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Fujifilm's CES 2011 point-and-shoot lineup: Finepix Z90, AV200, AX300, JV200, JX and T series
Fujifilm's rugged Finepix XP30 just a bit too rough around the edges for you? If so, we'd recommend grabbing a cup of joe and diving into the outfit's CES 2011 line of point-and-shoot cameras. The company's holding nothing back with this year's barrage of new shooters, so let's get to it, shall we? The Finepix Z90 (shown above) is a sleek, svelte new compact with a three-inch resistive touchpanel, 14 megapixel CCD sensor, Fujinon 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens and automatic upload to both YouTube and Facebook. There's also a new 'Dual Direction GUI' (which splits the rear screen in various ways to view multiple images at once) digital image stabilization, face detection / red-eye removal, a 720p movie mode and a chassis that's just 17.5mm thick. It'll go on sale in around a fortnight for $169.95. The Finepix AV200, AX300 and JV200 are aimed at the bargain consumer, with all three boasting a 720p movie mode, face detection and a relatively understated design. The AV200 and JV200 are outfitted witha 14 megapixel CCD sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens, while the AX300 steps up to a 5x optical zoomer. The trio packs a 2.7-inch rear LCD, digital image stabilization and automatic red-eye removal. The AV200 and AX300 get powered by a pair of AA batteries, whereas the JV200 is equipped with a rechargeable Li-ion. The whole lot will go on sale in the US next month, with pricing set at $89.95, $99.95 and $109.95 in order of mention. For those looking to step up a bit, there's the new JX series. The JX300 and JX350 include 5x optical zoomers and a 720p movie mode, not to mention a 2.7-inch rear LCD, metal body and Li-ion rechargeable battery. The JX300 is blessed with a 14 megapicel CCD sensor , while the JX350 packs a 16 megapixel CCD sensor. Fuji plans to hawk the 300 in silver, whereas the 350 will be available in brushed metal or black. Other features include an easy YouTube / Facebook upload, smile / face detection and red-eye removal. The JX300 will go on sale next month for $129.95, with the JX350 coming in April for $159.95. Wrapping things up, we've got the T200 and T300, both of which are equipped with 10x Fujinon optical zoom lenses (28mm to 280mm) and a 720p movie mode. These check in at just 18.5mm thick and include sensor shift image stabilization and a 14 megapixel CCD sensor. The T300 ups the ante with a 3-inch high-res display, while the T200 gets saddled with a 3.7-inch display. We're told that the T300 will be available in black, while the T200 gets wrapped in a gunmetal finish. The T300 will ship in April for $199.95, and the T200 will go on sale this March for $20 less. %Gallery-112519%
Fujifilm adds GPS module, geotagging functionality to waterproof Finepix XP30 camera
Remember Fujifilm's Finepix XP10 from... oh, right around seven months ago? Hopefully you're not one to get overly depressed about the rush of progress, because Fujifilm has just outed an update to that very camera that's significantly improved. Following Casio's footsteps on the Exilim EX-H20G, Fuji is introducing the GPS-enabled Finepix XP30 here at CES. The overall size and shape remains similar to the aforementioned XP10, with this point-and-shoot being waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof. What may really entice the argonauts in the crowd is the embedded GPS chip; this will keep tabs of your location and embed your exact coordinates into every picture you take. Once you get back home, just dump 'em into iPhoto or Picasa in order to view photos based on location. Moreover, the GPS Tracking Data function will regularly store location data, and when you get home, you can actually create a map of your travels. Other specifications include a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, 720p movie mode, image stabilization, a 2.7-inch anti-reflective LCD, a reinforced hardened glass lens barrier, a metal, unibody chassis and a riveted front panel. The XP30 should ship next month for $239.95, while a GPS-less sibling (the Finepix XP20; pictured after the break) will ship a month later for $199.99; those looking to accessorize will find an adjustable float strap, protective silicone skin and a neoprene sports case for sale in March for an undisclosed amount.
