S1 vs. S2`

[ncphotoman]

I was wondering if any of the S2 Shooters out there had used an S1 prior to the S2. If so, what type of major advantages are you seeing in the new camera?

Thanks, Bill

[Digi4Ever]

Bill,
After 2-whole-days with my brand-spanking-new S2, I can give you a few thoughts.
We have had an S1 for 18 months. It took Great pictures! The S2, quite simply, blows it away. The real problem we had with the S1 was with solid, or semi-solid, colors. The Sky, for instance, always looked somewhat blotchy. This problem disappears in the S2 and, therefore, reduces the post-processing time greatly. We also have sent the S1 in for repairs 2 times. I do not believe we are overly hard on our camera equipment and yet twice this body simply quit working on trips. I will say that both times the folks at Fuji turned the camera around in 3 days, for a total (including shipping) of 6 days without the camera. Of course when you are in the middle of Zimbabwe on a photo-expedition, it's pretty hard to send the camera in for repairs! We are hoping that the S2 is a bit hardier.
The pictures so far with the S2 are fantastic.
Here is one. I had to drop the quality to "9" when saving in Photoshop to get the size down.
"Horse"

[Mark Uehling]

I have had an S1 for a year and a half and now also have an S2. I use the S1 for portraits and weddings and have shot some 15000 pictures with it.

I have had my S2 for about two weeks and have taken a few hundred pictures with it. Unfortunately, I just had to send it in to have stuck pixel mapped out. The pixel was bad from the beginning. I wanted some time with the camera before I sent it in.

As to the comparison:

First off the S2 has dramatically higher resolution than the S1, and I was pleased with the S1. I used to shoot medium format film for weddings and I think the S2 provides comparable resolution to a 645 negative, but won't quite equal a 6x7. The S2 has more than adequate resolution for anything but maybe landscapes.

There is also much less noise in the images. The images are definitely cleaner looking. However, I don't like the camera's built in sharpening. It looks part soft/part sharp, like the built in USM had a too high threshold setting. I used to shoot the S1 on org/org/std sharp, but the S2 works best at org/org/low sharp. If you need to sharpen the results, photoshop works better. I can batch sharpen the photos on the computer without much time wasted.

Overall, the user interface is very similar but with various improvements. You can buffer 7 shots, even on raw. The buffering works even if you review each shot before saving. The S1 buffering only worked in autosave mode without previewing. You can set the autopreview to show up with the histogram automatically. It has two dials, so adjusting the aperature does not require holding a button down in manual mode.

Now for the downside. The color that I am getting is not nearly as good as the S1. Its interesting that the auto white balance is much improved, but the skin tones are much too magenta, even when the neutrals are neutral. Now I am very particular about this as I am photographing people. The skin tones in the shadows also tend to get oversaturated, even when they are reasonably saturated in the highlights and mid tones.

The next problem is that the shadows tend to block up on high contrast scenes when using the jpg mode. All of this when the camera is set to org/org/low sharp. I had none of these issues with the S1 and it has me quite concerned. If I shoot raw, the contrast problems go away, but the color problems remain. The problem is that processing 400 raw images from a wedding is time prohibitive.

I have requested and am hoping that when Fuji service maps out my bad pixel, they can recalibrate the CCD. Many of the S2 samples that I have seen on the web don't appear to suffer from the color problems I am getting so hopefully I have a bad example.

I am holding off a final verdict on the camera untill after I get it back from repair. Right now, it is capable of much better results, but only with too many photoshop corrections for color. I spend too much time in front of the computer already. I'll let you know more in a week or two after I get mine back and can rerun some more tests.

[ncphotoman]

Mark,

Thanks for the input. I will be waiting to hear if you get the problems resolved thru Fuji.

