The CCD Sensor, Lumix DMC-S5, A Refresher

Image making with the 16MP CCD Panasonic Lumix DMC-S5, a refreshed set.

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Merry Christmas 2023 Everybody, Happy Holidays!

A very happy Christmas and Happy Holidays to all, a break for me, and a quick dash out of the door. Am taking this opportunity of this poe-scheduled post for a quick refresher on one of my favorite CCD sensor cameras, the ultra-compact 16MP CCD Panasonic Lumix DMS-S5 that I have been using as a product shoot camera for my sideline hustle. The camera, as you see with these refreshed images, is equally competent as an external use camera, or as the occasional close-up agent.

The choice, though, was not automatic, as I went through a selection of digitals to replace the aging E-520 that I had been using since a few years back. The Panasonic DMC-S5, introduced in 2012, is a follow-up of the DMC-S series which includes the DMC-S1 (2011), DMC-S3 (2011), and DMC-S2. The camera was updated with a new and higher-resolution image sensor, an updated autofocus system, a modest improvement in battery life, a reduction in burst-shooting speed, and an updated software package.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S5

The lens, as found on the DMC-S# was the same Lumix DC Vario 4x optical zoom with a aperture opening of F3.1~9.0 at the short end, and F6.5~f/20.0 at the other. The camera also features a true optical image stabilization system, a 2.7-inch 230,000 dot resolution LCD display, and a 23-point multi-area autofocus system which includes a single-point focusing mode, and face detection. ISO sensitivity is rated from 100 to 1,600, expandable to 6,400 in High Sensitivity mode. Shutter speeds are from 8 seconds to 1/1,600 seconds.

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The CCD Sensor, FinePix BigJob HD-3W, Close-Ups

Image making with the 6MP CCD Fujifilm FinePix BigJob HD-3W, close-ups in the garden.

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I am still quite taken aback that I am spending a bit more time with the 6MP CCD Fujifilm FinePix BigJob HD-3W, a ruggedized all-weather camera manufactured for the construction and engineering industry. Initially available for the Japanese domestic market, the camera was introduced to the UK and Europe in 2007. The camera's easy-to-use setting and control features include a function to set the camera to macro mode, and macro distances of 2.5, and 5 meters.

Just like its 35mm film predecessor, the Fuji Work Record 35mm film camera series, this digital version is also water, shock, and dustproof, able to stand a drop of up to 0.6 meters. The camera should be equally adaptable, not only for garden close-ups like these but the hard and tough outdoor adventures as well. For insurance and forensic purposes, the camera is fitted with a system to detect manipulation of images, and easy e-mail transfers with 1MP sized images.

Fujifilm FinePix BigJob HD-3W

For whatever reason the camera was used and favored when it was first introduced, my current thought was that this great camera, with its fantastic CCD sensor images, is worth a lot more than just a low-cost auction item that I paid for (just slightly over UK £20). The camera is still growing on me, I just couldn't lay any faults on the CCD images, and I am happy to say that this is one camera I can take practically anywhere in whatever weather condition I am willing to face.

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Canon EF 40mm 1:2.8 STM, City Green

Vintage Lens Test: Image making with a Canon EF 40mm 1:2.8 STM on a Canon EOS 300D, catching the green.

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Had the chance to go down to the city again recently, and took the opportunity to take along the Canon EOS 300D, mounted with the EF 40mm 1:2.8 STM, for the unplanned street shoot. I have had the well-used and slightly beat-up EOS 300D for quite some time now, and have been using it for pot-shots around the house and the adjoining community field. The camera and lens kit was light and compact enough and carrying it around was not really a hassle.

One thing I noticed as I went through with the shots was that the camera was quite heavy on the battery, which was already almost completely exhausted by the time I managed to get the final few shots in. Not too sure what the problem is, could be the age of the camera itself, which is draining a lot more power than it should, or the original battery I was using that is not keeping its charge well. It was an excellent outing anyway, with the shots edited for the frames posted here.

Canon EOS 300D, Canon EF 40mm 1:2.8 STM

The EF 40mm 1:2.8 STM, one of a pair of EFs that I have, is still in its excellent self, a favorite, and has always done well on each and every session that I had it mounted on the 300D. On the ASP-C sensor of the 300D, the 40mm STM is equivalent to a 64mm short tele on a full frame 35mm camera, an excellent focal length that draws in the view into a tighter composition.

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The CCD Sensor, FinePix BigJob HD-3W, Picture Modes

Set I

Picture Mode: FinePix Standard

Picture Mode: FinePix Chrome

Picture Mode: FinePix B&W

Set II

Picture Mode: FinePix Standard

Picture Mode: FinePix Chrome

Picture Mode: FinePix B&W

Looking at the three image emulations the 6MP CCD Fujifilm FinePix BigJob HD-3W can be set to.

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An interesting follow-up to the initial Fujifilm FinePix BigJob HD-3W 6MP CCD, Take I shots I posted earlier. These two sets of images were shot with the simple FinePix Color Picture Modes selection available on the camera. The settings available were for FinePix Standard (first image), FinePix Chrome (second image), and FinePix B&W (third image), with the two later modes listed and displayed on the LCD with film roll icons.

The subtle difference in characteristics between the Standard and Chrome Picture Modes does make it a bit harder on which emulation you would want to choose when preparing for the shoot. If you are for the emphasis on the objects in the image, where the colors and environment are rendered more vividly, the FinePix Chrome setting might be the choice for you.

Fujifilm FinePix BigJob HD-3W

The selection is available through the Shooting Mode menu. To access, press the center button on the Cursor Joystick circle and move down the menu selection list to the last listing, FinePix Color. Next, press the right cursor button and you will have access to the three options - F Standard, F-Chrome, and F B&W. Both the F-Chrome and F-B&W film roll icons which will also be displayed on the LCD screen when selected.

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