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Fujifilm's FinePix F40fd digital camera. Courtesy of Fujifilm, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Fujifilm announces FinePix F40fd
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(Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 00:00 EST)

One of four new digital camera announcements from the company today, Fujifilm's FinePix F40fd offers the same face detection functionality we've seen in a number of past Fujifilm models.

The FinePix F40fd includes ISO sensitivities as high as ISO 1600 equivalent (with ISO 2000 possible in two of the scene modes), courtesy of a sixth generation, eight megapixel Super CCD HR image sensor. Fuji's Super CCD HR sensors use an octagonal array of photodiodes that increase image resolution in the horizontal and vertical planes - where the maximum detail in pictures should be found. Fuji's Face Detection feature, first seen in the FinePix S6000fd, is achieved with a dedicated LSI chip in the camera and can detect up to ten faces in the photo simultaneously. With the feature enabled, the camera indicates the faces detected in the scene by framing them with rectangles in the display - white for all but the top priority face, which is framed in green. The locations of faces are then used by the Fuji F40 to confirm the appropriate location for focus and exposure detection, so as to ensure that your subject is correctly focused even when off center. In Playback mode, the feature can be cleverly used to automatically zoom images to the primary face in an image (for confirmation of pose, focus, etc.), and can also be used to automatically crop a shot for optimum portrait framing. The face detection functionality can be disabled, as desired.

The Fujifilm F40fd's image sensor is coupled with a 3x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 36 - 108mm - a moderate wide angle to a moderate telephoto. On top of the exceptional ISO / noise characteristics (by compact camera standards, anyway), the Fuji F40fd also includes an intelligent flash system dubbed "i-Flash", which takes a range of variables including subject size and position in the frame, ambient light and backlight intensity into account, then calculates the required flash intensity. In lieu of any optical viewfinder, the Fujifilm F40 also has a larger than average 2.5" LCD display with a resolution of 230,000 pixels, used to frame and review photos.

The announcement of the FinePix F40fd marks a first for Fuji, in that it includes not just 10MB of built-in storage and an xD-Picture Card slot, but is also compatible with Secure Digital cards - a move we're sure will make the model far more attractive to users considering an upgrade from an existing SD-based camera. The Fuji FinePix F40fd's retail pricing is set at $299 when it ships this March.

Fujifilm FinePix F40fd
Fujifilm's FinePix F40fd digital camera. Courtesy of Fujifilm, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerFujifilm
Model NumberF40fd
Dimensions3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9"
96.5 x 58.5 x 23.0mm
Weight153.0 g
5.3 oz
Planned Price$299.00
Planned Availability March 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/1.6" Fujifilm SuperCCD HR
8.30 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions3296 x 2472 (8.1 megapixels)
2504 x 2336 (5.8 megapixels)
2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 230,000 pixels
100% field of view
Lens
Lens TypeFujinon Zoom
3x optical zoom
Focal Length8.0 - 24.0mm (actual)
36 - 108mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 (wide) - f/5.1 (tele) - f/8.0
Focusing SystemSingle, Continuous, Center, Multi with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing RangeNormal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.9" - 33" (7 cm - 80 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000* (Picture Stabilization / Natural Light modes only)
Shutter Speed3 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesTTL 256-zones metering (Multi / Spot / Average)
White BalanceImage Sensor - Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light), Custom, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro
Range: Wide-angle: approx. 0.6 - 6.5m; Telephoto: approx. 0.6 - 3.5m; Macro: approx. 0.3m - 0.8m
Creative
Scene ModesNatural Light, Natural Light & with Flash, Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Underwater, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower Close-Up, Text
Digital Zoom6.9x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 1 0 seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatAVI (Motion JPEG) with audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumSmartMedia, xD Picture Card, Built-in
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-70
Product Bundle
SoftwareFinePixViewer, ImageMixer VCD2 LE for FinePix
Battery / ChargerProprietary NP-70 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory10.0MB built-in memory
Other
Internal MicrophoneYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
 

Original Source Press Release:

TAKE GREAT PICTURES WITH ALL-IN-ONE FUJIFILM FINEPIX F40fd

8MP Super CCD, ISO Equivalency Speeds Up To 2000 and Face Detection Technology

CES 2007, Las Vegas, January 4, 2007 – Digital photographers will take great shots in any conditions with the versatile, eight MegaPixel FinePix F40fd digital camera with Face Detection Technology by Fujifilm, introduced today by FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc.

