Fujifilm Announces Five Digital Cameras - 18x Optical Zoom, Mechanical IS, Improved Face Detection

Fujifilm has announced five new digital cameras, with pretty much one for every product line that they have, from their advanced S series to their entry level A models. You'll find details on each camera below, but the big news with this round of announcements is a new mechanical image stabilization system that shifts the sensor to counteract camera movement and an improved face detection system that can detect faces in profile. The image stabilization system has been notably absent from Fujifilm's lineup, but with the announcement of an 18x optical zoom-capable camera - it pretty much became a necessity. Read on for details on the Finepix S8000fd, Finepix F50fd, Finepix Z10fd, Finepix A920 and Finepix F480.

Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd

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The S8000fd is the latest ultra-zoom from Fujifilm and this time it gets an 18x optical zoom (27-486mm equivalent). Another feature that everyone has been waiting for is some sort of image stabilization (other than high-sensitivity stabilization). The S8000fd features Dual Image Stabilization, with a mechanically stabilized imaging sensor that works along with higher-sensitivity stabilization. This camera also has a 8 megapixel Super CCD that can shoot at sensitivities up to ISO 1600 at full resolution and ISO 6400 at lower resolutions. A 2.5 inch, 230K pixel LCD or 0.24 inch, 230K pixel electronic viewfinder can be used to frame your shots.

The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd will be available in September 2007 for $400.

Additional features:

• Face detection (up to 10 faces) with a new automatic red-eye removal capability
• i-Flash (intelligent flash) in the automatic pop-up built-in flash varies output depending on the shot
• Full set of manual exposure modes
• Movie mode that can capture movies up to resolutions of 640x480 at 30 frames per second (fps)
• Four different high-speed continuous shooting modes, up to 15fps
• Accepts xD-Picture Card, SD and SDHC memory media
• Powered by 4 AA batteries
• Dimensions: 4.4(W) x 3.1(H) x 3.1(D) in.  
• Weight: 14.5 oz without battery

Fujifilm Finepix F50fd

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The Finepix F50fd is the latest generation of F-series camera following the F31fd and F40fd. This time around it gets the Dual Image Stabilization system (mechanical stabilization and high sensitivity stabilization) and a new version of Fujifilm's facial detection system. The improved Face Detection 2.0 can detect faces (up to 10) turned 90 degrees away from the camera and tilted 135 degrees in either direction from vertical. The face detection also enables a new automatic red-eye removal feature.

The F50fd also gets a 7th generation, 12 megapixel Super CCD that can handle sensitivities up to ISO 1600 at full resolution and up to ISO 6400 at lower resolution.

The Finepix F50fd will be available in September 2007 for $300.

Additional features:

• i-Flash (intelligent flash) in the automatic pop-up built-in flash varies output depending on the shot
• Portrait Enhancer mode which minimizes fine lines and skin blemishes
• Dual shot mode - two successive shots, one with flash and one without flash, are taken and both saved
• Full set of manual exposure modes
• GUI Micro thumbnail mode - allows you to view up to 100 images at once and navigate through them with the control pad
• Movie mode that can capture movies up to resolutions of 640x480 at 25 frames per second (fps)
• IrSimple-equipped to transfer images wirelessly
• Accepts xD-Picture Card, SD and SDHC memory media
• Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is good for up to 230 shots per charge
• Dimensions: 3.6(W) x 2.3(H) x 0.9(D) in.  
• Weight: 5.4 oz without battery and memory card

Fujifilm Finepix Z10fd

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Targeted directly at a younger crowd, which Fujifilm is calling "Generation Z", the slim and stylish Fujifilm Finexpix Z10fd comes in some vibrant colors and possesses some sharing features that 16-24 year olds would find fun. The Z10fd has a 7.2 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and 2.5 inch LCD. The face detection system, with new automatic red-eye removal, will help with group shots. The inclusion of IrSimple connectivity allows users of the Z10fd to share their pictures before the evening is over.

The Finepix Z10fd will be available in Wave Blue, Wasabi Green, Hot Pink, Sunset Orange, and Midnight Black. Look for it in September 2007 for $200.

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Additional features:

• i-Flash (intelligent flash) in the automatic pop-up built-in flash varies output depending on the shot
• Picture Stabilization mode that uses higher sensitivities to stop the action
• Dual shot mode - two successive shots, one with flash and one without flash, are taken and both saved
• Movie mode that can capture movies up to resolutions of 320x240 at 30 frames per second (fps)
• IrSimple-equipped to transfer images wirelessly
• Accepts xD-Picture Card, SD and SDHC memory media
• Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is good for up to 200 shots per charge
• Dimensions: 91.2(W) x 56.55(H) x 18.75(D) mm
• Weight: 4.2 oz without battery and memory card

Fujifilm Finepix A920

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The Fujifilm Finepix A920 is the latest update to Fujifilm's entry-level A line. The A920 still gets a 9 megapixel Super CCD, a larger 2.7 inch LCD, and 4x optical zoom. The A920 can shoot up to ISO 800 and the Picture Stabilization mode utilizes the higher ISO to get fast enough shutter speeds to "stabilize" the shot. Another nice feature for entry-level users is built-in help whenever you change modes or settings.

The Finepix A920 will be available in September for $200.

Additional features:

• Picture Stabilization mode that uses higher sensitivities to stop the action
• 15 pre-programmed scene modes
• Movie mode that can capture movies up to resolutions of 320x240 at 30 frames per second (fps)
• IrSimple-equipped to transfer images wirelessly
• Accepts xD-Picture Card, SD and SDHC memory media
• Powered by two AA batteries
• Dimensions: 3.8(W) 2.4(H) 1.3(D) in.
• Weight: 5.5 oz without battery and memory card

Fufjifilm Finepix F480

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The Fujifilm Finepix F480 is the successor to the F470. The F480 features 8.2 megapixel resolution and a 4x optical zoom that has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 28-112mm. A 2.7 inch LCD provides a nice viewing area. The F480 comes in black, is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and will be availalable in September 2007 for $180.

Additional features:

• Picture Stabilization mode that uses higher sensitivities to stop the action
• Mode dial to easily access common shooting modes
• 13 pre-programmed scene modes
• Movie mode that can capture movies up to resolutions of 320x240 at 30 frames per second (fps)
• Accepts xD-Picture Card, SD and SDHC memory media
• Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is good for up to 230 shots per charge
• Dimensions: 3.8" W x 2.2" H x 0.9" D 
• Weight: 4.9 oz without battery and memory card