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Thursday, July 26 2007
Fujifilm revamps its compact digicam line
Fujifilm announced four new compact digital cameras today, each aimed at a different segment of the point-and-shoot digital camera market. They are: The entry-level 8MP FinePix F480, which sports a 28-112mm equivalent zoom lens (approximately $179.95); the compact, advanced 12MP FinePix F50fd (approx. $299.95; shown), which adds automatic red eye removal and facial profile recognition to its next-generation face detection technology; the party-friendly, 7.2MP FinePix Z10fd (approx. $199.95), which comes in five colors and offers face detection, wireless image transfer and VGA-quality "blog" mode; and another entry-level model, the A920 ($199.95), which sports a larger LCD (2.7 inches) and longer zoom (4x optical) than typical starter digital cameras. All models will debut in September.
For details on all four cameras, read the Fuji press releases:
New F480 Model Combines 8-MP, 4x Optical Zoom and 2.7" LCD
FUJIFILM today announced the launch of the eight-MegaPixel FinePix F480, the latest model in Fujifilm's F-Series digital camera lineup and successor to the F470.
No bigger than a deck of playing cards, the F480 is aimed at entry level photographers looking for function and form. It carries an 8.2 MegaPixel CCD sensor along with a digital signal processor for noise reduction. This CCD and processor combination ensures that pictures taken with the FinePix F480 are colorful, clear and crisp. A 4.0x wide angle optical zoom lens from world-renowned lens manufacturer, Fujinon, captures large groups or distant subjects with ease thanks to a 28 mm-112mm equivalent on a 35 mm camera.
The FinePix F480 also features Picture Stabilization mode to reduce blurry images that can be caused by camera shake or subject movement. Automatically choosing the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed, the F480 produces the highest quality digital pictures without blur and the noise often associated with low light photographs.
Fujifilm's new F480 model also offers the following attractive features:
Large LCD: 2.7-inch LCD display.
Mode Dial: The camera features a conveniently placed mode dial that provides easy access to the most commonly used shooting modes, including: Auto, Picture Stabilization, Baby and Movie mode, and allows one-touch access to the pre-programmed scene modes.
Scene modes: A wide range of 13 pre-programmed scene modes provides top-quality photos in a range of shooting conditions.
Movie Mode: Capture QVGA quality movie clips at 30 frames per second with sound. Great for when you're out and you don't have your video camera on-hand.
Internal memory: When the memory card (sold separately) is filled with images, users have extra internal storage space on each camera to capture additional pictures.
The stylish, all-black F480 also comes with a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
"We wanted to provide consumers with an easy to use, compact camera, that can be dropped into a pocket, making it easier to never miss a great photo opportunity," said David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc.
The FinePix F480 will debut in September 2007 with a retail price of $179.95.
FinePix F50fd Ups Ante With Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0 Technology and ISO Levels Of Up To 6400
Digital photographers looking for a top-of-the line compact digital camera can now take advantage of the latest in Fujifilm's F-Series digital cameras with the 12-Megapixel FinePix F50fd. Following a long line of award winning F-Series models, the FinePix F50fd, like the FinePix F31fd and F40fd before it, offers consumers a super-compact digital camera that takes beautiful shots with the most advanced features and technology available, so that missing great shots is not an option.
Combining a 12-MegaPixel, 7th Generation Super CCD with a 3.0x optical zoom and a 2.7"; high-resolution 230,000 pixel wide angle view LCD, the FinePix F50fd is a compact powerhouse that incorporates all the features users have come to expect from Fujifilm's more advanced digital cameras. With the addition of Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0 Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal function, and ISO settings of up to ISO 6400, the F50fd takes compact digital cameras to the next level, arming users with a host of new features and enabling them to take pictures never before possible.
Face Detection 2.0 – The Next Generation
Fujifilm's proprietary Face Detection Technology also gets an upgrade in the F50fd with the arrival of Face Detection 2.0, featuring Automatic Red Eye Removal. As with the original version of Face Detection, it can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene in as little as 5/100's of a second, correcting focus, exposure, and white balance automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. Face Detection 2.0 adds to this technology by being able to identify faces at much more extreme camera angles than before. No longer does the camera need a head-on shot to identify a face, because now even a profile will do – with up to 90O movement in either direction for profiles, and up to 135O for leaning or lying down in either direction, for a total range of 270O.
