fuji bombshells well for fuji people

[badpickev]

this is in the general because a lot of people are interested in the S3.

Fujifilm Japan has today announced that it will make available an upgrade for the S3 Pro digital SLR which will increase the camera's internal buffer from 128 MB to 256 MB. This increase in buffer space means up to 8/16 RAW/JPEG frames (Wide dynamic range) or 17/33 RAW/JPEG frames (Standard dynamic range) in a single burst. This addresses at least one of our complaints about the S3 Pro. This upgrade will initially cost ¥21,000 ($190) in Japan. This increase in buffer will also make its way into the normal retail camera (Japan only). UPDATE: This upgrade will initially be made available in Japan but will be rolled out across the world (no date yet), the 'already upgraded' version won't be available in the US or the UK.

Fuji also has firmware 2.18 for the white balance issue and other fixes.

the biggest is the upgrade, from 3-8 pic buffer in raw.

[Paul Shields]

I have an interest in the S3 being a user (currently E-1 and OM) who's interested in image quality more than anything else. It's a shame it wont be standard in non-Japan spec models though . I'd rather avoid the grey market if possible. It's good to see a manufacturer improving on existing models so radically though - thumbs up .

[badpickev]

yes i would rather pony up at once, but having an S2 i can get the S3 and sent it for upgrade. I think its silly but do not mind. just to make sure people understand

you will be able to buy the camera new with upgrade in japan only. everywhere else you have to purchase the upgrade seperatly.

[badpickev]

this is my second request to fuji about the buffer. the original email I said if the buffer is not avaiable I will be getting the D200. I would encourage all S3 owners and people looking at the S3 to write fuji and request the buffer be made available and soon. For the UK folks, it has been reported that the buffer will be available next year.

Thank you for contacting Fujifilm, USA's Contact Center. Please allow us to assist you.

We are currently reviewing customer interest in this feature in the USA and will likely make a decision shortly on making this buffer upgrade available to USA customers.

We sincerely hope this information has been beneficial to you. If you should have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

Thank you for your interest in Fujifilm digital imaging products and services.

[badpickev]

yes another update.

we have reports of the buffer upgrade available in europe, uk, austrailia, and canada. the price seems to a lot higher that originally posted. looks to be about 450 euros. still no work on the us yet.

[mgerdes]

I see that this buffer is available in the US now. My question is I ordered a new S3 on Friday of last week does that mean I has to turn around and send it to Fuji USA to get the upgrade or will the Camera I ordered all ready have it in it?

[badpickev]

you have to sent it to fuji and it costs $350 if they keep the old memory board.