Fujifilm's FinePix F470 forgoes Fuji sensor

The latest ultracompact forthcoming from Fujifilm, the 6-megapixel FinePix F470, uses a plain-old CCD and DSP (digital signal processor) rather than one of the company's much-hyped Super CCD chips with its RealPhoto processor. But the press release states, "This CCD and processor combination ensures that pictures taken with the FinePix F470 are colorful, clear and crisp." So does that mean the Super CCD and RP combination doesn't?

What it does mean is that the FinePix F470 will cost a whole lot less than the completely Fujified FinePix Z1--at least $150 less, despite its higher resolution. On the other hand, the F470 lacks the Z1's internally zooming lens (though they're both 3X zooms) and sleek design, nor do we expect as good low-light performance from the newer model. A 2.5-inch LCD rounds out the package.

Fujifilm expects to ship the F470 in March for $279.