Additional improvements to Face Detection 2.0 include a new Automatic Red-Eye Removal feature that automatically corrects red-eye directly after the shot is taken and then saves both the original and the corrected image file.
Dual Image Stabilization
To ensure that users achieve even greater blur-free pictures, the FinePix F50fd adds to Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization mode to create the improved Dual Image Stabilization mode. This combines a mechanically stabilized CCD sensor with high ISO sensitivities for Total Anti-Blur protection. The combination of these two different approaches reduces the "blur"; effect from the photographer's hand-shake and subject movement even further to provide the highest quality digital pictures yet, with sharp, clean and clear results.
Not much light? Not a Problem!
All too often, digital photographers run into problems when taking pictures in low-light or dimly-lit situations and have to rely on the flash which can lead to over-exposed and washed-out shots. The FinePix F50fd builds on the great strides previous Fujifilm digicams have made with low light photography and allows users to effortlessly capture the moment as their eye sees it, with tremendous clarity and low noise, using Fujifilm's Real Photo technology. Thanks to the 7th generation FinePix Super CCD-HR chip and the RP Processor II, the Finepix F50fd can utilize ISO settings of up to ISO1600 at full resolution and an amazing ISO 6400 at reduced resolution1, capturing stunning images even in low light while preserving the natural color and clarity of the shot.
In addition to these advancements, the FinePix F50fd possesses a number of other impressive features:
• Portrait Enhancer Mode: Mimicking a professional photo studio setting, by using Face Detection and preset camera settings, Portrait Enhancer minimizes fine lines and small skin blemishes for smooth, natural looking portraits.
• Dual Shot Mode: In this selectable mode, the FinePix F50fd quickly shoots two images in rapid succession -- one with the flash and one without – and saves both. This convenient function lets the user perform a comparison at their convenience and select the most pleasing image.
• i-Flash Intelligent Flash: i-Flash (Intelligent Flash) detects subtle lighting differences within a scene and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. It also leverages the high sensitivity of the FinePix F50fd to enable the camera to use less flash, resulting in an image that displays pleasing, natural tones without a "washed-out"; effect. And with an automatic pop-up flash, it's always ready when you need it.
• Full Manual Photographic Control: Gives the user total control with manual adjustment options for settings on the camera (resolution, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, etc), and is desirable by the photo enthusiasts/advanced photographers.
• GUI Micro Thumbnail: A new playback feature that allows for viewing an index print on the LCD. The F50fd will show up to 100 images in micro form, then the control buttons are used to move over specific images and select them. This makes it easy to quickly find a single image by being able to jump to particular segments of images in the time sequence. So rather than using the left/right arrows to move through one image at a time, you can move up/down/left/right and then select the image you want to view. The back button takes you back to the thumbnail view in one step. The micro view lets you get close to the image you want, and then scroll to find the specific picture. As memory cards become larger, and devices become as much about sharing images as capturing them, this is a handy feature to enable the user to find specific images quicker.
• IrSimpleTM: Infrared communication via IrSimpleTM technology for fast, easy wireless image transfer to a compatible device.
• Special Scene and Blog Modes: The FinePix F50fd has 16 pre-programmed scenes, including a special underwater scene mode for use with a special underwater casing. In the Blog mode, the FinePix F50fd copies and automatically reduces the size of copied images for easy posting to a blog, Web page or as an attachment to email for easy sharing with friends and family while maintaining the original file.
• xD / SD / SD-HC Compatible slot: The FinePix F50fd features a "xD/SD Compatible slot"; which accepts not only Fujifilm's traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SD-HC cards too.
• Battery Life: Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 230 shots).
"Fujifilm continues to push the technology envelope with the latest in a long line of award winning F-Series digital cameras,"; said David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. "With the introduction of Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0, Automatic Red-Eye Removal, and even higher ISO levels, the FinePix F50fd provides users with a powerful compact digital camera that makes it easier than ever for any level photographer to get professional looking photographs.";
The FinePix F50fd will debut in September 2007 at a retail price of $299.95.
