Fujifilm: Two new FinePix digicams (samples inside) By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 01:17 EDT)A press release today from Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc. announces two new digital camera models for its FinePix line that feature retracting lenses that can shrink down to just 0.8" deep.
The Fujifilm FinePix F440 and F450 share the same slim, almost square body which includes a 3.4x optical zoom lens, 154,000 pixel 2.0" LCD display, xD-Picture card storage, and power from a rechargeable NP-30 Lithium Ion battery, and come supplied with a docking cradle for image downloading, battery charging and a webcam function. The FinePix F440 features a 4.1 effective megapixel conventional CCD image sensor, and the F450 ups this to a 5.2 megapixel effective sensor.
The Fujifilm FinePix F440 will be first to ship in August 2004, at a price of $399.99. The FinePix F450 will follow in October 2004, with pricing set at $499.99.
Fujifilm FinePix F440
Number of Effective Pixels
4.1 million pixels
CCD Sensor
1/2.5-inch conventional CCD system (number of total pixels: 4.23 million pixels) RGB filters
Number of Recorded Pixels
2304 x 1728 (4.0 million ) 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480 pixels
File formats
Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.2) , WAV, Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG)
*Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible
Storage media
xD-Picture Card (16MB to 512MB)
Recording capacity with one 16MB xD-Picture Card (included)
Still image
4MP (F)
4MP (N)
2MP
1MP
0.3MP
7
15
25
33
122
Movie
320 x 240
160 x 120
Approx. 94sec.
Approx. 4.8min.
Lens focal length
Equivalent to 38mm-130mm on a 35mm camera
Optical zoom
3.4x
Digital zoom
3.6x (at 640 x 480 pixel mode), 1.8x (1280 x 960 pixels), 1.4x (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Focus
Auto focus (TTL center point fixed) – contrast type
Stunning 4.1 and 5.2 megapixel models combine small size with trusted image quality to equal highly portable and reliable cameras perfect for parties and everyday events
VALHALLA, NY – JUNE 17, 2004 – Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a pioneer in digital imaging technology, today announced the addition of two ultra-compact new models to its award-winning line of consumer digital cameras. The new FinePix F440 and F450 combine Fujifilm's trusted image quality with a new signature slim, square metal body featuring a large, 2-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and sharing. The Fujifilm FinePix F440 offers 4.1 million pixels for capturing clear, life-like images, while the Fujifilm FinePix F450 offers 5.2 million pixels for photographers who want even more imaging power.
“Because the FinePix F440 and F450 fit so easily into pockets and small handbags, they're perfect to take to parties and special events – and with the 2-inch LCD screen, it's easier than ever for consumers to show their friends the picture they've just taken,” said Susan Schaffer, Director, Consumer Products, Photo Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. “Fujifilm is pleased to continue its tradition of packaging accessible leading-edge digital technologies in distinctive designs with these new cameras.”
Top Features
The FinePix F440 offers photographers 4.1 million pixels, as well as a 3.4x optical and 3.6x digital zoom. The FinePix F450 offers users 5.2 million pixels, with a 3.4x optical and 4.1x digital zoom capability. Both cameras offer QVGA movie capture, recording 10 frames/second with sound. The FinePix F440 and F450 offer an easy-to-use range of automatic and manual features that make both the first-time digital photographer as well as the casual hobbyist comfortable.
The cameras run on a rechargeable NP-30 Li-ion battery designed to maximize power efficiencies, and come with an AC adapter. Both cameras use Fujifilm's xD-Picture Card™ storage media. A 512MB card can hold up to 515 4-megapixel (normal) images for the FinePix F440 and up to 409 5-megapixel (normal) images for the FinePix F450. Both models come with a Picture Cradle for easy downloading, battery recharging and for use in PC-cam mode.
Slim Form Factor
The FinePix F440 and F450 fit neatly into most palms, and weigh 5.3 ounces without battery and storage media. The 2.9(W) x 2.5(H) x 0.8(D) inch metal-body design – similar in size to a deck of playing cards – fits easily into pockets and small bags, making it easier than ever to keep a camera nearby for everyday shots. Both cameras also offer a large 2-inch low-temp polysilicon TFT LCD screen, making it easier than ever to view and share images.
Great Prints
Fujifilm digital cameras offer consumers best-quality printed images made from home, at home and at the store. Both the FinePix F440 and F450 offer consumers PictBridge compatibility for fast and convenient at-home printing, without the use of a computer. Now, consumers can use Fujifilm's inkjet paper in nearly any manufacturer's inkjet printer to ensure long-lasting prints with bright colors. Consumers may visit http://www.digitalcameradeveloping.com to find a store near them – or near friends and family across the country – that offers in-store digital camera developing, and to order images from local retailers online.
Availability
The FinePix F440 will be available in August 2004 and sell for approximately $399.99, while the FinePix F450 will ship in October 2004 and sell for approximately $499.99. The FinePix F440 and F450 will ship with FinePix Viewer, ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix, a 16MB xD-Picture Card, NP-30 Li-ion battery, AC-5VW AC adapter, USB cable, A/V cable, hand strap, and a PictureCradle.
About Fujifilm
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and delivers technology solutions to meet the imaging and information needs of retailers, consumers, professionals and business customers. As a global leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm pioneered the development of digital X-ray systems, and today is the leader in digital minilab systems. The company was ranked in the top ten for U.S. patents granted during the last decade, employs 73,100 people worldwide and in the year ending March 31, 2004, had global revenues of more than $24 billion.
In the U.S., Fujifilm employs over 10,000 people. The company is a leader in delivering high quality, easy-to-use imaging and information solutions in the following categories: Digital Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media, Film and Imaging Systems, Motion Picture Film, Graphic Arts and Printing Systems and Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Systems. Fujifilm is committed to being an environmentally friendly, humane enterprise and an exemplary corporate citizen.
For more information on Fujifilm products, consumers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm USA Web site at www.fujifilm.com .