Fujifilm brings 30x optical zoom to Finepix HS20EXR, 15x to F500EXR and F550EXR
Is 2011 the year of the superzoom? It's doubtful, but darn if Fujifilm isn't trying hard to make it so. Following up on the outfit's CES 2011 unveiling of the Finepix XP30, XP20 and a slew of low-to-mid-range point and shoots comes this stash: a pocketful 'tater sack full of nicely specced megazooms. Let's break 'em down, cool? The Finepix HS20EXR (which leaked just a few hours ago) is easily the crown jewel of this bunch, boasting a 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor, a 30x Fujinon manual optical zoom lens (24mm to 720mm equivilent), a tilting 3.0-inch LCD, a 'heads-up' sensor that automatically changes from LCD to EVF, 8fps continuous shooting, 1080p movie recording, the ability to shoot in RAW (or RAW + JPEG), an optional remote release cable and support for two Fujifilm external flashes. This bad boy will ship in late March for $499.95. Looking for megazoom range in a compact's body? You've found it. The Finepix F500EXR and F550EXR both offer relatively sleek bodies, a new 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor, a 15x Fujinon wide-angle zoom lens and a 3-inch LCD on the rear. You'll also get high-speed shooting capabilities as well as a 1080p movie mode, with the 550EXR stepping up and adding both GPS geotagging and the ability to capture files in RAW. Both cameras measure 22.9mm thick, offer image stabilization and have an ISO range of up to 1600. Both of these shooters will hit in mid-March, with the 500EXR going for $329.95 and the 550EXR seeming like a pure-tee bargain at just $20 more. Bringing up the rear, it's the new S series. The SLR-styled Finepix S2950, S3200 and S4000 superzooms boast a 14 megapixel sensor, with 18x, 24x and 30x Fujinon optical zoomers available in order of mention. You'll also get dual image stabilization, a 3-inch LCD around back, an electronic viewfinder, 720p movie mode and the ability to power these with a pair of AA batteries. The S2950 will go on sale this month for $229.95, while the S3200 hits next month for $249.95 and the S4000 lands in March for $279.95. %Gallery-112520%
Fujifilm's 16 megapixel CES debutants leaked early: 30x superzoom and 1080p-recording compact
Nobody is immune from a CES leak, it seems, as even the relatively tame waters of high-end compact and superzoom cameras have been ruffled up today with the emergence of two 16 megapixel Fujifilm models. Both sport an EXR-CMOS sensor, with the bigger brother HS20EXR boasting a 30x zoom (equivalent to covering the 24mm to 720mm range in old school photography parlance) zoom lens along with a 3-inch LCD on the back and an electronic viewfinder. Joining it at the CES unveiling this week will be a FinePix F500EXR number that offers a highly respectable 15x zoom of its own, along with a 3-inch LCD, geotagging, and 1080p video recording. If this leak turns out to be the real deal, we should have confirmation and more details very soon indeed.
Fujifilm explains how its X100 hybrid viewfinder works, we nod and pretend to understand
If you just tried to tell us the FinePix X100 was a bog standard digital camera, we'd still probably pay any price for those amazing retro looks, but Fujifilm has more in mind. Specifically, the X100 harbors an all-new viewfinder setup, that can switch between a full-on optical view (something that's currently impossible in similarly sized Micro Four Thirds cameras), and an electronic viewfinder. The optical mode also includes overlaid shooting data, which isn't typical for a straight compact viewfinder (since it's looking through its own lens, not the camera's main lens). You'll have to read Fujifilm's full-on explanation to really know what's going on here -- it gets a little technical -- but basically there's a half mirror prism that lets the mini LCD project info on top of the optical image that's coming through to your eye, but that half mirror prism becomes a straight up mirror when the viewfinder's front lens is blocked, allowing for a full electronic image of the actual image being captured by the lens to bounce to your eye. See? That wasn't so difficult. We don't know what we were so worried about.
Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 reviewed, deemed a worthy W1 successor for slightly less early adopters
Early reviews of Fuji's FinePix Real 3D W1? Not so hot. However, a year later the $450 refreshed W3 seems to be doing better, scoring a "Recommended" review over at Photography Blog. The camera's dual 1/2.3-inch, 10 megapixel CCDs and 3X zoom lenses are carried over from before, but a new design and more user-friendly interface is said to make a huge improvement -- even if it's still too easy to stick a finger over either of the two light portals up front. Build quality is solid and the new 3.5-inch, glasses-free 3D LCD on the back is called "impressive," far brighter than last year's parallax barrier. The machine will capture 720p 3D movies and can save both 3D MPO images and 2D JPEGs simultaneously, meaning your holiday snaps are future-proofed even if you haven't jumped on the 3D bandwagon just yet.
Fujifilm's FinePix X100 ships March 2011 for $1,000, we go hands-on (update: video!)
