Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd ultra-compact announced

Fujifilm announced today the launch of the latest addition to its ultra-compact Z series, the Fuji Finepix Z100fd. At slightly more than three-quarters of an inch thick, the 8-megapixel Z100 packs a 5x optical zoom and a mechanically stabilized sensor into a small form-factor device.

Available in four color schemes (including black-and-white "tuxedo" two-tone), the metal-bodied Z100 is equal parts style and function, with an interesting "diagonal slide" lens cover and illuminated "Z" logo.

As noted, photographic technology in the Z100 includes a true optical image stabilization system (in addition to the ISO boost stabilization seen in previous Fuji Zs). The lens is an internally contained unit, with an equivalent range of 36-180mm. The Z100 also promises flash system improvements. Fuji's i-Flash technology detects subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. The end result, according to the manufacturer, is fewer washed-out, blasted-looking photos.

The standard complement of features and modes, as well as the latest soft features like face detection, make it to this party as well.

Demo units should be available at CES in a few days, and we'll see if we can get our hands on one there for a quick look. Expect a retail price of around $250 when the Z100 makes it to stores.

For more information and full specs, check out Fuji's press release here.