

what about the contax N digital?

[@PawelNiksa]

+mechalens It was an innovation...14 years ago. Now to see a significant difference between models of the same camera, you need to skip 2 or 3 conseciutive releases and most of the times it will still be only an update to existing features, not an upgrade to something that's not on the market. Sadly.

[@NitroColaSSC]

Definitely cool idea for videos. Makes me appreciate what we have now a lot more!

[@HologramJones]

Hmmm the Fuji S3 (pictured for a fraction of a second when the reviewer mentions "Frankenstein cameras") was bulky but not weird. The built in vertical grip made it awesome in use and one of the most comfortable cameras to hold. And owning a S3 (still) and having shot a S5 on a trial I went back to the S3. The S5 had the great body of a D200 and was faster but the S3 made sharper JPGs. Also, putting the RAF files through ACR rather than its contemporary Fuji HyperUtility gets you very good 12MP files. What HyperUtility was good at was in getting the colour off the files. And gave you remote camera control.

[@rendem8]

Hi Guys! Your'e my favorite! And S5 pro too! I have it since 2008 so I liked the review, just sorry that you tested a not fully functional piece. Mine is still working fine. Never had an issue with shutter button, or softness like on shown pictures. I'd like to show some pictures taken with samyang 35mm 1,5 T. That glass is sharp, so it brings out the pixels from S5Pro. Interesting, that on my body, the triangle under the shutter release button is not red like on nikon branded bodies, but black.

[@alfa170d]

Thank you for interesting review, please keep doing these old camera reviews, they show us how far the industry has advanced since.Great job guys! :)

[@fordhouse8b]

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

[@juiceplanet147]

That is why I still shoot with a Nikon d200 w/85mm 1.4D My friends think I'm lying until I show them the image info. Still a great camera in proper light situations. Great video!

[@G4XGaming]

More retro camera reviews is a great idea :-)

[@netobrand1]

Love this review... I still have my fujifilm S5 pro in perfect condition, box and accessories... Absolutely love this camera... Only a couple of months ago got offer $500 and I said no... I'll die with it. :)

[@Raychristofer]

Great review I appreciate you guys taking the time to go back like this. It's important to help us understand how far the new technology has come. And it's a fun diversion. Now I'm tempted to try old school cameras LOL

[@npo6ka]

Unsung Cameras Of Yesteryear is great, would love to see more of those

[@KentuckyMan30]

Love this series! Hope it continues!

[@Reuben1024]

so enjoyed that -happy memories, loved the feel / usability of the D200 /D300 - swapped for the S5 pro back in the day, the sensor was superb compared to the others around at the time.

[@iphoneloretz]

What a great episode, to break up the reviews and other good stuff. Thanks fellas...and well done Liam : )

[@VicTheVicar]

Please keep the reviews/nostalgia pieces of old cameras coming! PS It was heartbreaking that Jordan missed his baby's first steps. But I guess that's life!

[@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 :)

[@iamandrewz85]

I loved this! Seriously makes me appreciate the gear we have now, but it's awesome to look back. I would it if Jordan could do a little review on the Canon HV20! That video camera started it all for me. Thanks for all your hard work fellas!

[@kevindiossi]

I loved this video. I wish I kept all my old cameras and could see how far I've come since my original Rebel over 10 years ago.

[@xzl8254]

I've been looking for videos like this. More old digital camera reviews please!

[@boysherman]

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

[@MrWilliamchang]

I still own a Fuji S5 pro with vertical grip which in terrific working condition, love the color.

[@user-re9cm9bz2g]

I'm an amateur photographer and I have X-Pro2 and X-E1. Fujifilm did a great job in the past few years but unfortunately it is still a minority in the market. There are too many people only focus on the size of sensor, high ISO performance and megapixels... Thanks for God that Fujifilm constantly sticks to their conception -- high quality, compact body and light weight.

[@richardseah6016]

Still using my 4th unit of S5 Pro in 2016. My 3rd unit had the same problem of having to press the shutter twice. It's a mirror box failure can be fixed but probably cheaper to buy another used piece, which I did. Only now, after 10 years, am I considering a different camera once my S5 Pro dies. Probably the Fuji XPro-2 or yet to be launched XT-2. Previously, S5 was still the top choice for me.

[@shreddz]

LOVE this idea for a series! I was looking at s5's last year wondering how they would go today, but they're still a sort after thing on ebay! Real estate agents love them apparently. Great series, great to see the fun family stuff. Mates just hanging out whilst also being professional is the key to this stuff. It's what made top gear great in the early days.