It's fitting that Fujifilm's thoroughly gorgeous FinePix X100 kicked off this week's flood of Photokina releases, and now we've learned a few more precious details from the outfit's press conference. For starters, it'll be a non-zoom apparatus, much like Olympus' Zuiko-equipped concept that was also launched here in Köln. Fujifilm's Adrian Clarke noted that the decision to include only a 23mm f/2 fixed lens was made in order to not make image quality compromises that are necessary when allowing for a zoom. We're sure that'll strike some as displeasing, but those who aren't afraid of moving forward and back could probably care less. Furthermore, he affirmed that the company was aiming for a March 2011 ship date, with a retail price to hit near the $1,000 mark. That's hardly affordable, but Fuji's making no bones about this being a decidedly high-end piece. After the presser, we were able to score some hands-on time with a pre-production model, and we have to say, this thing just feels like a thousand bucks. It's as solid as a stone, though light packers won't appreciate just how heavy it is. Regardless, the body exudes quality, and the grip was as comfortable as ever. Sadly, no fully functional units are present here at Photokina, but we're cautiously optimistic that we'll see one at CES. It's doubtful that Fuji will sell oodles of these given the limitations and price, but to the niche that's interested, things are looking up. Update: We just stopped by the Fujifilm booth in order to grab some video time with this guy, and sadly, the model that they had on display lacked a sensor of any kind. However, the dedicated toggle switch to flip between the OVF and EVF is a lovely touch, as were the dedicated control dials up top. Have a look yourself just beyond the break. %Gallery-102872% %Gallery-102874%
Fujifilm intros FinePix X100: 12.3MP APS-C-based camera with Hybrid Viewfinder, loads of gorgeous
Hello, beautiful! The clock just struck midnight here in the wilds of Cologne, Germany, and it's safe to say that Photokina 2010 is underway. Fujifilm's press event isn't scheduled until Tuesday, but it looks as if it'll be teasing us all by releasing information on its drop-dead gorgeous new FinePix X100 tonight. This rangefinder-esque cam packs a 12.3 megapixel APS-C sensor, and it's obviously designed to go mano-a-mano with Micro Four Thirds and the slew of other mirrorless / interchangeable lens compacts that are hitting the market. Aside from supporting 720p movies, boasting an EXR processor and shipping with a 23mm F2 Fujinon lens, this new handheld includes a Hybrid Viewfinder that enables users to toggle between optical and electronic viewfinders and display intricate shooting information right into the OVF. There's also a 2.8-inch rear LCD, a hot shoe on top and a magnesium alloy top / base plate that might be the sexiest we've ever seen on a camera in this sector. Low-light shooters will appreciate the ISO range of 200 to 6400, and there's also 5fps continuous shooting, a full-on manual mode, SD / SDHC / SDXC card support and dimensions of 127- x 75- x 54mm. Something tells us a lot of to-be DSLR buyers will be shifting to this far more portable alternative when it drops in early 2011... provided it doesn't cost a small fortune, of course. Needless to say, we'll be first in line come Tuesday to (prayerfully) get some hands-on time with this beaut. Video after the break. %Gallery-102708% [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Fujifilm shoots out five new cameras: F300EXR, Z800EXR, Z80, JX280 and S2800HD
What you just heard was the sound of five new FinePix cameras popping out of Fujifilm's doors. Yippie! If all goes well, we'll be seeing these SDHC-loving / xD-hating babies from late August. Let's start working through the list: the 12 megapixel, 720p-video (24fps) F300EXR boasts auto-focus speeds that are "as good as" DSLRs, all thanks to the camera's hybrid auto-focus system -- a combination of Contrast AF (as used on most compacts) and Phase Detection AF (as found on most DSLRs). Other goodies include a wide 15x (24-360mm equivalent) "low noise" zoom lens, 3-inch high contrast 460k-dot LCD on the back, ISO settings up to a staggering 12,800, face detection and recognition (the latter lets you store optimum exposure and focus settings for up to eight faces), 360˚ panorama shooting mode, HDMI output, and image stabilization on the second-gen Super CCD EXR sensor. The price? You'll have to cough up $329.95 for this bad boy. Read on for the rest of the family.
Fujifilm's durable, dunkable FinePix XP10 compact camera gets a review
It's always hard to justify spending extra for a waterproof camera that will do you good at the beach but deliver mediocre image quality everywhere else. Photography Blog has taken a look at Fujifilm's new 12 megapixel FinePix XP10 waterproof shooter and, while it predictably falls short of DSLR-level quality (or even high-end compacts), it overall scores a very positive review thanks to its 5x zoom lens, 720p video recording, solid construction, and a "pleasingly compact" design that we think looks very funky (in a good way). The camera's cause is also helped dramatically by an MSRP of £169.99, or $199.95, and we're finding this thing available online for way less than that. For that kind of money this thing wouldn't make a bad side-kick for your go-to camera, a sort of stunty stand-in for when the going gets tough... or perhaps just damp.
