Fujifilm Finepix F10 Digital Camera

[Photo-John]

TAKE BETTER PICTURES, FASTER, WITH FUJIFILM'S NEW FINEPIX F10 DIGITAL CAMERA

Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Today, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the FinePix F10, a 6.3 MegaPixel Super CCD HR digital camera with Fujifilm's new Real Photo Technology for improved picture taking in low light situations, more efficient power consumption and faster overall operation.

Real Photo Technology, the latest imaging innovation from Fujifilm, is a synergy of three key devices: a sharp Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, Fujifilm's 5th generation Super CCD sensor and the newly developed RP Processor, which possesses all of the advance signal-processing know-how of the professional FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR camera. With Real Photo Technology users of the FinePix F10 can capture beautiful digital images with very little noise at ISO settings all the way up to 1600 at full resolution. This allows the photographer to shoot without a flash in the "Natural Light" scene position, preserving mood and reducing red-eye. Real Photo Technology also allows for higher shutter speeds that minimize blurriness in photos at even the highest ISO settings.

This combination of devices in the FinePix F10, particularly the sensor and processor, has also led to advances in power consumption and operating speed. According to research conducted for Fujifilm U.S.A., consumers are searching for digital cameras that run more efficiently, giving them more pictures per battery charge. The FinePix F10 answers these requests, taking 500 pictures per single, full charge of its lithium ion battery*.

In addition, the FinePix F10 is fast - very fast, in fact -- on par with the industry-leading Fujifilm FinePix E550. It goes from off to ready-to-shoot in a blink of an eye: a mere 1.3 seconds. The FinePix F10 also takes the "lag" out of shutter lag, firing a scant 1/100th second after the auto exposure/auto focus locks. For even faster operation, a High-Speed Shooting mode speeds up the exposure and focusing processes, making the capture of moving subjects a snap. This operating speed instills confidence that even the most unexpected moments will be saved by the user in famous Fujifilm color.

Ron Gazzola, Marketing Manager, Digital Devices Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., observed, "These performance numbers are just what consumers want to hear and are possible due to yet another breakthrough technology from Fujifilm. As consumers begin to search for their second or third generation digital camera, they've added an important factor to the purchase equation - experience. This experience is telling them that while image quality and camera ergonomics are important, other details play a big role in their overall satisfaction. Fujifilm, through its recent research of digital photographers and years in the camera business, has identified these details and is addressing them with new advances like Real Photo Technology."

The FinePix F10 has a sizable LCD (2.5 inches), great for sharing just-taken pictures with friends or family. LCDs were designed chiefly for the review of photos, but they have increasingly become the primary scene-framing tool of many consumers -- even though many lament over their performance in low-light situations. To combat this and improve low-light performance, the LCD of the FinePix F10 has a gain-up function that makes the subject easier to see, a great feature for a camera with a LCD as its primary framing feature.

Key, at-a-glance facts for the FinePix F10 include:

• Effective 6.3 MegaPixel
  
• 5th Generation Super CCD HR
  
• 3x optical zoom
  
• Large, bright 2.5-inch LCD
  
• Real Photo Technology for low noise at ISOs as high as 800 in Auto and 1600 in Natural Light mode; fast shutter speeds prevent blur in low light scenes
  
• 500 pictures per single full battery charge
  
• 1.3 second boot-up time; shutter lag down to 1/100th second after AE/AF locked; High-Speed Shooting mode provides quicker auto exposure and auto focus for even faster operation
  
• April 2005 availability; manufacturer's suggested retail price (M.S.R.P): $499.95

[Franglais]

Now this looks interesting as a replacement for the Olympus Stylus Epic film camera.

I carry my Epic around at times when I don't have the space for more advanced gear, like when I'm on a work trip. I ask it to do everything from landscapes to night shots (a lot of those - the only time I get free from work). With a steady hand, 400 ISO film and the f2.8 lens I can at least get an image which is a pretty good representation of what it's like to be in an unknown city at 10pm on a cold February night.

I've looked at the other tiny digital cameras. With a native sensitivity of 50 ISO they get noisy by 400 ISO.

The F10 with an f2.8 lens and usable 1600 ISO could be very useful.

Charles

[trog100]

even if the ISO is useable at 400 its a big step in the right direction.. i could be wrong but relatively noise free ISOs of 800 and 1600 seem a little to good to be true in a baby digicam..

be interesting to see when someone reviews one..

panasonic are going for image stabilization in their baby camera.. fuji for higher ISO numbers.. pity they cant get together.. he he .. still it does give an idea of what tommorow might bring and at least the mega pixel race seems to have ended..


trog100

[paulnj]

Keep watching http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html for reviews.

They usually get one up right before or after the cameras are released