Introduction

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 $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.
Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro, 256 MB upgrade
Below is a table summarizing the increase in continuous shooting buffer space of the original S3 Pro and the upgraded model. Note this memory upgrade does not increase shooting speed. The newer retail S3 Pro with 256 MB of buffer memory will carry a blue 'S3 Pro' logo
Firmware Update v2.18 for the FinePix S3 Pro
This Firmware update (Ver.2.18) will revise the internal software of the FinePix S3 Pro digital camera. Installation of this update is optional. It incorporates the following enhancements:
When upgrading from ver.2.16:
1) Updates for the setting of the sharpness for JPEG images in the PC control mode.
When upgrading from ver.2.12 these additional enhancements are made:
2) Improves color accuracy at slow shutter speeds when using Nikon flash units.
3) Updates for custom white balance function and exposure control function in the PC control mode.
When upgrading from ver.1.00 these additional enhancements are made:
4) Adds PC control function (need to update Hyper- Utility Software HS-V2 Ver.3.1)
5) Updates AUTO ROTATE function
6) Updates the function for AF-S Nikon and AF-VR Nikon lens. (Will function properly even if the power switch is on when the lens is attached)
7) Updates the compatibility for high capacity of storage media