Fujifilm's Finepix HD Player HDP-L1 puts 3D W1 footage onto your new 3D HDTV
Still monkeying around with that Finepix Real 3D W1 camera, somewhat confused about what exactly you bought it for? Take heart, bandwagon jumper -- the bridge you've been searching for has just been constructed. Fujifilm has recently introduced a new card reader / HD player for use with its year-old 3D point-and-shoot, and judging by the topic of conversation at this year's CES, it sure seems like the timing is far better this go 'round. Put simply, the HDP-L1 (¥4,000; $43) accepts both 2D and 3D content stored on SD / SDHC cards from your W1, and the HDMI output pipes that content directly onto your shiny new 3D HDTV for at-home enjoyment. We're told that it'll also work with that antediluvian 2D content as well, but let's be honest -- you didn't buy a 3D camera just to shoot in 2D, now did you? On second thought, don't answer that.
PMA 2010... and that's a wrap, folks
We had a great time in Anaheim this past weekend checking out the Photo Marketing Association's trade show spectacle. Hundreds of cameras and thousands of pictures later, we're finally back and getting settled. Let's take a look back at all that we saw this week, and then kind of wrap up a few loose ends. GE's 'Create by Jason Wu' camera collection unveiled, we go hands on Joby Gorillapod Magnetic flexible tripod hands-on Nikon CoolPix 'Style' and 'Life' series hands-on Pentax's rugged W90, ultra-zoom X90 now all but official Samsung TL500 and TL350 hands-on Samsung PMA roundup: hands on HMX-U20, eyes on AQ100 and SL605 Sony Alpha ultra-compact concept hands-off: leaves much to the imagination Sony's ultra-durable DSC-TX5 hands-on: ice, ice, baby Sigma trio espied at PMA, COO expresses interest in supporting 'mirrorless camera systems' %Gallery-86335% %Gallery-86558% %Gallery-86556%
Fujifilm gets official with 2010 FinePix digital camera lineup
Remember that smattering of new FinePix cameras that leaked late last month? Turns out that Fujifilm had a bunch more in store that were missed, and we're bringing the whole lot to you tonight. We suspect this is just the beginning of the pre-PMA rush, so we won't waste any time getting to the nitty gritty -- here's what you need to know about each of the new models, with the full releases waiting for you after the break. FinePix AV100 ($99.95 / March): 12 megapixel CCD sensor, 2.7-inch rear LCD, Fujinon 3x optical zoom, ISO up to 3200, black / silver color options, 720p movie mode, optional HD player kit, panoramic mode, AA battery power FinePix AX200 ($109.95 (February): 12 megapixel CCD sensor, 2.7-inch rear LCD, Fujinon 5x optical zoom, ISO up to 3200, black / silver color options, 720p movie mode, optional HD player kit, panoramic mode, AA battery power FinePix F80EXR ($299.95 / April): 12 megapixel CCD sensor, 10x wide-angle optical zoom, 3.0-inch rear LCD, 720p movie mode, face recognition, pet detection, 22.9mm thick, black color option, dual image stabilization FinePix HS10 ($499.95 / April): Megazoom design, Fujinon 30x optical zoom (24 - 720mm equivalent on a 35mm camera), triple image stabilization, 1080p movie mode, mini HDMI output, 1000fps Super High Speed movie mode, AA battery power, 3.0-inch rear LCD, JPEG / RAW support More after the break.%Gallery-84264%
PMA leak roundup: Olympus, Fujifilm and Hasselblad plan new shooters
Not sure if you've heard, but PMA is just around the corner. You know -- that camera show? At any rate, Photo Rumors has a trio of new leaks to swoon over this fine evening, starting with black and white (saywha?) shots of Olympus' supposedly forthcoming SP800 (or SP-800UZ, if we're talking specifics). The megazoom shooter is said to boast a 30x optical zoom, 14 megapixel sensor and image stabilization, though no further details have been let loose just let. Moving on, Fujifilm seems to have a whole gaggle of new cams planned for release this week, including a megazoom of its own and a whole host of point-and-shoot offerings. Finally, Hasselblad is expected to one-up the H3D by introducing the H4D, which we fully suspect will have a 489 megapixel sensor and a price tag that far exceeds 93 percent of salaries here in America. Hit the links below for the goods, and hang tight -- PMA kicks off in earnest in just a few weeks.
FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD, S1730, S1600, and JX530 leak out
We're guessing FujiFilm planned to get official with these at or slightly before PMA next month, but a new batch of its cameras have somehow managed to leak out well beforehand, including the FinePix S2500HD, S1730, S1600 (pictured above), and JX530. All of those fall into the mid-level or "bridge camera" range, with the S2500HD filling out the high-end of the spectrum with an 18x optical zoom, mechanical image stabilization and, of course, HD video recording (720p, to be specific). That's followed closely by the similar-looking S1730 and S1600, which each pack a 15x zoom and a 12-megapixel resolution, while the compact JX530 dials things all the way back to a 5x optical zoom and some considerably more basic point-and-shoot features. Still nothing the way of prices, availability or complete specs, but those should be leaking out (officially or otherwise) in the coming weeks.