Thanks

[mjphoto]

Mark, if it's not to difficult, how do you batch sharpening in Photoshop? I've been getting slightly soft images that I would like to sharpen up a little. Mike

[Digi4Ever]

I'll take a crack at this one.
With Photoshop 6, I have setup 3 "shortcut" keys to perform the tasks I routinely do when making the 5x7 prints that are my standard.
First, open a photo in Photoshop.
Select "Window", "Show Actions"
If this is your first set of actions, click the icon at the bottom of the action window that looks like a folder. It should be called "Create New Set" I have all my sets label for what they do, like "5x7" is my mane for this set.
Once you have created the set, click the button to the right of the last one. It is labeled "Create new action" Give it a name (like "Unsharp"), select a shortcut key from the dropdown list (I used Shift - F2) and click "Record"
You are now recording every action you perform, so now you can perform the desired action.
Assuming you are performing an Unsharp mask then go ahead and select "Filter, Sharpen, Unsharp Mask" pick the parameters you desire (100%, 1, 1) and click "Ok".
Next click on the Square icon which is "Stop recording" and you are done.
You can also perform multiple actions with this action if you want to. Just continue performing the actions desired (like Autobalance) before you click the Stop recording button. You can also add more actions by clicking the Round shaped button. This is Start recording.
The next thing you want to do is perform this action to a directory of pictures.
First, select "File, Automate, Batch"
Pick the set name you just created in the top dropdown box.
Pick the Action in the second dropdown.
For the Source, select the folder you wish to adjust by clicking "Choose" under the Source section.
Pick a destination folder in the Destination section.
You can also modify the names of the files here. I do this so I know for sure what files I have modified without having to open them.
Select "Ok" and away you go!
I have created about 50 custom actions this way and now the computer does most of the hard work for me (as it should be!). ;-)
Have fun!
Bill

[deluco]

Hi Bill,
I noticed that the lcd review time per image is alot faster. Also, if you do alot of outdoor fill flash, the low ISO and the ability to do flash compensation (-1, -2, etc.) is very helpful. Of course you can capture images at twice the size if you really want, but for me the image size of the S1 is fine. There are several other improvements and new features but those are the few that really help me...oh, and an improved matrix meter (2 additional segments)

[Mark Uehling]

I just received my S2 back from Fuji service in NJ. They had it for 14 days. The stuck pixel is definitely gone. The color and contrast are much improved. Now, I can definitely recommend either the S1 or the S2, with the S2's primary advantages being resolution, RAW format, and the ability to work with the AF-S type lenses. I like both cameras alot and plan to keep the S1 as a backup. My advice as to the original S1/S2 question is that if you need big prints, the S2 is worth the extra money. If you are satisfied with 11x14s and an occasional 16x20, the S1 should do the job. However, if you don't have top notch lenses, then even the S1 is overkill.

[mjphoto]

I use both the S1 and S2 and like them both. As far as print sizes go however, you can easily get a 20x24 with the S1 that is absolutely beautiful. I've got one of a bride displayed in my studio that no one believes is digital. Both cameras are great and give great results when used right.

[Stormfield]

I've used an S1 Pro for 2 years, using it primarily for fine art (painting, etc) photography for reproduction in catalogues and art monographs. The color fidelity of the S1 was unapproachable by any other digital SLR that I looked at before buying. Recently I was accompanying my wife on one of her wildlife shoots (she uses the F5 and F100) when my camera died- a permanent "FEE" error (it was the nikon body that bit it, not the digital part). I decided then to upgrade, and keep the S1 as a backup. I looked at the D100, D1X and the S2, and decided on the S2. Almost NO color post processing is needed, and the bracketting options are perfect now for my uses. I find the RAW file capability of the S2 allows near-perfect reproductions of artwork.

[NIKKOR]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mark Uehling
[B]I just received my S2 back from Fuji service in NJ. They had it for 14 days. The color and contrast are much improved.

Mark
I to have the S1 and the S2 's color is not as good (in my opion -- seems duller, less vibarant)

I have often wondered about the color output on the S2......So did the paperwork from Fuji say they tweaked the CCD / Color ?
How noticable is the color improvement ???

Thanks
Don

[memobug]

AFS lens compatibility! :D

Originally posted by ncphotoman
I was wondering if any of the S2 Shooters out there had used an S1 prior to the S2. If so, what type of major advantages are you seeing in the new camera?

Thanks, Bill

[Mark Uehling]

"did the paperwork from Fuji say they tweaked the CCD / Color ?
How noticable is the color improvement ???"

Don,

The repair ticket says CCD adjustment. The color is now excellent. The magenta color bias is gone. The contrast is improved but still a bit higher than on my S1, even on the low setting. This is only an issue with direct flash photos. In raw mode the color and contrast are outstanding; much better than I ever saw from film.

Hope this answers your question.

