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FinePix Z37

(Credit: Fujifilm)

While a lot of the exciting new features and designs come to point-and-shoots above $200, most of the buying happens at and below that price points. So while these four new models from Fujifilm aren't exciting, they are inexpensive, look decent, and have the requisite specs and features for their class.

The A170 and A220 are 10- and 12-megapixel cameras, respectively, each featuring a 3x zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD, and are AA-battery powered. They have Fujifilm's brand of auto scene recognition called SR Auto as well as face detection and panorama shooting with in-camera stitching. There's only a $10 difference between the two, with the A170 at $89.95 and A220 at $99.95.

The FinePix J38 drops the AA batteries in favor of a slimmer, more fashionable design. Available in black only, it's a 12-megapixel ultracompact with a 3x zoom lens, and a 2.7-inch LCD, and it too has SR Auto and face detection for less than $130.

Lastly, the FinePix Z37 is basically a nonwaterproof version of the Z33WP, which itself is a nice little camera once you adjust to the squished controls on back. (Check the slide show below to see what I mean.) Kind of a competitor to Nikon's S220, it's a 10-megapixel ultracompact with a 3x zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD, and, you guessed it, SR Auto and face detection and available in blue, green, or violet. It also has a Blog mode, which just scales down the resolution of stills and video so you don't have to think about it, making posts to the Web easier. Its starting price is $149.95.

The A170 is available late July, while the A220, J38, and Z37 arrive throughout August.

Photos: Fujifilm Fall 2009 point-and-shoot cameras

(Credit: Crave Asia)

We thought we'd seen it all with face, smile, and even blink detection. But Fujifilm surprised us once more (after face detection 2.0) with the "Couple Timer" in its new FinePix Z200fd.

Apparently, this feature is used in conjunction with face detection to gauge how close the two faces are in the frame. Depending on how intimate you are to the other subject, you can change the setting on the point-and-shoot from one heart to three. When the camera sees that the subjects are close enough, it will snap a shot automatically.

Also a new feature is the Group Timer. Once set, the shooter will wait for all the indicated faces (up to four) to be in the shot before it takes a picture.

Although the FinePix Z200fd is a slim shooter at only 19.8 millimeters thick, it also offers 5x optical zoom, a 10-megapixel sensor, and the usual features like image stabilization and automatic red-eye correction.

(Source: Crave Asia)

(Credit: Fujifilm)

Along with the several pricey, high-end cameras it unveiled today, Fujifilm announced two new budget-priced, ultracompact models. The FinePix J10 and the J50, two new sub-$200 shooters, are aimed squarely at more frugal users.

Though both cameras feature 8-megapixel sensors, they otherwise offer very different features. The ultraslim J10 measures three quarters of an inch at its thinnest part, and uses a 38 to 113mm-equivalent, f/2.8-5.2 3x zoom lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The J50 measures 0.9 inch across, but includes a 37 to 185mm-equivalent, f/3.2-5.2 5x zoom lens, and a 2.7-inch screen. Curiously, though both cameras include movie modes, only the J10 can record VGA (640x480) video; the J50 can only record QVGA (320x240) footage, a strange limitation when the J10 and most current digital snapshot cameras can record VGA movies. Both cameras feature combination xD/SD slots that can accept xD, SD, and SDHC memory cards.

The Fujifilm FinePix J10 will be available in silver and black versions and will retail for $150. The FinePix J50 will comes in silver and will retail for $180. Both cameras ship in March.

Fuji's new 11MP S100FS sports a 14.3X optical zoom lens and film simulation modes.

(Credit: Fujifilm)

Catering to people who want SLR-style bodies and a wide range of features, but don't want to deal with interchangeable lenses, Fujifilm has announced three new superzoom models in its S-series line of cameras. The flagship is the 11-megapixel FinePix S100FS, which sports a 14.3x optical, 28-400mm f/2.8-5.3 Fujinon zoom lens, sensitivity up to ISO 3,200 at full resolution (or ISO 6,400 at 6MP, or ISO 10,000 at 3MP), and a tilting 2.5-inch 230,000-dot LCD screen.

As you'd expect in a camera of this level, the S100FS includes a full set of manual exposure controls, RAW image recording, and a wide range of available shutter speeds-- ranging from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second. Borrowing from the company's S5pro SLR, the S100FS includes Film Simulation (hence the FS in the model name) modes and extended dynamic range modes. The Film Simulation modes try to mimic the qualities of Fuji's vibrant Velvia film, general use Provia, or low-contrast films. The extended dynamic range mode makes use of the camera's Super CCD sensor to offer a wider dynamic range than a normal sensor would. The S100FS also includes Fuji's Face Detection 2.0, which can find faces even if they are in profile and powers the camera's automatic red eye removal system. The camera also has a variety of bracketing modes, including dynamic range and film simulation bracketing, and can capture video clips in VGA pixel-resolution at 30 frames per second. Fuji expects the FinePix S100FS to be available in February for about $800.

Replacing the S8000fd is the 10-megapixel FinePix S8100fd. Aside from the increase from 8 to 10 megapixels, there aren't many differences. Like its predecessor the S8100fd includes an 18X optical, 27-486mm f/2.8-4.5 Fujinon zoom lens, 2.5-inch 230,000- dot LCD screen, and sensitivity up to ISO 1,600 at full resolution. If you don't mind lowering resolution to 5MP, you can extend that up to ISO 6,400. Dual Image Stabilization, a combination of sensor-shift and ISO-boosting Picture Stabilization, helps combat blurry images due to camera shake or subject movement. The S8100fd includes Fuji's original Face Detection with automatic red eye removal, full manual exposure controls, 13 preset scene modes, and can record video at up to VGA pixel-resolution and 30fps. Fuji plans to ship the S8100fd this March for about $400.

Following in the footsteps of the FinePix S700 comes the FinePix S1000fd. This new model ups the pixel count from 7Mp to 10MP and extends the zoom to a 12X optical, 33-396mm f/2.8-5.0 Fujinon zoom lens. Given that long zoom lens, it seems a shame that Fuji only offers ISO boosting Picture Stabilization instead of the sensor-shift or optical image stabilization. The S1000fd also includes a 2.7-inch 230,000-dot LCD, sensitivity up to ISO 1,600 at full resolution or ISO 3,200 at a reduced resolution of 5MP. Control freaks will appreciate the full set of manual exposure controls, while 14 preset scene modes let the camera take over if you don't want to make the decisions yourself. Fuji expects the S1000fd to be available this April for about $250.

Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd

(Credit: Fujifilm)

Sometimes, it's simply too hard to resist quoting the press release: Fujifilm "today unveiled the FinePix Z20fd, a new ultraglam digital camera packed with useful features that let you face it, beam it, blog it, and now roll it with a new MPEG-4 movie-recording mode for the movie-crazed Generation Z."

Translation: The Z20fd replaces the Z10fd in the pretty-but-not-too-pricey market segment. Its basic specs include 10-megapixel sensor, a slow f/3.7-8.0 35mm-105mm-equivalent (3x) zoom lens and a low-resolution 150,000-pixel 2.5-inch LCD. Some of the more noncorporeal features include Fujifilm staples like Intelligent Flash (dials back the flash and ups the sensitivity to deliver more natural light), 10-face detection, IrSimple wireless image transfer, and 640x480 30fps MPEG-4 movie capture.

Really, though, you buy these cameras 'cause they look pretty without poking a hole in your pocket, not for their exceptional capabilities.

When they ship in March, this cornucopia of colorful cams will cost $199.95.

(Credit: Fujifilm)

Just a few days before CES, Fujifilm has announced its newest digital camera. The 8-megapixel FinePix Z100fd replaces last year's FinePix Z5fd with a stylish design and several useful features.

Besides its colorful shell, the Z100fd's lens and stabilization system stand out as its most prominent features. The 36 to 180mm-equivalent 5x lens lets users get up a bit closer than typical 3x lenses, and sensor-shifting image stabilization helps reduce shake, particularly useful when employing the camera's full zoom. Its 2.7-inch LCD screen offers a larger-than-usual display when framing and reviewing shots. In-camera file management can sort photos into six different folders when shooting, and face-detecting autofocus and autoexposure finds up to 10 faces at once and adjust settings accordingly. Finally, the camera includes a dual-media memory card slot that accepts both xD and SD cards. If you're replacing a FinePix camera, you can use your old Fujifilm and Olympus xD cards, while the SD card lets you use the much more common SD memory card.

The Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd ships later this month with a suggested retail price of $250. It will come in pink, satin, brown, and black versions.

Fuji's new FinePix F50fd includes sensor-shift image stabilization and the company's second-generation face detection.

(Credit: Fujifilm)

Summer is in full swing and the season is heating up with new camera announcements. Fuji steps to the plate with five new models that follow the trend toward more megapixels and slowly growing zoom ranges, while adding to the company's set of signature features. As with the company's PMA introductions, all the new cameras will be able to store images to both xD Picture Cards and SD cards, as well as SDHC cards.

With the Finepix F50fd, Fuji is introducing a new version of the company's face-detection technology, which Fuji calls Face Detection 2.0. While the old version could deal with faces that faced different angles in the horizontal plane--such as someone turning her head from side to side--Fuji says the new version can also accommodate faces that vary in the vertical plane, such as a person laying down. The system can detect up to 10 faces at a time and will set autofocus based on the primary face, while adjusting auto-exposure, so that all the selected faces are properly exposed, if possible. Fuji says that Face Detection 2.0 should be able to detect faces even in profile--which should be interesting, since most face detection systems we've seen so far need to detect two eyes to identify a face.

Fuji's new F480 offers 8 megapixels for under $200.

(Credit: Fujifilm)

The least expensive of the new batch is the FinePix F480, expected to hit stores in September for about $180. It will include an 8MP CCD sensor, a 2.7-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD screen, a 4X optical, 28-112mm equivalent, f/2.8-5.6 zoom lens, and sensitivity of up to ISO 800. A total of 13 scene modes are available to help with out-of-the-ordinary shooting conditions. And though the camera doesn't include mechanical or optical image stabilization, Fuji does include its misleadingly named Picture Stabilization mode, which boosts the ISO as needed to keep the shutter speed fast enough to avoid blur, caused by either shaky hands or subject movement.

Stepping up in price, we come to the FinePix A920, which is also expected in September for about $200. It will include a 9-megapixel Super CCD sensor, a 2.7-inch LCD, a 4x optical zoom (Fuji hasn't yet stated the 35mm focal length equivalents), and sensitivity up to ISO 800. Like all Fuji A-series cameras, this model will run on a pair of AA batteries. Again, Fuji includes its Picture Stabilization instead of mechanical or optical image stabilization. The A920 will also have 16 scene modes, as well as IrSimple for image transfer.

The FinePix A920 checks in with 9 megapixels and a 4X optical zoom lens.

(Credit: Fujifilm)

Pausing in the price ladder is the FinePix Z10fd, which should also cost about $200 and ship in September. Fuji says that it will be targeting buyers in their teens and early twenties with this slim, 7-megapixel camera. While those young'uns will have to settle for a 3X optical, 38-100mm equivalent, f/3.7-4.2 zoom lens, a 2.5-inch, 150,000-pixel LCD, and first-generation face detection instead of the company's updated version, the Z10fd will provide sensitivity of up to ISO 1,600. Again, it features the Picture Stabilization mode instead of physical stabilization. It will, however, be available in a choice of five colors--Midnight Black, Wave Blue, Wasabi Green, Hot Pink, and Sunset Orange. It'll also sport 14 scene modes, a new slide show mode that lets you add music to your photo sharing exploits, automatic red eye removal, and IrSimple.

The FinePix S8000fd boasts a long yet wide 18X optical zoom lens.

(Credit: Fujifilm)

At the $300 price level, and also shipping in September, Fuji offers the FinePix F50fd. It will boast a 12-megapixel Super CCD sensor, a 3X optical 35-105mm f/2.8-5.1 zoom lens, and a 2.7-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD. Sensitivity ranges up to ISO 1,600 at full resolution, or you can reach ISO 3,200 by stepping down to 6 megapixels, or ISO 6,400 at 3 megapixels. Advanced photographers will appreciate the camera's manual exposure controls and all-metal chassis. Less experienced shooters can rely on the 15 scene modes. Everyone should benefit from what Fuji is calling Dual Image Stabilization, which combines the Picture Stabilization ISO boost with sensor-shifting mechanical image stabilization. It also has Fuji's i-Flash automatic flash compensation, Face Detection 2.0, and a special portrait mode.

Topping the price list we find the FinePix S8000fd, slated for September shipment for about $400. This superzoom EVF includes a 8-megapixel Super CCD sensor, a 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD, and an 18X optical, 27-486mm, f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens. Sensitivity will reach ISO 1,600 at full resolution, while offering ISO 3,200 and ISO 6,400 at 4 megapixels. Geared toward more experienced photographers, the camera includes manual exposure controls with 10 available apertures from f/2.8 up to f/8 in third-EV increments, but still includes more than a dozen scene modes. Like the F50fd, the S8000fd includes Dual Image Stabilization, i-Flash, and automatic red-eye removal, but includes Fuji's first-generation Face Detection instead of the newer version. The S8000fd will run on four AA batteries.

Fujifilm has three new FinePix cameras on the way, including one with a powerful lens and another that proves there actually is a step between 8 and 10 megapixels.

The FinePix S700 is a 7-megapixel midrange camera with a 10x optical zoom and an electronic viewfinder. Like most midrange EVF-equipped cameras, the S700 is targeted at amateur photographers who want to get their hands on more advanced options without shelling out the cash for an SLR. Unfortunately, it lacks any sort of mechanical or optical image stabilization beyond an ISO 1600 sensitivity setting, so you'll need to use a tripod to take full advantage of the camera's powerful lens. This isn't a new problem, though; Fujifilm's previous ultrazoom, the FinePix S6000fd, also lacked image stabilization. The camera will also have dual memory card slots and will accept both xD and SD cards. The FinePix S700 will retail for around $250 when it ships in March, making it one of the least expensive ultrazooms on the market.

Though they don't have the S700's big lens, the FinePix A820 and A900 have higher resolutions and smaller price tags. These two budget cameras are 8 and 9 megapixels, respectively, and feature 39-to-156mm-equivalent zoom lenses. The cameras can record movie clips, but only at QVGA (320x240) resolution, much less than the VGA movie modes found on most snapshot cameras. They can also reach up to ISO 800 sensitivity for low-light and high-speed shooting. The Fujifilm FinePix A820 and A900 ship in May, with suggested retail prices of $180 and $200, respectively.

Fujifilm FinePix F40

Fujifilm is gearing up for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas by announcing a handful of new cameras just a week before the show. Budget-minded shooters will be pleased by news of two new FinePix A-series, while fans of family photos can look forward to the face-detecting follow-up to the FinePix F20. Finally, scientists and law enforcement professionals have a sub-$1000 infrared camera to look forward to in the coming months.

A pair of budget shooters replace the FinePix A600, the FinePix A800 and the A610. Both sub-$200 models are simple cameras, with the 3x optical zoom lenses and 2.5-inch LCD screens that are now standard on most inexpensive point-and-shoots. As one of the first 8-megapixel cameras we've seen with a price tag below $200, the A800 is the most notable of the pair. At a scant $180, it sports an 8-megapixel SuperCCD sensor and a top sensitivity of ISO 800. In contrast, the FinePix A610 is simply a slightly upgraded version of the FinePix A600, with a 6-megapixel SuperCCD sensor, a top sensitivity of ISO 400, and a $130 price tag. Both cameras are scheduled to ship in March 2007.

Also on Fujifilm's upcoming list is the FinePix F40fd. This upgraded, 8-megapixel version of the FinePix F20 features the same face-detection technology found on the high-zoom FinePix S6000fd, and its SuperCCD can take full-resolution shots at as high as ISO 2,000. Besides those two features, the F40fd seems like a standard high-resolution point-and-shoot camera, with the cookie-cutter combination of a 3x lens and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The FinePix F40fd will ship in March 2007 and retail at $300.

Lastly, the company will announce the offbeat IS-1. This infrared camera is a scaled-down, spiritual follow-up to the infrared- and ultraviolet-capable S3 Pro UVIR. The S3 Pro UVIR is intended primarily for forensics specialists and law enforcement professionals, but the IS-1 is designed for astronomers and other scientists. This 9-megapixel model features a fixed 28mm-to-300mm-equivalent, 10.7x zoom lens as well as a live-view LCD for framing shots sans viewfinder. With a SuperCCD sensor that spans both visible and infrared light, the IS-1 offers an inexpensive alternative to the significantly more expensive S3 Pro UVIR. The Fujifilm IS-1 will ship in February 2007 and will cost gadgeteers, scientists, and investigators $900.