Fujifilm announces 16 point-and-shoots
From rugged models with GPS to high-power megazooms to well-appointed entry-level models, there's a lot to check out from Fujifilm this year.
- More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
LAS VEGAS--Fujifilm announced 13 cameras at 2010's annual Photo Marketing Association's PMA trade show that followed CES at the end of February. With PMA moved to the end of September for 2011, though, Fujifilm didn't hold back for CES 2011, announcing 16 cameras.
That's a lot of cameras. And frankly, without a little hands-on time and better information than what's in the press releases, I can't do a decent analysis. With that in mind, below are the product blurbs provided by Fujifilm minus some of the marketing speak. I know it's lame, but I promise once I get actual specs and more details on the new technologies (and more than just a couple low-res product photos), I'll post updates on the various models.
FinePix HS20EXR
The Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR is the refresh of 2010's 30x megazoom for professional or enthusiast photographers, the HS10. It features a new 16-megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor; a 24mm-equivalent ultrawide-angle Fujinon lens with a 30x manual zoom; and a tilting 3-inch high-contrast LCD with a electronic viewfinder featuring a "heads up" sensor that automatically changes from LCD to EVF when the camera is raised to your eye for shooting. With a new BSI-CMOS sensor powered by Fujifilm's EXR processor engine, it promises to deliver high-speed continuous shooting at 7.6 frames per second at full resolution for eight frames, high-speed movies at 320fps, captures full panoramic photos with 360-degree panoramas, and captures full HD movies at 1080p with an HDMI output connector. It also shoots in raw, JPEG, or raw+JPEG modes. The HS20EXR has an optional remote release cable, plus its compatible with two automatic Fujifilm external flashes with TTL metering. The HS20EXR is priced at $499.95 and expected to ship in mid-March.
FinePix AV200, AX300, JV200
Fujifilm's new AV200, AX300, and JV200 digital cameras are entry-level digital cameras. Features include 14-megapixel CCDs, 2.7-inch LCDs, and face detection technology, and other technologies designed to help enhance the user's experience without needing to be a technical guru. The A-series cameras have both 3x and 5x Fujinon optical zoom lens options with the convenience of AA-battery power; the JV200 has a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens in a slim, metal chassis with rechargeable lithium ion power. All cameras are expected between late January and early February, and will be priced between $99.95 and $109.95.
FinePix JX300, JX350
The Fujifilm FinePix JX300 and JX350 are designed with beginners in mind. With 14- and 16-megapixel resolutions, respectively, a bright f2.6 Fujinon 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens (a 28mm equivalent), 2.7-inch LCDs, lithium ion battery power, and 720p HD video capabilities, these cameras--priced at $129.95 and $159.95 respectively--are the perfect cameras for almost any consumer. With additional features like digital image stabilization, face detection with auto red-eye correction, panoramic shooting mode, and smile and blink detection modes, they pack a lot of features into a slim, metal chassis. The FinePix JX300 is expected to ship in mid-February, and the FinePix JX350 is expected to ship in late March.
FinePix Z90
The 14-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z90 is the sixth-generation model in the stylish Z-series. The camera is available in sleek, metal chassis in matte black and red, blue, silver, pink, and purple. In front is a Fujinon 5x wide-angle refractive (internal) optical zoom (28mm equivalent) and in back is a 3-inch wide-screen touch-panel LCD with an intuitive Dual Direction GUI allowing for easy navigating and "tap and shoot" capabilities for images and videos. With other features like a Facebook/YouTube uploader, in-camera editing, and sequential movie capture (start and stop in a single movie clip), and HD movie capture at 720p, the Z90 priced at $169.95 is technology-rich and budget-friendly and expected to ship mid-January.
FinePix T200, T300
The Fujifilm FinePix T200 and T300 are digital cameras for consumers looking for a long-zoom camera that is compact and highly portable. Both offer 14-megapixel resolution, a Fujinon 10x wide-angle optical zoom (28mm equivalent), face recognition, dual image stabilization (sensor shift and high ISO), SR Auto and multi-frame shooting capabilities, and HD Movie capture at 720p. The T200 offers a 2.7-inch 230K-dot resolution LCD, while the T300 boasts a 3.0-inch 460K-dot resolution LCD--all in an ultracompact body. The T-series cameras are priced at $179.95 and $199.95, respectively, and are expected to ship in March.
FinePix XP20, XP30
The Fujifilm FinePix XP20 and XP30 are the perfect cameras for active families on the go that want a camera they can take anywhere without worrying about rain, mud, snow, or sand, and even the occasional drop or bump. The 14-megapixel XP20 and XP30 are waterproof down to 16.5 feet, shockproof to 5 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and dustproof. These models feature Fujinon 5x wide-angle refractive (internal) optical zoom lens (28mm equivalent) with a reinforced hardened glass barrier and a 2.7-inch antireflective LCD screen. Both models have dual image stabilization, SR auto, face detection, and capture movies in HD at 720p. The XP30 also introduces GPS geotagging functionality. Available in black, silver, blue, green, and orange, the XP20 and XP30 are priced at $199.95 and $229.95, respectively. The XP30 is expected to ship mid-January and the XP20 in early March.
FinePix S2950, S3200, S4000
The Fujifilm FinePix S2950, S3200, and S4000 are traditional SLR-style megazoom cameras. These models offer 14-megapixel resolutions, 3-inch LCDs plus electronic viewfinders, and Fujinon optical zooms of 18x (28-504mm), and 24x and 30x starting at a super wide 24mm-equivalent, respectively. All three models offer dual image stabilization, SR Auto, face detection, tracking auto focus, full manual controls, and capture movies in HD at 720p with an HDMI output connector. Additionally, the S3200 and S4000 offer face recognition, and capture movies in MPEG-4 with H.264 compression for sharper movies with smaller file sizes. These AA-powered cameras will be available between January and February 2011 and are priced at $229.95, $249.95, and $279.95, respectively.
FinePix F500EXR, F550EXR
Don't let the slim design of the Fujifilm FinePix F500EXR and F550EXR fool you. These cameras include the technology you'll see in larger SLR body styles without the bulk. Both boast new 16-megapixel EXR-CMOS sensors, Fujinon 15x ultrawide-angle zoom lenses (24-360mm equivalent), and high-contrast 3-inch 460K-dot resolution LCDs. With the new BSI-CMOS sensor powered by Fujifilm's EXR processor engine, these compact megazooms deliver high-speed continuous shooting at 12fps, high-speed movies at 400fps, capture full 360-degree panoramic photos, and capture full HD movies at 1080p and have an HDMI output connector. They also have the ability to shoot in raw, JPEG, or raw+JPEG. The F550EXR also features GPS geo-tagging functionality. They are priced at $329.95 and $349.95, respectively, and both are expected to ship in mid-February.