Fujifilm launches FinePix S8100fd ultra-zoom

The FinePix S8100fd is the third release in Fujifilm's trifecta of new ultra-zooms.

Building on the S8000fd, one of the long-zoom leaders currently on the market, the 10 megapixel S8100fd's 18x wide-angle zoom (with a range of 27-486mm) is this camera's main attraction.

Promoted in Fuji's press materials as a DSLR substitute, the S8100fd's zoom reach, stretching from the wide-angle to extreme telephoto zones, packs no less than three lenses' worth of optical power. Combine this range with a Super Macro Mode that allows focusing at distances as close as 1 cm and it looks more and more impressive all the time.

Dual Image Stabilization shows up here, making the S8100fd more practical as a hand-held device at long zoom lengths.

Not surprisingly, the S8100fd offers full manual control. It's also well-stocked in the automatic features department, implementing some new ease-of-use technologies.

Intelligent i-Flash evaluation is able to detect subtle lighting differences and cut back or ramp up flash power as needed for more accurate, even exposures. In the same vein, Dual Shot Mode captures two photos - flash and non-flash versions - in rapid succession, allowing shooters to choose the better of the two.

In addition to its 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD, the S8100fd comes equipped with an electronic viewfinder, potentially easing complaints about the camera's usability in extremely bright sun, especially.

The FinePix S8100fd should make its retail debut in March. Expect to pay around $400.

Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd specifications: