Fuji Adds 18x Optical Zoom S8000fd
Joining a market of compact ultra zoom digital cameras is the Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd launched today. Falling under Fuji’s “Serious” product line of SLR-styled compact cameras, the new S8000fd carries a 18x optical zoom lens and features a new ant
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July 26, 2007 – Joining the compact ultra zoom market is the Fujifilm FinePix S8000*fd*. Designated by Fuji as a camera for 'serious' point-and-shooters, the S8000*fd* carries a 18x optical zoom lens and features a new anti-blur Dual Image Stabilization system.
The Fuji S8000*fd* has a suggested retail price of $399.95 and will be released in September.
Equipped with an 8-megapixel Super CCD HR sensor, the new S8000*fd* carries a higher megapixel count than its predecessor, the 6.3-megapixel S6000*fd, introduced this time last year. Fuji also increased zoom capabilities on the updated camera. The S8000*fd features an 18x Fujinon optical zoom lens, higher than any other Fuji non-SLR camera in the current product line. The lens' focal length measures an equivalent 27-486mm in 35mm format.
The new camera retains the 2.5-inch LCD monitor from its predecessor, with a slightly lower 230,000-pixel screen resolution. The Fuji S8000*fd* also now carries a lower sensitivity maximum of 1600 ISO at full resolution versus the 3200 ISO full resolution range of the S6000*fd*.
The S8000*fd* has the same face detection system as the S6000*fd*, the model in which Fuji’s fd system debuted. The face-finding system detects up to 10 faces in a scene and sets the proper focus and exposure, according to representatives. The face detection includes a new Automatic Red Eye Removal feature.
The camera also includes Fuji’s Dual Image Stabilization system that combines mechanical sensor shift stabilization and Fuji's Picture Image Stabilization; the two work in combination to compensate for moving subjects and camera shake.
"It will virtually eliminate blur under every shooting condition, making it easier for the consumer to capture great pictures," said Fujifilm Senior Product Manager David Troy of Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division in a press interview.
The SLR-styled camera features manual controls, a mode dial, and electronic viewfinder with a 60fps refresh rate. Other features include Fuji’s iFlash technology that promises to adjust flash to produce naturally illuminated photos. The camera is capable of continuous shooting at 15fps at a lower 2-megapixel resolution and possesses a movie mode at VGA resolution (640x480 pixels at 30fps).
The Fuji FinePix S8000*fd* accepts four AA batteries and is compatible with xD, SD, and SDHC media.