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JX250

Fujifilm makes three midseason camera replacements

Like failed sitcoms canceled halfway through a season, Fujifilm is giving the ax to three of its cameras from the first half of 2010. Fujifilm is replacing the FinePix Z700EXR, S1800, and JX250 that it announced February 1 with the Z800EXR, S2800HD, and JX280, respectively. I didn't review the three outgoing models, so I can't say if there was anything necessarily wrong with them. It seems Fujifilm just wanted to retool the models with some new features.

For example, the Z800EXR has a new version of the company's 12-megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor that has a high-speed hybrid autofocus system. Using both Contrast AF and Phase Detection AF, the camera is able to measure the amount of light or contrast in the scene and pick the AF system that will focus the fastest. Also added is improved image stabilization so there's less need to use higher ISOs when using the 5x zoom lens or in low-light conditions. Now it can take panorama shots at 180, 240, or 360 degrees with a sweep of the camera. It retains the prior versions full-metal body and 460K-pixel, 3.5-inch touch screen, too. The FinePix Z800EXR will be available in late August 2010 at a retail price of $229.95, which is really cheap.… Read more

Fujifilm redesigns its J-series point-and-shoots

With four models priced from $129.95 to $249.95, there's a lot of upselling going on with Fujifilm's latest J-series cameras. The ultracompacts have some common features, though, such as all-metal bodies, the company's Tracking Auto Focus system, face detection, and the capability to capture video at 720p HD quality.

The JV100 is basically an entry-level ultracompact with a rechargeable battery, which is all that separates it from the manufacturer's AV100. Likewise, the JX250 is separated from the AX200 by a rechargeable battery and a 14-megapixel sensor.

If the JX250's 5x zoom lens isn't enough, you can step up to the 10x zoom lens on the 12-megapixel FinePix JZ300 and 14-megapixel JZ500. Other than resolution, the JZ500 gets Pet Detection (the camera can detect and prioritize focus on cats and dogs) and Face Recognition, which lets you attach basic information to a photo of a person's face for prioritizing focus when you take pictures of that person later as well as for tagging for easier organization.

FinePix JV100

12 megapixels Fujinon 3x optical zoom 2.7-inch LCD HD (720p) movie capture Digital image stabilization Smile and Blink Detection Choice of black or blue $129.95, February 2010 FinePix JX250 Upsell: 14 megapixels Upsell: Fujinon 28mm-equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom 2.7-inch LCD HD (720p) movie capture Digital image stabilization Smile and Blink Detection Black only $159.95, April 2010… Read more