LG's 55-inch 3DTV is 3D (photo) ready too
Taking 3D pictures with Fujifilm's 3D point and shoot is pretty easy -- even if ultimately unsatisfying -- but if you need a place to display them, LG has that covered. Tucked away in its booth was a demo of "the world's first 3D camera compatible HDTV" dutifully taking SD-card stored snaps and putting them on the big screen. Not an entirely complex process, but we figure if a better reviewed 3D camera makes it to market, you might appreciate picking up the right HDTV for the job. %Gallery-82626%
FujiFilm Real 3D camera given a video hands-on by fake 3D journalists
The first thing you notice about FujiFilm's €499 Real 3D W1 camera is its size. It's big -- big in the way that bloggers see main stream media journalists as big. And the industrial design is straight-up Cold War. Still, it delivers 3D without special glasses and does so with surprisingly realistic detail -- it really does work. Yeah, you have to position yourself oh so carefully just in front of FujiFilm's €349 FinePix 3D Viewer or printed photos courtesy of a FujiFilm web service, but the novelty might be worthwhile for those with money to burn. It begins shipping to Europe and likely beyond in late September. Check the video demonstration from IFA and let Germania wash over you.
Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W1 gets the hands-on treatment
Fujifilm's Finepix Real 3D W1 may look like a fairly standard (albeit dual-lensed) compact camera in its official shots, but as the folks at Stuff.tv discovered when they unboxed theirs, it's a slightly different story in person. While not exactly a deal-breaker, the camera looks to be considerably harder to just toss in a pocket than a regular compact camera, and it weighs about as much as the non-compact Olympus E-P1. That said, it does apparently deliver the goods when it comes to capturing 3D movies and still images, and it'll even work with macro shots, although that apparently requires a bit of practice. Hit up the link below for a closer look.
Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D W1 camera and Real 3D V1 picture viewer detailed, can do 3D movies as well
Not that it wasn't official when Time featured it early last week,but now Fujifilm's now rolled out the proverbial red carpet for its FinePix Real 3D W1 camera, with a press release providing more details about both it and the Real 3D V1 8-inch picture viewer. Some of more notable features on the W1 -- aside from being the touted "world's first 3D imagine system," of course -- is a 3x optical zoom, a 3D LCD system for on-camera viewing, Dual Capture Shooting Mode for taking two shots simultaneously with different settings, and just to be perfectly clear, the ability to shoot video in three mind-blowing dimensions. Additionally, the two lens can be used for some more creative, but decidedly old-fashioned 2D photography. As for the V1 display, it's got a 3D / 2D LCD panel with 800 x 600 resolution, supports playback of 3D pics and movies, and supports SD / SDHC. No word on what the resolution / card support is for the camera, but for now we're gonna guess it's at parity with the frame. If you're wanting physical 3D prints, Fujifilm says it'll be providing that service, doing the prints in-house and send them your way. Actual printers for purchase will come once a sustainable market exists (assuming that happens). The W1 camera and V1 frame are listed with a September 2009 launch date, as we previously heard -- price is curiously listed as TBA, but since Time already let slip a $600 estimate, take that as your ballpark estimate for the interim.
Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F70EXR, Z37, S200EXR and J38
Fujifilm couldn't keep a lid on a few of its newest point-and-shoot models, but it's still delivering a couple of small surprises on this fine July eve. Starting things off is the altogether expected FinePix F70EXR (shown), a pocket-friendly shooter with a 10x wide angle optical zoom, a case that's just 22.7 millimeters thick, a 10 megapixel sensor and a respectable price tag of $279.95. Following that is the FinePix Z37, a fashion-forward cam with a 10 megapixel sensor, sleek enclosure, SD / SDHC card slot, a 2.7-inch rear LCD and a $149.95 MSRP. Moving right along, there's the 12 megapixel FinePix S200EXR, a "prosumer" camera with a 2.7-inch display, an extra longevous battery, a 14.3x optical zoom lens and a startling $599.95 sticker. The lower-end FinePix J38 boasts a 12.2 megapixel sensor, SDHC card slot, 3x optical zoom and a $129.95 price, while the entry-level A170 (10 megapixel) and A220 (12 megapixel) handle just the basics for $89.95 and $99.95, respectively. Head on past the break for a detailed look at each and every model.
