I had a new high recently with the purchase of a 2002 Nikon F-mount Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro digital SLR camera to add to my CCD camera collection. The S2 Pro, an update of the S1 Pro, comes with a unique (just like the S1 Pro that had a 3.1MP sensor) APS-sized 6.2MP SuperCCD sensor designed with its photodiodes oriented diagonally rather than horizontally and vertically as found on other sensor types. The sensor enables the camera to generate huge 12.1MP images after processing.
The camera is a 'Frankenstein' effort between FujiFilm and Nikon, built around the top and front of a Nikon N80 (F80) body (except for the nameplate), with a fixed back that houses FujiFilm's proprietary image sensor and electronics. The earlier S1 Pro was based on the Nikon N60 (F60) body, and the S2 Pro itself was replaced by the S3 Pro, which came with a 12.2 MP SuperCCD SR sensor, in 2006. I mounted an AF-Nikkor 35-70mm 1:3.3~4.5 on the camera for its initial test run.
For what it is worth, the S2 Pro is a great camera, professional-looking, solid, and robustly built with a body size and shape, and contoured grip that feels just right in your hands. The camera is a joy to hold and lug around, none too heavy with a body weight of 760 grams without batteries or other add-ons. The S2 Pro also features a control layout that does ring a bell with the Nikon D100 (as both were based around the F80/N80): Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro, 6.2MP SuperCCD DSLR Camera
The S2 is an amazing legacy camera. It can take full adva, ntage of all of Nikon's earlier TTL flashes (something that the S3 cannot do). A third party extended battery pack was made, doubling shooting time. Only real problem is a defect with many of the CCD arrays, but they can be replaced. Much improved over the S1. S3 has further refinements, including a grip style body.
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