1) ISO levels of 6400 are available at 3MP, or lower, resolution; ISO levels of 3200 are attainable at 6MP, or lower; and ISO levels of 1600 are attainable at full resolution.
FUJIFILM TAKES ON GENERATION ‘Z’
The New 7.2 MP FinePix Z10fd Style–Cam Features Cutting Edge Technology that Flirts with Today’s Youth
Valhalla, N.Y., July 26, 2007 – Responding to popular demand to be ‘hooked up’ at all times, FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today unveiled a brand new digital camera designed specifically for today’s fashion-conscious digital natives. Combining cutting edge technology with style and sophistication, the FinePix Z10fd provides tech-savvy Gen ‘Z’ users with an eye-catching digital camera that makes it easy to take great pictures and share them with the press of a button.
The 7.2 MegaPixel FinePix Z10fd features an ultra-portable design, making it easy to take this sexy micro-mini camera anywhere you go and it comes in five brilliant colors to match the latest styles of today’s fashionistas – Wave Blue, Wasabi Green, Hot Pink, Sunset Orange, and Midnight Black. It also sports a Fujinon 3x optical Zoom lens, 2.5” LCD screen and packs 54MB of internal memory to give you some extra room when your memory card has had its fill. With its stunning high-resolution LCD, the FinePix Z10fd also has a cool new slideshow mode from Fujifilm that let’s you view and share your photos spontaneously with friends with music provided to help set the mood.
Face_it, Beam_it, Blog_it
With endless possibilities the FinePix Z10fd makes it easy and fun to stay connected with friends and family and share all life’s moments through technology.
Face_it.
Capturing the ultimate party pictures will never be an issue with the FinePix Z10fd, as it features Fujifilm’s innovative Face Detection Technology. A one-touch selectable mode that identifies up to 10 human faces in a scene, Face Detection Technology sets the correct focus for a chosen primary face and exposure for all detected faces automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. It can cope with back-lit scenes such as concerts and it also comes in handy for capturing the perfect self portrait. The Z10also includes a new Automatic Red Eye Removal feature, that works in conjunction with Face Detection. Red eye is a common complaint given by 60% of digital camera users. Z10 instantly checks each detected face for red eye, and if it’s found, corrects it automatically, saving the time consuming process of fixing it in your PC after the image is downloaded.
Beam_It.
The FinePix Z10fd comes equipped with Fujifilm’s innovative IrSimple™ technology for fast, easy wireless image transfer to any IrSimple™ equipped device. With the FinePix Z10fd you can capture the moment, point to a similar device and share the image instantly with friends – so instead of making an innocent bystander take the group photo with five different cameras, they’ll only have to take it once and IrSimple™ handles the rest.
Blog_it.
Also making life easier for the bloggers of the world, the FinePix Z10fd comes equipped with Fujifilm’s handy Blog Mode that lets you post pictures to blogs, websites, auctions, or e-mail with ease by copying and automatically resizing any image you’ve captured to a properly sized 640x480 (VGA) (or 320 x 240) image size, right in the camera, saving time from downloading it and adjusting it on your PC.
In addition to these innovations, the FinePix Z10fd is hooked up with the following fantastic features:
* Picture Stabilization: Picture Stabilization utilizes higher sensitivities, up to ISO 1600 in the Z10fd, (with an incredibly high signal to noise ratio for clean images), and faster shutter and operational speeds to help reduce camera shake, freeze subject movement and improve low light background detail.
* i-Flash Intelligent Flash: i-Flash detects subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. It also leverages the high sensitivity of the Z10fd to enable the camera to use less flash, preventing that “blasted with light” effect that so many digital camera flashes leave you with. The result is pleasing, natural tones with no flash “wash-out”.
* Dual Shot Mode: In this mode, the FinePix Z10fd quickly shoots two images in succession—one with and one without the flash—saving both. This convenient function lets the user perform an on-the-spot picture comparison and decide whether the FinePix Z10fd produced the most pleasing photo with flash, or without.