Combining unequalled performance and ease of use, the Finepix F40fd is a compact, highly portable and stylish digital camera. It’s packed with features that make it easy for new photographers to get great pictures, and experienced digital camera buffs will love the advanced photographic capabilities that result in exceptional performance. These include Face Detection Technology by Fujifilm, a hardware based system using Fujifilm’s proprietary dedicated LSI chip, which can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene in as little as 5/100’s of a second, and Dual Shot Mode, a convenient function that takes two shots in rapid succession, one with flash and one without, letting the user decide on the best picture.

Face Forward
Life doesn’t give too many second chances, and a group photo can be tough to capture. Now, the FinePix F40fd features Face Detection Technology by Fujifilm that makes it easy. It sets the correct focus and exposure automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. Face Detection Technology can even perform flawlessly in difficult focusing and lighting conditions, such as off-center subject faces, low light situations, and even backlit conditions. Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology also enhances playback functions with the ability to zoom in on each detected face automatically. Now users can check to make sure everyone’s eyes were open and they’re smiling, crop images for the perfect portrait and perform a variety of other functions to make sharing more fun.

Low light? No Problem!
Frequently, pictures taken in evening environments, birthday parties or any dim-lit situation can create problems for some digital cameras. The FinePix F40fd allows users to effortlessly capture the moment as their eye sees it, with tremendous clarity and low noise, using Fujifilm’s Real Photo technology. Thanks to the 6th generation FinePix Super CCD-HR chip and the RP processor, the Finepix F40fd can utilize ISO settings of up to 2000, capturing stunning images even in low light while preserving the natural color and clarity of the shot.

To make it easy for consumers to achieve blur-free results, the FinePix F40fd also features Fujifilm’s “Picture Stabilization” mode. Not only does Picture Stabilization reduce the “blur” effect from the photographer’s hand-shake, it also adjusts for subject movement, and compensates for low light shooting, making it a comprehensive solution to prevent blurry photos. This easy-to-identify, automatic setting lets the FinePix F40fd choose the correct light sensitivity and shutter speed for the highest quality digital pictures, with sharp, clean and clear results.

Natural Color and Contrast, even with a Flash
At times using a flash may be necessary to help secure adequate lighting and image quality. This is when the FinePix F40fd’s Intelligent-Flash system, or “i-Flash” comes into play. i-Flash detects subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. It also leverages the high sensitivity of Finepix cameras to enable the camera to use less flash, preventing that “blasted with light” effect that so many digital camera flashes leave you with. The result is pleasing, natural tones with no flash “wash-out”.

In addition to these advantages, the FinePix F40fd possesses a number of other impressive features:

  • “ xD/SD Compatible slot”: In a first for Fujifilm, the FinePix F40fd features a “xD/SD Compatible slot” which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) cards.
  • New icon-based Graphic User Interface (GUI): For a more colorful and engaging experience, the FinePix F40fd features a new GUI display. In addition to a new brighter, more colorful icon driven menu, the new GUI offers the user a more intuitive interface by displaying a simple explanation of the desired setting or mode on the LCD display when switching modes, scene positions or control settings.
  • Special Scene Modes: The FinePix F40fd has 14 pre-programmed scenes, offering a one-touch setting for almost any situation.
  • IR-Simple: Infrared communication via IR-simple technology for fast, easy wireless image transfer to a compatible device.
  • Battery Life: Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 300 shots).
  • Fujinon Lens: 3.0x optical zoom lens.
  • Single slot compatibility with both xD-Picture Card and SD storage media
  • Large LCD: 2.5 wide-view LCD with 230,000 pixel VGA resolution, and Fujifilm’s new Wide View Filter for improved viewing under difficult lighting conditions.

“By combining a high ISO setting, a eight MegaPixel Super CCD and great new features like Face Detection Technology, the FinePix F40fd is the perfect all-in-one digicam model for those looking for a first class digital camera,” said David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc.

The FinePix F40fd will debut in March 2007 at a retail price of $299.

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries including medical, life sciences, consumer electronic, chemical, graphic arts, information systems, photography and office products based on its vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company provides products and services that contribute to the advancement of culture, science, technology and industry, as well as to improved health and environmental protection. It is the global leader in digital minilabs; Computed Radiography systems; ink dyes, pigments and UV inks for inkjet printers and materials used in the production of flat panel displays. It was ranked number 18 for U.S. patents granted in 2005, employs more than 75,000 people worldwide and in the year ended March 31, 2006, had global revenues of $22.8 billion.

FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc., Valhalla, NY, is a U.S. marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, providing digital and analog photographic Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media and Motion Picture Film products and services to consumers, professionals and businesses.

For more information on FUJIFILM U.S.A. products, customers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the FUJIFILM U.S.A. Web site at www.fujifilmusa.com.

To receive news and information direct from FUJIFILM U.S.A. via RSS, subscribe free at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

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