Fuji FinePix S2 Pro (2002)
A digital SLR built on the Nikon N80 body, featuring Fuji's Super CCD sensor and dual battery system.
Overview
The Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro is an interchangeable lens digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera announced on January 30th, 2002. It uses a third-generation Super CCD sensor with 12 million recorded pixels and is based on the Nikon N80 film camera body. The camera supports aperture and shutter priority modes, includes a built-in pop-up flash with a range of 15 meters, and features a five-area cross-ranged autofocus system. Weighing 850 grams with batteries, it has a large SLR form factor and retains the Nikon N80’s physical design cues, though with revised digital controls on the rear.
Specifications
| CCD size | Standard DX size CCD: 23 x 16mm |
| Native resolution | 3,024 x 2,016 |
| Downsampled resolutions | 2,304 x 1,536 and 1,440 x 960 |
| Upsampled resolution | 4,256 x 2,848 pixels |
| ISO range | ISO 100 - 1,600 |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Continuous shooting speed | 2 FPS, 7 or 8 frame buffer |
| No mirror lock-up | No mirror lock-up |
| White balance | Plenty of white balance settings, but no ability to fine-tune each one |
| Flash terminal | Has a PC terminal for studio flash |
| Built-in flash | Yes (pop-up) |
| Flash range | 15.00 m |
| Data connection | Firewire |
| Media | Takes standard CF and microdrives, also SmartMedia |
| Formats | JPG (sRGB), RAW and TIF (both sRGB and Adobe RGB) |
| Histograms | Individual R, G and B histograms |
| Based on/Built from | Nikon N80 body |
| Operation speed | 2 FPS |
| Battery system | Two separate sets: 4 x AA (for electronics) and 2 x CR123 (for mechanics) |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz) |
| Body type | Large SLR |
| Shutter modes | Aperture priority, Yes; Shutter priority, Yes |
| Autofocus system | Cross-ranged, five area Autofocus System |
Design
The Fuji S2 Pro is essentially a Nikon N80 with Fuji's digital internals, showing clear N80 heritage in its body design. The controls for the digital functions are all located on the back of the camera. It features a plastic rear cover described as cheaper in feel, a small viewfinder eyepiece, and an LCD cover resembling cloudy Tupperware.
Context
Announced on January 30th, 2002, the Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro preceded the Nikon D100 and Canon EOS-D60 by nearly three weeks, positioning it as a leading DSLR in its time. It was developed because Fujifilm lacked its own 35mm autofocus system, leading them to base the S2 Pro on Nikon’s established platform. The camera was seen as a high-resolution alternative for studio use, despite its ergonomic shortcomings and higher cost compared to the D100.
Market
The camera’s most commonly noted issue is its poor battery system, requiring two separate battery types. While some users praise its image quality—especially the upsampled 4.2 MB JPGs and downsampled images—others criticize its slow operation, limited flash sync speed, and unintuitive menu system. It was reportedly chosen over more expensive alternatives like the Olympus E-1, E-5, and E-30.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.