Fujifilm's New FinePix Z3

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Fujifilm launches the FinePix Z3, the latest model in Fujifilm's slim and stylish Z-Series of digital cameras and the successor to the FinePix Z1. With an updated body and a new, funky second color - metallic blue - to go along with the traditional silver, the FinePix Z3 appeals to the most fashion-conscious consumer searching for an ultra-portable digicam that looks good as it takes great pictures. Taking memorable, high-quality photographs while out on the town with friends at a restaurant or other nighttime spot is a challenging exercise for any owner of a compact digital camera. These picture-worthy moments often are snapped in close proximity to the subject and in low light, conditions that can lead to blurry photos, 'washed out' subjects and backgrounds lacking in detail.

With a 6th generation, 5.1 MegaPixel Super CCD sensor and a 2nd generation RP (Real Photo) Processor on board, the delete button may be one of the least-used controls on the FinePix Z3. The controls that will spell the end for those spoiled shots include:

* Picture Stabilization
The FinePix Z3 combines higher light sensitivities (up to ISO 1600) with faster shutter speeds to stabilize pictures and reduce blur caused by both camera shake and subject movement. To make it easy for FinePix Z3 users to achieve blur-free results, Fujifilm has added a convenient 'Picture Stabilization' button to the FinePix Z3.

* i-Flash
The FinePix Z3's Intelligent-Flash system, or "i-Flash", is more advanced than similar flash systems because it can detect more accurately the subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then light the subject accordingly with a variety of flash intensities. If the subject is off center and standing under a streetlight, the i-Flash system will correct the exposure automatically. i-Flash leads to pictures with more natural looking subjects and backgrounds that are full of bright and crisp detail.

* "Natural Light" Shooting Mode
This mode preserves the scene mood and enhances background detail by shooting with faster shutter speeds at higher light sensitivities (if necessary) with a suppressed flash. This mode is perfect for low light moments that would otherwise be ruined by a powerful flash or situations where the use of flash is inappropriate.

Users can also experience the benefits of Natural Light through a feature called the 'Dual Shooting Mode'. In this mode the FinePix Z3 quickly shoots two images in rapid succession - one with and one without the flash - saving both. This convenient function, which is unique to Fujifilm digital cameras, allows for an on-the-spot picture comparison by the user, who can decide which photo is preferred.

In addition to these innovations, the FinePix Z3 has a number of other noteworthy features:
- A reinforced, scratch-resistant, 2.5-inch LCD with a 230.000-pixel resolution and Fujifilm's glare-reducing CV Film for better viewing in direct light.
- A high-quality, non-extending, refractive 3x optical zoom lens from Fujinon that keeps the FinePix Z3 thin.
- Fourteen pre-programmed scene positions that trigger optimal settings based on the surrounding conditions.
- VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
- The FinePix Z3 features 10MB of internal memory, a convenient feature that ensures extra storage space should the user want to squeeze in a couple of additional shots once their xD Picture Card is full.

The FinePix Z3 will debut in July 2006.

FinePix Z3 Digital Camera - Specifications*

- CCD Sensor 1/2.5-inch Super CCD HR
- 5.1 Million Effective Pixels
- Real Photo Technology
- Number of Still image: 2.592 x 1.944 ( 5.04 million )/2, 736 x Recorded Pixels 1.824 (3:2 format) / 2.048 x 1.536 /1.600 x 1.200 / 640 x 480 pixels
- Movie: 640 x 480 pixels (30 frames/sec.), 320 x 240 pixels (30 frames/sec.)
- Storage Media Internal memory (approx. 10MB) /xD-Picture Card (16MB - 1 GB)
- File Formats Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.2), Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG), (Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
- Recording Still Image
- Capacity with 256 xD Picture 5MP(F) 5MP(N) 3:2 3MP 2MP 0.3MP Card (not included) 102 204 206 325 409 1.997
- Auto Focus
- Focus Distance Normal: approx. 2 ft. to infinity, Macro: 3.1 in (W) 1.5 ft (T) to 2.6 ft.
- Shutter Speed 4 sec. to 1 / 1000 sec. (depending on the shooting mode)
- Aperture F 3.5 / 5.0 / 8.0, 3 steps
- Sensitivity Auto / Equivalent to ISO 64/100/200/400/1600
- Exposure Control 256-zone TTL metering
- Exposure Modes Programmed AE
- LCD Monitor 2.5-inch TFT (approx. 230.000 pixels), approx. 100 % coverage
- Self-timer Approx.10sec/ 2 sec. delay
- Video Output NTSC / PAL selectable
- Digital Interface USB 2.0 High-Speed
- Power Source Rechargeable Battery NP-40 (included) or AC power adapter AC-5VC (included) or AC-5VX (optional)
- Dimensions 3.5 (W) X 2.2 (H) X 0.8 (D) in.
- Weight Approx. 4.6 oz. (excluding batteries and xD-Picture Card)
- Digital Zoom 5.7x
- Color Modes B&W/CHROME/STANDARD etc.

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