* Special Scene Modes: The FinePix Z10fd has 14 scene positions including Fireworks, Beach and Snow, offering a one-touch setting for almost any situation.
* xD / SD / SDHC Compatible slot: A new single media slot accepts both xD Picture Card and SD/SDHC media cards. One slot – two media options.
* Battery Life: Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 200 shots).
“Fujifilm recognized that today’s younger generation wants to be connected with their friends at all times and that there wasn’t a digital camera manufacturer that really addressed this.” said David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “We decided to create a camera that would mesh our latest technological advancements with today’s popular trends and styles, and came up with the Z10fd.”
Win_it.
Further information on the FinePix Z10fd will be available at http://www.offZhook.com, the official website created especially to celebrate the ‘Z-Lifestyle,’ when it goes live on August 1st. Along with a myriad of fun downloads and interactive displays, aspiring photographers between the ages of 18 and 24 will have the chance to submit original photos in a competition that will award 4 lucky winners with a VIP trip to New York to attend the Z10fd launch party in October.
The FinePix Z10fd will debut in late September at a retail price of $199.95.
New A920 Model Wows with 9-MP, Super CCD, 4x Optical Zoom and 2.7" LCD
FUJIFILM today announced the launch of the nine-MegaPixel FinePix A920. Designed specifically for the first-time digital camera buyer and consumers seeking an affordable, easy-to-operate upgrade to their current digital camera, Fujifilm's FinePix A920 is loaded with features usually reserved for more advanced models. The camera incorporates Fujifilm's signature Super CCD sensor technology, a 4.0x optical zoom lens and features a 2.7" LCD.
Following in the footsteps of Fujifilm's more advanced digital cameras, the FinePix A920 features a 4.0x optical zoom lens that was developed specifically for the A-Series by Fujinon, a Fujifilm sister company and leading provider of broadcast-grade television lenses and other high quality optical products across many consumer and industrial applications.
To make it easy for consumers to achieve blur-free results, the FinePix A920 features a "Picture Stabilization" mode in the dial setting. This easy-to-identify setting automatically chooses the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed, producing the highest quality digital pictures without blur and the noise often associated with high sensitivity photographs. In addition, the FinePix A920 shoots with light sensitivities of up to ISO 800 at full resolution. These higher light sensitivities enable the user to shoot with faster shutter speeds, which lessen the likelihood of blurry pictures caused by a moving subject or the shake of an unsteady hand.
The FinePix A920 also features an intuitive icon-based Graphic User Interface (GUI). When users switch shooting modes, scene positions or control settings, a brief explanation of the setting is momentarily displayed on the LCD screen, taking much of the guess work out of digital camera operation. Additionally, the camera sports a conveniently placed mode dial that provides easy access to the most commonly used shooting modes, including Auto, Picture Stabilization and Movie mode and allows one-touch access to other pre-programmed scene modes.
The FinePix A920 also utilizes an "xD / SD / SDHC Media Compatible slot"; a single media slot that accepts not only Fujifilm's traditional xD-Picture Cards™, but also SecureDigital (SD) and SDHC media cards. In offering these media options, Fujifilm is providing greater choice and flexibility to consumers who purchase Fujifilm digital cameras.
Fujifilm's new A920 model also offers the following attractive features:
• Large LCD: 2.7-inch LCD display with anti-glare properties.
• Scene Modes: A wide range of 15 pre-programmed scene modes provides top-quality photos in a range of shooting conditions.
• Movie Mode: Capture live action movies in QVGA quality 640x480 resolution at 30 frames per second with sound.
• Internal Memory: When the xD-picture card or SD memory card (sold separately) is filled with images, users have extra internal storage space on each camera to capture additional pictures.
• IrSimple™ Technology: Demonstrating Fujifilm's commitment to innovation, 'IrSimple™' enables mobile devices like the FinePix A920 – to instantly and wirelessly connect and transmit digital images to other IrSimple™ enabled devices such as other digital cameras, PDAs and photo kiosks. It provides a faster, more secure means to share pictures with family and friends.
The FinePix A920 will debut in September 2007 with a retail price of $199.95.
© 2007 Adorama
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