Fujifilm UK: FinePix Z2 Zoom (UPDATED) By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Monday, October 10, 2005 - 01:44 EDT)A press release from Fujifilm UK today has announced the new FinePix Z2 Zoom digital camera, coming as rather a surprise to us since even the company's head office in Japan has published no information on the camera at the moment.
The FinePix Z2 Zoom is an update to the existing Z1 model with only a handful of changes, in much the same manner as the recent announcement of the F11 Zoom model offered a slight upgrade to the existing F10. Changes we noted between the Z1 and Z2 are a higher maximum ISO sensitivity of 1600 (previously 800), a 256-zone multi metering system (previously 64-zone), and a higher resolution LCD display (232k pixels, versus 115k pixels in the Z1). Shutter speeds and apertures remain identical to those in the original Z1, and the camera also features the same lens, xD-Picture Card storage, USB 2.0 High-speed and NTSC / PAL connectivity, and proprietary NP-40 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery as the Z1.
The Fujifilm FinePix Z2 Zoom will ship in the UK from November. Information on pricing is not available at this time, and nor do we have any information on any plans to sell the camera in other markets.
Sports, Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape, Natural Light
Digital Zoom
5.7x
Self Timer
Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse
No
Movie Format
AVI (Motion JPEG) with audio 640x480 and 320x240 Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium
xD Picture Card
File System
Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format
JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
Video
Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer
USB 2.0 High Speed
Other
DC In, camera cradle
Power
Battery Type
Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor
Proprietary NP-40
Product Bundle
Software
FinePix Viewer, ImageMixer VCD2 LE for FinePix
Battery / Charger
Proprietary NP-40 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory
16.0MB xD-Picture Card
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant
Yes
PictBridge Compliant
Yes
Internal Microphone
Yes
Internal Speaker
Yes
Tripod Mount
Yes, mount is in cradle
Remote Control
No
Operating System Compatibility
Windows, MacOS
UPDATED 2005-10-10 17:32ET: Fujifilm USA has advised us that this camera will not be available for purchase in the US market.
Original Source Press Release:
Fujifilm FinePix Z2 Zoom: the sensitive supermodel that's naturally slim
Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FinePix Z2 Zoom, a super-slim digital compact offering 5.1 megapixels, a high resolution 2.5" LCD monitor and improved sensitivity up to ISO 1600, all housed within a chic, sleek body.
As anyone with an eye for the world of fashion knows, occasionally you may want to take discrete photos in low light. With an amazing sensitivity setting of ISO 1600, this model certainly won't be dropped for a poor performance.
A stylish successor to the hugely popular FinePix Z1 Zoom, this camera boasts an even higher- sensitivity performance (up to ISO 1600) meaning that clean, sharp images can be captured in low light or difficult lighting situations, such as parties, concerts and other indoor events. What's more, Fujifilm's Real Photo Processor enables users to achieve more natural-looking images, without the harsh effects often caused by camera flash - and avoiding the blurring caused by camera shake or subject movement.
The FinePix Z2 Zoom's enhanced resolution 2.5" LCD monitor has reinforced, scratch-resistant glass, making it ideal for viewing and editing images on the move.
Furthermore, the FinePix Z2 Zoom is prepared for any photographic situation with its continuous shooting feature - allowing users to follow classic sporting moments, or catwalk catastrophes, frame by frame. In addition, its smart, glossy single-shell casing - available in black or white - is sure to complement any style this season.
Designed to get you even closer to the action, the FinePix Z2 Zoom's special refractive, non-extending zoom lens gives 3x optical reach without any visible movement on the camera's flat exterior. As if that wasn't enough, the camera also incorporates Fujifilm's fifth generation Super CCD HR, meaning that large reprints can be produced without loss of image quality or detail.
A real pocket rocket, the FinePix Z2 Zoom also includes a TV-quality movie function, capable of capturing 30 frames per second VGA video with sound.
FinePix Z2 Zoom features at a glance:
Super CCD HR sensor delivering 5.1 million effective pixels
Non-extending refractive optical zoom lens with 3x optical zoom
Sensitivity range of ISO 64-1600 for low-noise photography in all conditions
Wraparound, glossy shell-design body, with sliding power-on function
Available in stunning black or cool white
High resolution 2.5 inch LCD screen with reinforced, scratch-resistant glass
Continuous shooting mode for action photography
TV-quality VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC
Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Photo Products, said, "It's ironic that most ultra-slim cameras struggle where they are most frequently used - in low-light social situations, such as parties. With four times the sensitivity, combined with iconic design, the FinePix Z2 Zoom is a camera that truly qualifies as an evening companion."
