Fujifilm Finepix A820, Finepix A900, Finepix S700 Digital Cameras Announced

Fujifilm is getting ready for PMA with three new digital cameras. The entry level 8.3 megapixel Fujifilm Finepix A820 and 9 megapixel Fujifilm Finepix A900 will be available in May 2007 for $179 and $199, respectively. The more advanced 7.1 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Fujfilm Finepix S700 in March 2007 for $249.

Finepix A820 and Finepix A900

Fujifilm Finepix A820 (view large image)

Fujifilm Finepix A900 (view large image)

The A820 and A900 are essentially the same camera that differ only in resolution. The A820 features an 8.3 megapixel Super CCD and the A900 features a 9 megapixel Super CCD.

Both cameras have 4x optical zoom Fujinon lenses and can both shoot up to ISO 800. They have a 2.5, 115K pixel LCD for reviewing images and using their new icon-based user interface which displays icons and short descriptions of the settings and modes being selected.

A mode dial provides easy access to the most common shooting modes, including auto, picture stabilization (utilizing high ISO for fast shutter speeds), movie mode, and other pre-programmed scene modes.

Both cameras also feature the xD/SD memory card slot that can accept both types of media. They also have about 10MB of internal memory that you can use in a pinch.

Another neat feature is that the cameras will be able to transfer pictures to other digital cameras, PDAs, and kiosks using IrSimple. IrSimple is a high-speed infrared data transfer protocol that can transmit images to other IrSimple devices.

The A820 and A900 are powered by 2 AA batteries.

Fujifilm Finepix S700

(view large image)

The S700 is targeted at someone who is looking for a little more camera but is still on a budget. If you're upgrading from an entry level camera and want to delve into digital photography more, the S700 may be a good option. The S700 features 7.1 megapixel resolution, a 10x optical zoom, a 2.5 inch, 230K pixel LCD and an electronic viewfinder.

A Picture Stabilization mode utilizes the camera's ability to shoot at up to ISO 1600 to speed up the shutter and minimize blurry images.

As a more advanced camera, in addition to auto and pre-programmed scene modes, there are program auto, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual exposure modes.

The S700 also includes Fujifilm's i-Flash system that varies flash output based on the needs of the shot. The Dual Shot mode takes two pictures in succession, one with flash and one without, and lets you choose which one you want to keep.

The S700 includes the xD/SD memory card slots that accepts both types of media and it's powered by 4 AA batteries.