Hi Jimmy!
i do not think it is unuaual for manufacturers to supply a trial version of the control software and then charge for a permanent vesrion. If it is like the other btrands, all that it does is allow the camera to be controlled when tethered to a computer. Not a biggie, unless you are a studio photographer.

Hello Ronk,
Thank you for the speedy reply. Yeah, I agree with you. This is pretty much what I expected to hear but figured I should ask those more knowledgable than I, just to make sure. My discretionary funds are limited and I guess I was partly looking for a cheap way out. I will take your advice and contact Fuji and see how it goes from there. Thanks again for your reply.
Best,
Jimmy

I think the real question here is what software is on the CD and is it necessary to actually use the camera. The RAW converter can be downloaded from Fuji's web site and and you can purchase a basic editing program like Elements for under $100.

If the CD is necessary, I'd ask the person who sold you the camera for either the original CD or a discount to replace it. But only if it's necessary which we don't know from your initial post.

Hi Larry,
Just re-read my post and noticed that I really did not articulate my inquiry very well. Yes, you are exactly right. "What exactly is on the cd...and is this software essential to operating the camera?" are issues I should have addressed. The answer to the latter part of the question, as far as I can tell, is "no". The camera, with all its' bells and whistles, can be used just fine without the stock cd. As to the former, the disc contains Adobe Photoshop (which I am lacking and will probably buy sometime this week), USB drivers, exif viewer/exif launcher, DPOF editor. I've been able to download everything but Photoshop. I guess because I am a novice I was just being a bit overly curious (anal?) in wanting to see exactly what came with the camera so that I might better understand it. I now realize (after 300+ photos in three days) that the thing is rather intuitive and not that difficult to make it do what I want. I think I have a basic understanding of the basics (huh?) and hope that with much practice I will be able to develope the "eye" of the experienced photographer that I so admire.
Thank you, Larry (and Ronk) for your patience and willingness to help. I truly am grateful.
-Jimmy

I doubt that Photoshop is really on the CD. Photoshop costs over $600. You probably mean Photoshop Elements which retails for under $100 and is a give-a-way with some cameras and scanners. The bundled version of Elements is usually version 2 and they are currently up to version 4. Unless you need their proprietary software to open RAW files, there's no point in spending $125.

And if you're really interested in a trial version of Photoshop, it can be downloaded from Adobe's web site. Or I can send you the trial CD. I have boxes of them that I give away when I do seminars.

Hello Larry,
Man, I have really got to learn to post exactly what I mean. Really, how in the heck can I expect anyone to know what in the heck I am talking about if I do not make myself clear? Again, you are exactly right. The stock cd for the Fujifilm S1 Pro does not come with Photoshop (even a $3000.00 (when first released) camera wouldn't come with full Photoshop). The camera shipped with Photoshop 5.0LE. I believe this had a retail value of somewhere around $70. I went ahead and downloaded Elements 4.0 from Adobe's website per your suggestion. You have been a tremendous help and your offer of sending me the trial cd goes above and beyond. No flaming, no snotty remarks for a newbie like me...just good solid help and advice. It is forum members like you who will keep me logging-in in the future.
Thanks again for everything.
-Jimmy

You are fortunate you didn't pay for Photoshop 5 LE. It's a piece of crap and was replaced in Adobe's line by Elements, a very useful piece of software. Another advantage of using a program like Elements is the wealth of on line support. There are more than a few resource forums where you can ask questions if you need help.

One forum you can join is hosted by occasional Shutterbug writer Greg Georges.

Additionally Richard Lynch has a lot of Elements resources including a few books.