Fujifilm’s Latest Entry-Level Model Takes the Guess Work Out of Digital Photography –
Without Sacrificing Picture Quality

ELMSFORD, NY, February 1, 2001 – Today, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. introduced the FinePix 2300 digital camera, the latest in Fujifilm’s popular line of entry-level FinePix digital photography products. Designed with the first-time digital photographer in mind, the FinePix 2300 -- which will carry a suggested list price of $279 when it hits store shelves in April -- offers point-and-shoot convenience with a 2.1 megapixel CCD imager for simple, yet quality picture taking with outstanding color. The new FinePix camera will be shown publicly for the first time at the Photo Marketing Association trade show in Orlando, Florida on February 11, 2001.

With digital cameras sitting atop of many wish lists this past holiday season, it’s no wonder digital photography has become one of the most talked about categories in consumer electronics. In its 2001 digital camera forecast, InfoTrends Research Group, a leading market research firm, reported that North American digital camera sales of cameras priced over $100 are expected to reach 6.7 million units, a 53% unit growth over 2000. First time purchasers, according to InfoTrends, are expected to account for approximately 80% of that figure with the majority seeking a camera under $300. It is this segment of the consumer population that Fujifilm is targeting with the FinePix 2300.

The FinePix 2300 mimics the lightweight, user-friendly design of its MX-1200 and FinePix 1300 predecessors, allowing users to work its main functions via a few controls on the back of the camera. Aside from the 1.6-inch color, liquid crystal display - on which the user can view the subject both before and after the picture is taken - the most recognizable feature of the FinePix 2300 is its function control dial. This dial allows users to navigate effortlessly through the camera’s various shooting and playback modes. To take pictures, the user simply rotates the dial to the “camera” icon, locates the subject in the viewfinder and then depresses the shutter button. To view captured images, a turn of the dial to the playback mode (signified by a green “play” arrow) lets the user view his or her pictures. While in the playback mode, the user can zoom in on an image up to 4x with the playback zoom by pressing the arrow button next to the mode dial. A 2.5x digital telephoto mode is available at the camera’s 680 x 480 resolution.

If desired, a push of the nearby menu button will bring the user to the delete mode. In this mode, the user has the option of removing one, some or all of his/her stored pictures on the FinePix 2300’s removable SmartMedia™ card. Many of the camera’s other functions, such as its five flash and six white balance modes, can be manipulated through this menu system. For fast and direct picture download to a computer, the FinePix 2300 is USB compatible.

“There’s a positive buzz surrounding digital photography right now and many consumers are eager to make their first leap into this category. Unfortunately, some are a bit apprehensive due to the lingering perception that these devices are difficult to use,” remarked Darin Pepple, Brand Manager, Consumer Digital Products, Consumer Markets Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. “While that may have been true at some point in the past, digital camera design has come a long way and products like the FinePix 2300 are as user-friendly as today’s point-and-shoot film cameras. If an interested purchaser feels comfortable around a 35mm film camera, he or she will certainly feel comfortable with a FinePix 2300.”

Not to be overshadowed by its own functionality is the FinePix 2300’s ability to take great pictures. Endowed with Fujifilm’s Advanced Color Processing Technology, the FinePix 2300 produces images with vibrant color and detail at resolutions as high as 1600 x 1200.

To get the most out of his or her pictures, Fujifilm will provide the user with easy entrance to the Internet imaging world through a newly designed, FinePixViewer software program that will be included along with the FinePix 2300 and other new FinePix digital cameras. At the click of a few buttons, the FinePixViewer will link users directly to the World Wide Web for answers to frequently asked questions, picture taking tips, support utilities, updated drivers and the receipt of periodic and pertinent promotional announcements from Fujifilm.

Continued Pepple, “If a consumer desires to buy a digital camera for picture E-mailing and Web posting, the FinePix 2300 is ideal for these tasks as the picture files generated by the camera are small enough for these purposes,” continued Pepple. “Plus, if the user wants sharp, colorful
4 x 6, 5 x 7 and 8 x 10-inch prints, the FinePix 2300 can deliver them as well thanks to its two megapixel CCD chip and Fujifilm Advanced Color Processing Technology.”

Macintosh® and Windows® compatible, the compact FinePix 2300 (4.3” W x 3.0” H x 1.5” D) weighs in at 7.1 oz. The camera is powered by four premium AA alkaline batteries, comes bundled with an 8MB SmartMedia card and will ship with Adobe PhotoDeluxe® Home Edition 4.0 software.

(EDITORS NOTE: FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE PRODUCTS, READERS CAN CALL FUJIFILM’S CONSUMER INFORMATION SERVICES AT 800.800.FUJI OR VISIT THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.FUJIFILM.COM).

About Fujifilm Digital Imaging
As the first manufacturer to offer a digital camera with removable storage media and the developer of the new Super CCD sensor, Fujifilm is a recognized digital imaging innovator. With a breadth of line that includes products for image capture, storage and output, Fujifilm offers a host of end-to-end imaging solutions, letting the user evolve from picture-taker to picture maker within minutes. What sets Fujifilm digital imaging products apart is the technology that goes into each and every product. Fujifilm is one of only a handful of marketers that both designs and manufactures the key capture elements of a digital camera -- the lens, CCD and image processing mechanisms. This total control ensures strict adherence to design specifications.

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is the U.S. marketing subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, a leading manufacturer of imaging and information products.

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