While I enjoyed the time I spent with the Fujifilm FinePix S5000, there will be no sleepless nights or teary goodbyes for this ambivalent camera. The FinePix S5000 is facing some identity conflicts. The S5000’s fusion of styles does make for an interesting dynamic in an otherwise point and shoot camera, but I feel this feature ultimately holds it back. The S5000 spreads itself too thin; it attempts to cover too much ground and inevitably is not adequate in any specific area. To pay almost $400 for a camera that produces images at just over 2 megapixels of actual resolution, does not fit in your pocket, lacks a manual focus ring, manual white balance settings, and only contains 2 ISO options (at full resolution), I just can’t see the logic. While I do not deny the FinePix S5000’s contains a decent imager and is incredibly easy to use and transport, the camera seems to be uncertain of its place. If the buying decision were on my plate, I would decide if I wanted an SLR style camera or a point and shoot and then seek out options within that style. With the FinePix S5000, there is a bit of both included, but not enough to satisfy either urge.

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