Regards,
Mark

[NIKKOR]

Yes, that answers my question --- Thanks for the reply !!
I guess it's time to call Fuji repair group and set up a return / ccd adjustment.
Thanks
Don

[Eddie]

I had a S1 for almost a year and got graet results with it.
I traded it in for a S2 some weeks ago and have no regrets.

Some major reasons:
1. The 10 segments matrix is simply better and more balanced.
2. The spot metering is very useful.
3. I love to hold the camera, there is more grip, it feels lighter and the shutter is so quiet, sounds like music to my ears.

[ballroom_boy]

Hi there

I thought about starting a new thread on this topic, but found this one buried away...

I have owned a Fuji S1 for the past 8 months and I have been very happy with it. I bought at the time as the current breed of 6 Megapixel DSLRs were just starting to come to market (i.e. not readily available) and I didn't want to spend $US 2400 for a camera. But I did own some Nikkor lenses (I have an F70 as well) and wanted to stay with the Nikon F mount.

A friend who is a wedding photographer suggested the S1 to me as he was happy with his S1 (he upgraded to an S2 eventually). He suggested that buying an S1 would be an "inexpensive" way (if you call $US 1300 inexpensive) to experiment and get my feet wet with a DSLR. I have been very happy with my S1 to date - I have produced some wonderful images and I must admit it feels good to hold a DSLR as opposed to something like a coolpix (no offense intended - I used to own one!).

I shoot mainly JPEGs (I compared TIFFs with JPEGs on the S1 and found no difference in quality) and print the occasional 11"x14" print. I try to get the exposure "right/correct" in the camera as opposed to fixing the photo in photoshop (I do use PS for sharpening and using curves/levels if I screw up the exposure). I am an avid amateur and photography is a hobby for me. But sometimes I feel as though I have outgrown my S1.

My question/dilemna is, "am I ready to upgrade to an S2"? I think the spot metering, (although the 0.5 EV increments/decrements are odd though), RAW format, and increased resolution would be great added benefits. I do not own any AFS lenses.

With all the talk about Nikon/Fuji coming out with new DSLRs this year, I guess I am a bit nervous to plunk down anymore cash. I know at some point I need to bite the bullet and buy a new camera, however, would I be better off waiting a few more months to see what happens in the industry? (aside: I know like PCs, if you keep waiting for a better/cheaper machine, you'll be waiting forever).

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Roel

:)

[mjphoto]

Roel,

What all do you shoot with your S1? I think the camera is great for about anything you would shoot and make enlargements from. I have the S2 also and have just now started to get familiar with it. I really liked everything I got out of the S1. If there are some new things soon to be out, I maybe wait and check it out before spending $$$. S1 is a good camera, you've got time.

Mike

[ballroom_boy]

Mike,

I shoot landscapes, closeups (I take a lot of flower shots), and candids of friends/family. For the candids, I rarely go beyond 8"x10" prints - there are times when I do a landscape (and crop) the extra pixels would come in handy (although, upsampling in Photoshop is useful).

I like my S1 and wonder if the features the S2 offers may help improve my photography (not to forget, I am always trying to improve my technique and become a better photographer).

I know the S1 is a very decent camera. Maybe I should wait and see what develops over the next few months. I am interested in finding out others' thoughts with regard to this.

Thanks!
Roel :)

[deluco]

Based on your requirements, I recommend that you stay with the S1 for now. The images from the S2 are (in my opinion) no better than the S1 and I am also having some unexplained softness problems with the S2 that many others are reporting as well.

Yes, a spot meter would be nice to have for nature work but with digital, you end up previewing anyway so a spot is not so important. There are other advantages, like the lower ISO and the flash exposure compensation, the much faster lcd (but MUCH more contrasty).

If you're not going larger than 11x14 especially....I don't think you need the S2.

[ballroom_boy]

Hi Folks,

Since prices (at least here in Canada) are coming down on the S2 (you can get one now for $CA 2499 or about $US 1800), I have been thinking seriously about upgrading my S1. I just came back from a trip where I really needed a lower ISO value and flash compensation would have been really nice (I have an SB-26).

Before I take the plunge, a lot people seem to complain about "soft focus" on the S2. Is this still a problem? My images on the S1 are nice and sharp, but I feel like the additional features of the S2 would serve me better.

Can anyone confirm/deny that soft focus is still an issue with the S2? I currently use STD-STD-STD and get very nice jpeg's with my S1.

Thanks for your help!