[@himyiktam]

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

[@StudioSolutions]

Ahh the memories. I had/have the little domestic brother to this camera (s7000) and the tonal range from the SuperCCD was just gorgeous compared to what else was out there. It still held its own on this basis for many years. The sensor block started playing up and it's at EOL .... but I couldn't bring myself to throw it away. So I've been unscrewing everything and taking it apart as it's much easier to throw away all the parts. :-P

[@EDHBlvd]

Omg this is amazing. Please continue this series and maybe even do some analog/film camera coverage if possible. Well done Chris/Jordan! 👍

[@TheDanielBaden]

I use these cameras for work everyday, we have some that have hit 1.3 million shutter actuations! Amazing build quality.

[@Pete292323]

Please continue this series!

[@harryrcars]

This is a great series.. Please keep it up :-)

[@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

[@youxanyou]

Great idea guys and great work as always!

[@stevenunez]

Superb Idea- revisiting older cameras- love it!!!! Hope you guys run across a Kodak DCS 620 or 520!

[@tvurk]

How about reviewing the first consumer mirrorless APS-C camera from 2004; the Epson R-D1

[@Badgerheist]

Just got my S5 Pro this past week and took it out for a walk yesterday. Love its dynamic range! The raw files are so forgiving. And in a twist of accident, I now also have two IS Pro bodies. I need to figure out what to do with them now.

[@seoirse777]

I love the concept... make more of these please

[@dunnymonster]

Really enjoyed the show. I'm a relatively new shooter ( approx 2 years ) but I love looking back at older gear and it's cool how we can look back at the early DSLR's. I use quite a lot of vintage manual lenses with an adapter on my mirrorless and it's surprising how well some of these 30+ year old lenses perform.

[@110341]

Yeah much appreciated, keep them coming please!

[@studiosnch]

Came for the S5, stayed for Liam's first ever steps. And yes I'm watching a video that's six years old as of this writing.

[@JamesJohnsonthe4th]

Cool video, and that little camera shirt on Jordan's child was adorable :) Definitely hope you do more videos of this style. I'd love to see a video on the Kodak Professional DCS Pro SLR/n if you happen to come across one. .

[@niccollsvideo]

We may have a line on something even older. I believe it cost $49000 at the time. Trying our best to make it happen. Chris@TCSTV

[@stefanmuller1017]

I also had s% Pro and i really loved ist!! For exactly the reasons you mentioned. Especially the better dynamic for the time and the absolutely nice colors out of the box. The biggest drawback for me was more and more that it was/is too big and too heavy (for me, like quite all (D)SLRs). Because of that i was tired of draging this brick around ant it more an more stayed at home collecting dust. Today i use a small mft DSLM and my whole camera Setup (including everything like 4 lenses, batteries, a small camera bag,...) has almost the same weight than only the S5Pro with one single lens!! But watching your video makes me still miss the great time i had and the nice pictures i shot with this lovely peace of camera. So thanks for remembering. ;-)

[@stefanmuller1017]

Btw. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHuoZ3qgnN2jl5I ^^

[@airgreek]

I LOVE these retro videos keep them going!

[@BlutengelNoUta]

Super fun video, dd not even know this camera existed! Cute babies too. Perfection would have been the same introduction, but with Chris in a leather sofa, a pipe in his mouth and a glass of whiskey on a side-table. :)

[@BrooksinSwansea]

Awesome video, I use a s5 pro and even though it does has its limits compared to modern DSLRs, it's a great camera.

[@jackmckechnie5801]

My favorite early DSLR was the Olympus E1 with the Kodak sensor...I still shoot mine every once in a while. If I want to blow an image up I just used Perfect Resize.

[@sienarot]

Holy crap, I can't believe you reviewed this. I was *just* thinking about this camera the other day. Even though I was a Canon shooter, I lusted for the S5 Pro so much I almost went dual system just for it.

[@Crispy_Bee]

Am I the only one who gets the feeling, that skintones on CCDs look much better than they do on CMOS - even on modern ones?

[@BlueBomberTurbo]

photographer85 All in software. I can get my S5 Pro, A6300, and J5 to all match colors and tonality (J5 DR aside). It's just what the camera companies back then liked as skin tones.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

@@BlueBomberTurbo yes, this is true... The older cameras just have that old school look.

[@Westopher]

Love this! Can't appreciate the present without acknowledging the past ;)

[@MartianCitizen]

fun to watch....first few steps.....awesome....keep up the good work Ya'll.